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Research Project - Literature

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 dissertation. The dissertation 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 an in depth literature based review on a specific subject e.g. cardiovascular genomics or epigenetics.

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 dissertation will involve formulating the research question, analysing published 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. Interpret, critique and draw conclusions from published data (including analysis of methods and statistical techniques used).
• 3. Prepare a written report that critically engages with the research literature, clearly identifying the strengths and weaknesses of selected sources.
• 4. Present the research project in the format of a typical scientific presentation, at a national or international scientific meeting, responding to audience questions appropriately.
• 5. Present a summary of the research project to specialist, non-specialist and lay audiences seeking feedback on the presentation(s).
• 6. Critically reflect on the research experience and feedback process.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 7. Justify the rationale for research governance and ethical frameworks when undertaking research or innovation in the NHS.
• 8. 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...

• 9. Critically reflect on personal practice and make connections between known and unknown areas, to allow for personal development, adaptation and change.
• 10. 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.
• 11. 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.

Please also 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

• 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 Publicatios. 

• Lock, D. (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=6222

Key words search

Research project, dissertation