Module 7: Research in Public Health

Principal module aims

"Research in Public Health and Health Promotion" is a 60 CATS module that will enable students to identify, understand, appraise and plan research related to public health and health promotion.

The module will build on the students' learning in the PG Diploma, allowing them to explore different research methods and giving them the opportunity to apply these skills and understanding to develop, design and deliver a Research Project relevant to public health and health promotion.  The module will cover the skills needed to identify, appraise and synthesise research evidence and develop an understanding of the implications of research for public health and health promotion.  Students will explore different research approaches including systematic reviewing, quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research, and the application of various sampling, data collection and data analysis methods.  Working independently, and under limited supervision, students will then take responsibility for the direction and management of a project through to completion and submission.

The aims of this module are:

  • To develop students' knowledge and understanding of research methods and principles.

  • To develop students' intellectual abilities using theoretical perspectives and drawing on current experience and previous experiential learning.

  • To develop students’ ability to critically evaluate an area of practice relevant to public health and health promotion.

  • To develop students’ ability to critically appraise the research literature and synthesise their findings.

  • To develop students’ ability to undertake substantial independent study.

  • To develop students’ ability to produce and communicate a piece of work informed by the forefront of research and evaluation, and with the potential for publication for a professional audience.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Develop an appropriate research proposal and protocol that addresses a research question or evaluates an area of professional practice within public health and health promotion.

2. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in the critical evaluation and synthesis of the research evidence in an area of public health and health promotion, and consider possible developments and improvements for implementation.

3. Apply the principles and techniques of critical appraisal to evaluate the limitations of research evidence, including complex interventions and studies at the forefront of methodological development in public health and health promotion.

4. Demonstrate understanding of ethical values and principles in the context of Research in Public Health and Health Promotion, how to apply for ethical approval and the role of Internal Review Boards.

5. Justify the choice of methodology and how this applies to research or enquiry within public health and health promotion.

6.  Demonstrate advanced skills in planning, information gathering and data interpretation and synthesis for research enquiry.

7. Demonstrate independent analytical and critical thinking skills.

8. Write succinctly in the format of an academic article for an appropriate professional journal and present work visually in the format of an academic poster.

9. Design, plan, conduct, and complete a significant piece of academic work which addresses an area of public health and health promotion.

10. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of different research methodologies and how these might be applied to research in public health and health promotion.

Teaching Topics

This new module will introduce students to different research methods and then give them the opportunity to apply these skills and understanding to develop, design and deliver a Research Project relevant to public health and health promotion.  The course will cover the skills needed to identify, appraise and synthesise research evidence and develop an understanding of the implications of research.  It will introduce students to different research approaches including systematic reviewing, quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research, and will explore the application of various sampling, data collection and data analysis methods. 

Working independently, and under limited supervision, students will then take responsibility for the direction and management of a Research Project through to completion and submission.

The module addresses the following areas:

  • Literature searching

  • Formulating a research question

  • Study design

  • Writing a research protocol

  • Presenting a research protocol

  • Preparing a poster presentation

  • Critical writing

  • Writing for publication

A central element of the module is the Research Project.

A number of different types of activities will be available to be undertaken as a Research Project, and students will discuss ideas with their Supervisor in order to decide the most appropriate approach.

Students will deliver a Formative Assessment in the form of an Oral presentation of their Research Proposal.

Students will receive feedback from their peers, their supervisor and one other academic reviewer.

Assessment

Part A: Poster Presentation (20%)

Part B: 4,000-word Journal Article (80%)