Module overview
This module will build on key components of Research Skills in Biomedical Sciences 1 (MEDI6049) where students learn to develop a research hypothesis and project in addition to statistical methodology.
This module will enable students to gain understanding and develop the skills required to design and write up a research proposal for their three year PhD project proposal. You will construct a research hypothesis for your PhD project and develop this into a research proposal including a background section, statement of the problem, research hypothesis with aims and objectives, what types of data will be collected,organising data sets and consider how to analyse these, present the data and statistical findings appropriately and what research impact these findings might have
The course is taught through a combination of initial lectures with interactive sessions and presentations based on your first rotation project, prospective meetings with your PhD project supervisor to discuss the development of your proposal and mainly independent study. At the end of this module, you should understand how to analyse a variety of types of data, and to be able to evaluate the analysis of data in published research.
Linked modules
MEDI6232
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Understand the value, nature, uses and limitations of a range of research methods (Programme LO A2)
- Identify and justify the value of different sources of data in drawing conclusions from published literature (Programme LO A4)
- Identify what appropriate Research Governance would be required for a research project (Programme LO A3)
- Know how to use SPSS and GraphPad Prism software to manage, present and analyse data (Programme LO C4))
- Know how to construct a research hypothesis and develop it into a research proposal (Programme LO A4, B1, B2, B4, B5, C4 and D2)
- Understand how to use a variety of statistical techniques (Programme LO C3)
- Understand the differences between various statistical techniques (Programme LO C3)
Cognitive Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify appropriate statistical techniques for data analysis (Programme LO A2, A4.B1, B2, B4 and B5)
- Differentiate between the different types of data (Programme LO A4, B1 and B5)
- Differentiate the value of information from different types of study design and different sources (Programme LO A4 and B1)
- Apply knowledge of effective communication skills in written format (Programme LO A2, A3, B1, B2, B5, C4 and D2)
- Critically assess research carried out by others, evaluate its usefulness for your own practice (Programme LO A2, A4 and D2)
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use Information Technology to analyse and present research findings (Programme LO C3and C4)
- Exercise initiative and personal responsibility (Programme LO C1, C2, C3 and C4)
- Direct your own learning (Programme LO C1, C2, C3 and C4)
- Use Information Technology to analyse and present research findings (Programme LO C3and C4)
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate use of statistical techniques (Programme LO B1, B2 and B5)
- Identify the appropriate use of quantitative methods (Programme LO A2, B1, B2, B4 and B5)
- Identify and perform appropriate data presentation and summary (Programme LO C3, C4 and D2)
Syllabus
- Types of Research
- Developing a Research Hypothesis using aims and objectives
- Develop a three year PhD project from a research hypothesis
- Apply appropriate statistical methods to analyse collected data.
- Research impact
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
A single half-day workshop will be held at the beginning of the module which will include a recap of the content of RSBS1 and interactive sessions where students will be able to discuss their first rotation project using the mark scheme from this module.
Students will also have a minimum of 2 opportunities to discuss their project proposal with their proposed supervisor during the course of the module.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 7 |
| Independent Study | 93 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
SPSS.
UCLA Statistical Computing Resources.
PS: Power and sample size calculation.
Textbooks
Field A (2009). Discovering statistics using SPSS for Windows. Sage Publications.
Bowling A (2001). Eesearch Methods in Health: Investigating health and health services. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Kirkwood BR & Sterne JAC (2003). Essential Medical Statistics. Blackwell Science Ltd.
Campbell MJ, Machin D & Walters SJ (2007). Medical Statistics: A textbook for the health sciences.
Bland M (2000). An Introduction to medical statistics. Oxford: Oxford Publications.
Machin D & Campbell MJ (2005). The design of studies or medical research. John Wiley & Sons.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The assessment for the module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. There will be one assessment:
- The development and written presentation of a research proposal.
Assessment: Develop a research proposal including a literature review and protocol design (2000 words) (100%)
You will consider all aspects that contribute to a successful proposal for a research question related to your PhD project.
You will:
- Identify an area of research interest.
- Establish the context for the study and demonstrate a need for it.
- Establish a research hypothesis with aims and objectives.
- Show how the proposed study will meet that need, using the methods proposed.
- Give assurances that the study will be ethical.
- Indicate how the information will collected and analysed.
- Indicate what the future implications of the study will be.
You must pass the module overall at 50% or above. The assessment must be passed, no compensation allowed. Candidates who fail the module at the first attempt will be permitted to submit a re-written assessment as agreed by the module lead. Candidates who achieve at least 50% overall at the second attempt will be permitted to pass the module and the module mark will be capped at 50%.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Project proposal | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Project proposal | 100% |