Overview
Fundamentals of research methods used in health science research. Topics include basic research designs, ethical and cultural considerations, reviewing literature, critical appraisal skills, data analysis approaches, and research proposal writing.
About this paper
| Paper title | Fundamental Research Methods in Health Sciences |
|---|---|
| Subject | Health Sciences |
| EFTS | 0.2500 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $3,486.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- AVME 785/885, GENA 821, HASC 417/817, NURS 415, PSME 406, PHTY 610, PUBH 721, PUBH 723, PUBH 724
- Eligibility
- The paper is intended for students enrolled in Division of Health Sciences postgraduate certificates or diplomas who may require Level 8 30 points Research Methods for admission to Masters qualifications. Other postgraduate students may also apply, although they should contact the paper convener to discuss their eligibility.
- Teaching Arrangements
Every Tuesday from 14 July to 13 October 2026, 1pm to 3pm.
Tutorials are Wednesdays 12pm to 1pm, 22 July, 4 August, 18 August, 8 September, 22 September and 16 October.
Overview
Fundamentals of research methods used in health science research. Topics include basic research designs, ethical and cultural considerations, reviewing literature, critical appraisal skills, data analysis approaches, and research proposal writing.
About this paper
| Paper title | Fundamental Research Methods in Health Sciences |
|---|---|
| Subject | Health Sciences |
| EFTS | 0.2500 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (Distance learning) |
| Delivery mode | The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- AVME 785/885, GENA 821, HASC 417/817, NURS 415, PSME 406, PHTY 610, PUBH 721, PUBH 723, PUBH 724
- Eligibility
- The paper is intended for students enrolled in Division of Health Sciences postgraduate certificates or diplomas who may require Level 8, 30 points Research Methods for admission to Masters qualifications. Other postgraduate students may also apply, although they should contact the paper convener to discuss their eligibility.
- Contact
Course Administration queries:
- Sarah-Louise Johnstone - sarah-louise.johnstone@otago.ac.nz
Department of Public Health, University of Otago at Christchurch
Academic queries:
- Professor Lois Surgenor - lois.surgenor@otago.ac.nz
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago at Christchurch - Associate Professor Angela Curl - angela.curl@otago.ac.nz
Department of Public Health, University of Otago at Christchurch
- Sarah-Louise Johnstone - sarah-louise.johnstone@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
- Professor Lois Surgenor
- Associate Professor Angela Curl
Plus other academic staff from various departments.
- Textbooks
There are no official prescribed texts for this paper. This is because a large number of general texts pertaining to research methods are available from the library and are suitable reading. Other specific recommended readings referred to in the course will be provided.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Understand foundational research design frameworks
- Understand qualitative and quantitative approaches relevant in health research
- Recognise and be able to apply ethical, legal, and cultural considerations in health research, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi and kaupapa Māori
- Conduct, interpret and apply basic data collection and analyses relevant to health science
- Master methodological tools for conducting a literature review
- Critically appraise the rigor and relevance of health research literature
- Design and plan a research project proposal in a health context
- Master conceptual tools of health research including forming a question, logic, hypothesis testing, critical thinking and reasoning.