Module Catalogue 2024/25

MCR8013 : Designing a Research Proposal (E-learning)

MCR8013 : Designing a Research Proposal (E-learning)

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Jane Stewart
  • Lecturer: Dr Joanna Elson
  • Owning School: Pharmacy
  • Teaching Location: Off Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

none

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

none

Aims

This module, 'Designing a Research Proposal - E-Learning' (MCR8013), is part of the Clinical Research Programme and it is designed to allow students to put into practice the experience that they have acquired. Students will be required to design their own research project in collaboration with their supervisory team (comprising their workplace mentor, project supervisor and others from the programme team as appropriate). The module is designed to provide first-hand experience of planning, designing and preparing research applications by allowing students to put into practice specific knowledge gained in the programme to-date helping them to develop a better understanding of clinical research and allowing them to utilise the portfolio of skills accrued so far.

Outline Of Syllabus

i. Developing a research idea;
ii. Preparing a research protocol;
iii. Understanding and preparing the approvals necessary to carry out your research idea;
iv. Communicating and disseminating your idea to colleagues.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon completion of this module students will be able to:

• discuss current issues related to ethics and governance in an area of clinical research relevant to their proposal;
• discuss local and national regulations and processes for obtaining permissions and approval relevant to their proposal; -
• understanding the necessary approvals for carrying out their own research project;
• develop a research proposal in the context of good practice in clinical research;
• develop a research proposal in the context of effective governance in clinical research;
• develop a research proposal in the context of ethical principles and theories to clinical research projects.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Upon completion of this module students will be able to:

• prepare the required paperwork for their own clinical research project including: application for a favourable opinion from a Research Ethics Committee and prepare a patient information leaflet and consent form.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion420:0080:00Assessments
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading101:0010:00Online content
Guided Independent StudySkills practice24:008:00Software
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity84:0032:00Discussion Boards/Blog
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study105:0050:00Forming research proposal
Guided Independent StudyOnline Discussion102:0020:00
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students will learn fundamental principles of ethical research governance and good clinical practice as they apply to current clinical research. This module will be delivered by e-learning using Canvas VLE through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based lectures or tutorials. Teaching will be supplemented by scheduled on-line discussion and reflective learning activities such as Discussion Boards, Blogs and a web-based conferencing platform. Work will be submitted via Canvas VLE for assessment and feedback given electronically.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M30Written research proposal 1500 words.
Written exercise1M25IRAS Form (selected sections of standard length form).
Written exercise1M20Patient Information Sheet and Consent Form (standard length documents).
Portfolio1M10Participation in collaborative e-learning activities throughout the module (Peer Review, Discussion Boards, Blog).
Oral Examination1M15Submission of slides, video presentation (5 - 10 minutes) with follow-up Q&A's (5 minutes)
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Oral Presentation1MSubmission of recorded presentation and peer review
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The purpose of this module is that students will develop a research proposal. They will therefore be assessed on an individual student by student basis according to the nature of their project and the ethical approval necessary for its execution. At the end of the module students should be in a position, if they wish to do so to take the research proposal forward for approval.

Students will complete selected sections of an IRAS form, which will form the basis for ethical approval of their own research proposal. These will be assessed and feedback will be given electronically. The ability to correctly identify the prerequisites within the current ethical application form will indicate a student's knowledge and understanding of the module as taught.

Written communication, planning and organisation and information literacy are all practised and assessed in the written research proposal, completion of selected sections of the IRAS form, patient information sheet and consent form as well as the oral presentation and defence of the research proposal. The research proposal will include a peer review element which will promote student participation.The student's participation in the peer review exercise will count towards the overall mark of 10% awarded for their participation in the Module. The oral presentation and defence of the research proposal using a video conferencing system allows the practice and assessment of interpersonal communication in both a verbal and computer based (power point) format in addition to the skills above. Students practise computer skills, adaptability and initiative throughout the module and in preparation for the assessments. The curriculum is delivered via Canvas VLE. Work will be submitted to Canvas VLE for assessment. They will produce relevant research documentation based on current legislation.

A participation grade is included to encourage and reward the student's engagement with the collaborative activities.

Should a student fail the participation assessment and have to undertake a re-sit they will have to
complete a different form of assessment. The student will be asked to look at 2 participation
activities as identified by the module leader/team and submit a 500 word written summary (approx. 250 words per activity).

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.