A portfolio containing evidence of an understanding of debates on ethical problems in health research, the relationship between research methods and ethical problems, and the role of the Local Research Ethics Committees. This will include a 1500 word critical evaluation of the materials contained within the portfolio.

Lee-Treweek, G. and Linkogle, S. (2000) Danger in the Field: risk and ethics in social research ISBN 0415193214
Brody, B.A. (1998) The Ethics of Biomedical Research: an international perspective ISBN 0195090071
Edwards, S.L.J. (1998) Ethical Issues in the Design and Conduct of Randomised Controlled Trials
ISBN 9991449604
University of London King's College Centre of Medical Law and Ethics (1997 5th Ed) Manual for Research Ethics Committees ISBN 1898484007
Evans, D. (1996) A Decent Proposal: ethical review of clinical research ISBN 0471963348
Clarke, E. & Hunt, G. (1994) Ethics in Nursing and Midwifery Research: South Bank Univ. Research Awareness Scheme ISBN 0948250526

CD Rom and internet
Personal computer and printer
Library
Hard copy examples of ethical approval forms from a range of Local Research Ethics Committees

40 hours of your total study time for the module will be allocated to workshop and presentation sessions and to explaining the concepts gained from the directed reading.
Independent learning will involve you in developing a portfolio of materials around ethical issues in health research with particular relevane to your own proposed research project. It will also contain a completed ethical approval application.

This module has been designed to enable you to critically evaluate issues and debates surrounding the ethics of research in a range of settings. This will include issues surrounding ethical problems associated with the goals of research, the relationship between the researcher and the subject of their research, and the possible impact of research on participant and researcher. You will also consider the ethical aspects of different research methods employed in the health sector, notably randomised control trials, the experimental method and research with vulnerable groups or sensitive subjects. The important debates around medical ethics and their relationship to the research process is central to the development of research proposals, consequently you will also consider the importance of ethical approval as part of this process. An examination of the role of local research ethics committees will be critically explored to identify key aspects of the research process in health care settings, including legal implications of ethical problems. The role of ethical approval within the context of Research Governance will be examined.