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PU5027: FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH DESIGN (2024-2025)

Last modified: 18 Oct 2024 14:46


Course Overview

This course is an introduction to the skills and information needed to appraise and undertake health-related research. This course provides a foundation for further learning in quantitative and qualitative research methods. Within this course you will develop the skills necessary for the planning, conduct and dissemination stages of health-related research.

Topics covered include: Developing a Research Question, Research Design, Methods of Data Collection, Approaches to Analysing Data, Dissemination of Research Findings, and Writing a Research Proposal. 

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.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of health research methods. We will focus on the development of research proposals, including how to formulate research questions, identify relevant outcomes, and plan data collection. Students will be introduced to the main study designs used in health research including experimental and observational designs. Sampling techniques and methods for data collection for both quantiative 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. The aim of this course is to equip participants with the skills and confidence to design ethical, culturally sensitive, and rigorous research. At the end of this course, you will also be able to critically appraise research and demonstrate an appreciation of the issues that are important in assessing the methodological quality and rigour of research studies and be able to apply these to your own field of interest. 


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

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 20 Feedback Weeks 21

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Feedback

Duration: 2 hours

You will be able to review your answers and be presented with the correct answers and an explanation for this one week after the test closes. If there is anything you don't understand from the feedback, please arrange to meet with the course coordinator in early January for further advice and explanations.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualCreateUnderstand ethical considerations in research design in order to develop a research proposal designed to maximise benefits and mitigate risks.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate different study designs commonly used in applied health research studies, and select and justify the most appropriate one for a given research question of hypothesis.
FactualAnalyseSummarise the strengths and limitations of different research methodologies including quantitative and qualitative approaches.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a plan to ensure that research is conducted in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner, illustrating the importance of considering race in research design, data collection, and analysis.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a data collection plan that includes sampling, data collection methods, and data management procedures.

Project Plan, Summary or Abstract

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 70
Assessment Weeks 19 Feedback Weeks 24

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Feedback

You have the opportunity to ask for feedback every week through the tutor peer support sessions. This feedback will be provided in-person at the meeting. In addition, you can request a tutor to review a final draft of your proposal 1 week prior to submission. This feedback will be provided in the format of a 20-minute video where the tutor will identify any areas that might be improved prior to submission. You will receive feedback on your final submission, this will be in the format of annotations to the marking rubric, you should read carefully the descriptor of each box which is selected by the marker(s), and additional summary comments will be provided in the final feedback box. If you feel you would benefit from additional feedback, please arrange to discuss with your marker or the course coordinator. 

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualCreateUnderstand ethical considerations in research design in order to develop a research proposal designed to maximise benefits and mitigate risks.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate different study designs commonly used in applied health research studies, and select and justify the most appropriate one for a given research question of hypothesis.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a plan to ensure that research is conducted in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner, illustrating the importance of considering race in research design, data collection, and analysis.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a data collection plan that includes sampling, data collection methods, and data management procedures.

Formative Assessment

Class Test - Multiple Choice Questions

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
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

Short Answer

Assessment Type Formative Weighting 0
Assessment Weeks 12 Feedback Weeks 13

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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

Resit Assessments

Oral Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Feedback will be provided within 48 hours of completion of the assessment, including a marking rubric and details of areas of strength and areas for enhancement.

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
ConceptualCreateUnderstand ethical considerations in research design in order to develop a research proposal designed to maximise benefits and mitigate risks.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a plan to ensure that research is conducted in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner, illustrating the importance of considering race in research design, data collection, and analysis.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a data collection plan that includes sampling, data collection methods, and data management procedures.
FactualAnalyseSummarise the strengths and limitations of different research methodologies including quantitative and qualitative approaches.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate different study designs commonly used in applied health research studies, and select and justify the most appropriate one for a given research question of hypothesis.

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