Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 12
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- Public Health School
The focus of the Honours Program is to develop research skills through the completion of a research project/thesis. Students, closely guided by their supervisor, engage in the scientific research process to: identify a research topic informed by a critical review of literature, understand relevant ethical requirements, collect/analyse data, prepare a manuscript that is ready or near ready for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and articulate translational elements of the research project. Upon successful completion, students may be eligible for entry to a research higher degree program depending on class of Honours.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Undergraduate studies in a health related field.ﾠ
Restrictions
Restricted to students in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in the field of Public Health.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Cheneal Puljevic
Aims and outcomes
The aim of HLTH6014ﾠis to provide an opportunity for students to conduct a research project in a health-related topic.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply knowledge and skills to critique and synthesise the scientific literature to identify an area for further research.
LO2.
Formulate and articulate a study purpose and identify appropriate methods to address the study purpose.
LO3.
Execute a research project to address identified research gaps using appropriate methodologies.
LO4.
Analyse and critically interpret research data.
LO5.
Develop a research paper suitable for a peer reviewed journal, including critical discussion and identification of the implications for public health.
LO6.
Translate and defend research findings for multiple audiences.
LO7.
Demonstrate effective communication skills suitable for academic publication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
Task 1: Research pitch
|
10% Individual |
11/04/2025 2:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Task 2: Research integrity and ethics workshop
|
Formative |
1/05/2025 9:00 am |
| Thesis | Task 3: Thesis introduction | 30% Individual |
13/06/2025 2:00 pm |
| Thesis | Task 4: Thesis methods | Formative |
20/06/2025 2:00 pm |
| Thesis | Task 5: Thesis manuscript | 50% Individual |
20/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Poster | Task 6: Knowledge translation item | 10% Individual |
3/11/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Task 1: Research pitch
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10% Individual
- Due date
11/04/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L07
Task description
This first task requires you to prepare and deliver a research pitch – essentially to sell and justify your research. This pitch will be a short presentation of the literature you have examined, the evidence gaps you have identified, a clear statement of the research question(s) your thesis will examine, and a brief summary of the research methods you will use to answer your research question. This research pitch is your opportunity to demonstrate why your research is important and what it will entail.
The research pitch will be submitted via video and should be supported with visual aids, such as PowerPoint. The pitch should take no longer than 7 minutes. Note your video submission will be marked, not your in-person pitch.
Submission guidelines
Submit on Blackboard via the Turnitin link
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 21 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Task 2: Research integrity and ethics workshop
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- Formative
- Due date
1/05/2025 9:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
In preparation for your thesis, you are required to participate in a workshop about the responsible conduct of research. All students will have a chance to ask questions and brainstorm alternative actions and methods for the project. Projects undertaken by Health Science Honours students have a wide range of methods and topics so it is envisaged that students will gain an insight into conducting different research styles responsibly.
Submission guidelines
N/A
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Task 3: Thesis introduction
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 30% Individual
- Due date
13/06/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
Building on the Research Pitch you produced in Task 1, you will now write the introduction to your thesis. You will essentially take the points you addressed in your pitch related to the project's background (e.g., what previous research has been completed on this topic; what gaps in the literature will your thesis address) and flesh them out in academic writing format. This document will become your Thesis Introduction.
Submission guidelines
Submit on Blackboard via the Turnitin link
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Task 4: Thesis methods
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- Formative
- Due date
20/06/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02
Task description
Following on from your thesis introduction and statement of a clearly justified and testable research question, you will now complete a draft of the methods section of your thesis manuscript. The research methods you propose should be those appropriate to answering your research question(s). Your methods section should be prepared in the style appropriate to the journal targeted for your thesis manuscript (Task 5). Your submission should be accompanied by a copy of the author instructions from the target journal. Please also state which target journal you have completed the methods section for.
Submission guidelines
Submit on Blackboard via the Turnitin link
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Task 5: Thesis manuscript
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 50% Individual
- Due date
20/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
Your thesis manuscript builds upon your previous assessments. The task is to produce a research paper, ready for submission to a journal.
Submission guidelines
Submit on Blackboard via the Turnitin link
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Task 6: Knowledge translation item
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- 10% Individual
- Due date
3/11/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
In this task, you are required to demonstrate your ability to communicate your research project and findings to a non-expert audience of your choosing.
You are also able to choose the presentation format, considering what might be appropriate for the target audience, such as consumers or industry partners. This is an opportunity to be creative!
Examples of knowledge translation pieces include:
- A two-page report for stakeholders that can be published in an open domain
- A brief recorded summary presentation uploaded to a website
- A poster to be displayed in a workplace
- An article for The Conversation
Your item should be accompanied by a brief description of the target audience and a justification as to why this target audience and media was chosen (maximum 200 words).
Submission guidelines
Submit on Blackboard via the Turnitin link
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A student satisfying this criterion will achieve a final mark of 0-19% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A student satisfying this criterion will achieve a final mark of 20-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A student satisfying this criterion will achieve a final mark of 45-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A student satisfying this criterion will achieve a final mark of 50-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A student satisfying this criterion will achieve a final mark of 65-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A student satisfying this criterion will achieve a final mark of 75-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A student satisfying this criterion will achieve a final mark of 85-100% |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only, and a passing grade will be awarded if, and only if, the student receives at least 50% of the marks on the supplementary assessment.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
School of Public Health (SPH) Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment - Preamble
To apply for an extension to the due date for a piece of progressive assessment (eg assignments, oral presentations and computer-based assignments) students should complete the online request at https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=2#2
Information regarding deferral of in-semester exams and end-of-semester exams is available from https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam
If requesting an extension on medical grounds, a medical certificate must be provided. The extension will be approved for the number of days included in the medical certificate that the student was not fit to study or work, eg if the medical certificate is for 3 days, an extension will be approved for 3 days maximum regardless of the student's request.
If requesting an extension using a Student Access Plan (SAP) as evidence, a maximum of 7-day extension will be approved in the first instance. Updated medical documentation, as well as a copy of the SAP, is required if requesting an extension for more than 7 days.
The maximum time for an in-semester extension is four weeks.
The following SPH guidelines are consistent with the UQ policy. However, the SPH Guidelines contain specific rules and interpretations for SPH courses, and requests for extension and penalties for late submissions will be judged according to the guidelines outlined in this document. You should read both the information in your my.UQ at the following link: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension and the SPH guidelines (below) before submitting a request for an extension. The SPH Guidelines apply to all courses offered by the School of Public Health unless the Course Profile explicitly states otherwise.
SPH Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment
Initial extension for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Course Coordinator decides.
This could be for medical or compassionate reasons, or if, in the opinion of the Course Coordinator, there are exceptional circumstances.
Acceptable and unacceptable reasons for an extension are listed at the following link, along with the required evidence to be provided: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1
All requests should be lodged at least 24 hours prior to the due date for the assessment.
If applying for an extension after the due date and time of the assessment item, your request may not be approved. An explanation as to why your request was not submitted prior must be included.
If approved, a new due date will be set. This would generally be no later than 7 days after the original due date, however this can be modified to take account of the circumstances of the request and the time that would have been lost from studies.
If the new due date is past the date for submission of end-of-semester results, the student will receive an INC (incomplete) result.
Second and all subsequent extensions for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Program Director together with the Course Coordinator decides.
This would only be approved for exceptional circumstance with supporting documentation.
- Online requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to the due date from the first extension.
- The SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Course Coordinator will consult with the Program Director, who will make the final decision.
- If approved, the new due date would generally be no later than 7 days after the first extension due date.
- The Program Director should consider if remedial or other support should be offered to the student.
- The Program Director should provide a report on these matters as needed at SPH Examiners’ Meetings.
Please Note: In order to support course progression, extensions that total more than 14 calendar days from the original due date of an assessment item will only be approved in very exceptional circumstances. These requests are assessed and approved or denied on a case-by-case basis.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty.
Penalty for late submission
Submission of assignments, practical reports, workbooks, and other types of written assessments after the due date specified in the Course Profile will receive a penalty.
The penalty will be a deduction of 10% RELATIVE PERCENTAGE per day (24 hour period or part thereof, including weekends and public holidays) or for work graded on a 1-7 scale, a deduction of one grade per day, e.g. If the original mark is 73%, then 10% relative percentage is 10% of this value, ie 7.3%, The final mark for this assessment item after applying the penalty for 1 day late submission would be 73 -7.3 = 65.7% The same outcome is achieved by multiplying the original score by .9; ie 73 x .9 = 65.7%
The penalty for multiple days late is the relative percentage multiplied by the number of days late.
A submission that is not made within 10 days of the due date will receive a mark of 0% for that assessment item.
Where a student has sought more than one extension, the due date for calculating the penalty will be the due date for the most recently approved extension.
Submission of Medical Certificates
Students are responsible for ensuring that any medical documentation they submit is authentic and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Such practitioners can be identified via the AHPRA website. Also note that:
- Not all online medical services are staffed by registered practitioners
- If the registration status of the practitioner cannot be verified, then an alternative practitioner should be sought
- Students will be held fully responsible for all documentation they submit, even if done so in ignorance of the practitioner's registration status
Medical documentation may be subjected to an audit by the University.
SPH Assessment Guidelines
The School of Public Health assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may us AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.