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

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.