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PU5052: FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH DESIGN (2023-2024)

Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46


Course Overview

Fundamentals of research design provides the student with skills in both quantitative and qualitative design enabling the student to plan ethical research in a health context. Students are taken through each step - from formulating the research question, to study design, sample selection, methods for data collection to dissemination of results.

 Upon completion of this course you will be able to: 

  1. Summarise the key factors involved in the research process
  2. Evaluate the appropriateness of study designs commonly used in applied health research studies
  3. Identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
  4. Develop a research proposal to answer a health-related research question which maximises research quality and rigour.

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.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of health research methods. The course will focus on the development of research proposals, including how to formulate research questions, identify appropriate study designs, identify relevant outcomes and plan data collection. Students will be introduced to the main study designs used in health research. Sampling techniques and methods for data collection for both quantitative 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.

This course has been designed to allow a flexible approach to learning. There will be a class session each week after you view the pre-recorded video.

  • 1 to 2-hour lectorial to help you test your knowledge and understanding of key aspect from the course and discuss related assessment
  • 1 to 2-hour workshop to stimulate group discussion and facilitate peer-to-peer learning

In addition, you will have the option to book a 20-minute appointment with a tutor each week to discuss your research proposal progress.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


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 20

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Feedback

2-hour test. Each question has feedback on wrong answers submitted and how to arrive at correct answer. Feedback provided 2 weeks after closing date. 

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualCreateUnderstand ethical considerations in research design and 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 or hypothesis.
FactualAnalyseSummarise the strengths and limitations of different research methodologies including quantitative and qualitative approaches.
ProceduralCreateDevelop a data collection plan that includes sampling, data collection methods, and data management procedures.
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.

Project Plan, Summary or Abstract

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 70
Assessment Weeks 20 Feedback Weeks 24

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Feedback

Research proposal feedback provided 3 weeks after submission. These will be marked using a tailored rubric. There is, also, opportunity to receive pre-submission feedback 1 week prior to submission. 

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate different study designs commonly used in applied health research studies and select and justify the most appropriate one for a given research question or 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.

Formative Assessment

Study design informative assessment

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks 12 Feedback Weeks 14

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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
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.

Resit Assessments

Oral Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
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

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralCreateDevelop a data collection plan that includes sampling, data collection methods, and data management procedures.
ConceptualCreateUnderstand ethical considerations in research design and develop a research proposal designed to maximise benefits and mitigate risks.
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 or 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.

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