Module: Health & Society Research Project

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Health & Society Research Project
Module Code	HEA1015 (ITS: NS372)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	20

Description

In this module, students plan, conduct, analyse and prepare a research dissertation on a topic relevant to health and society.

Learning Outcomes

1. Design and plan a health & society focused project and manage the time involved to complete the project, and related report, within given time constraints.
2. Conduct a literature review on the primary literature on the chosen topic.
3. Formulate and communicate a research problem or aim.
4. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and also to recognise the need for, and seek, appropriate academic supervision.
5. Identify, justify and use an appropriate methodology in addressing the identified research problem.
6. Consider ethical issues that might affect the study and design a methodology that addresses ethical requirements.
7. Execute the health and society research project
8. Accurately record, interpret and report relevant data in a manner that addresses the research question
9. Critically analyse the conclusions and implications of the research project for health and society
10. Communicate results in a clear, concise and scholarly manner by means of a formal written thesis and poster presentation which follows the accepted conventions of the University

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	36	Focused on literature review, research design, methodology and thesis write up
Assignment Completion	80	Preparation of research proposal
Tutorial	6	Providing individual supervision and assistance with the research project.
Directed learning	120	Involving the conduct of the health research project
Assignment Completion	120	Preparation of research thesis/dissertation
Assignment Completion	30	Preparation of poster showcase
Independent Study	108	Includes time for reading, thinking and linking with relevant others
Total Workload: 500

Section Breakdown
CRN	11815	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Niamh Merriman	Module Teacher	Anne Matthews, Carol Barron

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Short Research Proposal that explains the plan of research, why it’s worth researching and the methodology used to investigate it.	10%	Week 3
Thesis	Conduct research in a Health & Society related topic and prepare a dissertation on the findings	80%	Week 28
Poster presentation	A poster presentation to showcase the nature, achievements and outcomes associated with the Research Project.	10%	Week 30

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

Research proposal
At the beginning of semester 1, we appraise the requirements of the module and decide on suitable topics as a basis for a health and Society Research project.

Ethical approval
Learners seek ethical approval to conduct research

Conduct of the health & society research project
Learners conduct their research projects and reflect upon their progress with their supervisor.

Research project analysis and evaluation
Learners analyse and evaluate their research projects in terms of both process and outcomes.

Research project dissertation
Learners prepare a dissertation on the outcomes of their research project

Dissemination
Learners reflect on their research projects and summarise key learning points and outcomes in a poster presentation.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Clements, J.P.: 2012, Effective Project Management, 5thEd, South Western, Mason, Ohio,
Wolff, J.: 2012, The Human Right to Health, W.W. Norton, New York,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None