Course unit details:
Pharmacy Research Dissertation
| Unit code | PHAR62230 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 60 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Full year |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This unit consolidates both the general research methods skills and the knowledge about specific pharmacy topics gained during the first two years of the diploma. It provides the learner with an opportunity to investigate a topic of particular interest. Unlike the unit previously studied in the diploma, this unit places heavy emphasis on self-directed study with guidance from a course tutor or other departmental staff member.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Statistics for Population Health | POPH60982 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| PHAR60512 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory | |
| Qualitative Research Methods | POPH63121 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
The unit aims to develop the knowledge and skills required to plan, undertake and evaluate a pharmacy research project.
Teaching and learning methods
Learners will receive two introductory e-lectures:
- an overview of the unit
- research governance processes
They will then work towards the following milestones under the guidance of course staff:
- Agreeing an outline proposal of the intended project;
- Obtaining research governance approval for the project;
- Literature review;
- Collecting and analysing project data;
- Interpreting data to inform discussion and conclusions
- Writing up a project report.
Intellectual skills
Student should be able to:
- Review and critically evaluate literature relating to a clinical pharmacy/pharmacy practice 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).
Assessment methods
| Assessment | Length | Feedback | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submit a research proposal | 1000 words | Written feedback provided by the Division of Pharmacy & Optometry PGT research committee 15 working days after submission | N/A |
| Present an update on project progress | 2 hours | Oral feedback provided by course leader and peers during the presentation session | N/A |
| Submit a project report | 12,000-15,000 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
Provisional marks and feedback for coursework returned within 15 working days.
Exam marks and final marks returned after ratification at exam board.
Recommended reading
An up-to-date reading list for the unit is available on Reading Iists online via Blackboard.
Study hours
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 575 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Denham Phipps | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Other scheduled teaching and learning activities:
- Webinars – 5 hours
- Meetings with project supervisor – 20 hours