Module: Reading Health Research 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Reading Health Research 1
Module Code	HEA1030 (ITS: NS163)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module focuses on research and its relatedness to the broad concept of health. Students will understand the research process and will be encouraged to develop their academic writing skills and to gain an understanding of the range of research study designs through reading health research.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate the term “research” and its relevance to health along the life continuum
2. Understand the research process and become familiar with various research methodologies.
3. Critically read and discuss health related research

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	Lectures
Online activity	8	LETS tutorials DCU Library
Assignment Completion	2	Group work for Continuous Assessment
Assignment Completion	15	Individual assignment
Independent Study	80	Independent study
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11246	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Tracey Harrington	Module Teacher	Catriona Murphy

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Continuous assessment will take the form of individual and group assessment based on reading selected academic papers, understanding research methods employed and undertaking online tutorials related to academic integrity.	100%	Other

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

Introduction to health research and critical appreciation of the research process

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

Introduction to quantitative study designs

Introduction to qualitative study designs

Development of skills to effectively search for content using online resources and skills to evaluate information source

Academic writing skills, academic integrity and referencing using the DCU Harvard convention

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
Gray E.D.: 2018, Doing Research in the Real World, 4th, 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
Kumar R: 2019, Research methodology a step by step guide for beginners, 5th, SAGE Publications, London,
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