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Study information

Research Project - Literature

Module titleResearch Project - Literature
Module codeHPDM043
Academic year2021/2
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Jess Tyrrell (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

10

10

10

Number students taking module (anticipated)

20

Module description

The aim of this module is for you to build on your previous knowledge, skills and experience of conducting research by undertaking a medical genomics research dissertation. The dissertation will demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in a specialism of healthcare science. The research project will be designed to take into account the research training required by you and the needs of the department in which you will be conducting your research.  Your research dissertation will be presented in the form of an in depth literature based review on a specific subject e.g. cardiovascular genomics or epigenetics.

Module aims - intentions of the module

You will use both the theoretical knowledge you will acquire, throughout the taught part of the course, and the analytical skills you will develop in order to participate in research independently. Undertaking of the research dissertation will involve formulating the research question, analysing published data, presenting results and providing a discussion of the results. The project could be carried out in the hosting NHS laboratory, research department or industry, under joint supervision i.e. involving tutors from both the hosting department and the MSc programme.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

  • 1. Identify a research question and critically evaluate the originality and significance of the research question.
  • 2. Interpret, critique and draw conclusions from published data (including analysis of methods and statistical techniques used).
  • 3. Prepare a written report that critically engages with the research literature, clearly identifying the strengths and weaknesses of selected sources.
  • 4. Present the research project in the format of a typical scientific presentation, at a national or international scientific meeting, responding to audience questions appropriately.
  • 5. Present a summary of the research project to specialist, non-specialist and lay audiences seeking feedback on the presentation(s).
  • 6. Critically reflect on the research experience and feedback process.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

  • 7. Justify the rationale for research governance and ethical frameworks when undertaking research or innovation in the NHS.
  • 8. Demonstrate ways in which patients and the wider public can be involved in Genomic Medicine research (using your own project or that of others).

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

  • 9. Critically reflect on personal practice and make connections between known and unknown areas, to allow for personal development, adaptation and change.
  • 10. Respond to innovation and new technologies and be able to evaluate these in the context of best practice and the need for improved service delivery and/or improved research performance.
  • 11. Communicate accurately and effectively with peers, tutors and the public.

Syllabus plan

You will work under the supervision of a member of staff who is able to guide you through the dissertation process.

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
202800

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching20Dissertation supervision meetings (scheduled by arrangement between individual students and supervisors). Dissertation supervisions may be online if they cannot be face to face.
Guided independent study30Online discussion groups and tutorials with programme tutors and/or fellow students
Guided independent study130Resource gathering and in depth reading
Guided independent study100Preparation and writing of dissertation
Guided independent study20Preparation of poster

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Feedback and discussionMonthly1-11Verbal and written
Presentation to peers andTermly1-11Verbal
Participation in online discussion forumMonthly1-11Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
85015

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Project report following journal guidelines85Maximum 5,000 words (dependent on target journal guidance)1-11Written
Professionalism component5No assessment for student to submit, professionalism assessment from supervisor1-2, 4, 11Written
Poster presentation10A3 poster1-11Written

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Project report following journal guidelines (85%), (maximum 5,000 words, depending on target journal guidance)Project report following journal guidelines 1-11Typically within 12 weeks of the result
Professionalism component (5%); No assessment for student to submit, professionalism assessment from supervisorRemedial meeting with the module convenor and supervisor 1-11Typically within 12 weeks of the result
Poster presentation (10%), A3 posterPoster presentation 1-11Typically within 12 weeks of the result

Re-assessment notes

Re-submission of a revised written assignment should include response to the written feedback provided on first assessment.

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

 

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

  • Project specific reading: as directed by the supervisor.

  • Hart, C. (2002). Doing a Literature Review.  London, Sage Publications.

  • Hart, C. (2005). Doing Your Masters Dissertation. London, Sage Publicatios. 

  • Lock, D. (2007).The Essentials of Project Management (3rd edition). Aldershot, Gower Publishing

  • Oliver, P. (2004). Writing Your Thesis. London, Sage Publications.

  • Rudestam, K. and Newton, R.  (2007). Surviving your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process (3rdedition).  London, Sage Publications.

  • Swetnam, D. (2005). How to Plan, Prepare and Present Successful Work (3rd edition).  Trowbridge, Cromwell Press Ltd.

 

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6222

Key words search

Research project, dissertation

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/12/2015

Last revision date

17/05/2021