Introduction to Health Research
| Module title | Introduction to Health Research |
|---|---|
| Module code | CSC2007 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Siobhan O'Dwyer (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
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 Measurement and Evaluation 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 Principles of Medical Research.
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. Conduct 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 and dissemination to lay audiences
- 6. Critically reflect on the complex relationship between research funding, public policy, and clinical practice
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 (Part One)
(3) Quantitative research methods (Part Two)
(4) Qualitative research methods
(5) Basic statistical analysis (Part One)
(6) Basic statistical analysis (Part Two)
(7) Publication and dissemination
(8) Patient and public involvement
(9) Research funding, policy, and practice
(10) Summary and revision
Workshops will cover:
Randomisation; basic statistical analysis; thematic analysis; literature search and retrieval skills; critical appraisal of published research; learning directly from members of the PenCLAHRC Patient Involvement Group; PenPIG); 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 20 | Lectures / interactive presentations from specialists in health research; Delivered synchronously online and recorded for those who need to participate asynchronously. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 10 | Small group workshops with specialist tutors to guide practical activities and facilitated engagement with members of PenPIG. Delivered synchronously online and recorded for those who need to participate asynchronously (except for the literature searching workshop see note above). |
| Guided Independent study | 60 | Preparation for scheduled activities |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Assessment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completion of practical activities in workshops | Throughout module | 1-9 | Verbal feedback in workshops |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critically Appraised Topic | 2 pages (min 500 words, max 1,000), using CAT template | 1,4,7,9,10 | Ref/Def |
| Abstract and Press Release | 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 see the Student Handbook for guidance
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Mitchell, M.L. & Jolley, J.M. (2012). Research Design Explained. Wadsworth Publishing: USA.
Field, A. (2013). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics. Sage Publications: London.
Students will also be expected to read and critically appraise peer-reviewed academic journal articles and media reports of research findings.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Web based and electronic resources will be available
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| 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 | 12/08/2020 |
