module specification

Techniques in Dietetic and Nutrition Research
This module focuses on the concepts and techniques used within audit and research, focussing on the application of these within the field of dietetics. Learners will develop an appreciation for different types of methodological approaches to research and audit, within a core subject matter for dietetics and nutrition.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Specifically it aims to introduce the concepts of research methodology and professional conduct in a nutrition and dietetic context to enable them to prepare for their final year project. This module will support learners as they consider how to seek future employment. This module will also provide learners with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility and decision making encompassing research, service evaluation and clinical audit.

Autumn Semester
I. Assessment: Oral presentation (40%) (10 minutes) of a literature review of a given topic.
II. Coursework (60%) (1500 words) which requires learners to design a proposal and protocol for a given topic area

Learners must obtain at least 40% to pass this module. In addition learners must normally obtain at least 35% in each component of assessment within this module. A mark of between 35% and 39% may be compensated by other components.

The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
• Qualitative and quantitative research methodology.
• Changing dietetic and healthcare practice through audit, service evaluation and research.
• Improving health outcomes through audit and service evaluation.
• Deep appreciation of evidence collation and critical review
• Research governance and research ethical processes and policies.
• Principles of scientific enquiry, evidence informed practice, critical appraisal of the literature, audit and evaluation of practice.
• Sources and grading of evidence, guidelines and systematic review and meta-analysis.
• Study design, principles of epidemiology and the methods of applying descriptive and analytical epidemiology to dietetic and nutrition practice.

Learning Outcome LO 1 - 3

Acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter of this module will be promoted through lecturer-led lectures (28 hours) and tutorial workshops (14 hours); web based learning (28 hours) and through the guided use of learner-centred learning resources (81 hours). Practical classes and small group work (3 hours) will be used to consolidate the learners learning with guidance for directed activities (10 hours).

On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:

1) Explain and apply research methodology through the submission and presentation of a protocol in a given topic area.
2) Critically appraise and review a body of relevant scientific literature.
3) Appraise and demonstrate understanding of the processes used to improve healthcare outcomes such as audit and service evaluation.

This module will be formatively and summatively assessed by:

I. Oral presentation (40%) (10 minutes) of a literature review of a given topic. Learners will be required to work within a group and complete a literature search on a given topic and summarise their findings.
II. Coursework (60%) (1500 words) which requires learners to design a proposal and protocol for a given topic area which requires investigation and set against national benchmarks.

Learners must obtain at least 40% to pass this module. In addition learners must normally obtain at least 35% in each component of assessment within this module. A mark of between 35% and 39% may be compensated by other components.

Boland A., Cherry G.M., Dickson R., (2017) ‘Doing a Systematic Review: A Student's Guide’ Sage Publications
Burgess R. (2011) New Principles of Best Practice in Clinical Audit. 2nd Edition. Oxon: Radcliffe Publishing (CORE)
Buttriss J.L.,  (Editor), Welch A.A.,, Kearney J.M., Lanham–New S.A., (2017) Public Health Nutrition (The Nutrition Society Textbook) (Wiley)
Greenhalgh T. (2010) How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Medicine.  4th Edition. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Hickson M. (2008) Research Handbook for Health Care Professionals.  Oxford: Blackwell Publishing
Lovegrove J.A. Hodson L., Sharma S., Lanham-New S.A., (2015) Nutrition Research Methodologies. Wiley (CORE)
Pallant J. (2016) SPSS Survival Manual  6th Edition McGraw-Hill Education.