Module Database Search



MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Developing Professional Practice in Research
Reference DEM102 Version 1
Created August 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved November 2023 SCQF Points 15
Amended ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To develop critical skills and understanding of the research process and enable preparation for and confidence in undertaking research.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Make informed judgements regarding the research process, including research governance and ethics, relevant to their research interests.
2 Critically analyse the research methodologies relevant to their research interests.
3 Evaluate their research aspirations in relation to the institutional research strategy and relevant current research.
4 Take responsibility for individual professional development in research.

Indicative Module Content
Defining research questions, hypotheses, aims and objectives. Overview of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Validity, reliability, bias, confounding and generalisability. Research governance and integrity, intellectual property rights, research ethics and research data management. Literature reviews, literature search strategies and critical appraisal/quality assessment tools. Introduction to data analysis, interpretation and presentation. Writing a research proposal. Funding for research projects. Potential impact and dissemination of research.

Module Delivery
This module will be delivered via a range of synchronous and asynchronous methods, and supported by the Vitae Researcher Development Framework. As part of the work-based learning experience, participants will be supported to engage with other researcher development opportunities which are available institutionally and relevant to their individual needs.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours N/A 20
Non-Contact Hours N/A 110
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A 20
TOTAL N/A 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body   20

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Essay

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Component 1 comprises 100% of the module grade. A minimum of a Grade D is required to pass the module.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module SCQF Level 11 entry requirements (refer Regulation A2: Admission) or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 CROMBIE, I.K., 2022. The Pocket Guide to Critical Appraisal. 2nd edition. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
2 KUMAR, R., 2019. Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. 5th edition. London: SAGE.
3 ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY, 2023. Critical Appraisal. Available from: https://library.rgu.ac.uk/criticalappraisal [Accessed August 2023].
4 ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY, 2022. Systematic Reviews. Available from: https://library.rgu.ac.uk/systematic-reviews [Accessed August 2023].
5 ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY, 2023. Research Governance and Ethics. Available from: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/research/university-research-policies/research-governance-ethics [Accessed August 2023].
6 THOMAS, C.G., 2021. Research Methodology and Scientific Writing. 2nd edition. Cham: Springer International Publishing AG
7 VITAE, 2011. Researcher Development Framework. Available from: https://www.vitae.ac.uk/vitae-publications/rdf-related/researcher-development-framework-rdf-vitae.pdf/view [Accessed August 2023].
8 WALLIMAN, N., 2022. Research Methods: The Basics. 3rd edition. Oxon: Routledge.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781