The aim of the module is to enable the acquisition of beginning researcher skills through the planning and execution of a supervised project, together with production and presentation of the findings. For the purposes of this module, the term research project also encompasses systematic review, clinical audit, quality improvement, clinical data mining, evaluation or innovation.
Learning and Teaching:
Students will work in a group (maximum of six) to conduct a contained enquiry in response to a common problem(s) or question(s) raised by an academic supervisor and/or a partner healthcare provider or group of partner healthcare providers. Although students will work collectively as a team examining a common problem or question, students will be required to produce a final report based on the individual work they have undertaken.
Content:
Generic module content will be delivered through a variety of face to face and digital methods. Student teams will be allocated an academic supervisor with primary responsibility for the conduct of the project and liaison with other partners as appropriate. Supervisors will support, develop and supervise the project(s) and guide the student group in the development of the enquiry. Module content and supervision will include:
Ethics and governance:
Students will work in groups to consider their proposed project with regard to ethical principles and project management regarding governance of research, audit, service improvement and or evaluation.
Research Design:
Consideration of theoretical and methodological options relevant to the problem/question. Plans for data sources, data collection, data storage and analysis. Record keeping and field notes. Managing ethical, professional challenges and barriers in data collection. Planning data analysis.
Project management:
Supervisors role and responsibility. Student roles and responsibilities in the project. Teamwork and practical strategies to maintain momentum. Production of a timeline for project management including key progression / deadline dates. Group contract signed by supervisor as required. Writing for publication. Conference dissemination, teaching presentations, intellectual property and authorship.
Data Collection:
Project implementation – ongoing review of data collection and analysis. Synthesis with existing evidence – conclusions and recommendations.
Data Analysis:
Combination of group and individual supervision and independent working to prepare data for analysis and conduct the analysis.
Writing and Dissemination
Individual supervision will support each student in the production of their individual report and dissemination strategy.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Articulate the theoretical, methodological and ethical/governance dimensions of a health and/or social care enquiry project;
Systematically analyse, interpret and present results of an enquiry-based project;
Critically evaluate the implications of project findings for health and/or social care practice, delivery, education or further enquiry (Report);
Work effectively within a team to plan, execute and communicate project findings.
Assessment
39419-01 : 5000 word project : Coursework (80%)
39419-02 : Group Presentation : Presentation (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
Assessment: (80%) individual 8000 word project report (18.1; 18.2 & 18.3); (20%) group conference style poster, or presentation (group mark awarded – students who cannot attend a presentation due to extenuating circumstances will be given a viva voce (18.4).
Reassessment:
Students will resubmit any failed component(s); Report: resubmit following feedback, support and guidance; Poster or presentation: resubmit following feedback, support and guidance. Students who cannot attend a presentation due to extenuating circumstances will be given a viva voce. Internal Hurdles: No compensation permitted. All assessment elements must be passed