Module overview
The Research for Medicine & Health module will introduce the core concepts of critical appraisal and statistical analysis in order to allow you begin to effectively interpret published research findings in both clinical and basic environments. The module will use a blend of lectures and small group working to allow you to develop your ability to critically appraise a range of material. You will also be introduced to basic teaching and learning skills and will be have the opportunity to lead a peer-teaching session chosen from a range of topics. Finally, this module links to your project in year 3, and you will undertake some initial work around choosing your project topic and working with your supervisor to plan your studies for next year.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate development of your ability to present to a group as a teacher
- Understand the principles and practice of research governance
- Continually and systematically reflect on practice and, whenever necessary, translate the reflection into action, using improvement techniques
- Frame a specific research question relating to patient or population health, and to identify the appropriate study design(s) to address it
- Understand ethical principles of research and the role of ethics committees
- Demonstrate the ability to keep up to date with medical evidence and therefore establish the foundations for lifelong learning and continuing professional development
- Manage your time, prioritise work and revision tasks, and work autonomously when necessary and appropriate
- Apply the principles of statistics as applied to quantitative health research (calculating study sample size, using the correct statistical methods as appropriate to the data and questions being asked, and how to interpret the different analyses)
- Identify tools for a literature search on a specific research question
- Explain how evidence based guidelines are produced, and describe their role in informing health care decision making
- Describe the spectrum of research from basic science to implementation research, and specifically the stages of development of drugs, biomarkers and complex interventions
- Describe the principles of measurement (reliability and validity), and demonstrate questionnaire design and sampling
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the principles and explain the role of qualitative methods in health research
- Identify tools to manage sources of information and to record and analyse data
- Communicate clearly and effectively with your peers and teachers by delivering a teaching session
- Plan, develop and deliver a teaching session and give constructive and effective feedback to others
- Demonstrate the principles of economic evaluation and be able to describe how such evaluations are used to inform health care decision making
- Use information technology to capture, store and manipulate data related to medical practice
- Plan a research proposal to address a specific research question
- Demonstrate the ability to positive working relationships and work as part of a team to develop both your own leadership skills and the ability to accept leadership by others
- Acquire new knowledge on research methodology commonly used in medicine and health, and to be able to assess and apply this knowledge
- Critically appraise peer reviewed papers on translational research, diagnosis, interventions, systematic reviews of interventions
- Communicate by spoken, written and electronic methods and be aware of other methods of communication
Syllabus
In order to meet the learning outcomes, the syllabus will contain teaching in the following areas:
- Study designs and their applications
- Critical appraisal of medical evidence
- Quantitative (statistical) research methods and their applications
- Qualitative research methods and their applications
- Health economics and its applications
- Other common research tools and methodologies
- Literature searching, reviewing and referencing
- Good clinical practice
- Principles of research ethics and governance
- Setting up a project for Year 3
- Practical principles in conducting different types of study
- Management of research data and materials
- Teaching and learning theories and practice
During the module, students will select a study topic, see practice at their chosen project location and commence a literature search in their chosen subject area in preparation for undertaking their Research Project in Year 3.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will be taught through a range of learning and teaching strategies which will include:
- Lectures
- Small group teaching
- Guided self-study
- Web based exercises
- Peer teaching
- eLearning
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Wider reading or practice | 25 |
Revision | 30 |
Project supervision | 8 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 44.5 |
Lecture | 45 |
Completion of assessment task | 10 |
Tutorial | 25 |
Total study time | 187.5 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Please see the Blackboard module page for current resources. and the full reading list for this module is available on the Library Online Reading List at http://soton.rl.talis.com/.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
At the end of Year 2 there is a synoptic assessment comprising an examination component and a Critical Appraisal component. The examination component consists of an MCQ paper and a Practical paper, both covering material from Renal, Nervous System, Gastro-intestinal System, Endocrine and Life Cycle and Research for Medicine and Health modules. There is compensation between these examination components however a qualifying mark needs to be achieved in each of the components.
A stand-alone component of the synoptic assessment is a written Critical Appraisal which must be passed independently of the other examination components and which has a qualifying mark. There is no compensation between this component and the examination component.
Students who fail the synoptic assessment (failure to qualify in any component or achieve the aggregate pass mark) will have a supplementary attempt consisting of both examination components (MCQ and Practical papers), provided the Critical Appraisal is passed. Students who fail the Critical Appraisal component only will have a supplementary attempt only for that component.
Students who fail the supplementary synoptic assessment will be offered a repeat year.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Peer-teaching session
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Students will receive feedback from their audience (peer-group) and from the facilitator using standardised feedback forms.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Project proposal
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Students will receive feedback and advice from a reviewer.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Formative Assessment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: General feedback document emailed to all students. Practical paper feedback is provided soon after the assessment. One-to-one feedback meetings are available for failed students before the supplementary.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Part II Assessment schedule | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Supplementary activity | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal