Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Dissertation
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 40.00
ECTS credit value: 20
Module code: HSC11100
Module leader: Elizabeth Anne McKay
School School of Health & Social Care
Subject area group: Allied Health and Social Care Sciences
Prerequisites

N/A
Description of module content:

This module offers the student an opportunity to lead and conduct a detailed research study in a profession-specific area relevant to health and social care practice. It involves critical evaluation of primary or secondary data, discussion and conclusion of the findings/results, including research limitations, presentation and synthesise evidence-based arguments to inform professional practice; education or policy. Examination of the ethical implications and reflect on the limitations of the completed research study. The skill required to synthesise the work for a potential publication facilitates the student to meet all the learning outcomes.

Where primary data collection is to be undertaken as part of a existing research project, the supervising lecturer will normally be responsible for gaining ethical approval before the module begins to ensure this process does not cause delays in your study. However, you will be expected to critically discuss the ethical implications of your research.

Topics will include:
Roles and responsibilities of students and their supervisor: the Dissertation Module Handbook contains information on getting started; literature searching and critique; managing references,
how to present and construct an article for a professional journal; identifying the gaps in the literature, time-management and reflection on process and progress; Dissemination of study findings and limitations in a format appropriate for the professional discipline.
Learning Outcomes for module:

LO1: Justify the relevance of a research question within your specific profession, which is relevant to contemporary health and social care practice.
LO2: Critically evaluate primary or secondary data relevant to health and social care practice.
LO3. Synthesise evidence-based arguments to inform your professional practice.
LO4. Critically evaluate the ethical implications relevant to the research study.
LO5 Critique, conclude and examine the implications of the findings/results of the research in relation to existing literature including the limitations of your study.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, Trimester 2, BLENDED, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: BLENDED
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Elizabeth Anne McKay
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
The dissertation module is a significant, student self-directed project where the learner is supported by an allocated supervisor for the duration of the research (LO1). Building on previous learning throughout the programme students will be able to evaluate data and ethical considerations relevant to their chosen study (LO2 LO4.)

At signposted stages thorough this research journey: research seminars will facilitate engagement re criticality, data analysis, evidence-based arguments to inform policy/practice implications and dissemination of their findings (LO2, LO3, LO5). This facilitated group discussion, will support reflection and reflexivity on the research process. A writers’ workshop will facilitate writing skills for dissemination through publication.
Formative Assessment:
Presentation of research project in small group seminar with focus on research question, ethical issues and methodology.

Summative Assessment:
You will choose the specific professional journal with your supervisor (either British Journal of Social Work, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy). You will compile a draft academic article in line with that journal’s publication guidelines, which will ensure all learning outcomes are met. The word limit will be set at 5,000 words for all disciplines.

Normally a journal article would include - however journal specific guidelines should be used.
Abstract
Key words
Introduction
Literature Review
Method
Findings/Results
Discussion (including limitations of the study)
Implications for Practice/policy/Education

In addition you will also submit all supporting materials e.g. ethics approval, schedule of interview questions and or survey, standardised appraisals of literature etc.
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Project Supervision 12
Face To Face Seminar 12
Independent Learning Guided independent study 376
Total Study Hours400
Expected Total Study Hours for Module400


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Project - Written 100 1,2,3,4 & 5 45 , WORDS= 5000
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
HSC11100 Dissertation - Allied Health Professionals
 

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