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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Advancing Practice Dissertation
Reference NUM100 Version 1
Created January 2020 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved May 2020 SCQF Points 60
Amended ECTS Points 30

Aims of Module
To enable the student to undertake an empirical study or a structured review of an area of clinical practice, using a robust and systematic process, which will inform future research or practice.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Critically appraise the appropriate evidence base to support an in-depth study or review in an area of clinical practice.
2 Undertake an empirical study or a structured review justifying appropriate methodologies to collect, analyse and synthesise the data.
3 Critically and creatively comment on the potential contributions of the findings to relevant areas of clinical practice and existing evidence.
4 Synthesise relevant information from the completion of the study and prepare written and oral reports at a standard worthy of publication in a credible peer reviewed journal, and presentation at a professional conference.

Indicative Module Content
Evidence-based research; Protocol development; Supervision contracts; Systematic processes - research, clinical audit, evaluative methodology, quality improvement cycles, structured review; Reflexivity; Ethical considerations; Application for ethical approval; Data collection methods, data analysis and synthesis methods; Effective utilisation of critical and analytical skills; Making recommendations for practice; Consideration of implications for practice and further research; Report writing in the form of a dissertation; Formats for oral presentation and effective oral presentation skills.

Module Delivery
The indicative content for this module will be delivered online with a supervisory element which will be negotiated with individual students. Such supervision may take place through face-to-face discussion, telephone, email, or using technology such as Blackboard Collaborate Ultra or video conferencing.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 30 30
Non-Contact Hours 570 570
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 600 600
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 80% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Written dissertation.
Component 2
Type: Examination Weighting: 20% Outcomes Assessed: 4
Description: Oral presentation.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
C1 = Written dissertation. C2 = Oral presentation.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A C1 = A; C2 = Pass
B C1 = B; C2 = Pass
C C1 = C; C2 = Pass
D C1 = D; C2 = Pass
E C1 = E; C2 = Fail
F C1 = F; C2 = Fail
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of a postgraduate diploma or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 BELL, J. and WATERS, S., 2018. Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers. 7th ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
2 DENSCOMBE, M., 2017. The good research guide for small-scale research projects. 6th ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
3 HOLLY, C., SALMOND, S. and SAIMBERT, M., eds., 2017. Comprehensive systematic review for advanced practice. New York, NY: Springer.
4 PUNCH, K.F., 2016. Developing effective research proposals. 3rd ed. London: Sage.
5 McKENDRY, S., 2016. Critical thinking skills for healthcare. Abingdon: Routledge.
6 A current and comprehensive list of references will be supplied on an annual basis to reflect the evolving nature of the topics addressed within this module.

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