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Research Project - Data

Module description

The aim of this module is for you to build on your previous knowledge, skills and experience of conducting research by undertaking a medical genomics research project. The project will demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in a specialism of healthcare science. The research project will be designed to take into account the research training required by you and the needs of the department in which you will be conducting your research.  Your research dissertation will be presented in the form of a scientific report to be considered for publication in a scientific journal, and can be based on a workplace project or the ‘Genomics England’ dataset.

Module aims - intentions of the module

You will use both the theoretical knowledge you will acquire, throughout the taught part of the course, and the analytical skills you will develop in order to participate in research independently. Undertaking of the research project will involve formulating the research question, acquiring and analysing the data, presenting results and providing a discussion of the results. The project could be carried out in the hosting NHS laboratory, research department or industry under joint supervision, i.e. involving tutors from both the hosting department and the MSc programme.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Identify a research question and critically evaluate the originality and significance of the research question.
• 2. Design, plan and undertake a research project to test a hypothesis from conception to completion/archiving in accordance with ethical and research governance regulations.
• 3. Analyse the data using appropriate methods and statistical techniques, then subsequently interpret, critically discuss and draw conclusions from the data.
• 4. Prepare a written report that critically engages with the research project, clearly identifying the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of the project.
• 5. Present a summary of the research project and outcomes in the format of a typical scientific presentation, at a national or international scientific meeting, responding to audience questions appropriately.
• 6. Present a summary of the research project to specialist, non-specialist and lay audiences seeking feedback on the presentation(s).
• 7. Critically reflect on the research experience and feedback process.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Justify the rationale for research governance and ethical frameworks when undertaking research or innovation in the NHS.
• 9. Demonstrate ways in which patients and the wider public can be involved in Genomic Medicine research (using your own project or that of others).

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 10. Critically reflect on personal practice and make connections between known and unknown areas, to allow for personal development, adaptation and change.
• 11. Respond to innovation and new technologies and be able to evaluate these in the context of best practice and the need for improved service delivery and/or improved research performance.
• 12. Communicate accurately and effectively with peers, tutors and the public.

Syllabus plan

You will work under the supervision of a member of staff who is able to guide you through the dissertation process.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Re-submission  of a revised written assignment should include response to the written feedback provided on first assessment.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Project specific reading: as directed by the supervisor.

• Hart, C. (2002). Doing a Literature Review.  London, Sage Publications.

• Hart, C. (2005). Doing Your Masters Dissertation. London, Sage Publications. 

• LockD. (2007).The Essentials of Project Management (3^rd edition). Aldershot, Gower Publishing

• Oliver, P. (2004). Writing Your Thesis. London, Sage Publications.

• Rudestam, K. and Newton, R.  (2007). Surviving your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process (3^rdedition).  London, Sage Publications.

• Swetnam, D. (2005). How to Plan, Prepare and Present Successful Work (3^rd edition).  Trowbridge, Cromwell Press Ltd.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6223

Key words search

Research project, dissertation