In this course, students will learn about the governance and ethical conduct of education research. In addition, they will learn about the process of applying for ethical approval of education research.  

This course takes place in semester 3 and is made up of lectures and tutorials.

MED5135

50%: Critique of a mock ethics application - alternate formats: 800-1000 words, 5-7-minute video/audio podcast. (ILOs 1, 2 and 3)

50%: Micro-reflection: A small reflective piece using alternate formats (short essays, video presentations, audio podcasts) 500 words or approx. 3 mins. (ILO 4)

Where alternate formats (e.g. video or audio) are selected, the stated word count refers to the equivalent transcript length.

This course aims to give students the opportunity to:

1. Critically reflect on ethical conduct and governance in education research in a health professions context;

2. Negotiate the process of applying for ethical approval for empirical research in the field of health professions education.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critique appropriate methodologies that address (a) research question(s) in health professions education;

2. Appraise studies that address (a) research question(s) in health professions education, taking into account - where appropriate - such issues as sampling, validity and reliability, authenticity, trustworthiness, credibility and generalizability;

3. Evaluate an application for ethical approval ;

4. Critically reflect on personal and professional practice in relation to the ethics and governance of educational research.