Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE CRN5300

 
TITLE Research Project

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 30

 
DEPARTMENT Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine

 
DESCRIPTION Students will conduct a study on a topic of their choice, which is relevant for clinical radiological practice. Such studies may include meta-analysis, systematic review, randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case control studies and case series.

The most appropriate methodology to answer the research question/s formulated are selected and implemented, to enable the collection and analysis of data.

The results obtained are compared and contrasted with existing research findings, both from a local and international perspective. The strengths and limitations of their research are identified and conclusions and recommendations from the research are drawn out. The study-unit also addresses ways of integrating the empirical data into the wider context of the area studied through publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Study-unit Aims:

The study-unit enables students:

- To undertake an in-depth investigation of an aspect of clinical radiology;
- To address all elements of the research process;
- To integrate the generated empirical data into the wider context of the area studied.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate evidence of a rigorous and in-depth exploration of an aspect of clinical radiology through the use of multi-modality imaging techniques, and utilising the allocated time slots on medical imaging machinery dedicated to research;
• Collaborate with different university faculties and departments throughout this Research Project;
• Demonstrate knowledge of procedures used in obtaining ethical approval;
• Demonstrate knowledge required in selecting the most appropriate methodology for their chosen study;
• Carry out data collection and analyze the data;
• Critically and systematically review relevant literature;
• Compare and contrast the results of the study with existing research findings;
• Identify the strengths and limitations of the study; and
• Draw conclusions and make recommendations from the study.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

• Implement the methodology most appropriate to the research question under study;
• Carry out data collection;
• Analyse findings coming out from the research study using the appropriate research methods; and
• Integrate the empirical data into the wider context of the area studied through publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main text books:

1. Paul Vogt, W. (2011). SAGE Quantitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.
2. Balnaves, M., & Caputi, Peter. (2001). Introduction to quantitative research methods [electronic resource]: An investigative approach. London ; Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE.

Supplementary reading:

3. Bronson, D.E., & Davis, T.S. (2011). Finding and Evaluating Evidence: Systematic Reviews and Evidence-Based Practice. Oxford University Press.
4. Field, A. (2013). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics. London: Sage.
5. Dancey, C. P. & Reidy, J. (2014). Statistics without maths for psychology (6th ed.). London: Pearson.
6. Pallant, J. (2010). SPSS Survival Manual. London: Open University Press.
7. Cresswell, J.W & Plano Clark, V.L. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
8. Glenn, N. (2005). COHORT ANALYSIS (second edition).
9. McKeown, B., & Thomas, D. (1988). Q Methodology (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences). Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES **September Assessment Session: Students who fail to obtain an overall pass mark will be re-examined in the Project. However, the resit availability for the Oral Examination is at the discretion of the Board of Examiners.

Pre-requisite Qualifications:
M.D. Course and current enrollment in a post-graduate training programme in Clinical Radiology (written confirmation to be obtained from postgraduate training coordinator of such programme).

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Project

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Research Paper SEM2 Yes 20%
Project and Oral Examination SEM2 Yes 80%

 
LECTURER/S

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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