module specification

This module allows students to integrate the knowledge and skills gained at other levels and demonstrate competence as independent learners by undertaking a critical review or a research project

90 credits at  level 5  including a pass in HN5001 Techniques in Nutrition Science and Research

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, and enable the student to acquire, skills and capabilities appropriate to nutrition research
To develop a critical appreciation of the process of the research technique with emphasis on error,  bias, confounding factors, validity, reproducibility and precision
To consolidate the understanding and appropriate use of statistical analyses in research and the use of statistical software packages
To integrate the knowledge and skills acquired from other modules
To search, access and retrieve background information using appropriate databases such as Web of Knowledge and Medline
To produce a substantive professional scientific report on the findings.
This module will also provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature

The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
The final year Nutrition Project is the culmination of the taught programme, allowing students to integrate the knowledge and skills gained at advanced level and demonstrate competence as independent learners. Students will either undertake a critical review in a subject area of their choice or a research project. It is in this module that the integration between nutrition, exercise and health will be fully and critically explored. The project allows the student to move away from a textbook approach to learning and to critically evaluate the literature in the area of health eating and health enhancing physical activity.

Tutorials (2 hours) will introduce the module, including delivery of the statistical component and guide them in their project choice following on from their project preparation report.
One-to-one tutorials with the allocated supervisor (8 hours) to assist in the planning and execution of the project with guidance for directed activities (50 hours). Self managed time and private study to plan, execute, analyse and write up the project (240 hours)

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Plan and execute a research-based project with appropriate consideration to the following where relevant:
   a) background reading and literature search
   b) hypothesis formulation
   c) methodology design including consideration of  time scale
   d) ethical considerations
   e) data gathering (including meta-analysis), organisation, statistical analysis and presentation
   f) formulation of conclusions based upon the experimental findings including placement of findings within the context of current knowledge and opinion
   g) referencing and indexing
    
2. Select, execute and interpret an appropriate statistical test where appropriate; be able to use statistical software
3. Demonstrate skills in report writing, presentation and production
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the role of research in the development of the discipline, the philosophy of research and the function of Learned Societies, particularly the Nutrition Society
5. apply initiative and personal responsibility to problem solving, make decisions, and formulate future plans in complex and unpredictable contexts, developing innovative and creative approaches

 This module will be summatively assessed by a written report (6000 words). Criteria for assessment will include clarity, completeness and conciseness of written reports with emphasis upon data presentation and discussion of findings; competence in practical research skills; an understanding of the subject matter and of the research findings by an ability, to explain, describe and discuss the work and relate the findings to published work. To pass the module, an aggregate mark of at least 40% must be obtained and submit a PDP statement to their project supervisor

Learning Manager Meetings: in order to pass this module, students must attend at least two meetings with their Learning Manager (one in Autumn and one in Spring) in order to reflect upon, discuss and plan their approach to learning and organisation of their study

Berry B., (2004).The Research Project: how to write it 4th Ed. London: Routledge.
Bland M., (2015). An Introduction to Medical Statistics.4thEd. Oxford: OUP.
Cargill M. and O'Connor P. (2013). Writing scientific research articles: strategy and steps. 2nd Ed. London: Wiley-Blackwell.
Creswell J., (2013). Research Design.4th Ed.London: Sage.
Lovegrove J, Hodson L, Sharma S and Lanham-New S. (2015). Nutrition Research Methodologies. London Wiley-Blackwell. (core)
Margetts, B. ed., (1997). Design concepts in nutritional epidemiology. 2nd Ed. Oxford: OUP. (core)
Walliman N., (2005).Your Research Project: designing and planning your work. 3rd Ed. London: SAGE.