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Introduction to Health Research

Module title	Introduction to Health Research
Module code	CSC2007
Academic year	2021/2
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Siobhan O'Dwyer (Convenor) Dr Jenny Lloyd (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	20

Module description

Research is essential for good human health and informs every aspect of clinical practice, social care, and public policy. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of health research, including quantitative and qualitative research methods, basic statistical analyses, the publication and dissemination of research findings, patient and public involvement, and the interconnection between research funding, public policy, and clinical practice. This module will focus specifically on research that is conducted with human participants.

For students in the Medical Sciences Programme, this module can be taken with Ethical Issues in Health Research and Measurement and Evaluation in Health Research to complete the Health Research Pathway, or taken on its own as part of an interdisciplinary pathway. It is designed to complement the module Principles of Medical Research.

This module is also open to students in Psychology and Sport & Health Sciences and will suit students who are interested in working in health research or using research to inform their clinical practice with patients in hospitals, social care, or community settings.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills in research design, analysis, and dissemination. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate an understanding of different research methods and their role in advancing understanding of human health
• 2. Conduct basic statistical analyses
• 3. Explain the importance of involving patients and the public in research
• 4. Find and critically appraise existing research evidence for a range of health issues
• 5. Summarise research findings for academic publication and dissemination to lay audiences
• 6. Critically reflect on the complex relationship between research funding, public policy, and clinical practice

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Understand the importance of research in the development and implementation of best practice across a range of healthcare settings
• 8. Explain the steps in the research process, from question to implementation

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 9. Manage time and workload effectively
• 10. Communicate clearly and efficiently in both written and oral formats, for scientific and lay audiences

Syllabus plan

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
32	118	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	20	Lectures / interactive presentations from specialists in health research
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	10	Small group workshops with specialist tutors to guide practical activities and facilitated engagement with members of PenPIG
Guided Independent study	63	Preparation for scheduled activities
Guided Independent Study	55	Assessment preparation

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Completion of practical activities in workshops	Throughout module	1-9	Verbal feedback in workshops

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Critically Appraised Topic	50	2 pages (min 500 words; max 1,000), using CAT template	1, 4, 7, 9, 10	Individual written feedback
Abstract and Press Release	50	Abstract: 300 words Press Release: One page (min 300 words, max 500), using supplied research findings	1,3,5, 6, 9, 10	Individual written feedback

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Critically Appraised Topic (50%), 3 pages, using critical appraisal framework	2 pages (min 500 words, max 1,000), using CAT template	1,4,7,9,10	Ref/Def
Abstract and Press Release (50%), Abstract: 300 words Press Release: 1 page, using supplied research finding	Abstract: 300 words Press Release: One page (min 300 words, max 500), using supplied research findings	1,3,5,6,9,10	Ref/Def

Re-assessment notes

Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffai

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Mitchell, M.L. & Jolley, J.M. (2012). Research Design Explained. Wadsworth Publishing: USA.

Field, A. (2013). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics. Sage Publications: London.

 

Students will also be expected to read and critically appraise peer-reviewed academic journal articles and media reports of research findings. 

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Web based and electronic resources will be available

Key words search

Health Research; Research Design; Statistics; Quantitative Methods; Qualitative Methods; Patient and Public Involvement; Publication’ Dissemination; Implementation; Critical Appraisal; Psychology; Medicine; Health Sciences

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	5
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	22/08/2014
Last revision date	10/05/2021