| CODE | PHT5030 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Dissertation | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 80 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Physiotherapy | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will present the student with the opportunity to develop focused knowledge on an aspect of physiotherapy based on conducting research at an advanced level. Evidence in physiotherapy is not just increasing but also evolving. The process of the search for evidence using primary data/findings and presenting them in a scientific manner enhances the academic and professional competence of the student. It will make him/her more attractive to the health service employer. This study-unit has the potential to contribute new evidence to the field of physiotherapy through research publications. The research based dissertation reflects a research project that will allow the student to develop scientific research skills by learning how to collect, analyse and evaluate scientific findings objectively in light of the current scientific literature. As part of this unit the student will be required to seek ethical approval from the Faculty/University Research Ethics Committee if appropriate. This unit also provides the student with the opportunity to experience conducting and writing up a research project, presenting it to his peers and to add to the research/evidence base of the profession. A suitably qualified supervisor will provide support. Study-unit Aims: This unit aims to provide students with an opportunity: - to develop understanding and application of research designs and procedures appropriate to realising a dissertation in physiotherapy; - to recognise ethical issues associated with research and if appropriate submit an ethics application to the University Research Ethics Committee; - to undertake an in-depth study in a focused area of physiotherapy; - to produce a substantial research report based on own research and to present the findings to his/her peers; - to add to the research base of physiotherapy; - to critically review evidence associated with a particular area of physiotherapy; and - to construct a project and research objectives worthy of attention and which can be realised given the available resources. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - critically review the literature on a particular area of interest in physiotherapy; - identify a project and research objectives worthy of attention in an area of physiotherapy and which can be realised given the available resources; - identify ethical issues and submit a complete ethics application to the University Research Ethics Committee; - integrate and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired during the programme to the realisation of the research objectives; and - report and present the findings of the research in the manner specified by the Board of Studies of the programme. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - evaluate the results of other researchers on the subject of the dissertation; - analyse ethical issues in research within the field and respond to them appropriately; - evaluate and justify his/her chosen methodological approach; - critically evaluate and analyse current literature relevant to the research problem; - present findings to peers and debate findings and related issues; - plan and implement a research project; - present information in a succinct, accurate and logical way using scientific styles; - produce a completed research dissertation; - engage confidently in scientific debate with others; - reflect on the quality of his/her work; and - use software that is appropriate for the identified research approach and design. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Cresswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design. 3rd ed. London: Sage. - Oppenheim, A.N. (2000) Questionnaire Design. New York: Continuum International Pub. Group. - Pallant, J. (2013). SPSS Survival Manual. London: Open University Press. - Bowling A. (2009) Research methods in health, (3nd edition) Buckingham: Open University Press. - Bland M. (2000) An introduction to medical statistics (3rd edition), Oxford University Press. - Greenhalgh T. (2006) How to read a paper (3nd Edition), London: BMJ Publishing. - Robson, C. (2011) Real world research: a resource for social scientists and practitioner researchers (3nd Edition), Oxford, Blackwell. - Bryman A. (2012) Social Research Methods Oxford (4th Edition): Oxford University Press. - Mason J. (2002) Qualitative Researching London; Sage. - Patton, M.Q. (2002) Qualitative research and evaluation methods, (3rd edition), London: Sage. - Thomas J., Nelson J., and Silverman S., (eds) (2011) Research methods in physical activity (7th Ed), Ilinois: Human Kintetics. Student will draw on the literature that is pertinent to the research question. |
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| RULES/CONDITIONS | Before TAKING THIS UNIT YOU MUST TAKE HSC5111 | ||||||||
| ADDITIONAL NOTES | **September Assessment Session: Students who fail to obtain an overall pass mark will be re-examined in the Dissertation. However, the resit availability for the Oral Examination is at the discretion of the Board of Examiners. | ||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Dissertation | ||||||||
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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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