Module: Research Enquiry

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Enquiry
Module Code	NUR1102 (ITS: NS458)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will enable the student to advance their knowledge and appreciation of the contribution of research and evidence-based practice to informing and underpinning clinical decision making in healthcare practice. It will build upon and consolidate knowledge acquired in previous modules across the course of the programme.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify a patient/client nursing issue that is specific to the students defined area of nursing practice
2. Formulate a clinical/practice question pertinent to that patients/clients issue.
3. Locate and select relevant and best available evidence on the issue to be investigated
4. Critique and summarise the best available evidence on the issue to be investigated
5. Propose recommendations based on a synthesis of the best available evidence.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key overarching principles and relevant considerations associated with quantitative and qualitative approaches to research.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	16	Classroom, library and online
Tutorial	8	face to face / online engagement
Independent Study	101	Sourcing and engaging with best evidence, participation in asynchronous module tasks, preparation of assessment.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11283	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	Kate Irving	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	.	85%	n/a
Loop Quiz	.	15%	n/a

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

Identifying 'burning' /compelling clinical questions.

Formulating searchable, answerable questions.

Sourcing and collating the best available evidence.

Critically appraising the best available evidence

Key characteristics and relevant considerations associated with quantitative and qualitative approaches to research.

Evidence synthesis approaches.

Integrating evidence, clinical expertise and patient/family preferences to inform decision making.

Implementation Science - moving evidence into practice.

Writing - framework and content.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Melnyk, B. & Fineout-Overholt, E.: 2023, Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare, 5th Edition., Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia,
DF.,Polit, C. Tatano Beck: 2021, Nursing Research, International Edition, 11, Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia, 9781975154141
Leufer, T, Cleary-Holdforth, J, IN Holland, K and Roberts, D (Book Chapter): 2022, Understanding Decision-Making in Nursing Practice, 2nd Edition, Sage, London, 978-152642447
Aveyard, H., Preston, N., Farquhar, M.: 2022, How to Read and Critique Research: A Guide for Nursing and Healthcare Students, Sage, London, 978-152973298
Booth, A. Sutton, A. Clowes, M., Martyn-St James, M.: 2021, Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review, 3rd Ed, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.,
Fink, A.: 2019, Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper., 5th Ed., Sage, London,
Hart, C: 2018, Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Research Imagination, 2nd, SAGE, London., 978-152641921
Aveyard, H.: 2018, Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A practical guide, 4th Edn, Open University Press;, Oxford, 978-033526307

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Website, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (UK), Guidelines for Practice, U.K., National Institute for Clinical Excellence
419217: 1, Website, Critical Skills Appraisal Programme, Critical Skills Appraisal Programme,
https://casp-uk.net/: