Distributed learning using the Blackboard VLE to help students to successfully complete their research project.
In collaboration with your supervisor you will plan your project using agreed milestones. With the guidance of your supervisor you will plan your project according to each student?s specific requirements. You will be given guidance via Bb on aspects of the research project and to help keep you on track. Over this period you will be given specific tasks to complete related to the planning, execution and write-up of your dissertation. You will also be given guidance on how to prepare your oral presentation of your research at the University, which will be delivered to your peers and to other members of staff/external bodies where appropriate.

Students will be encouraged to submit parts of their research project to their supervisor in stages:

1. Written evidence of the formulation of a well-defined and coherent answerable research question including literature review
[LO: 1,2]

2. Planning and schematic timetable of the research project with identifiable and achievable milestones. [LO: 3]

3. Written presentation of your results section [LO: 4-7]. The above are not formally assessed but will be reviewed by the supervisory team and constructive feedback will be given.

In Addition:

Write a final report (any one of the chosen formats) (max 10,000 words): 60%
[LO: 1-8]

Oral presentation of 20 minutes (5 minutes for questions): 20%
[LO: 3, 4-8]

Viva voce: 30-60 minutes: 20%
[LO:1-8]

Students will be given appropriate reading to their chosen topic area. In addition, suggested reading will be provided on Bb

Course textbooks and learning materials will be provided.
Access to the University server and Blackboard VLE
Library facilities

This module will develop skills in research and technical report writing. The student will have already chosen an agreed topic area in conjunction their supervisor. The project can be work-based if it fits within the learning outcomes and objectives of the course. It is also possible for students to base their dissertation on aspects of research currently ongoing in their organisation or to present a ?portfolio? of research within a coherent theme. Students will be required to research relevant background literature and ancillary information necessary to produce a coherent and achievable project plan. To undertake (where necessary) the required pilot work before embarking on the full project. Throughout the planning, implementation and write-up of your project, students will be required to liaise with their supervisor and ensure that agreed milestone targets are achieved. Students will ultimately produce a written piece of work, present their findings by an oral presentation, and in addition, a viva voca. There are four options for the style of the final research project;
1. Format of a paper submitted for publication in an appropriate peer reviewed journal of choice. Author?s guidelines for the particular journal must be adhered to and a copy of the guideline included in your submission. If there is insufficient space to report everything in the paper, some additional supporting material (e.g. full results or methods) can be included separately as supporting material, but the total word limit must not exceed 10,000 words.
2. Submission for Part 2 (written) of the Faculty of Public Health examination: this is to avoid the need for Public Health trainees to develop extra work for their Masters Degree as well as their professional qualification with the Faculty of Public Health. This is applicable to those who wish to gain their qualification with the Faculty. Detailed guidelines can be found on the Faculty?s website.
3. The standard dissertation format of max 12,000 words; usually including; Abstract, Introduction, Literature review, Methodology, Results, Discussion and Conclusion. Detailed guidelines will be provided.
4. Portfolio of research: this would include an overall synthesis of the research. Summary of the research activities undertaken as part of the portfolio (total word limit 12,000). Separate pieces of research undertaken must be part of a coherent theme or topic area. You will be advised by your supervisor if your research is appropriate. Where collaborative work has been done, the individual contribution of the student must be clearly stated and agreed by their supervisor.