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Course profile

Health Sciences Research Discovery I (HRSS3101)

Study period
Sem 1 2026
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Health & Rehab Sci School

An introduction to understanding and undertaking research in Health Sciences that is the foundation for evidence based clinical practice.

This course introduces students to understanding research as a core skill for evidence-informed health and rehabilitation practice. Students learn how research generates new knowledge and how that knowledge can be used to inform clinical and population-level decision-making.

Students develop their understanding of research by engaging in research. Through participation in authentic research projects, and working collaboratively with peers and experienced researchers, students plan, conduct, analyse, and report qualitative and quantitative research. The course emphasises research as a practical tool for answering real-world health questions.

The course develops foundational research competencies, including formulating research questions, selecting appropriate research designs, collecting and managing data, analysing and interpreting findings, and communicating results. Ethical considerations and collaborative problem-solving are embedded throughout. The course builds on Stage 1 Foundational Research Competencies and prepares students for more advanced research evaluation and project-based courses later in the program.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This course builds on the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Stage 1 Foundational Research Competencies. Itᅠis assumed that you have competencies in information literacy, Evidence Based Practice,ᅠand introductoryᅠresearch principles in the health and social sciences. It is also assumed that you have a minimum mathematics background, with a basic understanding of common mathematical notation, and basic word processing and computer skills sufficient for the completion of practical workshop activities.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

PSYC1030

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

HRSS7101

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

A detailed timetable for HRSS3101 is provided on the HRSS3101 Blackboard Site. Please note that students are expected to attend all timetabled sessions. The team research project is worked on during these timetabled sessions. Additionally, only students who attend timetabled sessions in person will be able to complete the quizzes.

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is for you to become a competent research collaborator such that you will become competent in collaborating with a range of stakeholders (i.e., clients, allied health groups, organisations, research generators) in professional practice and research programs to produce improved outcomes for clients (e.g., research to fill research-knowledge gap, continuous quality improvement, knowledge translation). Competencies include foundation knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research processes (e.g., ethical considerations, data collection, data analysis, data management) and communication (e.g., group presentations, reports).

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Explain how research and evidence inform decision-making and client care in the health and rehabilitation sciences.

LO2.

Demonstrate foundational knowledge of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches, including research design and basic data collection and analysis.

LO3.

Apply relevant social and ethical standards when planning and conducting research with non-vulnerable participants, and discuss researcher responsibilities.

LO4.

Plan and conduct a small-scale research project with support. 

LO5.

Work effectively as part of a team in planning and conducting a research project

LO6.

Communicate research findings and implications appropriately for a variety of audiences

LO7.

Demonstrate interprofessional skills in role clarification, team functioning, collaborative communication, and client-centred decision-making within research and learning contexts.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project Qualitative written project report
  • Team or group-based
35%

2/04/2026 2:00 pm

Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation, Poster IPCP assessment
  • Hurdle
  • Team or group-based
Pass/Fail

Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for the assessment due date for your team. The due date will occur two weeks after your last allocated tutorial session (this will range from Thursday 14 May – 5 June 2026)

Project Quantitative video report
  • Identity Verified
35%

28/05/2026 2:00 pm

Quiz In-Class Quizzes
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
30%

23/02/2026 - 18/05/2026

During practicals in weeks 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,11,12

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Qualitative written project report

  • Team or group-based
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
Weight
35%
Due date

2/04/2026 2:00 pm

Task description

Qualitative written project report

To achieve the course outcomes, you will be required to design and conduct a qualitative research project, working in a group of up to six students. 

Each member of the group will conduct a qualitative in-depth interview with a real person to explore your group's research question. You will then work as a group to analyse and report the results in your project report.

In your group, you are required to submit a structured written research report for your qualitative research project, outlining the background and aims of your project, research aims, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 

Submission guidelines

Group submission via Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Extensions for group work assessment may be available and will require a single request submitted per the ‘Application’ provisions with agreement from at least 50% of the members of the group, and recognition of potential impacts on the other group members. Student Access Plans for an individual student do not guarantee an extension for the assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

IPCP assessment

  • Hurdle
  • Team or group-based
Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
Category
Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation, Poster
Weight
Pass/Fail
Due date

Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for the assessment due date for your team. The due date will occur two weeks after your last allocated tutorial session (this will range from Thursday 14 May – 5 June 2026)

Learning outcomes
L07

Task description

Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for the assessment due date for your team. This is a team assessment. Teams will be assigned during your first tutorial. There are two (2) parts to this assessment:

Part One requires you to complete a poster and will draw on the online and face-to-face content from Modules 4 and 5 and the knowledge and skills you developed from Modules 1 to 3. You will present your poster for peer feedback in Module 6.

Part Two involves creating a 3-minute video and will draw on the online and face-to-face content from Modules 4, 5 and 6 and the knowledge and skills you developed from Modules 1 to 3.

You will have the opportunity to begin work on each part of the assessment with your team during tutorials and will be expected to spend additional time with your team to complete each task.

Teams will need to submit both parts of your assessment in the Assessment tab on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site. Additional information regarding submission will be provided on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site.

Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for further details and requirements for the assessment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 

Hurdle requirements

The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task. Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on the remaining assessment in the course. For students who engage with the module, participate in the group work and submit a genuine attempt but do not achieve a pass grade for their submitted work, there will be given a second opportunity to pass the module by completing a reflective essay. If this is task is successfully completed, a grade will be awarded based on the remaining assessment in the course. Students who do not engage with the module, fail to participate in the group work, or do not submit a genuine attempt, will be given an opportunity to complete a 5,000 word assignment on teamwork. Successful completion of this assignment will enable to be eligible to pass the course with a maximum grade of 4 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 4, a maximum grade of 4 will be awarded). Students who fail the module who do not complete either the reflective essay nor the teamwork assignment will be awarded a maximum grade of 3 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 3, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded).

Submission guidelines

Online submission via Blackboard.

The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task. Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on the remaining assessment in the course.

  • For students who engage with the module, participate in the group work and submit a genuine attempt but do not achieve a pass grade for their submitted work, there will be given a second opportunity to pass the module by completing a reflective essay. If this is task is successfully completed, a grade will be awarded based on the remaining assessment in the course.
  • Students who do not engage with the module, fail to participate in the group work, or do not submit a genuine attempt, will be given an opportunity to complete a 5,000 word assignment on teamwork. Successful completion of this assignment will enable to be eligible to pass the course with a maximum grade of 4 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 4, a maximum grade of 4 will be awarded).
  • Students who fail the module who do not complete either the reflective essay nor the teamwork assignment will be awarded a maximum grade of 3 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 3, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded).


Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Quantitative video report

  • Identity Verified
Mode
Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Project
Weight
35%
Due date

28/05/2026 2:00 pm

Task description

Quantitative video report

You will work individually to design and carry out a quantitative study of healthy activities in a population. Your study should consist of an experimental study that tests the effects of an intervention on an outcome(s) of interest. This study will be conducted in a virtual world with residents of “The Islands”.   

You will submit a pre-recorded video presentation which summarises your quantitative research project, outlining the background and aims of your project, method, results, discussion and conclusions, and references.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 

Submission guidelines

Blackboard via assignment submission link

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

In-Class Quizzes

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
30%
Due date

23/02/2026 - 18/05/2026

During practicals in weeks 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,11,12

Other conditions
Time limited, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

A weekly quiz will take place during the timetabled practical classes each week. Only students who attend the practical in person will be able to complete the quiz. There are ten quizzes (one for each of the practicals) over the course of the semester. Students will receive a mark of zero for any quizzes that are missed. The final grade for the quiz component will be based on the best eight quiz marks (out of a possible maximum of ten). The quiz is 'closed book' format.

The weekly quiz may include multiple choice, true/false and short answer questions. The quiz will assess content from the mixed methods, quantitative, and qualitative research streams taught throughout the semester. The quiz will assess both your synthesised knowledge of the course and attendance and engagement with the practicals. You may be expected to answer quiz questions based on activities completed during the practicals, including reading and interpreting computer output from quantitative statistical analysis.

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 

Submission guidelines

Quizzes will be completed during practical classes

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 34

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 0 - 34%.

2 (Fail) 35 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 35 - 44%.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 54

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 45 - 54%. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who achieves a final mark of 55% or higher but who does not passᅠthe 'must pass' assessment items noted below.

4 (Pass) 55 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 55 - 64% and has passedᅠthe 'must pass' assessment items noted below.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 65 - 74% and has passedᅠthe 'must pass' assessment itemsᅠnoted below.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 75 - 84% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 85 - 100% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below.

Additional course grading information

Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 84.5% and above will be rounded to 85% and 84.49% and below will be rounded down to 84%.

The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task. Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on the remaining assessment in the course.

  • For students who engage with the module, participate in the group work and submit a genuine attempt but do not achieve a pass grade for their submitted work, there will be given a second opportunity to pass the module by completing a reflective essay. If this is task is successfully completed, a grade will be awarded based on the remaining assessment in the course.
  • Students who do not engage with the module, fail to participate in the group work, or do not submit a genuine attempt, will be given an opportunity to complete a 5,000 word assignment on teamwork. Successful completion of this assignment will enable to be eligible to pass the course with a maximum grade of 4 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 4, a maximum grade of 4 will be awarded).
  • Students who fail the module who do not complete either the reflective essay nor the teamwork assignment will be awarded a maximum grade of 3 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 3, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded).

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin

When assessment is submitted through Blackboard or Turnitin you will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt.ᅠThis information will also be sent to your student e-mail account.ᅠPlease ensure you keep this email.

Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and TurnItIn are available at: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.

Resubmission/Resit of assessment items 

There are no resit or resubmission options for this course. 

Applying for and Assessment Extension

Extensions can be requested for the following assessment items:

ᄋᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠ Qualitative written project report

ᄋᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠ Quantitative video report

Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests  and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland

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

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Blackboard Ultra will provide relevant learning resources, including course content, assessment, and discussion boards. All announcements and course assessments will be through the Blackboard Ultra site.


Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From O-week To Week 12
(16 Feb - 24 May)

Not Timetabled

Self-paced (online learning)

Self-paced online learning materials are released weekly across the semester that align with each practical class. Students are able to complete these materials at their own pace. You should aim to complete the online learning modules prior to the allocated practical class.

Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 12
(23 Feb - 24 May)

Tutorial

Weekly tutorial

The tutorials are run weekly in person in weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of semester. In each tute, we will first talk through the concepts presented in Ultra that week with reference to some clinical examples. You will then work in small groups with dedicated tutors to help guide you through the course. The weekly quiz will take place during the tutorial. 

Multiple weeks

From Week 2 To Week 12
(02 Mar - 24 May)

Tutorial

Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Modules

You will work in small teams in the tutorial groups with your peers from; Dentistry, Exercise Physiology, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology. There are three modules that consist of on-line preparation and face-to-face in class learning activities. You will work in your team to engage in a range of learning activities to develop your knowledge and skills to help prepare you for working in teams when caring for clients.

In Module Four, you will develop knowledge and skills to identify and manage conflict in healthcare teams.

In Modules Five and Six you will expand your skills to communicate assertively in your team and advocate for your client applying your interprofessional practice skills.

Please refer to individual timetables for exact attendance dates and times.

Learning outcomes: L07

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: