This module further develops the themes of autonomous practice previously introduced during your first year, by providing further learning opportunities to reflect upon your work-based experiences. It will enable you to acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your career prospects, horizons and personal success, in addition to contributing to the development of clinical services and improved patient outcomes.

This module will make you aware of the rich environment for research, development and innovation within healthcare science, and prepare you to undertake independent research within this setting. You will discover the landscape to support research, together with reflecting upon the challenges of developing such research, for example ethical considerations, information governance, and data management.

Within this module you will develop an awareness of research governance, and the importance of Good Clinical Practice within the clinical research setting.

You will discuss and evaluate a variety of research methodologies, including techniques for literature review, method design, and data analysis. Through a series of online and face-to-face seminars and tutorials, you will be supported in the development of your independent research project plan.

Service improvement, development, innovation and research will be discussed, and you will develop understanding of a range of methodologies used (including quality management and improvement tools).

This module is mapped against the Quality Assurance Agency Benchmark for Biomedical Science and the National School of Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme curriculum and contributes to the Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship Standard by developing your knowledge and skills is person-centred and professional practice, personal and professional development, quality, audit and service improvement and research and innovation.

Self-Assessment Report (40%) LOs 3,5,6
A structured thematic report reflecting upon your understanding of the application of research, innovation and improvement within the healthcare science environment.

Project Proposal Presentation (60%) LOs 1,2,4
An oral presentation (10 minutes duration, with an additional 5 minutes for questions), within which you will articulate your project plan to a multidisciplinary and lay audience. Your presentation should contextualise your proposed research in a format understandable to an audience of service users. The presentation may be supplemented by printed or electronic material as appropriate (for example, patient information sheet).

A pass mark of 40% must be achieved in all assessment components.

This module is delivered as a blend of asynchronous online learning sessions, on campus study days and work-based study. Within each learning unit you will be given a range of learning outcomes and directed through a variety of learning material (for example recorded lectures, online exercises or collaborative activities) to work though asynchronously together with an opportunity to check and develop your learning (for example through online quizzes, challenge questions or discussion fora). You are encouraged to reflect upon the academic content of the module and consider how this is applicable within your workplace.

A key strategy within this module is your engagement in developing your workplace network to support the integration of academic and professional theory with your practice.

Your learning is supported by a group discussion board and weekly online sessions where you can discuss your learning with the academic teaching team.

1. Demonstrate an applied understanding of the integrated nature of evidence-based, patient-centred laboratory medicine. Knowledge and Understanding, Application

2. Comprehend knowledge of the main methods of enquiry as a life scientist, such as experimental design and demonstrate application of the key principles of information literacy. Enquiry

3. Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information. Analysis

4. Communicate effectively information and argument in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively. Communication

5. Demonstrate qualities and transferable research skills necessary for employment or further training. Reflection

6. Discuss the role of continuous improvement, innovation and research within clinical pathology services and demonstrate a critical understanding of the ethical, legal, regulatory and methodological process involved. Problem solving, Communication

You will require access to a computer with internet access.

Kazdin A. E., (2026) “Methodological Issues and Strategies in Clinical Research” Fourth Edition

This module will make extensive use of online resources provided by the National Institute of Health Research, and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
https://www.nihr.ac.uk/health-and-care-professionals/learning-and-support/specialist-learning-and-support.htm

This module further develops the themes of autonomous practice previously introduced during your first year, by providing further learning opportunities to reflect upon your work-based experiences. It will enable you to acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your career prospects, horizons and personal success, in addition to contributing to the development of clinical services and improved patient outcomes.

This module will make you aware of the rich environment for research, development and innovation within healthcare science, and prepare you to undertake independent research within this setting. You will discover the landscape to support research, together with reflecting upon the challenges of developing such research, for example ethical considerations, information governance, and data management.