| Unit name | Research Methods Unit 1 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BRMSM0043 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Andrew Moore |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
NONE |
| School/department | Bristol Medical School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
The aim of the research methods units is to train candidates in academic skills that are translatable into clinical practice and will inform the conduct of the clinical and research project units of the course. To optimise cross unit relevance, the research methods units correspond with the elements of a research project. The taught skills will equip the candidates with the ability to design and deliver high quality research studies later in their careers.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Most of the research methods units are taught via didactic teaching, small group discussions and computer lab practicals. This is necessary to impart fundamental concepts and ensure that all candidates have a thorough understanding of important concepts. These interactive sessions will be delivered face-to-face and held predominantly at the Learning and Research Centre, Southmead hospital. They will be recorded so they are available after the session for candidates who wish to revisit important concepts.
An overview of content
Sessions will be delivered in both lecture and small group formats. Lecture sessions will define concepts and techniques and signpost resources. Small group sessions later within the same session will then provide for a more practical approach to learning. The proposed topics for these sessions include:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will gain knowledge and understanding of evidence based medicine, epidemiological study design, systematic review, statistical methods, qualitive research and health economics. Students will be able to apply this knowledge when reviewing literature, and use reflection, that will support future evidence based clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
To be awarded the credits for the research methods unit, candidates must show that they can/have:
Contact teaching will be delivered on an approximately monthly basis. Tutorials will be approximately six hours long and will be recorded for candidates to revisit later. Sessions will be delivered in lecture and small group formats by university academic staff. Lecture sessions will define concepts and techniques and signpost resources. Small group sessions within the same session will then provide for a more practical approach to learning.
The research methods unit represents 20 credits out the total 180 credits of the MSc. The University guidelines state that one credit point is broadly equivalent to 10 hours of total student input. Therefore, it is expected that you spend approximately 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks
The research methods units assess the application of skills in a real-world setting. It will seek to provide students the skills to progress in the conduct of their clinical units and research project. Formative assignments comprise of a 500-word reflective diary for each session.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark
1. The completion of an ethics application for a mock research study created by the academic tutors. The adapted IRAS template will be completed by the students following facilitated class discussion of the proposed study to inform student learning. This is useful because many students will not be required to complete an ethics application for their research study but are likely to be involved in ethics applications and compliance with ethical regulations during their careers.
2. A systematic review search strategy based on a research question stipulated by the academic tutor. This should make use of structured, comprehensive literature searching techniques. Candidates should submit a record of their search strategy which will be compared to a model answer completed by the unit faculty and used to stimulate discussion and learning.
Each summative assignment contributes 50% of the marks to the overall unit (10 credits each) and will be graded using a pre-published mark scheme out of 100.
When assessment does not go to plan
Supplementary or resit assessment of the unit will be in accordance with the regulations and code of practice for taught programmes https://www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/regulations-and-code-of-practice-for-taught-programmes/student-progression-pgt/.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's
programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. BRMSM0043).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
