Explore UCD

UCD Home >

OSH40290

Academic Year 2024/2025

Research Methods (OSH) (OSH40290)

Subject:
Occupational Safety&Health
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
8
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Conor Buggy
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module prepares you to develop the skills needed to plan a research project that includes collection and analysis of new data that would be suitable for inclusion in an OSH Dissertation, using public and occupational health study design and associated research methods and statistical analysis. The module is delivered through a combination of in class lectures, blended learning e-lectures and computer-based workshops addressing statistical analysis.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to

Demonstrate knowledge of quantitative research methods that underpin epidemiology that are appropriate for OSH research
Demonstrate knowledge of the process of collecting and analysing data for a research project in OSH
Be capable of using SPSS to carry out, present and interpret results for descriptive and analytical statistical tests in a manner that shows understanding of the underpinning tests used.
Prepare a preliminary draft proposal for a research project suitable for a Masters level dissertation, including a proposal for use of appropriate research methods and study design, relevant to OSH research.

Indicative Module Content:

This module provides you with the knowledge and skills that will contribute to your ability to carry out a research project. Quantitative research methods are introduced that can be applied in all work sectors from an OSH perspective.

The module provides you with skills on understanding data, from planning and collection through to cleansing and analysis.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs
The learning outcomes for this module are consistent with achieving the objectives of SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 8 (Decent Work) from an occupational health and well-being perspective, and the objectives of SDG 4 (Quality Education) as this module contributes to fostering an inclusive and equitable education that promotes lifelong learning for all.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Computer Aided Lab

12

Specified Learning Activities

44

Autonomous Student Learning

100

Total

180


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module includes lectures and interactive activities to consolidate your learning on research methods and statistics as well as continuous assessment assignments to test and consolidate your knowledge as you progress through the module. It also introduces you to statistical software to enable you to carry out statistical analyses for an MSc OSH research thesis.

All OSH modules utilise Harvard Referencing for all student assessment. Please access the Harvard Referencing Guidelines produced by the UCD Library on the UCD Library Website.

As per the UCD Plagiarism Policy, the Module Coordinator has determined that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software (e.g. Chat GPT) is not permitted for use in the completion of assessment in this OSH module. If a student does use such software and it is detected, it will be considered as plagiarism. Only if the Module Coordinator explicitly specifies on assessment instructions that AI is permitted is there an exception to AI being used.

The use of software to support writing development (e.g. Grammarly) is permitted and is not considered plagiarism. If students need writing support they should contact the UCD Writing Skills Centre.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Basic Research Proposal using Secondary Dataset Week 5 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

35

No
Assignment(Including Essay): Prepare a Draft Survey and Data Dictionary based on an existing OSH research instrument. Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

30

No
Assignment(Including Essay): SPSS Analysis Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

35

No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

There are three assignments in this module - two focusing on research methods (65% of module) and one focusing on data analysis (35% of module). These assignments are conducted in a sequence but it is essential that students read the instructions for the research methods assignments together and the data analysis assignments together. You will receive individual feedback on all components and overarching group feedback will be provided as appropriate.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Conor Buggy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alison Connolly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Martin Lawless Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ricardo Piper Segurado Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Penpatra Sripaiboonkij Lecturer / Co-Lecturer