Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Research Methods MPH Taught/Blended Programme
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: HSC11171
Module leader: Janette Pow
School School of Health & Social Care
Subject area group: Allied Health and Social Care Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

The module aims to enable you to critically appreciate the value of empirical literature, research design and data interpretation, relating to public health. The module will provide further knowledge on the critical appraisal of evidence from published literature, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, structured literature reviewing, ethics, data collection and analysis. The intention is for you to be able to discriminate between different research methodologies suitable to answer specific pertinent public health questions.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically analyse the elements of the research process and be able to apply this to generate a research idea (question).

LO2: Critically reflect upon the main differences between quantitative and qualitative approaches and methodologies and critically evaluate components that comprise each method.

LO3: Critically reflect upon the purpose and function of a literature review and demonstrate an ability to effectively utilise information retrieval skills and plan a review of the literature.

LO4: Critically analyse and evaluate published research that relates to relevant subject areas and reflect the main theories and concepts that inform safe and ethical research practice.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Janette Pow
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Tutorial 10 You will have a weekly tutorial where we will go through the materials in the Units on the Module pages and discuss learning
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 10 You will have practical classes where you will be asked to undertake a critique of a research paper. And work in groups to develop a literature review question and devise appropriate methods to answer the review question.
Online Guided independent study 170 You will undertake guided independent study - where you will work through the units on the Module pages and take part in the discussion boards and questions allowing you to assess your own learning
Face To Face Seminar 10 An external speaker will come along to discuss secondary data analysis and the use of big data in public health. An academic skills colleague will also come into class to discuss academic writing at Level 11 and come into class a second time to discuss writing critically. The subject librarian will come int class twice, once to show you how to search the literature and second to take you through the process of how to conduct a literature review.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Written 100 1~2~3~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 4000 The summative assessment involves the development of a systematic Literature Review Protocol (3500 words) on your chosen research problem. The final assignment should be submitted with final abstract (500 words) (formative assessment) at the end of week 14. A well conducted literature reviews use systematic search methodology, such as pre-defined research questions; explicit methodology; appraisal and synthesis procedures to locate all the relevant evidence to determine if there is sufficient evidence-base to address the research question. The findings of the literature review can be used to aid decision-making for clinical practice and/or health policy or if there is a limited evidence base it can identify the “research gap” highlighting the need for further primary research. Writing this protocol allows you to discuss how you would go about conducting a systematic review and takes you through the research process.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
HSC11171 Research Methods
 

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