Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HECS3254 Research Dissertation

30 creditsClass Size: 500

Module manager: Helen Atherton
Email: h.l.atherton@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Sep to 30 Jun View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Pre-requisite qualifications

120 level 2 credits

Prerequsite modules:
1) HECS1100 'Learning together, working together' or level 1 equivalent
and
2) A relevant research methodology module at level 2 or 3 for example

HECS 2201 - Research for Health and Social care Professionals
HECS 2191 - Midwifery Theory and Practice 3 for the full time BSc (Hons) Midwifery programme

Module replaces

DONE3023, HECS3211, HECS3084,HECS3077, DOME3036, HECS3142.

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

This is the last module of the research theme that flows through programmes and develops students' ability to critically find, use, summarise and communicate evidence and finally to apply it to their professional practice. This is a multi-professional module (taken by nurses, midwives and social workers). It requires students to work more independently and hone their graduate knowledge and skills prior to registration.

There are project pathways, depending on the student's individual programme of study and each is tailored to meet both generic and profession specific skills.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the module it is expected that students across health and social work programmes will be able to:
1. systematically locate and retrieve existing research evidence using a comprehensive search strategy.
2. critically evaluate the quality of this evidence using a structured and rigorous approach
3. develop a focused research question relevant to professional practice that is answerable either through an in depth critical literature review and case study or a piece of primary/secondary research
4. systematically collect and critically analyse evidence/ data using a variety of research methods
5. evaluate the significance of research findings in light of current and future practice
6. demonstrate critical awareness of the complexity of translating research into practice

Skills outcomes
Critical appraisal skills/application of theory to practice


Syllabus

The module is delivered across Semester 1 and Semester 2a.

Semester 1/2a- this comprises the taught component of the module. Students will be expected to attend a variety of multi-professional and profession specific lectures, tutorials and workshops that will develop the knowledge and skills required to complete their individual dissertation/ project. The content delivered will build upon that knowledge acquired by students at Level 1 and 2 and includes:

a) Different type and sources of evidence (including journals; policy documents; professional bodies; clinical guidelines; data specific to service evaluation)
b) Literature searching (including types of databases and searching skills);
c) Question framing (including defining terms, use of causal, correlational or exploratory questions, use of frameworks for intervention studies)
d) Quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation (including probability and confidence intervals, effect sizes, clinical and statistical significance, role of theory in qualitative work, use of framework and other analytic techniques);
e) Critical appraisal of quantitative and qualitative research using a range of critical appraisal frameworks
f) Implementation into practice and local practice guideline writing (including components of clinical guidelines)
g) Communicating research (including writing for professional peers and writing for service users).

Semester 1/2a - With support of an academic supervisor, students will develop and complete their project/dissertation. Depending on professional background, they will follow a predefined pathway as indicated below:

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Supervision51.005.00
Lecture82.0016.00
Practical22.004.00
Tutorial62.0012.00
Private study hours263.00
Total Contact hours37.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Private study

Private study will include extensive reading and appraisal of evidence data collection and analysis, whether data are obtained from primary empirical sources or from secondary sources (ie published studies)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress is monitored first, according to attendance at timetabled teaching and second, by individual supervisors during the period of supervision.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Literature ReviewA 3,000 word critical literature review based on a research question of the student's choice.100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

A 3,000 word critical literature review based on a research question of the student's choice. Students will be required to select a clinical question that can be answered through a critical review of evidence that may include research, policy and clinical guidelines. Recommendations for any required changes to current practice in relation to patient care will be discussed.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/06/2021 16:22:16

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019