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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2021/2022

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Health in Social Science : Nursing Studies

Undergraduate Course: Dissertation: Research (Bachelor of Nursing with Honours) (NUST10059)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Health in Social Science CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate)
Course typeDissertation AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits40 ECTS Credits20
SummaryThe Honours Dissertation sits in the final year of the Bachelor of Nursing with Honours (Adult) programme. It takes the form of a research proposal on a discreet area of enquiry of potential impact to the discipline of nursing. Consistent with the aims of a research-led degree, the honours dissertation allows the student to demonstrate the ability to independently present a research proposal with the appropriate level of critical appraisal and knowledge of research and enquiry in the discipline of nursing.
Course description The Honours Dissertation Course is designed to allow students to demonstrate their ability to work independently to construct a research proposal.

Students are assigned a supervisor whom they work with on a one to one basis, preparing them to undertake extended independent work which addresses practice-based issues by employing methods of research. The dissertation supervisor provides one to one supervision sessions amounting to approximately 6 hours over two semesters.

The production of a research proposal involves constructing a research question through the employment of a review of the relevant literature. The research proposal includes the composition of a clear plan of research with the overall research design and the associated research methods of data collection clearly appraised.

Students will illustrate and appraise research methods, ethics and governance, in order to construct a critical analysis in which they safely use, share and apply research findings to potentially promote and inform the discipline of nursing.

Students will evaluate what research has shown to be most effective for evidence-based to inform the discipline of nursing on their topic and by judging the evidence, examine policy and/or practice relevant to the health and/or social care of people.

The composing of this dissertation contributes to developing the confidence and ability to illustrate thinking critically, applying knowledge and skills, and the ability to employ expert, evidence-based, knowledge and skills as required for registered nursing practice.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2021/22, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Full Year
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 400 ( Lecture Hours 9, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 9, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 8, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 374 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Written dissertation, 8,000-10,000 words (100%)
Feedback Formative feedback will be given by student's dissertation supervisor throughout the dissertation process and is indicated in the 6 hours for feedback and feed forward supervision.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate the ability to construct a clearly structured research proposal illustrating an understanding of how to employ research methods.
  2. Apply skills that demonstrate the ability to review and formulate a critical analysis of the relevant literature and research in the area of your chosen topic in order to construct a critical analysis and safely use research findings.
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical issues which may arise in the course of undertaking research.
  4. Formulate an analytical discussion of the potential implications of your proposed research for nursing practice.
  5. Illustrate gaining experience in constructing a sustained argument and composing a substantial piece of written work.
Reading List
Gerrish, K. and Lathlean, J., 2015. The Research Process in Nursing. 7th ed. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
Moule P (2018) Making sense of research in health and social care 6th Edition. Sage London.
Punch K (2016) Developing Effective Research Proposals. 3nd Ed. Sage London.
Williamson, G.R. & Whittaker, A. (2017) Succeeding in literature reviews and research project plans for nursing students, London: SAGE.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills The ability to gather, organise and interpret in written form complex data and information
Skills in seeking out relevant information and critiquing evidence
Construct and articulate argument in written form
Skills in synthesis of relevant policy and research evidence to formulate a research proposal
Able to formulate a research proposal
Employ of a range of software packaged and IT skills to undertake assessments
Employ organisation and time management skills for managing the development of a thesis within a word count limit.
KeywordsMethods,Research,Dissertation
Contacts
Course organiserDr Elaine Haycock-Stuart
Tel: (0131 6)50 8442
Email: e.a.haycock-stuart@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Morven Sutherland
Tel: (0131 6)51 3972
Email: Morven.Sutherland@ed.ac.uk
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