Extended Independent Research
| Module title | Extended Independent Research |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM091 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 90 |
| Module staff | Dr Rebecca Abbott (Lecturer) Professor Vicki Goodwin (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 10 |
|---|
Module description
This module is the piece of independent research associated with the Masters in Health Research Methods and is designed to enable students to develop and conduct an extended, independent piece of research and produce a written, and potentially publishable report, under supervision, and to demonstrate project design, development, evaluation, synthesis and skills. As well as research skills the students will develop academic writing and presentation skills.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the extended independent research module is to enable students to demonstrate their ability to design, conduct, evaluate and write up a high quality research project on a topic that is of relevance to the title and aim of their award and in doing so, to demonstrate self-direction, originality and an ability to act autonomously in the planning and use of research skills at an advanced level.
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 projects aims and methods of data collection and analysis
- 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 research projects 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 research project that is methodologically and ethically sound
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Present logically argued and clearly written report that will aim to enhance knowledge and understanding at an advanced level in a given field, discipline or area of policy or practice.
- 6. Critically evaluate and reflect upon their own strengths, limitations and performance with reference to the design, development, organisation and write up of the research.
- 7. Prepare academic outputs using visual, oral and written methods
Syllabus plan
Students will work under the supervision of a member of staff who is able to guide the student through the independent research process. This will be accompanied by workshops on academic writing, preparing presentations and posters. A written research protocol and short oral presentation will form part of the assessment in term 2.The final written research report will be in the form of a journal article accompanied by a research poster.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 830 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 10 | Independent research workshops (5 x 2 hours) to cover topics such as academic writing, working with supervisors, poster and oral presentations and the assessment guidance and criteria |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 60 | Supervision meetings (scheduled by arrangement between individual students and supervisors). Contact with research supervisors may take place face-to-face or via email, telephone or video-conferencing |
| Guided independent study | 130 | Resource gathering and in-depth reading |
| Guided independent study | 350 | Project design and delivery |
| Guided independent study | 350 | Preparation and writing of written reports and presentations |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedback and discussion with supervisor | 60 hours | 2-4,6 | Verbal and online |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 0 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation of research protocol | 10 | 10 minutes + 5 minutes questions Contact with research supervisors may take place face-to-face or via email, telephone or video-conferencing | 1-2,5-7 | Written |
| Written research protocol | 20 | Maximum 2,000 words | 1-2, 5-7 | Written |
| Research project report following journal guidelines | 60 | Maximum 5,000 words (dependent on target journal guidance) | 1-7 | Written |
| Research poster | 10 | Conference style poster (face-to-face presentation may be replaced by presentation using Teams/Zoom) | 1-7 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation of research protocol (10%) | 10 minutes + 5 minutes questions | 1-2, 5-7 | Typically within 12 weeks of the result |
| Written research protocol (20%) | Maximum 2,000 words | 1-2, 5-7 | Typically within 12 weeks of the result |
| Project report (60%) | Maximum 5,000 words (dependent on target journal guidance) | 1-7 | Typically within 12 weeks of the result |
| Research poster (10%) | Conference style poster | 1-7 | Typically within 12 weeks of the result |
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
Lock D. (2007).The Essentials of Project Management (3rd edition). Aldershot, Gower Publishing
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.
Systematic Reviews
PRISMA reporting guidelines – see http://www.prisma-statement.org/
Equator
Reporting guidelines - see http://www.equator-network.org/
Writing skills –The Purdue Online Writing Lab
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Please see ELE above for further up to date electronic resources.
| Credit value | 90 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 45 |
| Module pre-requisites | To pass 2 out of the 3 core modules in term 1 - Core Concepts in Applied HSR (HPDM052); Evidence Synthesis in HSR (HPDM053); Statistics applied to health (HPDM054) |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 12/02/2019 |
| Last revision date | 30/07/2020 |
