Master of Clinical Science

This course is intended for graduates of professional clinical and biomedical coursework degrees with little or no prior research training content, to enhance knowledge of the research process. The course will encourage students to incorporate research findings into evidence-based clinical practice and enable them to achieve the research training requirements for direct entry into UWA HDR courses. High-level training in the design and conduct of clinical research, and appropriate data analysis will be acquired through coursework units with a combination of lectures, tutorials and interactive workshops. Students are required to source relevant publications and reports, and critically review and synthesise information when developing extended literature reviews, research proposals, reports and grant applications. Students are given the opportunity to further advance their research skills through research projects or practicums and develop knowledge of the most current techniques within the research specialities of their choice. Verbal and interpersonal communication skills will be developed through the delivery of individual presentations and the opportunity to provide peer feedback in seminars and small-group workshops. Critical evaluation of information and the ability to concisely synthesise key facts in written form will be acquired and evaluated via essays, literature reviews and research publications. Students will develop an understanding of the global nature of clinical and biomedical research through literature searches and review of publications relevant to their chosen research topic. Many aspects of clinical research are conducted in an international context and the value of international collaborations and multi-centre trials (particularly in the COVID era) will be illustrated. Students will acquire an understanding of ethical issues relevant to the design and conduct of clinical research, including research involving indigenous and culturally diverse groups. The importance of ethical decision-making when conducting human or animal research will be emphasised.