Professional/Short course Research Methodology and Statistics

Content

The course syllabus typically includes:

• Statistics, including for example the general principles of selecting appropriate data analysis method, and presentation of appropriate data
• Literature searching and evidence hierarchy (including online search engines)
• Scientific writing, including for example the review and critical appraisal of scientific literature and evidence-based practice; report writing; writing for publication; grant applications
• Research design, hypothesis and data management
• Project management
• Research governance, for example including ethics (including clinical research); intellectual property (IP); good manufacturing practice (GMP) and health and safety
• Research communication and dissemination and the peer-review process
• Reflective learning.

Learning and Teaching

This module will incorporate an online lecture series introducing each of the topics; each section will provide the core knowledge that informs good research practice. Guided reading and interactive self-directed learning including quizzes and exercises will be provided in support of lectures and will direct the student to both preparative and supplementary information sources.

Lectures will be followed by supporting tutorials or workshops to provide a collaborative space for interactive discussion. Tutorials will also help inform and prepare students for the assessments.

Assessment

There are two pieces of assessment; a written critical appraisal of published peer-reviewed scientific research and a research proposal.