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PU5027: FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH DESIGN (2024-2025)

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Course Overview

This course is an introduction to the skills and information needed to appraise and undertake health-related research. This course provides a foundation for further learning in quantitative and qualitative research methods. Within this course you will develop the skills necessary for the planning, conduct and dissemination stages of health-related research.

Topics covered include: Developing a Research Question, Research Design, Methods of Data Collection, Approaches to Analysing Data, Dissemination of Research Findings, and Writing a Research Proposal. 

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term First Term 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 (Blended) 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 you to the fundamentals of health research methods. We will focus on the development of research proposals, including how to formulate research questions, identify relevant outcomes, and plan data collection. Students will be introduced to the main study designs used in health research including experimental and observational designs. Sampling techniques and methods for data collection for both quantiative 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. The aim of this course is to equip participants with the skills and confidence to design ethical, culturally sensitive, and rigorous research. At the end of this course, you will also be able to critically appraise research and demonstrate an appreciation of the issues that are important in assessing the methodological quality and rigour of research studies and be able to apply these to your own field of interest. 


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 20 Feedback Weeks 21

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Feedback

2-hour test.

Feedback provided upon submission.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualCreateUnderstand ethical considerations in research design and develop a research proposal designed to maximise benefits and mitigate risks.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate different study designs commonly used in applied health research studies and select and justify the most appropriate one for a given research question or hypothesis.
FactualAnalyseSummarise the strengths and limitations of different research methodologies including quantitative and qualitative approaches.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a data collection plan that includes sampling, data collection methods, and data management procedures.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a plan to ensure that research is conducted in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner, illustrating the importance of considering race in research design, data collection, and analysis.

Project Plan, Summary or Abstract

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 70
Assessment Weeks 19 Feedback Weeks 24

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Feedback

2000 or 20 minute recorded video presentation.

Research proposal feedback provided 2 weeks after submission. These will be marked using a tailored rubric. There is also opportunity to receive pre-submission formative feedback one week prior to submission.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualCreateUnderstand ethical considerations in research design and develop a research proposal designed to maximise benefits and mitigate risks.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate different study designs commonly used in applied health research studies and select and justify the most appropriate one for a given research question or hypothesis.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a data collection plan that includes sampling, data collection methods, and data management procedures.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a plan to ensure that research is conducted in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner, illustrating the importance of considering race in research design, data collection, and analysis.

Formative Assessment

Class Test - Multiple Choice Questions

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Short Answer

Assessment Type Formative Weighting 0
Assessment Weeks 12 Feedback Weeks 13

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Feedback

We will review your early ideas for your project and if there are any concerns you will be asked to arrange a meeting with a tutor for additional support and advice.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Resit Assessments

Oral Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Feedback will be provided within 48 hours of completion of the assessment, including a marking rubric and details of areas of strength and areas for enhancement.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralCreateDevelop a data collection plan that includes sampling, data collection methods, and data management procedures.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a plan to ensure that research is conducted in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner, illustrating the importance of considering race in research design, data collection, and analysis.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate different study designs commonly used in applied health research studies and select and justify the most appropriate one for a given research question or hypothesis.
FactualAnalyseSummarise the strengths and limitations of different research methodologies including quantitative and qualitative approaches.
ConceptualCreateUnderstand ethical considerations in research design and develop a research proposal designed to maximise benefits and mitigate risks.

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