Course unit details:
Research Dissertation
| Unit code | OPTO61262 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 60 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Summer semester |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This unit consolidates both the general research methods skills and the knowledge about specific optometry topics gained during the taught units of the MSc. It provides the learner with an opportunity to investigate a topic of particular interest. This unit places heavy emphasis on self-directed study with guidance from a research supervisor or other departmental staff member.
Projects can be designed to be:
- a traditional Lab based project
- a patient focused project
- an educational project
- a science communication project
- a full systemic review or meta-analysis
- an extended literature review.
All projects involve an initial literature review which will form part of the student's final submission.
In the case of the lab based or patient focused project: data will be generated, collected, analysed, and discussed in the final report.
In the case of the educational project: an educational resource pertinent to Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science will be generated and trialled with feedback collected, analysed, and discussed in the final report.
In the case of the science communication project: two articles and a creative piece will be generated and trialled with feedback collected, analysed, and discussed in the final report.
In the case of the full systemic review or meta-analysis: the findings of the review itself will be discussed in the final report.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence Based Practice | POPH60041 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Qualitative Research Methods | POPH63121 | Pre-Requisite | Optional |
| Fundamentals of Epidemiology | POPH60991 | Pre-Requisite | Optional |
Aims
Develop the knowledge and skills required to plan, undertake, and evaluate an optometry research project.
Teaching and learning methods
Students will have received tutorials and lectures about critical appraisal of research in preceding modules on the IOVS course. Students will receive an introductory talk about the module and the key milestones. This is self-directed-study module, relying on the student to work through the various milestones with support from their supervisor and the unit coordinator. The milestones are: selection and allocation of a research project, arranging an initial and regular meetings with the project supervisor to agree project expectations and an outline, conducting a literature search and review, developing a project methodology, giving a presentation, collecting and analysing data and submitting a project report.
Intellectual skills
Students should be able to:
- review and critically evaluate literature relating to an optometric or ophthalmic issue
- reflect on research findings and make recommendations for future research and practice.
Practical skills
Students should be able to:
- identify a clear research question on the basis of a review
- plan and execute a study to address a research question
- ensure that a study is conducted to ethical and professional standards
- collect and analyse data using suitable method(s)
- present, describe and explain study findings in an understandable and suitable manner.
Assessment methods
| Assessment | Length | Feedback | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation of project progress | 15 min presentation and 10 mins Q & A | Oral feedback provided by course leader and peers during the presentation session | n/a |
| Submit a project report | 9,000 - 11,000 words | Marks and written feedback provided by first marker (project supervisor) and second marker (another member of staff) a maximum of 30 working days after submission | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be given to the students via Turnitin.
Recommended reading
Core reading:
- Robson C, McCartan K. Real World Research (4th edition). John Wiley & Sons, 2015
Further reading:
- As determined by the specific project.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 4 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 596 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Ketan Parmar | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Self-directed study time will include fieldwork, data collection and meetings with project supervisor.