MD2C1-15 Applied Research Methods
Introductory description
This module will be the second in a series of research focussed modules on the HMS course. As part of this module students will recap the basics of quantitative and qualitative research before moving on to consider more applied, controlled and systematic approaches to research in health, medical science, healthcare and health promotion, namely systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and mixed-methods (including some lab-based) approaches.
Module aims
The aim of this module will be to expand student awareness of the utility of complex and applied research designs and methods and to consider the types of research questions in health and medicine that can be addressed by these different approaches. Students will expand their experience in critical appraisal of research in health and have another chance to explain research designs and analyse the meaningfulness of research findings to different audiences.
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 syllabus for this module will include: Complex research and writing a detailed or applied health related research question, the utility of systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and mixed-methods (including some lab-based approaches) designs and methods, statistical approaches and data analysis and management, ethical designs and interventions, publication and dissemination and finally, the wider research landscape and ecosystem, both locally and globally.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate working knowledge of systematic and controlled research designs and methods to answer health-related research questions
- Explain systematic review, randomised control, and mixed methods research and its utility in health-related research
- Appraise research literature and discuss its meaning aligning different communication styles to different audiences
- Appreciate the wider research landscape in health and medicine (funding landscape, ethical issues, global approaches)
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Research element
This module is aligned to the University Strategy on enhancing student research capability and quality. Students will learn about applied and complex research designs that are used to investigate some of the world's pressing health issues, incorporating approaches from across the health and medical sciences.
Subject specific skills
Students will develop skills in understanding applied health and medical research, including an enhanced awareness of bias, error, and complexity. Students will have skills in recognising suitable research designs and methods to investigate complicated problems in health.
Transferable skills
Students will develop both written and oral communication skills, critical analysis and data management skills as well as a valuable wide perspective regarding health and applied research.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Tutorials | 3 sessions of 2 hours (4%) |
| Supervised practical classes | 2 sessions of 2 hours (3%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 5 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Private study | 65 hours (43%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Students will undertake self-directed learning as part of this module, much of this will be linked to pre-reading and preparation for lectures/practicals. However, online TEL sessions also contain links to further study items to provide additional challenge and depth.
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 D
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Appraisal of a health or medical research paper | 40% | 25 hours | No |
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Students will complete an individual presentation where they will showcase the results of their independent critical appraisal of a health and/or medicine-related systematic review, randomised controlled trial or mixed-methods paper using a recognised tool. The presentation will be accompanied by a lay-person summary. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Research in health and medicine exam | 60% | 35 hours | No |
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A mixture of MCQ, SAQ and applied question formats will be used in a 50 mark examination which builds on that experienced by students as part the year one HMS research methods module (HMS Y1) |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
All work will be marked using standardised rubrics, which 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 will be offered an appointment for face to face feedback.
Courses
This module is Core for:
-
UMDA-B990 Undergraduate Health and Medical Sciences
- Year 2 of B990 Health and Medical Sciences
- Year 2 of B990 Health and Medical Sciences
- Year 2 of B990 Health and Medical Sciences