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University of Exeter Medical School

Research Project

Module titleResearch Project
Module codeHPDM090
Academic year2020/1
Credits60
Module staff

Dr Malcolm Hilton (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

This module runs in every term

Module description

This module is the independent research project associated with the Extreme Medicine Masters programme and is designed to enable you to produce a project dissertation under supervision, and to demonstrate project design, development, evaluation, synthesis  and dissemination skills. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of the independent research project is to enable you to demonstrate your ability to design, conduct, evaluate and write up a project on a topic that is of relevance to Extreme and Wilderness medicine. In doing so, you should demonstrate self-direction, originality and an ability to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of project skills at an advanced professional level. 

If you are following a pathway leading to named specialism then your project must be relevant to this area.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

  • 1. Systematically and critically review relevant theory and methodology in the design and development of an independent project
  • 2. Provide evidence of skills in the formulation of research questions, identification of aims and objectives and clarification and justification of choice of methodological approach

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

  • 3. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise a project’s findings and interpret their relevance within the context of established or emerging theories, policies and/or professional practice
  • 4. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems in the conduct of a project that is methodologically and ethically sound

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

  • 5. Present a logically argued and clearly written project report that will aim to enhance knowledge and understanding of an area of practice at an advanced level
  • 6. Critically evaluate and reflect upon their own strengths, limitations and performance with reference to the design, development, organisation and write up of the project

Syllabus plan

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

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
405600

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities40Dissertation supervision meetings (scheduled by arrangement between individual students and supervisors), dissertation writing workshops.
Guided independent study110Resource gathering and in-depth reading
Guided independent study250Project design and implementation
Guided independent study200Preparation and writing of dissertation

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Feedback and discussion with supervision30 hours (total) 2-4, 6Verbal and online

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Written assignment - project report1007000 words1-6Written
0
0
0
0
0

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Written assignment - project report (100%)Written assignment - project report (7000 words)1-6Typically within 12 weeks of the result

Re-assessment notes

Same as for the original summative assessment, to include response to the written feedback and usually undertaken and submitted within three months of the original deadline.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Dixon N (2001) Writing for publication a guide for new authors. International Journal for Quality in Healthcare. 13;5:417-21 

Day RA and Gastel B (2006) How to write and publish a scientific paper. Cambridge University Press 

Hart, C. (2002). Doing a Literature Review. London, Sage Publications. Hart, C. (2005). Doing Your Masters Dissertation. London, Sage Publications. 

Lock D. (2007).The Essentials of Project Management (3rd 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 (3rd edition). London, Sage Publications. 

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

Key words search

Extreme medicine, wilderness medicine, research project 

Credit value60
Module ECTS

30

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

12/10/2017

Last revision date

19/09/2019