DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU
<< Back to Module List

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

No Banner module data is available

Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Siobhan Rothwell
Semester 2: Siobhan Rothwell
Autumn: Siobhan Rothwell
Module TeachersSiobhan Rothwell
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat examination
Description

This module aims to equip students with the capability to interrogate an aspect of nursing practice drawing on knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme. Students will undertake a research dissertation/ project under supervision negotiation with the module coordinator. The indicative syllabus will be supported by master classes within the School of Nursing (academic staff, research students and visiting academics). In addition to supervision, students will be required to present their work as it develops to their peers and staff and spend time engaged in self- directed learning.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate relevant policy and practice, approaches and arguments adopted in existing research in the field of interest
2. Critically analyse and synthesize relevant research literature in the field of interest .
3. Demonstrate originality and innovation in approaching the topic of interest formulating material amassed into a structured coherent body of work
4. Conduct secondary data analysis where/if appropriate.
5. Articulate realistic proposals for the improvement of policy or practice as appropriate.
6. Disseminate findings in a coherent structure reaching reasoned conclusions.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture20Classes, master classes and academic supervision.
Tutorial18Tutorial, individual presentations and peer support.
Independent Study212Student self direction.
Total Workload: 250

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

Phase One – Planning
Topics of interest /Timescales for work Key research methods & approaches Formulating/refining focus Decisions on specific approach for research dissertation/ project

Phase Two – Moving Forward with Dissertation/ Project
Instruments to underpin / enable dissertation/ project/ Analysis of material amassed

Phase Three – Writing Up
Structure of final document Requirements for submission and dissemination expectations

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Group presentationPeer presentation of ongoing research dissertation/ project plan.10%n/a
Extended Essay / DissertationSubmission of a research dissertation / project based on the student's area of nursing practice90%n/a
Indicative Reading List

  • Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout - Overholt, E.: 2019, Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: a guide to best practice, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 978-197518572
  • Denise Polit and Beck, C: 2017, Essent Nursing Research (Int Ed), 9th, Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 9781496358356
  • Bonnell, WE and Smith KV: 2022, Proposal writing for clinical nursing and DNP projects, Springer, New York,
  • Karen Roush: 2015, A Nurse's Step-by-step Guide to Writing Your Dissertation Or Capstone, SIGMA Theta Tau International, Center for Nursing Press, 9781940446080
  • Dianne Morrison-Beedy: 2018, Intervention Research and Evidence-based Quality Improvement, Springer Publishing Company, 9780826155535
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List