Module overview
This module will support you through the process of developing and planning a research project, including formulating an appropriate question, writing your proposal, learning about the processes for ethics and governance approvals. The assessment comprises two parts, one focused on managing challenges in conducting clinical research and the other focused on writing a research proposal.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critically synthesise and apply a practical understanding of research design and methods to your research study
- Critically discuss your choice of design, methods and approach to conduct of the study
- Develop and justify an original research question relevant to your practice/field of interest, supporting your argument with critical appraisal of relevant evidence
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of ethics, research governance and data protection in relation to your research study
Syllabus
This module builds on content covered in the Design & Methods for Clinical and Health Research (or equivalent) module and includes:
- Applying critical appraisal skills
- Working with research teams & supervisors
- Developing an appropriate and feasible research question
- Designing a research project and protocol
- Ethical and Governance considerations
- Conduct of clinical and health research
- Peer Review (where appropriate)
- Principles of project, time and data management
The taught component of this module is shared with the following modules: HLTH6199 Conducting Clinical & Health Research; HLTH6221 Planning Clinical & Health Research. Some of the taught sessions will also be shared with students on the doctoral training programme. The assessment comprises analysis of research challenges (40%), a research proposal and supporting critical analysis (60%).
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
You assume responsibility for your own learning. This module adopts a range of teaching and learning strategies including:
- Self Directed learning
- Lectures
- Peer review
- Problem solving approaches
- Tutorials
- Web based resources
- Blackboard (including discussion boards)
- Reflective learning
- Guided reading
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 685 |
Teaching | 65 |
Total study time | 750 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Portney LG & Watkins MP (2013). Foundations of Clinical Research. Applications to Practice.
Walker D-M (2014). An Introduction to Health Services Research.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The assessment of this module comprises two components:
A. You will carry out an analysis of issues or challenges in conducting clinical or health research (40%) You will be presented with 5 scenarios representing challenges or issues relevant to the conduct of research in clinical or health settings. You will choose 3 of the 5 scenarios for your assignment, providing a brief rationale for your choice. You will discuss solutions to the chosen scenarios, supporting your recommendations with critical appraisal of relevant literature and with reference to relevant policy and legislation. This assignment component will be 3500 words +/-10%.
B. You will develop a research proposal (5,000 words), and a supporting critical analyses (1,000 words) of one aspect of the research proposal (60%).The proposal will include a research question, rationale for the topic/question, design, methods, plan for data collection and analysis and detailed study timetable, This assignment component will be a 5000 word proposal (=/- 10%) and 1,000 word critical analyses (+/-10%).
You must achieve a minimum mark of 50% to complete this module successfully. Both assessment components must be passed (with a minimum mark of 50% ) in order to complete the programme. Parts A & B can be repeated.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Informal PresentationSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Research project | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External