module specification

DT6P02
Nutrition and Dietetics Research Project
The module aims to provide the learners with an opportunity to understand and develop the skills of critical appraisal, interpretation, analysis, defending and reflection through the design and/or execution of a dietetics and nutrition-focused research project. 
In addition the module will develop advanced level knowledge of a specific area of the subject and allow learners to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired from other modules.
Learners will be able to develop skills in employability allowing the opportunity to demonstrate competence as independent learners, through the design and/or execution and completion of the research project.  
In addition the learner will experience the process of nutrition research and develop professional, vocational and transferable skills to perform and present independent research.  
Learners will produce a substantive professional scientific report on the findings and present these findings, orally, in a scientific manner.
This module aims to provide learners with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and 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.
Assessment will comprise:
1) Research protocol (2000 words) outlining the background literature, rationale, research aims, questions and hypothesis, project design, methodology, proposed statistical analysis and considerations relating to research governance including ethics.
2) Presentation of research protocol (15 minutes) to provide formative and summative feedback on the progress of the dissertation.
3) Research paper –(4500 word) written report written in the style of a peer-reviewed scientific journal publication.  Requires the learner to conduct a research study or audit and write up their research project in the standard format of a journal publication (i.e. abstract, background, methods, results, discussion, conclusion)
4) Poster presentation –(750 words) poster
5) Individual verbal presentation of poster.  (15 minutes)

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

DT4005 Human Nutrition
for Dietitians
DT5051 Macro and micro
nutrients
DT6056 Nutrition through
the lifecycle (Dietitians)

The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
Principles of research design, data management, statistical analysis and interpretation. LO1,LO3,LO6
Research governance, research ethics. LO1,LO6
Qualitative and quantitative research methodology. LO1,LO3,LO6
Application of research to nutrition and dietetic practice. LO5
Principles of scientific enquiry, evidence informed practice, critical appraisal of the literature, evaluation of practice. LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5,LO6
Sources and grading of evidence, guidelines and systematic review and meta-analysis. LO2
Scientific writing and communication skills LO7

This module will require the learner to self-direct and manage his/her own independent learning experience.
Research topics will be identified during the earlier part of the course through liaison with external health organisations or through research ideas developed by the learner or a member of academic staff.
Topics will be chosen that give the opportunity for learners to develop experience and
skills in research and provides a realistic opportunity of completion.
The module will be
delivered through a combination of lectures (9 hours) tutorials (3 hours), project supervision (6 hours) and self-directed study 285 hrs.
Upon arrangement by the learner, the project supervisor will initially assist in the
following processes:
1) clarifying the terms of the research project
2) establishing a timetable for the research and dates for subsequent learner/supervisor meetings
3) directed background reading
4) study design, methodology, ethical approval (where necessary) and statistical
analysis
Supervisory support will form a key part of the teaching method, but ultimately, most of
the learning will be learner-centred. Supervisor meetings will continue periodically
through the project. A typical amount of contact time the learner can expect is six hours
with the supervisor. Each meeting will be logged and a summary of the outcome should
be signed by both parties using the on-line journal function within weblearn.

Module learning outcomes
1) Demonstrate understanding of research methodology through the submission of a protocol and in the design and/or execution & completion of a research project or audit.
2) Critically appraise and review a body of relevant scientific literature.
3) Undertake appropriate analysis of original data, or reanalysis of current data.
4) Interpret ones owns findings in the context of current knowledge and literature.
5) Reflect on the design, execution, results and outcomes of the research project/audit in order to make recommendations for improvement.
6) Evaluate the impact or relevance of the research/audit on current professional practice.
7) Present the research study or audit in an accepted scientific manner, demonstrating appropriate presentation skills.

Assessment will comprise:
1) Research protocol (2000 words) outlining the background literature, rationale, research aims, questions and hypothesis, project design, methodology, proposed statistical analysis and considerations relating to research governance including ethics.
2) Presentation of research protocol (15 minutes) to provide formative and summative feedback on the progress of the dissertation.
3) Research paper –4000 word written report written in the style of a peer-reviewed scientific journal publication.  Requires the learner to conduct a research study or audit and write up their research project in the standard format of a journal publication (i.e. abstract, background, methods, results, discussion, conclusion)
4) Poster presentation –500 words poster
5) Fifteen minute individual verbal presentation of poster. 

The work should be presented both visually and verbally in the standard format utilised in a scientific conference poster presentation allowing for audience questions of the presented work.

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.

Burgess R. (2010) New Principles of Best Practice in Clinical Audit. 2nd Edition. Oxon:
Radcliffe Publishing
Boland A, Cherry G, Dickson R (2017)  Doing a Systematic Review: A Learner's Guide. Sage Publishing.  
Greenhalgh T. (2014) How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Medicine, 5th Edition. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.
Hickson M. (2011) ‘Research Handbook for Health Professionals’ Oxford. Blackwell
Publishing. (CORE)
Pallant J. (2013) SPSS survival manual: a step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS 5th Edition. Oxford. Open University Press (CORE)
Waliman N (2013) Your Undergraduate Dissertation. The Essential Guide for Success. Sage publications.