MD1B3-15 Methods of Enquiry
Introductory description
This module will provide an introduction to research in health and medical sciences. It will cover why and how we do research (evidence, study design, research methods) and specific methods of enquiry (including interpretation of results and bias).
Students will acquire skills in data acquisition and management, analysis and interpretation, and communication of findings to different audiences.
Module aims
To introduce students to the importance of conducting high quality research in health and medical sciences and to provide them with a basic understanding of how this is achieved.
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.
This module will run alongside the integrated illness and wellbeing modules, students will be expected to interlink their knowledge and understanding of methods of enquiry to the taught and CBL content in those blocks.
Students will cover the following topics:
- Writing an important research question and
- Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Introduction to systematic reviews
- Introduction to data analysis (thematic and descriptive)
- Concepts of bias, inference and study design
- Introduction to different types of evidence, evidence quality, and using evidence in research
- Communication of research to different audiences
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- To demonstrate a basic familiarity with the use of appropriate research designs and methods to answer health-related research questions
- To use appropriate research methods (quantitative, qualitative and systematic literature review) to obtain and process data so it may be simply interpreted.
- To use different methods/styles to communicate information effectively.
Indicative reading list
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Ability to consider health and medical sciences research in context
Ability to undertake basic statistical analysis and basic coding of qualitative data
Ability to interpret research findings and evaluate research
Transferable skills
Presentation skills, critical appraisal, excel skills, Self-directed learning, evidence-based approach to problem solving, time management
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (12%) |
| Seminars | 4 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
| Practical classes | 10 sessions of 1 hour (12%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 12 sessions of 1 hour (15%) |
| Private study | 46 hours (56%) |
| Total | 82 hours |
Private study description
Students would be expected to engage in self-directed learning outside other learning and teaching activities outlined above. We expect this time will be spent on background reading prior to classes, research for written assignments and examination preparation. We anticipate that 60% of this time will go on preparations for assessments; however all activities including background reading prior to the class will also benefit preparations for assessments.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group D1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster presentation | 40% | 28 hours | No |
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Design and present a research study using a poster |
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| Locally Timetabled Examination - Exam | 60% | 40 hours | No |
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This component will assess your knowledge on the core topics taught in the module including study designs, systematic literature review, quantitative and qualitative research methods. |
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Feedback on assessment
Both assessments will provide feedback to the students (including individualised feedback) in line with WMS assessment criteria, including submission to Plagiarism software. Further verbal feedback will be available to students on request. Every student who fails an element of assessment will be offered an appointment for face to face feedback.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UMDA-B990 Undergraduate Health and Medical Sciences