RESEARCH PROJECT
| SHE Level | 5 |
| SCQF Credit Points | 60.00 |
| ECTS Credit Points | 30.00 |
| Module Code | MMB521441 |
| Module Leader | Suzanne Hagan |
| School | School of Health and Life Sciences |
| Subject | Vision Sciences |
| Trimester |
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Pre-Requisite Knowledge
UK GOC registration (BSc (Hons) DipOptom / MCOptom) or GOC registration with optometry degree equivalent to BSc (Hons) or Optometric work experience without GOC-registration (non-UK, minimum 2 years) or Other vision-related qualification without GOC registration
Summary of Content
Projects will involve practical investigation of a clearly defined research problem, usually in the areas ophthalmology/ optometry/ vision sciences. This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge on how to plan a research project, carry out a comprehensive literature review, collect and analyse data and write up the results in the form of a MSc thesis.
Syllabus
Key strategies to planning a research project Development of a research proposal Sample size and power considerations Definition of the research methods Critical use of experimental methods to collect data collection Appropriate graphical and statistical analysis Comparison of results with previous work and conclusions Compilation of report (thesis) including Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion
Learning Outcomes
1 Learning OutcomeFollowing successful completion of the module students should be able to:1. Critically appraise published research papers related to vision research2. Demonstrate ability to effectively collect meaningful data 3. Demonstrate ability to effectively analyse data4. Demonstrate the ability to competently write up the results of a research project by breaking down the topic into smaller logical parts and by summarising the findings and critical comparison to previously published literature5. Show competence in deriving conclusions from the research6. Apply enhanced writing skills to as well as their bibliographical and library skills7. Utilise enhanced oral communication skills (oral assessment of the submitted thesis)
Teaching / Learning Strategy
This module will consist primarily of independent study under the guidance of a project supervisor. Progress will frequently be discussed at regular meetings between student and supervisor. Students will be guided through the different stages of a research project including project planning, sample size considerations, literature search, data collection, data analysis, critical interpretation of the study outcome and writing up an MSc thesis.
Indicative Reading
Kirkwood B, Sterne J. Essential Medical Statistics. 2 nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell (2003) Peer-reviewed research papers as required for the project topic
Transferrable Skills
Ability to design a feasible research project To carry out the project and to demonstrate ability to drive the project forward Evaluation of research outcomes Preparation and oral defense of research project report
Module Structure
| Activity | Total Hours |
|---|---|
| Assessment (FT) | 20.00 |
| Lectures (FT) | 5.00 |
| Assessment (PT) | 20.00 |
| Independent Learning (PT) | 575.00 |
| Lectures (PT) | 5.00 |
| Independent Learning (FT) | 575.00 |
Assessment Methods
| Component | Duration | Weighting | Threshold | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (School) | 2.00 | 20.00 | 45% | Oral |
| Coursework 2 | 0.00 | 70.00 | 45% | Thesis |
| Coursework 1 | 0.00 | 10.00 | 45% | Written Proposal |
