PMM1RM-Research Methods for Health Sciences

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Sarah Allman
Email: s.a.allman@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module is aimed at postgraduate students who want to learn and develop the required research skills for conducting research in clinical and health-related sciences. This module provides students with an introduction to the philosophies of research methods and to the types of skills required to plan, design, conduct and present a piece of original research. This module also aims to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for sampling and collecting qualitative and quantitative data and also introduces appropriate statistical and practical techniques to analyse the different types of data. This module has been designed to be delivered through distance learning, using screen and video casting, interactive discussion forums and web-based seminars in the University’s virtual learning environment.   

Aims:

This module aims to:

• Develop self-sustaining and cogent research management skills at an appropriate level.


• Develop knowledge of a research project lifecycle


• Develop a critical and reflective approach to research practice.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students should have identified a suitable research problem to address through analysis of the literature and with reference to their own environment or interests. They will refine this question following interaction with the resources provided and through discussion with peers and academics,. Students will be able to evidence understanding of the background to the research area and design a research plan which could answer the research question posed. Students will write a referenced outline research proposal that will be assessed.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate their own research practice using self-reflection.


2. Apply knowledge of the peer-review role and process.


3. Reflect on a range of research methodologies.


4. Formulate an appropriate research plan for the purposes of conducting a research project.


5. Develop and critically evaluate research methodology.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop communication, writing and reflection skills through consideration of the concepts within their own working environment or area of interest. Students will also learn about the research lifecycle.

Outline content:

Introduction

• Introduction to the module – including content, method of delivery and student engagement.


• Introduction to learning outcomes and assessments.

Ethics

• Introduction to ethics – what is it and why is it important


• Ethical processes to adhere to (e.g. University of Reading Ethics, NHS ethics) with global context.


• Ethical case studies to reflect upon

Evidence based medicine

• Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine


• Statistical Significance, Probability, Risk and Bias.

Research design

• An introduction to research design.


• Quantitative and qualitative methods.


• Reflection on various data collection and analysis approaches.


• Audit and service evaluation studies.

Research lifecycle

• Literature search and referencing.


• Project planning and time management.


• Principles of writing, publishing and communicating research papers.

Global context:

Research ethics and the procedures undertaken to gain ethical approval will be considered in a global context.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be delivered asynchronously using a mixture of resources and media  in the University’s virtual learning environment and guided independent study.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Guided independent study:
Other		90
Dissertation writing		80
Essay preparation		30
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module will be assessed using one written assignment (limited to 4000 words).  

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment methods used to support skills development and improve student performance will include  embedded self-assessment exercises and quizzes, and peer review.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Students must achieve a mark of 50% to pass this module.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by written assignment.  Students requiring reassessment will have their module mark capped at 50%.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 22 September 2022