The course provides an advanced level exploration of the research process exploring the central issues in designing a research study with a particular emphasis on the conduct of research in the practice-based health sciences. This course develops understanding of the major theoretical and practical facets of research design focusing on: planning a specific research project, formulating and justifying a research question(s), approaches to social research, selecting an appropriate methodology and sampling procedures to test a research question(s). It also addresses research approaches, ethical and economical considerations in research, technical writing and advanced level information retrieval skills as well as methods of communicating research data in the health science sector.