Overview
This unit will provide you with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to critically analyse and interpret evidence-based practice in nursing research. You will identify an area of interest from your professional practice setting and develop a research question. Using this research question, you will develop a search strategy followed by the retrieval, critical examination, evaluation, synthesis and cataloguing of the selected literature to develop a literature. The research question and literature review developed in this unit will will facilitate the development of a quality improvement research project which will be undertaken in future units including NURS20168, NURS20173, and NURS20174.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CL22 Master of Clinical Nursing to undertake this unit.
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 3 - 2026
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).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
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 Teaching Evaluation Data.
3 student/s submitted a teacher rating, and no student/s provided additional feedback.
The HOC was unable to contact the unit coordinator to seek any further feedback that may have been received by the students, either by email or verbally.
- Construct a literature review research question to explore an area of interest or clinical practice gap in your professional practice context.
- Develop and justify a literature review strategy to critically examine your literature review research question.
- Conduct a literature search using appropriate methods, databases, and search engines to answer your research question.
- Critique and synthesise the literature, analyse the quality of evidence, and identify the limitations of the evidence in the context of your literature review research question.
N/A.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Portfolio - 50% | ||||
| 2 - Literature Review or Systematic Review - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- Access to MIMS through the university library
- CQ U library search engines for research articles
- CQUniversity library literature search tools
- Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint software
- Zoom account (Free)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references.
- CQUniversity Library Nursing Resources
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
- CQ university Library resourses for research
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.aitken@cqu.edu.au
c.kurup@cqu.edu.au
a.j.hall@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Welcome to the unit.
Self-directed learning module.
Introduction to evidenced-based practice.
Chapter
Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
Review the recorded lecture and online Zoom tutorial timetable.
Find out what is in Student Support?
How do I find the Library?
Click on the link and learn what is the Academic Learning Centre?
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in the module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentations –
Welcome and Unit Introduction.
Weekly lecture/tutorial.
Activity– Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your name and maybe why you are studying this unit and course.
Assessments – Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program – Complete your annual program.
Announcements and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Developing research questions - Your PICO question.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Online tutorial 'Developing a PICO question' with the Academic Learning Centre, unit content and assessments questions and answers. See Moodle site for the details on dates and times.
Assessment 1 – Discuss your nursing problem of interest to research with your nurse leader/s. Review the literature to justify your research topic of interest. Start reviewing the CQUniversity library health databases for relevant literature for this assessment. Start writing your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Searching the evidence.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation – Listen to the presentation 'Searching for evidence'.
Census Date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
Assessment 1– Continue to search CQUniversity's library health databases for relevant literature for this assessment. Continue writing your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Reviewing evidence credibility.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Online tutorial 'Reviewing evidence credibility' with the Academic Learning Centre. See Moodle site for the details on dates and times.
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
Assessment 1 – Continue to search CQUniversity's library health databases for relevant literature for this assessment. Continue writing your assessment.
Assessment 2 – Review the assessment task to make an early start with this assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 5
Begin Date: 07 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Identifying levels of evidence.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation – Listen to the presentation 'Identifying levels of evidence'.
Assessment 1 – Start to finalise your assessment. Check the originality of your work.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 6
Begin Date: 14 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Ethics in nursing research.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Online tutorial discussing 'Ethics in nursing research'. See Moodle site for the details on dates and times.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Portfolio Due: Week 6 Wednesday (16 Dec 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Mid-Term Break
Begin Date: 21 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Vacation week
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Week 7
Begin Date: 04 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Critical appraisal of the evidence and systematic reviews.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation – Listen to the presentation 'Critical appraisal of evidence'.
Assessment 2 – Start your literature searching and preparing assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 8
Begin Date: 11 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Appraisal of quantitative and qualitative evidence.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Online tutorial discussing 'Appraising the evidence in nursing research'. See Moodle site for the details on dates and times.
Assessment 2 – Continue to search the literature and write your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 9
Begin Date: 18 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Applying evidence in nursing practice.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation – Listen to the presentation 'Applying evidence in nursing practice'.
Assessment 2 – Continue progressing your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Board – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 10
Begin Date: 25 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Writing your literature review.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Online tutorial discussing 'Writing your literature review'. See Moodle site for the details on dates and times.
Assessment 2 – Continue progressing your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 11
Begin Date: 01 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Assessment preparation.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation – Review previous recorded lectures to assist with applying evidence-based practice to your final assessment.
Check-in with/email your Unit Coordinator to discuss assessment 2 progression.
Assessment 2 – Continue progressing your assessment. Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes based on the originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. Survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Week 12
Begin Date: 08 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Assessment preparation.
Chapter
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in module on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Online tutorial - unit content and assessment question and answer. See Moodle site for the details on dates and times.
Check-in with/email your Unit Coordinator to discuss assessment 3 progression.
Assessment 2 – Continue progressing your assessment. Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes based on the originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Boards – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. Survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Literature Review or Systematic Review Due: Week 12 Wednesday (10 Feb 2027) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Portfolio
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to construct and justify a literature review search question using the PICO framework for your chosen topic, identify the best available evidence to answer the nursing research question, and critically appraise the credibility of that evidence through an annotated bibliography.
Please note, the literature search and annotated bibliography you undertake in this assessment will inform Assessment 2 in this unit, and the assessments you undertake in NURS20168, NURS20173, and NURS20174.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
b. Checking spelling and grammar.
c. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
Week 6 Wednesday (16 Dec 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site.
Week 9 Wednesday (20 Jan 2027)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Construct a literature review research question to explore an area of interest or clinical practice gap in your professional practice context.
- Develop and justify a literature review strategy to critically examine your literature review research question.
- Conduct a literature search using appropriate methods, databases, and search engines to answer your research question.
- Critique and synthesise the literature, analyse the quality of evidence, and identify the limitations of the evidence in the context of your literature review research question.
2 Literature Review or Systematic Review
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to write a literature review or systematic review that critically analyses and synthesises current contemporary evidence to identify gaps in knowledge, which informs your research question developed in Assessment 1 of this unit.
Please note, this assessment builds on Assessment 1. The literature review report you develop in this assessment will inform the assessments you undertake in NURS20168, NURS20173, and NURS20174.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
b. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
c. Checking spelling and grammar.
d. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (10 Feb 2027) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Exam Week Wednesday (17 Feb 2027)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
No submission method provided.
- Construct a literature review research question to explore an area of interest or clinical practice gap in your professional practice context.
- Develop and justify a literature review strategy to critically examine your literature review research question.
- Conduct a literature search using appropriate methods, databases, and search engines to answer your research question.
- Critique and synthesise the literature, analyse the quality of evidence, and identify the limitations of the evidence in the context of your literature review research question.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
