Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences

Course aim

This interdisciplinary course provides foundational principals, knowledge and skills for evidence-based practice in health sciences.

Course content

This course focuses on the principles, philosophies and processes which underpin evidence-based practice. Research methods are reviewed: quantitative and qualitative research frameworks, methodologies and methods, and data interpretation. Statistical issues addressed include:  hypothesis generation, concepts of probability (including sensitivity and specificity), variance and error and tests for determining differences and associations (such as descriptive and inferential statistics). Key steps in evidence-based practice are introduced including using established frameworks to ask an answerable question, structured searching of the literature, critical appraisal of the literature using a range of tools, including hierarchy of evidence, rigour and trustworthiness and concepts such as sampling and sample size, effect size, odds ratio and number needed to treat, and implementation and translation of evidence to clinical practice.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, CITY EAST
Lecture	2 hours x 13 weeks
Workshop (Online)	2 hours x 10 weeks
Computer Practical (Online)	2 hours x 2 weeks
EXTERNAL, CITY EAST, ONLINE
Lecture (Online)	2 hours x 13 weeks
Workshop (Online)	2 hours x 10 weeks
Computer Practical (Online)	2 hours x 2 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Examination, Test/Quiz

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.