HSCI 594 Heath Sciences Research: Data Collection and Interpretation
This course will allow students to carry out components of a research project in the Health Sciences. Meant to follow HSCI 591 and 592 or 598, students will gain experience answering research questions, establishing and testing hypotheses (where applicable) using a research plan and methods developed during the initial course, with an emphasis on the development of research skills and practice interpreting data.
(Note: The primary difference between HSCI 594 (120 hours) and HSCI 599 (240 hours) is the number of hours the student is expected to spend on the project, which corresponds to an expected increase in the scope of the research project.)
Please review our guide about getting started on a Bachelor of Health Sciences research course here
Minimum 3rd year (level 3) standing, a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, registration in the BHSc Program, one of (HSCI 591/3.0; HSCI 598/6.0), HSCI 593/3.0, and acceptance by a supervisor.
NOTE: Department consent is required to enroll.
No more than 12.0 units from HSCI 591/3.0; HSCI 592/3.0; HSCI 593/3.0; HSCI 594/3.0; HSCI 595/3.0; HSCI 598/6.0; HSCI 599/6.0.
Group sessions and working with a research supervisor and their research staff.
After completing HSCI 594, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate skill in research methods enabling the collection of data that addresses their research question and/or tests their hypothesis (as appropriate to the specific project)
- Analyze and interpret data in order to describe the impact of their research on the field of study
- Display an understanding of their research methods and results to propose future studies to further the field of research
The course learning outcomes and assessments that correspond with the program competencies are indicated below:
- Communicator (A2 and A3)
- Leader
- Advocate
- Scholar (A1 – A3)
- Professional (A1 - A3)
- Collaborator (A1)
- Content Expert (A2 and A3)
Assessment 1 – Research Performance (30%)
Students and supervisors will develop a contract outlining specific project expectations and goals and submit a signed copy of the contract to the course coordinator in week 2. Using the contract as a framework, students will be graded by their supervisor(s) on their initiative, effort, dedication, and research proficiency in working on their project.
Assessment 2 – Poster Presentation (30%)
Students will prepare a conference-style poster presentation outlining their background information, methods, results, and discussion/conclusions and formally present their poster during a class-wide poster session. Students will be expected to prepare a short 5-minute summary of their poster, as well as to answer questions for up to 15 minutes related to their research project.
Assessment 2 will be graded by the student’s supervisor, one other individual (i.e., the course coordinator), and include a peer evaluation component.
Assessment 3 – Written Thesis (40%)
Students must write and submit a written report of their research, including an abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion (max. 14 double spaced pages of main text). Students may use their research proposal completed in either HSCI 591, 592 or 598 as a starting off point for this report and will be given enough time to incorporate feedback and discussion generated from their poster presentation into their written thesis.
Assessment 3 will be graded by the student’s supervisor and one other individual (i.e., the course coordinator). If there is a 10% or greater discrepancy in the marks submitted a 3rd evaluation will be required.
Students can expect to spend approximately 10 to 12 hours per week working on this course independently, in conjunction with their supervisor, or during in-person sessions.
Weekly in-person sessions/modules – 20 hours
Conducting Research and working on assignments – 100 hours