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PU5027: FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH DESIGN (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

Fundamentals of research design provides the student with skills in both quantitative and qualitative design enabling the student to plan ethical research in a health context. Students are taken through each step - from formulating the research question, to study design, sample selection, methods for data collection to dissemination of results.

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

 

  1. Summarise the key factors involved in the research process
  2. Evaluate the appropriateness of study designs commonly used in applied health research studies
  3. Identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
  4. Develop a research proposal to answer a health-related research question which maximises research quality and rigour.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Kirsty Kiezebrink

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • One of Master Of Science In Special Care Dentistry or Master Of Science In Clinical Education or Master Of Science In Clinical Nutrition (Online) or MSc Global Health and Management or Any Postgraduate Programme Certificate in Research Methods for Health or Master Of Public Health

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of health research methods. The course will focus on the development of research proposals, including how to formulate research questions, identify appropriate study designs, identify relevant outcomes and plan data collection. Students will be introduced to the main study designs  used in health research. Sampling techniques and methods for data collection for both quantitative and qualitative methods will be addressed. Students will also be introduced to the importance of critical appraisal and research ethics and will learn how to communicate scientific findings.

This course has been designed to allow a flexible approach to learning. There will be a class session each Tuesday which will be broken down into 2 sections.  You can join these remotely or can catch up after class by viewing the video.
• 1-hour lectorial to help you test your knowledge and understanding of key aspect from the course and discuss related assessment
• 1-hour workshop to stimulate group discussion and facilitate peer to peer learning

In addition you will have the option to book a 20 minute appointment with a tutor each week to discuss your research proposal progress.


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks 18 Feedback Weeks 21

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

All Single best answer quizzes feedback in provided upon submission.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate the appropriateness of study designs commonly used in applied health research studies
ConceptualUnderstandSummarise the key factors involved in the research process
FactualAnalyseIdentify the advantages and disadvantages associated with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks 11 Feedback Weeks 13

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate the appropriateness of study designs commonly used in applied health research studies
ConceptualUnderstandSummarise the key factors involved in the research process

Project Plan, Summary or Abstract

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 80
Assessment Weeks 18 Feedback Weeks 21

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Research proposal feedback provided 2 weeks after submission.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralCreateDevelop a research proposal to answer a health-related research question which maximises research quality and rigour

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralCreateDevelop a research proposal to answer a health-related research question which maximises research quality and rigour
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate the appropriateness of study designs commonly used in applied health research studies
FactualAnalyseIdentify the advantages and disadvantages associated with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
ConceptualUnderstandSummarise the key factors involved in the research process

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