THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2020/2021

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : Veterinary Sciences

Postgraduate Course: Research Methods and Study Design (VESC11149)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis course covers research skills, scientific methodology, experimentation, data summary and presentation, and statistical methods for analysis. At the end of this course students will be able to apply scientific and statistical methods to actual research projects.
Course description Research Methods and Study Design begins with a focus on foundation concepts, which must be understood and appreciated by professional scientists in a veterinary context. Emphasis is placed on the concept of scientific investigation including the importance of collecting data of the highest possible quality and gaining the appropriate ethical approval. Once collected data must be analysed efficiently using appropriate statistical methods and the principles of statistical methods are presented. Once analysed, data must be written up and the skills and methods required for this are included in the course. At the end of the course participants should feel confident about undertaking further research.

Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2020/21, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Full Year
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 98 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 60 %, Coursework 40 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Written Exam (60%)
Coursework (40%)
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of scientific and basic statistical concepts
  2. Undertake critical evaluations of a range of numerical and graphical data and communicate findings
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Knowledge and skills will include:

A. Research and Enquiry
Graduates of the University will be able to create new knowledge and opportunities for learning through the process of research and enquiry. This may be understood in terms of the following:
be able to identify, define and analyse problems and identify or create processes to solve them
be able to exercise critical judgment in creating new understanding
be ready to ask key questions and exercise rational enquiry
be able to critically assess existing understanding and the limitations of their own knowledge and recognise the need to regularly challenge all knowledge
search for, evaluate and use information to develop their knowledge and understanding
have an informed respect for the principles, methods, standards, values and boundaries of their discipline(s) and the capacity to question these

B. Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
Graduates of the University will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges. This may be understood in terms of the following:
be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning, and are committed to continuous reflection, self-evaluation and self-improvement
be able to make decisions on the basis of rigorous and independent thought, taking into account ethical and professional issues
be able to use collaboration and debate effectively to test, modify and strengthen their own views
be intellectually curious and able to sustain intellectual interest
be able to respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts

C. Communication
Graduates of the University will recognise and value communication as the tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, collaborating with others, and furthering their own learning. This may be understood in terms of the following:
make effective use of written and visual means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding
further their own learning through effective use of the full range of communication approaches
seek and value open feedback to inform genuine self-awareness
recognise the benefits of communicating with those beyond their immediate environments
use effective communication to articulate their skills as identified through self-reflection

D. Personal Effectiveness
Graduates of the University will be able to effect change and be responsive to the situations and environments in which they operate. This may be understood in terms of the following:
appreciate and use talents constructively, demonstrating self-discipline, motivation, adaptability, persistence and professionalism
be able to manage risk while initiating and managing change
be able to flexibly transfer their knowledge, learning, skills and abilities from one context to another
be able to work effectively with others, capitalising on their different thinking, experience and skills
KeywordsVeterinary,Research,Study Design,Data,Science,Communication,Evidence-Based Vet Medicine
Contacts
Course organiserDr Jessica Martin
Tel:
Email: jmarti16@exseed.ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Emma Pineau
Tel: (0131 6)51 9198
Email: emma.pineau@ed.ac.uk
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