MSc Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Research Dissertation

Course unit fact file
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 receive two introductory online lectures: one providing an overview of the unit, the other to explain the research governance process.

They will then work towards the following milestones under the guidance of course staff:

  1. agreeing project expectations and an outline proposal of the intended project
  2. obtaining a Research Passport or ethical approval (where necessary)
  3. giving a presentation
  4. collecting and analysing project data
  5. writing 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.

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