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Course Outline

RES402 Data Analysis in Health

Course Coordinator:Georgia Kafer (gkafer@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine

2027Session 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course will develop your knowledge and skills in collecting, managing, analysing, and interpreting research data with integrity and confidence. You will explore sampling methods and approaches to preparing for data collection and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data. Through online modules and practical exercises, you will gain hands-on experience using software such as NVivo, Excel, SPSS, and Prism to manage and analyse data. The course includes a core set of foundational content, along with a selection of optional modules that you can choose to support the specific needs of your research project.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online learning materials in a recorded format with interactive (H5P) modules and formative (revision) quizzes. 2hrs Orientation week 10 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Interactive small class workshops with skill development and collaborative learning. 3hrs Orientation week 2 times

Course Topics

1. Sampling methods and techniques 

2. Data collection instrument design 

3. Variables, measurements, and data preparation 

4. Data management principles 

5. Foundations of statistics 

6. Descriptive statistics and data visualisation 

7. Data analysis for qualitative and review-based studies 

 

Students may choose from the following modules based on the relevance to their research project. 

A) Quantitative research techniques (Inferential Statistics: Group comparisons, Multi-group and repeated measures, Relationships and associations categorical data and risk ratios; Advanced statistical techniques (e.g., regression, modelling). 

B) Qualitative research techniques (Designing and conducting interviews and focus groups, document and textual analysis, using NVivo for qualitative data management and analysis, validation studies and Delphi methods). 

C) Review-based research techniques (Systematic review design and execution, scoping reviews and evidence mapping, critical appraisal and synthesis of literature). 

 

What level is this course?

400 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Manage research data with integrity by applying sound principles of data collection, sampling, and data preparation. Ethical
Organisation
2 Use appropriate software tools to support the effective analysis of research data. Knowledgeable
Applying technologies
3 Visualise and critically evaluate research outputs to draw meaningful conclusions and identify limitations where relevant. Knowledgeable
Problem solving

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Must be enrolled in BH003 or BH004 or BH005 or BH006 or BH007

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

The course includes two workshops where you can discuss your research project, explore options for data collection and analysis, and receive early formative feedback from instructors and peers. These sessions are designed to help you reflect on and refine your approach, build confidence, and apply course concepts effectively in your own research.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Activity Participation Individual 
Interactive (H5P) modules and formative (revision) quizzes.
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Submission
All 2 Activity Participation Individual 
2 x 3 hour workshops
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Completion of online modules
Goal: 
For you to regularly engage in the theoretical components of the course to facilitate your learning and skill development.
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
Online - refer to Canvas for submission dates
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Accurate completion of interactive data management activities.
 1
2 
Demonstration of understanding of data integrity, sampling, and preparation principles.
 1
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 2:Participation in workshop activities
Goal: 
For you to engage in the practical components of the course to facilitate your learning and skill development.
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
In class - refer to Canvas for submission dates
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Appropriate application of software tools for data analysis
 1 2 3
2 
Ability to visualise and interpret research data accurately.
 1 2 3
3 
Engagement in collaborative data problem-solving.
 1 2 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Applying technologies

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 5.1.1.3 and 5.1.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Academic Policy.
In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.
This course is offered on a pass/fail basis, focusing on practical skill development rather than graded assessment. It is designed to provide resources, training, and hands-on experience in data management, analysis, and interpretation that are directly relevant to your research project.

The course includes a core set of foundational modules, alongside optional modules that you can select based on the specific needs of your project. This flexibility allows you to tailor your learning to your research context without adding unnecessary workload, making the course supportive, manageable, and practical.

Together with the workshops and early formative feedback, this structure ensures that you can develop confidence and competence in analysing your data, apply new skills effectively, and progress in your research with guidance and support, all within a low-stress, student-centred environment.

Assessment: Submission penalties

You must contact your Course Coordinator and provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternate assessment.
Refer to the Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs – Procedures.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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