2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

DSUR5022M Research Methods Ethics and Statistics

30 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Professor Gail Douglas
Email: g.v.a.douglas@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Applicants must meet the programme entry requirements

Module replaces

DSRU5061M Introduction to Research Methods and EthicsDSRU5104M Statistical Methods

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module offers the basic skills for conducting scientific research project. It includes training students on project management, searching relevant information, reviewing evidence, academic writing, understanding ethic issues and safety, and being able to analyse data collected from research using appropriate statistical methods,

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to ...
This module aims to enable students to develop the skills to undertake an independent piece of research which demonstrates their ability to apply specialist level knowledge in the recognition of ethical issues and selection of appropriate research methodology (including relevant statistical considerations).

Learning outcomes
Through successful completion of this module students will show evidence of being able to;
1. Demonstrate the ability to systematically search, identify and critically appraise relevant literature to identify gaps in research evidence to formulate an appropriate research question.
2. Apply in-depth knowledge and select methodology (including statistics) appropriate to answer a specific research question.
3. Demonstrate critical awareness of the moral and ethical issues associated with the conduct of research.

Skills outcomes
Analytical skills; communication skills; critical thinking; initiative; time management; numeracy, information literacy, criticality and argument.

Syllabus

The module will be delivered by a number of academic staff within the School of Dentistry over the first semester, as a blend of face to face lectures, workshops and online learning and computer practicals covering:

1) Skills underpinning research practice
Skills in information retrieval and management
Development of library searching skills
Bibliography management
Academic writing requirements.
Introduction to systematic reviews
How to formulate a research question
Planning and executing research
Evidence-based dentistry
Quantitative and qualitative research

2) Ethics and good research practice
The practicalities of gaining ethical approval for dental research
Special considerations in health and safety of laboratory research

3) Statistical Methods.
Introduce descriptive and inferential statistical as the key tool for investigating diseases in a population
Developing a professional attitude towards statistical methods.
Introduce a range of statistical inferences (confidence interval, hypothesis tests, types of errors) used in dental research
Understanding of when each test should be applied and the conditions required for each test to be valid, leading to choosing the most appropriate hypothesis test for a research question
Sound interpretation of statistical analyses and present result to general public

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	1	1.00	1.00
Group learning	1	4.00	4.00
Lecture	1	2.00	2.00
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Seminar	1	2.00	2.00
Tutorial	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			256.00
Total Contact hours			44.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Much of the face to face learning is designed to offer practical examples of the subject matter which requires the students to use private study time in preparation for seminars, tutorials and lectures. In this way the time with tutors focuses upon covering the most important issues and the consolidation of knowledge through application of this to real life scenarios and problems related to research and the ethical issues therein. In addition, module participants will be expected to finish assignment problems.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored during tutorials and group learning activity which will be interactive and offer the opportunity to see how each student’s skills are developing.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Group Project	15 minute presentation on ethical issues - formulated through group discussion	30.00
Poster Presentation	Research protocol	30.00
Practical	1 assignments	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Coursework elements are non-compensatable as each assesses separate LOs . The group project assesses LO2, the protocol assesses LO1 and incorporates application of relevant aspects of LO3. The practical assignment will addresses all aspects of LO3.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/10/2017

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