Students
MHHS8001 – Research Frontiers
2025 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Sarah Hemley
Jacqueline Phillips
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit you will develop an advanced conceptual knowledge of breakthrough discoveries relevant to a range of topics within medicine, health and human sciences. You will gain discipline-specific knowledge that will be relevant to your future research career. You will attend seminars and lectures focused on ongoing research projects from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences and from invited speakers from leading national and international research institutes.You will also learn to conduct research, read and critically review seminal research findings that have shaped contemporary thinking, and to disseminate these findings in written and oral form. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Synthesise and analyse research information from a wide variety of resources in your discipline
- ULO2: Identify and discuss complex problems and issues in research within your discipline
- ULO3: Articulate clear arguments in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
- ULO4: Apply skills in research literacy and research related information technology.
- ULO5: Reflect on the breadth of research in the disciplines of medicine, health and human sciences
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific News Article | 25% | No | Week 5 |
| Journal Club Presentation | 35% | No | Week 7 |
| Critical Review Essay | 40% | No | Week 12 |
| Seminar Critique | 0% | No | Formative assessment to be submitted throughout Session 1 |
Scientific News Article
Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 19 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 25%
A popular science news article reporting on findings from a recent publication.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise and analyse research information from a wide variety of resources in your discipline
- Identify and discuss complex problems and issues in research within your discipline
- Articulate clear arguments in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
- Apply skills in research literacy and research related information technology.
- Reflect on the breadth of research in the disciplines of medicine, health and human sciences
Journal Club Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 35%
Presentation of a seminal research paper in journal club format.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise and analyse research information from a wide variety of resources in your discipline
- Identify and discuss complex problems and issues in research within your discipline
- Articulate clear arguments in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
- Apply skills in research literacy and research related information technology.
- Reflect on the breadth of research in the disciplines of medicine, health and human sciences
Critical Review Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 33 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%
Critical essay on selected topic from the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise and analyse research information from a wide variety of resources in your discipline
- Identify and discuss complex problems and issues in research within your discipline
- Articulate clear arguments in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
- Apply skills in research literacy and research related information technology.
- Reflect on the breadth of research in the disciplines of medicine, health and human sciences
Seminar Critique
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Formative assessment to be submitted throughout Session 1
Weighting: 0%
Critical review of seminar presentations. Formative Assessment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise and analyse research information from a wide variety of resources in your discipline
- Identify and discuss complex problems and issues in research within your discipline
- Articulate clear arguments in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
- Apply skills in research literacy and research related information technology.
- Reflect on the breadth of research in the disciplines of medicine, health and human sciences
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Classes
The weekly format of MHHS8001 will be: 2 hour lectures every Tuesday,11am-1pm. Classes will predominantly be onsite. However, online or recorded lectures will be made availiable as needed.
Resources
Throughout the semester students will be provided with references to various journal papers which they will be expected to read and reflect on. Students are also encouraged to expand their knowledge and understanding of topics presented by further reading of the current literature (using databases such as Scopus and PubMed).
Technology used
Active participation in learning activities throughout the unit will generally require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook