This course unit gives students the opportunity to conduct an independent piece of work comprising secondary research methods; either conduiting a literature review incorporating systematic methods (systematized review) or a research project utilising secondary data. The unit emphasises the potential for empirical knowledge to contribute to and enhance evidence-based practice and recognises the value of utilising existing data and evidence sources for knowledge generation. Students may gain a broad range to knowledge and skills in the conduct of research to support clinical practice. This unit comprises primarily independent learning and students are allocated individual supervisors from among research academics. The sequence and timing of delivering core research methods teaching supports the students journey through the research process.
This unit provides optionality for independent research work and assessment and students may conduct a structured literature review or a secondary data analysis project, involving:
- Systematically collating and analysing evidence from existing research using rigorous methods to generate new knowledge and evidence
- Formulating review questions, evaluating and developing systematic methods for evidence synthesis and developing research skills in conducting structured reviews i.e. systematized review
- Gain knowledge of a broad range of research designs and processes and methods for synthesis of evidence through review methods
- Gain indepth knowledge of formulating research questions, research designs, methods and processes comprising either quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods through application to existing data to generate new knowledge
Key note lectures
Small group seminars
On-line learning
Blended learning
Work based learning
Independent study
Supervision
Students will normally have the opportunity to receive feedback on formative work submitted prior to the summative assessment. Other feedback opportunities will also be available in class and online discussion boards. Online feedback is provided in Grademark. Provisional feedback based on internal marking will be made available prior to the Exam Board on the basis that these marks are yet to be ratified at the Exam Board and therefore may be subject to change. A standard feedback mechanism in Grademark is utilised across all postgraduate programmes within the School which provides detailed and constructive feedback on each component and aspect of assessment and identifies areas of strength and those aspects which could be enhanced.
Student feedback is obtained through open discussion forums on blackboard, in class discussions, via formal University unit evaluation forms and also qualitative, in house evaluations at the end of the unit.