MD1B3-15 Methods of Enquiry
Introductory description
This module will provide an introductory exploration of research methodologies within the domains of health and medical sciences. It encompasses the rationale behind research as why and how we do research in health and medical sciences; The module will cover specific approaches to scientific enquiry, including summarizing data, interpretation of results, identification of potential biases, and critical appraisal of research evidence.
Students will develop foundational competencies in quantitative and qualitative research methodology, statistical analysis, and data interpretation. Moreover, students will gain an understanding of fundamental statistical techniques used in quantitative research, alongside training in the interpretation and application of statistical results. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation of published research, with particular attention to the methodological rigor and validity of findings.
Module aims
To emphasize the critical role of conducting high-quality research in Health and Medical Sciences and to
equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills required to design, conduct, analyse, and interpret research that meets rigorous scientific merit
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 research methods to the taught and CBL content in those blocks.
Students will cover the following topics:
Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods
Introduction to basic statistics and quantitative data analysis
Introduction to qualitative data analysis (thematic)
Introduction to different types of evidence, evidence quality, and using evidence in research
Concepts of bias, inference and study design
Introduction to quality appraisal in research
Communication of research to different audiences
- Ethical perspectives in research
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, and qualitative) to obtain and process data so it may be simply interpreted.
- To use different methods/styles to communicate information effectively.
- To develop and use interpretation and evaluation skills to critically appraise published research literature related to health and medical sciences.
Indicative reading list
Research Methods in Community Medicine By J.H.Abramson
Quantitative Methods for Health Research. By Nigel Bruce
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Research element
This module is 100% aligned with developing research design and methodology skills
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
Ability to critically appraise published research findings
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 (7%) |
| Seminars | 4 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Practical classes | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Private study | 46 hours (31%) |
| Assessment | 68 hours (45%) |
| Total | 150 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 D2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Critical appraisal of published literature | 40% | 28 hours | No |
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Students will select a published journal article (in a peer reviewed indexed journal) and apply critical appraisal skills they have learned in the module and prepare a presentation using the critical appraisal methods/tools. This assessment will ensure that they achieve ILO 3 and 4. This will be an individual presentation, students will be guided on selection of an appropriate article, however the methods depend on their preference. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Locally Timetabled Examination - Exam | 60% | 40 hours | No |
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The exam will cover a range of topics listed in ILO 1 and 2 covered in the module such as research method design, qualitative and quantitative research, and interpretation of data for example it could be summarizing data using graphs). The exam paper will consist of multiple-choice questions and ‘constructed response questions (short answer questions/problem-solving type questions). |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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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.
Post-requisite modules
If you pass this module, you can take:
- MD2B9-15 Clinical Trials in Health Research
Courses
This module is Core for:
-
UMDA-B990 Undergraduate Health and Medical Sciences
- Year 1 of B990 Health and Medical Sciences
- Year 1 of B990 Health and Medical Sciences
- Year 1 of B990 Health and Medical Sciences