CREDIT POINTS: |
15 |
PREREQUISITES: |
Perspectives in Drugs Use;
AOD Treatment, Assessment and Planning. |
COST: |
$1,000 |
DATES: |
Thursday evenings 5:30pm - 8:00 pm
6 March - 29 May 2008 |
SUBJECT COORDINATOR: |
Nicole Lee |
CENSUS DATE: |
4 April 2008 |
Note: Available for Graduate Diploma students only
SUBJECT/UNIT SUMMARY:
This subject, taught by experts in alcohol and drug research, will provide a comprehensive overview of the major methodological approaches in alcohol and drug research. As a practitioner or policy maker, being able to understand research and make use of it in practical settings is a vital skill.
The subject will include development of research questions and hypotheses, how to conduct a literature review, quantitative research methods, qualitative research methods, evaluation, epidemiology, ethics and clinical trials. Practical examples and the latest research findings will be used through-out the course and by the end of the subject, students will be able to access, understand, analyse and interpret the vast array of alcohol and drug research from multiple perspectives. An essential skill for practitioners and policy makers is maintaining knowledge of research findings. This subject will enable the successful student to engage with research for the rest of their professional career/lives. SUBJECT/UNIT OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe and explain the major research methods and their relative strengths, weakness and suitability for different research questions;
- Analyse and appraise the rigour and soundness of research reports;
- Formulate a research question, construct an hypothesis and apply an appropriate methodology;
- Appreciate the ethical issues associated with the conduct of alcohol and drug research;
- Apply research to their practice;
ASSESSMENT:
- Oral presentation (15 mins) on research methods (10%)
- Written assignment (3000 Words) outlining a research question and methodological approach (70%)
- Review of salient journal article (500 Words) (20%)
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