Module: Reading Health Research 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Reading Health Research 2
Module Code	HEA1003 (ITS: NS164)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

In this module students will consider the philosophical underpinnings of health research and expand their understanding of health research study designs. In addition the module will focus on public and patient involvement in research and methods to address the theory practice gap in health research.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the research process and become familiar with various research study designs
2. Critically read and discuss health related research
3. Discuss the societal theory and practice gap in relation to health and how research can influence this gap.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Formal Lectures
Seminars	4	Student Supervision Time
Assessment Feedback	2	Feedback on continuous assessment
Directed learning	30	Structured coursework
Independent Study	65	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20511	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Joanne Cleary-Holdforth	Module Teacher	Tracey Harrington

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Continuous assessment will take the form of 3 assignments based on selected readings. Evidence of addressing feedback from previous assignments will be required for each subsequent assignment.	100%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Critically read papers/reports/books employing quantitative and qualitative research methodologies

Exploration of the philosophical basis for research

Introduction to experimental study design

Introduction to systematic review and meta-analysis

Ethical issues in health research

Public and patient engagement in health research

Knowledge exchange and dissemination of health research and the impact on policy

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Aveyard, H. Sharp, P.: 2013, A Beginners Guide to Evidence Based Practice, 2nd, Open University Press, Maidenhead, 0335246729
Bowling, A.: 2014, Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services, 4th, Open University Press, Maidenhead, 0335262740
Briggs D: 2013, Deviance and Risk on Holiday, London: Palgrave MacMillan Publishers, 9781137022394
Creswell, J. W.: 2009, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, Sage Publications, London.,
Guest G, Naney E (Eds): 2015, Public Health Research Methods, SAGE Publications, Callifornia, 9781452241333
Jacobsen K: 2016, Introduction to health research methods, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Massachusetts, 9784435000
Mojola S A: 2014, Love Money and HIV Becoming a Modern African Woman in the Age of AIDS, Berkeley; University of California Press, 9780520958500
Moule P. Hek G.: 2011, Making Sense of Research: An Introduction for Health and Social Care Practitioners, 4th, Sage Publications, 978-1849207799
Moule, P. Aveyard, H. Goodman, M.: 2017, Nursing Research, Sage publications, London,
Pande A: 2014, Wombs in Labor, New York; Columbia University Press, 9780231538183
Polgar S. Thomas S.: 2013, Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences, 6th, Churchill Livingstone, 978-0702041945
Ross, T.: 2012, A survival guide for Health Research Methods, Open University Press, Berkshire,
Walker D-M, (Ed): 2014, An Introduction to Health Services Research, SAGE, London, 9781446247396

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Website, Understanding health research, BMJ