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MD3B1-15 Project Planning

Department
Warwick Medical School
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Leda Mirbahai
Credit value
15
Module duration
4 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry
Introductory description

The project planning module is a 15-CAT level 6 module that consolidates student's previous learning on research skills, provides them with the core knowledge and skills to support the completion of their dissertation. The module will prepare students for project work in their future careers.

Module web page

Module aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with the basic skills and knowledge require to successfully undertake a project from start to finish.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The aim of this module is to provide the students with the basic skills and knowledge they will require to successfully undertake their dissertation project. This four week module will be supported with lecture theatre based presentations, interactive presentations, self-directed learning, and group work. Furthermore, all elements will be supported by TEL activities.

During this module the students will be introduced to project planning, and consolidate previous teaching on research methods in the health and medical sciences.

They will learn what constitutes a good plan and the important considerations. They will understand how to define technical goals and milestones and appreciate the importance of monitoring progress and adapting the project objectives as in light of progress made and learning gained including risk and contingency planning. Key steps in undertaking a major, original piece of research and writing a project dissertation will be explained, including how to define research questions, identify and review current literature, and correctly report and reference evidence and avoid plagiarism. Students will learn how to communicate ideas simply and unambiguously by correctly structuring a report. They will recognise the different styles of scientific writing and will recognise different sections in a paper. They will learn how to successfully structure and write various sections of a paper, including abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion and conclusion. Furthermore, they will learn how and when to use informative figures and tables and how to write an informative captions. In addition, in this module students will also explore
ethics and legislation in research and how to conduct ethical research. Students will consider how to
recognise and respect values of others and how different values can impact research views and positions.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • To compare and critique the various research methods and techniques employed in health and medical sciences
  • To engage successfully with the ethical processes and procedures which regulate research activity in health and medical sciences
  • To demonstrate understanding of the research process and how to plan and conduct a research project
  • To develop an understanding of data management techniques in accordance with relevant legislation
Indicative reading list
  1. Hagger-Johnson G. (2014) Introduction to research methods and data analysis in the health
    sciences. 1st edition. Routledge.
  2. Taylor B., Francis K. (2013) Qualitative research in the health sciences (methodologies, methods
    and processes). 1st edition. Routledge.
  3. Bowling A. (2009) Research methods in health. 3rd edition. Open University Press.
  4. Koshy et al. (2017) Reflective practice in health care and how to reflect effectively. Int J Surg Oncol
    128c.xii-WMSEC100919
    (nY). 2(6):e20.
  5. Rudestam K.E. (2007) Surviving your dissertation: a comprehensive guide to content and process.
    3
    rd edition. SAGE Publications, Inc.
  6. Ballenger B.P. (2007) The curious researcher: a guide to writing research papers. 5th edition. New
    York: Pearson Longman.
  7. Oliver P. (2010) The student’s guide to research ethics (open up study skills). 2nd edition. Open
    University Press.
  8. Bowling A. (2014) Research methods in health: investigating health and health services (UK Higher
    Education OUP Humanities & Social Sciences Health). 4th edition. Open University Press.
Research element

To consolidate learning on research methods in health and medical sciences, and prepare for its application in the dissertation module

Subject specific skills

Ability to compare and critique the various research methods and techniques employed in health and medical sciences .

Enabled to engage successfully with the ethical processes and procedures which regulate research activity in health and medical science.

Ability to effectively plan a research project in health and medical sciences

Transferable skills

The transferable skills gained from the completion of this module include, discipline-specific knowledge, ability to gather and interpret information, ability to analyze data, oral communication skills, ability to make decisions and solve problems, written communication skills, ability to learn quickly, ability to manage a project, and creativity/innovative thinking.

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Seminars 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Practical classes (0%)
Online learning (scheduled sessions) 5 sessions of 1 hour (3%)
Online learning (independent) 25 sessions of 1 hour (17%)
Private study 62 hours 30 minutes (41%)
Assessment 37 hours 30 minutes (25%)
Total 150 hours
Private study description
  • Independent reading
  • Group work
    In addition (37.5h) has been allocated for assignment preparation

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A1
Weighting Study time
Presentation of a planned health and medical sciences research project 100% 37 hours 30 minutes

Individual presentation to include:

  • Background to research project
  • Aims and objectives of projects
  • Planned methodology/ methods and justification
  • Planned data management/ analysis and justification
  • Planned dissemination
  • Ethical/ regulatory considerations
  • Considerations linked to involvement and engagement with patients and the public
Feedback on assessment

Oral presentations will be assessed summatively by 2 academics using standardised rubrics. Students will receive electronic feedback (including individualised feedback) in line with WMS assessment criteria.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • UMDA-B990 Undergraduate Health and Medical Sciences
    • Year 3 of B990 Health and Medical Sciences
    • Year 3 of B990 Health and Medical Sciences
  • Year 3 of UMDA-B992 Undergraduate Health and Medical Sciences (with Summer Term Study Abroad)