Overview
This unit provides structured training in research design. It develops your ability to critically appraise and synthesise relevant theory, knowledge, and evidence to formulate justified and meaningful research questions that address research problems in the fields of nutrition, dietetics, and health. You will design a feasible and methodologically rigorous research proposal, including the selection of appropriate study design, sampling strategies, data collection methods, and planned analytical approaches. The unit also emphasises the responsible and ethical conduct of research within the Australian regulatory context, including consideration of culturally appropriate research practices and relevant methodological and ethical guidelines when working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Through written and oral scholarly communication tasks, you will articulate and justify your proposed research design to academic and professional audiences. This unit establishes the foundation for further research training during the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-Requisites: Enrolment in CL88 Master of Nutrition and Dietetics Or The completion of 96 credit points in one of the following courses: CG93 Bachelor of Medical Science (Clinical Nutrition major) CM60 Bachelor of Nutrition (Dietetics Pathway major) CM61 Bachelor of Nutrition/Master of Nutrition and Dietetics
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2027
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Academic Progression Policy and Procedure
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE Comments
The structure of the unit and the support offered by the unit coordinator were appreciated.
Continue with the scaffolded structure of the unit and support for students.
Feedback from SUTE Satisfaction Score and Unit Coordinator self-reflection
Providing additional resources and clearer links between research skill development and future professional practice would enhance student understanding of its relevance to learning outcomes, employability, and academic confidence.
Provide real-world examples showing how research informs clinical and public health practice and policy.