Master of Research Studies

This subject culminates in the development of a synthesised project proposal that can form the foundation for an incubator project. Issues relating to ethical research practices and approaches to potentially sensitive research matters are considered. Students develop and consolidate their understanding of various research practices in order to analyse and review quantitative and qualitative data. Proposals should seek to identify a well formulated research question and hypothesis based on this analysis. Students also undertake reflective analysis with creative and societal innovation founded on research as they develop their project proposal. At the end of this subject students will have proposed the foundations of a self-initiated project that exhibits a sophisticated understanding of contemporary practice based on triple line philosophy:

1. environmental sustainability;
2. social, ethics and creative responsibility combined with;
3. financial responsibility.

Assessment Tasks: Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

User Research introduces students to the tools and methodologies required for both user research and user experience research. Students will use various research methods such as surveys, interviews and observations to provide insights to user needs, behaviours and attitudes.

As part of their research students will define research objectives, recruit participants, create research protocols, analyse data, and report on their findings. This includes the use of personas and usability testing for greater insights and understanding of user needs and attitudes.

Students will consolidate and present their research findings to inform the future development of a UX design project.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation, Research Plan

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

The purpose of this subject is to provide a solid mathematical background that students will encounter in studies of Artificial Intelligence, specifically in sub-areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, speech recognition, and computer vision. This subject will cover topics on linear algebra (equations, functions and graphs), differentiation and optimisation, vectors and matrices, statistics and probabilities. Thorough understanding of these mathematical concepts is necessary for understanding the inner workings of the algorithms in Artificial Intelligence.

Assessment Tasks: Online test, report, Source Code

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject is designed to provide a graduate-level student an in-depth understanding of the methodologies, technologies, and algorithms currently used in machine learning. Students will be introduced to the theory behind a range of machine learning tools and practice applying the tools to different applications. It explores topics such as classification, linear models, supervised and unsupervised learning in conjunction with applied and theoretical machine learning concepts. Students complete practical activities using machine learning algorithms and methods.

Pre-requisite: MFA501 Mathematical Foundations of AI

Assessment Tasks: Notebook with mark-up, presentation, model selection

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces the basics of deep learning and how to build neural networks. Students are presented with different methods and applications to different AI sub-areas such as natural language processing, speech recognition, and computer vision. The subject begins with the introduction of simple neural networks such as multi-layer perceptron, and to more complicated concepts such as recurrent neural networks, convolutional networks, and long short-term networks.

Pre-requisite: MFA501 Mathematical Foundations

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation, Source Code

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces designers to research methodologies as a basis for identifying problems which can be the catalyst to bring about change. Students gain skills in the analysis of research data using grounded theory and phenomenography, in addition to visual research methods used as a foundation for creative and design solutions inherent in cross-disciplinary creative practice.

By means of reflection, analysis and contextualising an identified culture—their own or others— and by drawing on its philosophies, typical behaviours and patterns, designers explore, elicit and assess problems to instigate creative group projects. The design practices foster understanding of, and connection with, the contexts that designed things participate in, enrich and often transform. The additional emphasis is on problem identification that informs and leads to enhanced futures based on successful creative outcomes.

Begin your journey into the public health industry with an introduction to the principles of public health and fundamentals of public health practice. You will consider the way major social determinants of health affect a population’s health outcomes, while examining the role of public health stakeholders in addressing health inequality and inequity. Learn about the theoretical and conceptual health intervention frameworks and apply these to different populations, including Indigenous and disadvantaged populations. The integration of digital health into public health practice will also be covered.

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Continue to build industry-relevant skills by examining the impact environmental factors have on the health and safety of local and global communities. Topics include the elements that comprise an environment; the casual links between chemical, physical and biological hazards, and their impact on health; and the factors that influence environmentally compromised health outcome. You will explore current solutions and develop new ways to address environmental threats, such as waste management, water pollution, air pollution and global warming. The influence of globalisation and foreign relations on the social, economic and political determinants of health will also be discussed. Lastly, there will be focus on environmental disaster prevention, management and recovery, and the health impacts of climate change that you, as public health practitioners of the future, will have to take into consideration.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Explore fundamental topics relating to health systems and health economics as you delve further into the public health industry. Learn about various theoretical and conceptual frameworks of health systems, as well as financial and resourcing requirements – both of which are vital for the justification of planning and delivery of effective public health programs. You will be introduced to different strategies to facilitate successful navigation within health care systems in Australia and other countries around the world. Important issues, including the development of policies, the role of the government, public health funding and expenditure, and public health programs and services, will be closely examined to provide you with an overall picture of how health systems are organised on a local, national and global scale.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation, Test

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Gain significant insight into the public health industry by understanding the role of epidemiology in prevention and screening, and disease surveillance response. The key concepts of incidence, prevalence and causation in relation to this will be explored. You will learn how to interpret key sources of data and use basic epidemiological measures to draw appropriate inferences. Develop skills to help you identify the strengths, limitations and appropriate uses of various research designs and methodologies in health research. Then extend these skills by critiquing different study designs with respect to research question/hypothesis. Finally, bring together the knowledge and skills you have acquired by elaborating on the role and potential application of epidemiology in public health research, policy and advocacy.

Assessment Tasks: Online test, Report, Practical research

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This next subject in your journey into the public health industry focuses on the formulation of health policy. You will learn about policy development, implementation and sustainability within the complex health policy environment. The theories of agenda setting (including historical and contemporary health issues) and the political ideologies that influence health policy will be explored. You will also identify the key stakeholders involved in the policy development process and the advocacy skills needed to navigate this environment. Examine the policymaking theories and models which will enable you to analyse the formulation of contemporary health policy in both local and global settings. And as you develop your skills in critiquing contemporary health policy from an evidence-based perspective, you will be well-equipped to recommend best practice approaches to advocate for the development of equitable health policy. Finally, on a more practical level, you will be asked to consider a health issue affecting a certain population group and work to develop an advocacy campaign aimed at raising awareness and shaping policy action in this area.

Pre-requisite: PUBH6000 Social, Cultural and Behavioural Factors in Public Health, PUBH6003 Health Systems and Economics 

Assessment Tasks: Portfolio, Report, Presentation 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Design Thinking is an approach to innovation that involves identifying ‘problems’ or issues in a particular context, empathising with those who have a stake in these problems/issues and designing a range of possible solutions that are then prototyped, tested and refined in practice. In this subject, you will explore the concepts and processes of design thinking, including the origins of Design Thinking and its use across a range of disciplines and contexts. Following these general processes, you will then engage in a design thinking process to identify and address an issue within your own professional context. Through this Design Thinking process, you will engage in reflection, analysis and development of your professional skills, knowledge and judgement, and ultimately arrive at an advanced understanding of your roles as both an innovator and a leader in your professional context.

In this subject you will build upon your current self-understanding to develop your strategic and ethical leadership capability. You will explore your key formative experiences and self-image using the techniques of reflective research, psychometric assessment and support from a mentoring partner. Develop your emotional competency to be authentic, confident and resilient in your leadership practices. Built on a foundation of self-reflection, topics covered include scenario thinking, influencing and motivating others, developing cultural sensitivity, and becoming resilient and tolerant of ambiguity. At the conclusion of the subject you will bring together the knowledge and skills you have acquired through the preparation of a personal leadership development plan.

Assessment Tasks: Case Study Analysis, Poster, Video Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Today's decisions have to be made quickly, individually and in groups, with what often appears to be ambiguous or too much data. How does one select, observe and distil the most pertinent data sets to make decisions that will positively impact tomorrow's firms and communities? This subject engages students in the nuances of data collection, how to filter data and how to use it most effectively in decision-making. The subject develops the student's qualitative and quantitative research skills, and digital literacy.

This subject builds on systems theory and introduces you to a holistic view of the organisation, and the broader ecosystem it operates in. Apply Systems Thinking to optimise operations, improve competitive advantage, and address change. You will use several Systems Thinking tools to diagnose and propose innovative solutions to contemporary business issues.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces you to the practice of contemporary project management and its relevance in industry. You will be introduced to fundamental concepts of project management, project definition and project delivery methods. Contemporary project management methodologies will be examined in the context of industry best practice. An overview of industry standard tools and techniques required to manage projects successfully throughout a project life cycle will be provided. This includes industry terminology and the rationale behind the commencement of a project.

Assessment Tasks: Discussion Forum, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to the key concepts and technologies of information systems that drive change and support organisations to achieve strategic goals. This includes data and information management, application of business information systems, disruptive technologies and issues such as ethics, privacy and cyber security. This subject will prepare students to better understand the technologies that are disrupting and transforming society both now and into the future.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Want to deliver valuable business analysis outcomes that positively address business and societal requirements? Acquire foundational knowledge and competencies for undertaking business analysis and for progressing towards industry certification from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). Develop your ability to deliver business analysis outcomes, learning about life cycles of business analysis such as identifying business requirements, interpreting analytics solutions, and collaborating with experts and non-expert stakeholders.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Exam, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Learn the art of storytelling: using data to develop insights that inform business decision making. Develop data representation and visualisation skills based on four theoretical pillars of effective stories: people, place, purpose and plot. You will be introduced to different strategies and techniques for using data and analytics to inform and persuade stakeholders and facilitate decision making. In evaluating different visualisation platforms and their benefits, you will gain experience using industry leading analysis tools.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

This subject explores sustainable approaches to managing the symbiotic relationship between organisations and their environments. Organisations are increasingly facing disruption and the basis for delivering products and services is rapidly changing. Sustaining performance requires careful management of business processes, fostering corporate competencies, and aligning the firm to its internal and external environment. The student will learn and then practice strategising through a number of theories and practical settings.

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of all other core subjects

Assessment Tasks: Report, Simulation, Stakeholder Meeting Simulation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online