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Stand Alone Module
Dissertation
30 Credits
- Duration:
- 15 weeks
- Start Dates:
- September and February (Tuesday 15 February)
- Attendance:
- 6 study days plus contact with your supervisor
- Venue:
- Uxbridge Campus
- Cost:
- available on request
- Key Contact:
- Lyn Viatge
- Tel:
- 01494 603171
- Email:
- ask@bucks.ac.uk
Is this course suitable for me?
This module forms one of the core components of the BSc (Hons) Health Care Practice degree. If there is an area of practice you want to thoroughly investigate through an extended literature review then this module is for you.
Overview
This module will enable you to develop an understanding of the nature of evidence informing and supporting clinical practice. It will develop the skills of reviewing and applying literature in the delivery of evidence based care.
Content
- The development of research relating to Health in recent decades.
- What in an Extended Literature Review? Development and presentation of the literature review.
- Evidence based practice and clinical effectiveness/ evaluation of sources of nursing knowledge.
- Rationale for critique of the literature.
- Skills of critique: introduction of models.
- Advanced literature searching skills/data collection. Inclusion/exclusion criteria.
- Examination of research designs:
- quantitative designs: positivist/’scientific’. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), surveys.
- qualitative designs: humanistic/’softer science’. Ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, action research, case studies.
- Issues of rigour, trustworthiness, bias and generalisability.
- Concepts of hierarchy of evidence, best available evidence and the underpinning philosophies of research.
- Issues of sampling: Probability and non probability techniques.
- Ethical principles and their effects on the research process.
- Analysis and presentation of data. Levels of measurement, descriptive and inferential statistics.
- Analysis of data; qualitative methods, content analysis and computer packages.
- Methods of data collection: measurements, questionnaires, interviews, observation and use of written data
What will I learn?
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to appraise a published research report and prepare a critique.
- Critically evaluate strategies for the collection and analysis of literature in the preparation of a literature review proposal.
- Demonstrate critical and analytical skills in a carefully designed, logically developed review of the relevant literature.
- Demonstrate a questioning and analytical approach to practice and critically evaluate an aspect of care where evidence needs to be addressed.
- Demonstrate, through the critical evaluation and analysis of the literature, the ability to develop evidence-based recommendations to enhance the delivery of care.
The 30 credits gained from this module can also be used towards a ‘Top Up’ Degree by enrolling on the BSc (Hons) Health Care Practice (Award). In order to complete this degree you can automatically transfer these credits on enrolment within a two year period, otherwise application through the CATs Committee will apply.
Knowledge and skills framework (KSF)
This module will address elements of the following KSF’s dimensions: Communication; Personal and people development; Heath safety and security; Service improvement; Quality, Equality and diversity; Health & well being (1 – 8)
Teaching and learning
Classroom lecture followed by seminar, Individual tutorials/ supervision, Self directed study and work.
Entry requirements
Applicants should be a Registered Health Care Practitioner with 120 level 5 credits
How to make an application
We hope to have a fully on-line application system shortly, but in the meantime, to apply for a course, please download and print these forms, completing them fully and posting back to the address below.
- Course_Enquiry_Letter (70.4 KB)
- Application_form (58.1 KB)
- Notes_for_Guidance (51.6 KB)
- Fee_Authoristaion_Form (61.1 KB)
- Clinical_Reference_Form (57.2 KB)
- Academic_Reference_Form (50.6 KB)
If you are unable to view the forms, please click here to download a free version of adobe reader.
Alternatively, if you call us on 01494 603 171 or email ask@bucks.ac.uk we can post you a hard copy application pack.
Students funded by the NHS or other employer
If the cost of your course is being funded by your employer, please contact your education lead or manager for guidance as to how they would prefer you to make an application.