module specification

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.

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 audits.

The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
• Research methodology in a nutrition and dietetic context.  L.O 1, 2
• Deep appreciation of evidence collation and critical review.  L.O 1, 2, 3
• Develop and design an audit to meet the demands of a core dietetic service.  L.O 2, 3
• Research governance and ethics.  L.O 1, 3
• Preparation for final year projects.  L.O 1

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. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of research methodology in the context of nutrition and dietetics
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the audit cycle
3. Demonstrate skills to support the enhancement of employability

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.
It will be a group presentation but carry an individual mark. Learners will work in groups of three or four to individually contribute to a group presentation. Each learner should individually present for 5 minutes each and allow 5 minutes for questions at the end of each presentation. Each group must submit a short signed account on the day of the presentation detailing how each individual group member contributed to the final presentation demonstrating their ability to work as a team and meet specific deadlines.
The reassessment task will be an individual presentation of 5 minutes with 5 minutes for questions. Learners will be expected to re-work their contribution to the original presentation.
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.

Burgess R. (2010) New Principles of Best Practice in Clinical Audit. 2nd Edition. Oxon: Radcliffe Publishing (CORE)
Gibney, Margetts, Kearney & Arab (2004) Public Health Nutrition. Oxford Blackwell.
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
Pallant J. (2013) SPSS survival manual: a step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS. 5 edition. Open University Press.