Module Descriptors
APPLIED RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
BIOL70678
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 7
60 credits
Contact
Leader: Adeola Atobatele
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 84
Independent Study Hours: 516
Total Learning Hours: 600
Assessment
  • PROJECT PROPOSAL INCLUDING EVIDENCE-INFORMED NEEDS ANALYSIS - 2500 WORDS weighted at 30%
  • RESEARCHED-INFORMED PROFESSIONAL OUTPUT - 10000 WORDS weighted at 50%
  • POSTER PODCAST - 20 MINUTES weighted at 20%
Module Details
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of the processes required for effective project planning including assessment of risk, ethical considerations and project management.

Knowledge and Understanding

Analysis

Problem Solving

Application

2. Demonstrate deep and systemic understanding and critical evaluation of knowledge in the analysis of current literature within your speciality to propose new hypotheses.

Knowledge and Understanding

Enquiry

Analysis

Reflection

3. Demonstrate originality in the application of research methodologies to test a hypothesis, including application of appropriate skills and knowledge, managing unpredictability and prioritisation, problem solving and exercising autonomy and accountability.

Application

Problem Solving

Knowledge and Understanding

Learning

4. Collect, analyse and evaluate data, contextualising findings in the light of other published literature, including the discussion of experimental limitations and the identification of further required work, using critical awareness and evaluation.

Analysis

Enquiry

Reflection

Problem Solving

5. Communicate the conclusions of your independent research to a specialist audience, utilising interpersonal skills, communication and assertiveness to constructively persuade and influence.

Communication

Knowledge and Understanding

Application

Reflection

ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
1. Project Proposal including Evidence-Informed Needs Analysis* (Learning Outcomes 1 and 2)

A fully developed outline of the research question and justification of need. Must include the project management plan (supported by Gantt chart or similar timeline), ethics declaration (confirmation of ethics in place or plan to achieve) and completed risk assessment). *Either: Enhanced Literature Review Or: Critical Essay

2. Research-Informed Professional Output (Learning Outcomes 3 and 4)

You will present your project methodology, data, and outcomes in a professional style allowing for their integration within the context of other published studies, or their implementation within a biomedical laboratory setting. The format of the output can be adapted to suit the nature of your project through negotiation with your university and workplace supervisor (for example, research paper, technical options appraisal, clinical guidelines, or research-informed business plan).

3. Poster Podcast (Learning Outcome 5)

A recorded poster presentation focussing upon the rationale, methodology, results and impact of your research and innovation project, including a structured discussion of your research process. Format suitable for professional dissemination.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
In this module, students will develop a deep and systemic understanding of a specific scientific subject relevant to application within the field of healthcare sciences and use this to develop, lead, evaluate and disseminate research and innovation within their field.

The module will begin with students developing their knowledge of research design compliant with current national applicable regulations, including scientific regulation, health and safety, and ethical scientific practice. Students will learn to identify, record, mitigate, and manage risks, understanding the impact of failure and the benefits of equality and diversity in the workplace. They will be introduced to various research methodologies, learning how to formulate and apply hypotheses and adapt to the unpredictability of research projects. Additionally, students will enhance their project management and leadership skills, generating effective project plans and coordinating team activities where appropriate. Critical thinking and research dissemination planning will be key components, enabling students to frame research questions, produce intellectual insights, and share innovations with peers and stakeholders.

As the module develops, students will apply appropriate, accepted and justified exploratory skills to conduct a substantial research project. They will utilise appropriate statistical analysis to make informed decisions aligned with project goals. Students will learn to manage and store data in compliance with national and international data protection regulations and best practice, creating appropriate data management plans. They will capture and evaluate data critically, drawing logical conclusions and reporting findings through varied media. Communication skills will be emphasised, enabling students to discuss work constructively and respond to alternate views respectfully. The module will also focus on the dissemination of research findings, encouraging students to share their intellectual insights and innovations with a broader audience, both within and outside the service/business where appropriate and understand restrictions that may apply where not appropriate.





WEB DESCRIPTOR
Unlock your potential in healthcare research and innovation!¿In this module, you will develop a deep understanding of a scientific subject relevant to healthcare sciences. You will learn to design research compliant with relevant regulation, manage risks, and understand the benefits of equality and diversity in the workplace. You will explore various research methodologies, formulate hypotheses, and adapt to the unpredictability of research projects. Enhance your project management and leadership skills, and plan for effective research dissemination.

As the module progresses, you will apply advanced practical skills to conduct a substantial research project. You will utilise statistical analysis to support data-informed decision making and critically evaluate and report findings. Communication skills will be emphasised, enabling you to discuss work constructively and respond to alternate views respectfully. You will also focus on disseminating research findings, sharing your insights and innovations with a broader audience.

This module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead, evaluate, and disseminate research and innovation within the healthcare sciences, preparing you for a successful career in this dynamic field.

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LEARNING STRATEGIES
Teaching block one will focus on recognition of each student’s current knowledge and then upskilling based around a series of workshops where students will take a hands-on approach (where possible) to develop into rounded research practitioners.

Workshop examples may include (Enabling students to expand their skills and knowledge in the field relevant to their proposed project):

Exploration of methodologies and rigorous approaches to research design – Aligned with high quality text as a framework for further enquiry.

Familiarity sessions in SPSS, sufficient to get students to the point of being able to arrange data appropriately to follow existing resources (e.g. the core text) for analysis.

Review completed research in the literature and understand the alternative possibilities and why the approach that was used was appropriate. Read independently and then work together in groups. Get used to exploring and developing own preferences in this field.

Research scenario workshops – case studies with a research focus – work in groups on defined problems or gaps needing research. Develop the research question, arrive at justified methodology, explore management planning to implement the work and consider analysis approaches. What are the research opportunities.

Beyond the workshops, students will explore and develop their research proposal and completion of required regulatory and ethical processes.

In teaching block two, the focus will shift to conducting the research and subsequent writing up. In this teaching block most support will be in the form of Supervisor/Supervisee meetings to meet the specific aims of each piece of research.





TEXTS
“Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS”: https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000778879706826

“Research design : qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches” https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000919233306826
RESOURCES
Sage Research skills framework - https://sk-sagepub-com.ezproxy.staffs.ac.uk/skills/student-success/research-skills or equivalent.

SPSS license availability

Flat teaching rooms + access to IT suites with SPSS

Practical Laboratory access with science technical services teams support