PAM3004 Project Studies 2

2007-2008

Code: PAM3004
Title: Project Studies 2
Instructors: Dr H. Dehghani
CATS credits: 30
ECTS credits: 15
Availability: B821 only
Level: 3
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Background Assumed: Project Studies 1 (PAM2005)
Duration: Weeks 5-28
Directed Study Time: 100 hours
Private Study Time: 100 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: 100 hours
Observation report: Scheduled for 2006/07 IRS

Aims

To enable the students to engage in self directed and group study. To plan, undertake and evaluate a research project and to write up this project suitable for publication. This module builds on the foundation of the level 1 module PAM1013 (Evidence-based Professional Practice) and the level 2 module PAM2005 (Project Studies 1). During this module students will investigate systematically and in-depth an area of particular interest and direct relevance to the field of study.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

Module Specific Skills

• not applicable for this interprofessional module;

Discipline Specific Skills

• contribute to the development and dissemination of evidence-based practice;
• undertake a critical review of the literature on a selected topic, using a systematic approach, and present it succinctly;
• develop, undertake and evaluate a research project which includes data collection;
• produce a research report suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal;

Personal and Key Skills

• manage time and prioritise workloads;
• work cooperatively in a group, taking responsibility for day-to-day running of the project;
• prepare a report;
• communicate research findings via oral and written presentation;
• use appropriate IT skills for data acquisition, data processing, presentation of results, etc..

Learning and Teaching Methods

Project tutorials, practical work and independent study.

Assignments

Poster presentation; 3000-word journal article, suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal; group presentation at Interprofessional Conference.

Assessment

Research/Laboratory (Notebook) assessment and 20-minute viva voce (40%); Poster presentation (10%); 3000-word journal article (50%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

Students will work as part of a group under the supervision of a member of staff to select, pilot and undertake a research project using a methodology that is appropriate to the research question. The final results of the project will be presented at the Interprofessional conference towards the end of Stage 3. Refer to the Guidelines for Project Studies 2 for more information.

1. Research/Laboratory (Notebook) Assessment and Viva
   At end of data-collection period.
2. Presentation
   Week 21.
3. Journal Article
   Deadline for submission to School Office: Friday of Week 22.

Core Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Text(s)

Bury T. and Mead J. (1998), Evidence-Based Healthcare, Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 0-75-063783-8 (UL: WB 20 EVI)
Day R.A (1989), How to write and publish a scientific paper (3^rd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-36760-3 (UL: 501.49 DAY)
Hammell K.W., Carpenter C. and Dyck I. (2000), Using qualitative research - a practical introduction for occupational and physical therapists, Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 0-4430-6232-3 (UL: 615.7515 USI)
Hicks C. (2004), Research methods for clinical therapists, Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 0-443-07430-5 (UL: 615.8515 HIC)
Pallant J. (2001), SPSS Survival Manual, Open University, ISBN 0-33-520890-8 (UL: In Processing)
Polgar S. and Thomas S.A. (2000), Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences, Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 0-443-05039-2 (UL: WB 25 POL)
Sarantakos S. (1998), Social Research, Macmillan Press, ISBN 1-403-94320-6 (UL: In processing)

Formative Mechanisms

This module is supported by small-group tutorials. Students are able to monitor their own progress by discussion with tutors.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.