成人大片

HLTH SC 3016 - Research Integrated Learning - Hlth & Medical Sci

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025

This course provides students with the opportunity to combine workplace experience in a research laboratory with academic study through a Semester-long research placement related to their Major. Within the RIL experience, students will be assigned to a project and supervisor and learn specific research methodology in performing the project. They will apply their problem solving, teamwork, communication, and critical reflection skills, to analyse, interpret and communicate the findings of a small research project, conducted under supervision. The RIL experience will be supported by a range of research competencies (workshop online modules: which may include ethical considerations, safe working practices, creating a CV) and practical competencies (in-person workshops which may include training in pipette and centrifuge use, preparation of solutions and sterile technique and supervisor-taught competencies related to the specific project). Students will also develop effective written and oral communication skills through presenting an introductory research seminar, documenting their research activities with a final written report, and in addition will communicate their research findings at an end-of-Semester conference. Requirements: Students must have a GPA greater or equal to 5.5 across the Program. Some projects may also require approval from supervisors for students to undertake the project.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code HLTH SC 3016
    Course Research Integrated Learning - Hlth & Medical Sci
    Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 9 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites All Program and Major core subjects at Level I and II and at least 18 units of Level II courses in total
    Restrictions Only available to students enrolled in Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences and Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced) completing a major in medical sciences, nutritional health, neuroscience, and reproductive and childhood health.
    Assessment Practical and research core competencies, poster assignment, presentations, supervisor assessment, final report, cv formation and attendance diary.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Simran Sidhu

    Course Coordinators:

    Dr Simran Sidhu
    Senior Lecturer
    simran.sidhu@adelaide.edu.au

    Dr Nichola Thompson
    Senior Lecturer
    nichola.thompson@adelaide.edu.au

    Course email: RIL@adelaide.edu.au



    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Critically evaluate and synthesise relevant evidence from multiple sources.
    2. Demonstrate research and practical competencies aligned with the research placement.
    3. Plan and conduct experimental activities in the context of a research placement.
    4. Analyse and interpret project results correctly and in context.
    5. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
    6. Demonstrate professional behaviour and work effectively in teams within a research group setting.
    7. Demonstrate awareness of ethical and cultural issues that arise in health science research and
    practice.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 3 , 4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    5, 6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1 - 7

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    6 ,7

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    7

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1 - 5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    2, 3, 4, 6, 7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    No single textbook covers the material to be considered during this course. All students are required to review the literature that is relevant to their project. Students will have access to bibliographic databases and peerreviewed journals and relevant software for analysis.
    Recommended Resources
    Students will be referred to relevant library guides.
    Online Learning
    MyUni is used extensively for announcements, discussion board, online modules, recommended resources, details of assessments, and assessment submission.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The teaching and learning in this course are facilitated by:

    Placement: The students will select three research areas of interest and will be placed with a supervisor
    aligned with their preferences. Each placement group will consist of 1-3 students. Approval to choose some
    specific projects may also require supervisor acceptance of individual students. Students are expected to
    spend 2 days per week across the semester or an equivalent time in the research placement. However,
    potential placements and the timing of research activities will be heterogeneous. For example, in some
    projects, students may complete research work over an intensive period rather than scheduling two days per
    week across the whole semester.

    Practical core competencies (individual): tutor guided workshops are designed to develop wet and dry labbased skills.
    These may include workshops on the following:
    - pipette use, accuracy, and precision
    - cell culture basics
    - sterile technique
    - immunohistochemistry and histology basics and assessment
    - scale and centrifuge use
    - documentation/lab book
    - dilutions and concentrations
    - meta-analysis/systematic review
    Students will be required to review pre-workshop material provided on My Uni.

    Research core competencies (individual): Students will work through online research skills theory modules
    provided in My Uni. These modules facilitate learning on, but not limited to, research practices, ethical
    consideration in research and safe work practices. Students will review reading material and/or videos before
    completing module related quizzes.

    Introduction seminar (group): The purpose of the introduction seminar is to have students assimilate and
    introduce the subject of their research. This is a group assessment and will be completed by the group of
    students on the placement (1-3 students, dependent on the number of students per supervisor). Students will
    receive constructive feedback to improve and develop their hypothesis, aims and experimental approach as
    well as their presentation skills, which will be useful for the written reports and poster presentation.
    Supervisors will support the student in the preparation of this seminar, providing key literature and feedback on
    the presentation preparation. Coordinators will also support the students by providing exemplar presentations
    and an online module to assist with the preparation of this assessment.

    Poster and presentation (group): Students will present their final research findings in their groups in a poster
    presentation at the Florey Undergraduate conference. Students will present an oral presentation and will
    answer questions to assess understanding of the project and depth of discipline knowledge.

    Students will be supported in this assessment by provision of a University made “Creating an effective scientific
    poster” presentation, poster templates and exemplars of posters via the MyUni course. Students are also able
    to receive feedback from their supervisors on the poster and their presentation. This is an authentic
    assessment for students wanting to pursue a career in research, where researchers often communicate their
    work at conferences in the form of a poster.

    Final report (individual): The final report will be in the form of an individual written paper. Students will be supported through the development of a stepwise framework of preparing a research report. The framework is designed to facilitate the delivery of a high-quality assessment experiences to students while helping them learn and develop academic skills. The framework aims to scaffold progressive online completion and submission of tasks related to the assignment.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Students are reminded that the overall workload for a full time student as stated in the 成人大片 Calendar is an average of 48 hours per week per teaching period (i.e. semester). This includes contact and non-contact hours and includes placement, general study and research time for assignments. This course is a 6 unit course and thus represents half of a full time load. You should thus be putting in an average of 24 hours of study each week (including contact hours) for this course.
    Learning Activities Summary
    This course essentially gives students an opportunity to be a part of a research environment. This learning is then supported by online material covering research core competencies, and practical competency workshops where the content which the students come across in their placement, is discussed to enhance their understanding and learning.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Students will need to complete a laboratory induction compliant with the requirements of the University of
    Adelaide/ Institute where the research placement will be conducted.

    In some instances, students may require police clearances, specific vaccinations, or immunisations for
    placements. These special requirements will be discussed between the student and supervisor during their first
    meeting.

    Role of the academic supervisor
    It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and maintain correspondence with their placement supervisor in order
    to get feedback on their placement. Students will be offered the opportunity to meet individually with the course
    coordinators throughout the semester to discuss their progress with their placement and project.

    Code of practice
    Students should be aware that the host organisations including the 成人大片 have busy working
    environments and that students should act at all times with respect for the normal daily activities of the host
    organisation. As well as a general requirement for appropriate standards of behaviour, decorum, and dress,
    there are a number of specific protocols that must be observed.

    Confidentiality
    All students should be aware that any organisation may be operating in a sensitive environment. It is essential
    that students adhere to a code of absolute confidentiality and discretion. All information gained through access
    to the papers and other materials of host organisations should be regarded as confidential unless otherwise
    notified. The long-term success of the Program depends on students acting in accordance with this
    understanding. Confidentiality also extends to the participants involved in the clinical trials as per the principles
    of Good Clinical Practice.

    Status on placement
    Each student should accept the same disciplines and constraints to which salaried staff are committed. It is
    important that students should not allow anyone to believe that they are members of staff. During their period of
    internship, students at all times remain enrolled members of the 成人大片 and are expected to
    abide by the usual policies and by-laws of the University.

    Correspondence
    While it may be appropriate for some correspondence in connection with your role to come from the office of
    the host organisation, nothing should be sent under the letterhead of an organisation without prior permission.

    Expenses
    Any travelling costs to the placement site, or other incidental costs incurred by students as part of the
    placement will remain the responsibility of the student. Neither the University nor the participating organisations
    have any funds to meet such expenditure. Any other arrangements must be directly negotiated and agreed
    upon between student and supervisor.

    Police check
    The placement organisation(s) may require that the student acquires a National Police Certificate prior to
    commencing the work placement. In that case, it is the student's responsibility to apply for the police clearance
    and present the certificate to his/her workplace organisation. In order to reduce delays, it is advisable that
    students obtain a Police Certificate in advance, if there is any doubt about the need for one. If the organisation
    requires such police check, that will be recorded in the Placement Agreement.
    Australian citizens and permanent residents can apply for a police check at either:
    National Crime Check: https://www.nationalcrimecheck.com.au/police_check_south_australia_sa
    Or through SA Police at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/apply-for-a-police-record-check
    International students can apply for a certificate through:
    https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment task Assessment type
    (Formative or summative)
    Assessment weighting (%)
    Hurdle requirement
    (yes or no)
    Course learning outcomes being assessed 
    Practical core compentencies Summative  10% Yes  2, 3
    Research core compentencies Summative 10% Yes 1 - 7
    Introductory seminar  Summative 10% No 1, 3, 5, 6, 7
    Poster abstract  Formative 0% No 1 - 7
    Poster and presentation Summative 20% No 1 - 7
    Final report  Summative 35% Yes 1 - 7
    Supervisor assessment  Summative 10% No 1 - 7
    Attendance diary Summative 5% No 2, 3, 6
    CV formation Formative  0% No 5, 6 
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students will need to successfully complete the outlined competencies to pass the course as well as the final
    report (hurdles).
    Assessment Detail
    Practical core competencies (weighting 10%): The students will need to show an understanding and ability
    to perform wet and dry laboratory skills through set tasks conducted in workshops and research settings.
    Competency in each specified skill will be assessed as satisfactory by workshop leads or research supervisors.

    Research core competencies (weighting 10%): Students will individually complete end of module quizzes on
    MyUni. Modules may relate to but not be limited to safe working practices, professional workplace behaviour
    and teamwork, ethical considerations in research, scientific writing and academic integrity, effective
    communication, statistical analysis. Some of these modules will be summative while others will be formative.

    Introductory seminar (weighting 10%): The purpose of the introduction seminar is to have students
    assimilate and introduce the subject of their research along with the methods and ethics. This is a group
    assignment, based on each allocated project. The background to the study should be concisely presented
    providing a rationale for the knowledge gap and how it will be addressed. The aims and hypothesis should be
    clearly stated. Importantly, the methodological approach and experimental design should be described,
    including statistical analysis; with emphasis on elaborating how the aims will be achieved, and the hypothesis
    tested. The ethical and cultural issues associated with the research project would also be outlined. Students
    will present for no longer than 10 minutes. Students will record the presentation for submission on My Uni.
    Poster abstract (formative): The final research abstract aims to provide a clear summary of the project,
    methods, results, and conclusions in a short concise manner. Although formative, the abstract will be used
    within the conference abstract booklet. Students will be provided feedback on their ability to write clearly and
    concisely.

    Poster and presentation (weighting 20%): Students will produce a printed poster containing information on
    the project background, hypothesis/aims, methods, results, and conclusion. This poster will be created within
    the project groups and one single mark will be given. This poster will be presented at the Florey Undergraduate
    conference during the mid- or end of year session. Students will be required to present up to 10 minutes with 5
    minutes of questions.

    Final report (weighting 35%): The final individual written report reflects the achievements of each student in
    conducting a research placement requiring research and practical competencies, analysis and interpretation of
    results. The abstract will be incorporated into this document. There will be a need for discipline knowledge to
    enable students to write the introduction/background of the research proposal, as well as identify the gap in
    knowledge and articulate an appropriate hypothesis/ aims. The students will describe a strategy to fill the gap
    in knowledge and test the hypothesis in a problem-solving exercise; by providing detailed methods. Finally
    students will analyse their data, create figures, complete a results section, and form a discussion/conclusion
    relating to the finding and the broader field. Students will be required to support their statements with
    appropriate referencing.

    The final report is a hurdle assessment and students will need a grade of 40% or higher to be eligible to pass
    the course. Students will be supported through the development of a stepwise framework of preparing a
    research report. This may look like 1. Downloading the instructions, 2. Uploading a database search string, 3.
    Uploading 5 key reference papers, 4. Uploading a draft, 5. Uploading a draft with supervisor comment and 6.
    Uploading the final assignment for marking. Poor engagement and not meeting these checkpoints before
    submission of the final version can provide evidence to support any academic integrity cases, and it also gives
    the course coordinators the information needed to identify a lack of progress and touch base with individual
    students who may be struggling in a timely manner.

    Supervisors assessment (weighting 10%): This mark will reflect the student’s ability to work effectively and
    professionally in a research environment.

    Attendance Diary (weighting 5%): Students will need to record the activity, date and duration of each activity
    relating to the project on a prescribed form. This will be submitted with the final report.

    CV formation (formative): Students will create a curriculum vitae based on the information provided in the
    module. The CV will be evaluated by the Careers Hub confidential CV assessment tool (eg VMock).
    Submission
    All assignments including final report will be submitted via MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through .

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.