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PU5052: 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
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?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme

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.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


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

Project Plan, Summary or Abstract

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 80
Assessment Weeks 19 Feedback Weeks 22

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Feedback on all assessments will be provided with 14 days of submission for all assignments, and in many cases will be instantaneous. Feedback will come in various forms including detailed information about correct answers for quiz responses. For more extensive pieces feedback will take the form of either written or audio recorded feedback and will always provide information on areas that the you need to focus on to improve your understanding.

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
ProceduralCreateDevelop a research proposal to answer a health-related research question which maximises research quality and rigour

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks 14 Feedback Weeks 15

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Feedback on all assessments will be provided with 14 days of submission for all assignments, and in many cases will be instantaneous. Feedback will come in various forms including detailed information about correct answers for quiz responses. For more extensive pieces feedback will take the form of either written or audio recorded feedback and will always provide information on areas that the you need to focus on to improve your understanding.

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

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks 20 Feedback Weeks 20

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Feedback on all assessments will be provided with 14 days of submission for all assignments, and in many cases will be instantaneous. Feedback will come in various forms including detailed information about correct answers for quiz responses. For more extensive pieces feedback will take the form of either written or audio recorded feedback and will always provide information on areas that the you need to focus on to improve your understanding.

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

Formative Assessment

Self-test Feedback

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

There are self-tests available for each unit of learning which can be completed at a time that suits each student.

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

Study design informative assessment

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks 13 Feedback Weeks 14

Look up Week Numbers

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

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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