Module: Research Dissertation

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Research Dissertation
Module Code	NS5125 (ITS) / HEA1043 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
Module Co-ordinator	Catriona Murphy
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This module will enable students to undertake a research thesis on a topic relevant to health and social inclusion under the supervision of an experienced academic. For the research thesis, students will demonstrate advanced understanding of the principles and process of undertaking independent research; demonstrating competence in its design, implementation and evaluation. This module will be tailored to the needs of students in applying research principles to their chosen thesis / projects. Teaching and learning activities will take the form of masterclasses, workshops, online engagement and tutorials as appropriate. Module resources and delivery may be shared with other SNPCH Masters programmes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Achieve the required research ethics approval for the research dissertation.
2. Translate the approved proposal into action through detailed project planning, stakeholder involvement (if appropriate) and implementing the appropriate frameworks, methodologies and resources to progress the inquiry/project.
3. Demonstrate the ability to undertake a research thesis of some originality.
4. Produce an extensive body of work in the form of a research thesis that has the potential for wider dissemination and knowledge impact.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Workshop	9	On campus in person workshops.
Online activity	12	Synchronous online thesis preparation tutorials.
Assessment Feedback	24	Individual student supervision
Independent Study	705	Independent study including literature review, proposal development, ethics application, data collection and analysis, and thesis write up.
Total Workload: 750

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Roles and responsibilities of students and supervisors. Research ethics approval support. Translating approved proposal into action – project planning and management. Literature review support. Methodology support – selection, implementation of methodology. Data analysis and evaluation support. Compiling conclusions and recommendations. Formating and editing long documents. Poster development and dissemination of research findings.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Thesis	Submission of a Research Thesis or Practice development Project report	90%	Sem 2 End
Presentation	Submission of a poster and poster presentation based on the research findings.	10%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Allen, J.Golde CM.: 2019, The Productive Graduate Student Writer: how to manage your time, process, and energy to write your research proposal, thesis and dissertation and get published, Stylus, Sterling Virginia,
Callahan, R. & Bhattacharya, D.: 2016, Public Health Leadership: Strategies for Innovation in Population Health and Social Determinants, 1, Routlege, USA,
Coonan E.: 2020, Where's Your Evidence?, Red Globe Press, 9781352009620
Gilpatrick, G.: 2012, Quality Improvement Projects in Health Care: Problem Solving in the Workplace, 1, SAGE,
Kember, D. & Corbett, M.: 2018, Structuring the thesis: matching method, paradigm, theories and findings, Springer Link,
Manley, K., Wilson, V.K. & Oye, C.: 2021, International Practice Development in Health and Social Care, 2, Wiley, 978-111969835
Murray, R.: 2011, How to Write a Thesis, 4, McGraw-Hill Education (UK), 9780335244294
Williams K., Reid M.: 2023, Planning Your Dissertation, Bloomsbury Academic, 9781350374249
Williams K.: 2022, Getting Critical, Bloomsbury Publishing, 9781350933576

Other Resources

None