This module will begin with an introduction to research and critically address what constitutes research, the generation of knowledge and ‘truth’ in the research process. Thereafter the majority of the module will comprise research active staff providing students with a detailed description of their personal research journey. Staff will be drawn from across the Institution and be chosen to provide a breadth of research methodologies and topics. In describing their research journey staff will describe as appropriate the methodological and ethical issues they have faced.

Students will be required to complete two pieces of summative assessment.

1. A poster presentation of the life and work of a research ‘idol’. This is worth 50% of the module grade and is ideally delivered in a small group. This assessment covers LO's 1, and 2.
2. To critically reflect on the key ethical and/or methodological issues relevant to their programme of research. The total word limit for this assignment is 3000 words and is worth 50% of the module grade. This assessment covers LO's 2 and 3.

There is no core text to support this module. However, students are expected to engage in a range of reading to support their learning and may find the following books as useful starting points:

Delamont, S., & Atkinson, P. (2004). Successful research careers: A practical guide. Open University Press: Maidenhead.

Goldacre, B. (2009). Bad Science. Harper Perennial: London

Recommended readings will be provided by each staff members in their sessions. This will comprise at least one example of their own research as an illustration of their output and other readings (which can also be the staff members own work) that refer to some of the methodological and/or ethical issues they have faced

Appropriate lecture/seminar room.

Access to laboratories, resource rooms, as required on an ad hoc basis.

Access to an appropriately specified PC, with accompanying Word, PowerPoint, Adobe and Java software.

1. To demonstrate a critical appreciation of the nature of research. (Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Enquiry)

2. To demonstrate a critical awareness of a range of research methods. (Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Enquiry)

3. To demonstrate a critical awareness of ethical issues in research. (Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Enquiry)

This module will be taught in a weekly 3 hour session.  Each session will begin with a reflection on the readings allocated from the previous week.  Students will follow a 13 week guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard. Students will be required to access additional support material independently. Understanding of key concepts will be self-assessed via questions posed on Blackboard and tutors feedback will be provided.   Core required tasks will amount to an average of 14 hours of engagement per week, representing a total of 182 activity engagement hours for the module (3 hour weekly sessions, 11  hours a week on recommended readings).