Introduction to Health Research
Module title | Introduction to Health Research |
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Module code | CSC2007 |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Dr Annie Hawton () |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
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Module description
Research is essential for good human health and informs every aspect of clinical practice, social care, and public policy. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of health research, including quantitative and qualitative research methods, basic statistical analyses, the publication and dissemination of research findings, patient and public involvement, and the interconnection between research funding, public policy, and clinical practice. This module will focus specifically on research that is conducted with human participants.
For students in the Medical Sciences Programme, this module can be taken with Ethical Issues in Health Research and Key Approaches in Health Research to complete the Health Research Pathway, or taken on its own as part of an interdisciplinary pathway. It is designed to complement the module Experimental Design and Statistics.
This module is also open to students in Psychology and Sport & Health Sciences and will suit students who are interested in working in health research or using research to inform their clinical practice with patients in hospitals, social care, or community settings.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills in research design, analysis, and dissemination.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate an understanding of different research methods and their role in advancing understanding of human health
- 2. Interpret basic statistical analyses
- 3. Explain the importance of involving patients and the public in research
- 4. Find and critically appraise existing research evidence for a range of health issues
- 5. Summarise research findings for academic publication
- 6. Summarise research findings for lay audiences
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Understand the importance of research in the development and implementation of best practice across a range of healthcare settings
- 8. Explain the steps in the research process, from question to implementation
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Manage time and workload effectively
- 10. Communicate clearly and efficiently in both written and oral formats, for scientific and lay audiences
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
Lecture Topics:
(1) What is health research and why do we do it?
(2) Quantitative research methods
(3) Qualitative research methods
(4) Statistical analysis
(5) Qualitative analysis
(6) Publication and dissemination
(7) Media engagement
(8) Patient and public involvement
(9) Summary and revision
Workshops and self-directed learning will cover:
Research design; introduction to critical appraisal of published research; literature search and retrieval skills; review and consolidation of critical appraisal of published research; learning directly from members of the PenARC Patient Involvement Group; PenPIG); dissemination of research; and, preparation of abstracts and press releases.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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28 | 122 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 14 | Lectures / interactive presentations from specialists in health research, 1.5 hours per week |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 14 | Small group workshops, 1.5 hours per week, with specialist tutors to guide practical activities and facilitated engagement with members of PenPIG |
Guided Independent Study | 65 | Preparation for scheduled activities |
Guided Independent Study | 57 | Assessment preparation |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Completion of practical activities in workshops | Throughout module | 1-9 | Verbal feedback in workshops |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Critically Appraised Topic | 50 | 2 pages (min 500 words; max 1,000), using CAT template | 1, 4, 7, 9, 10 | Individual written feedback |
Abstract and Press Release | 50 | Abstract: 300 words Press Release: One page (min 300 words, max 500), using supplied research findings | 1,3,5, 6, 9, 10 | Individual written feedback |
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Critically Appraised Topic (50%), 3 pages, using critical appraisal framework | 2 pages (min 500 words, max 1,000), using CAT template | 1,4,7,9,10 | Ref/Def |
Abstract and Press Release (50%), Abstract: 300 words Press Release: 1 page, using supplied research finding | Abstract: 300 words Press Release: One page (min 300 words, max 500), using supplied research findings | 1,3,5,6,9,10 | Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
02/03/2023
Web based and electronic resources will be available
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
Module pre-requisites | None |
Module co-requisites | None |
NQF level (module) | 5 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 22/08/2014 |
Last revision date | 02/03/2023 |