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NMHS42070

Academic Year 2025/2026

Research theory, method & process (NMHS42070)

Subject:
Nursing,Midwifery & Health Sys
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Nursing,Midwifery & Health Sys
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Corina Naughton
Trimester:
Autumn and Spring (separate)
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

The aim of the module is to provide graduate research students with a programme of instruction and learning experiences that complements training obtained through academic supervision and UCD Transferable Skills programme. The module provides students with opportunities to appraise their thesis topic with peers and academic staff. Students are encouraged to reflect upon the ontological theory that underpins their choice of methodology and research design. Through academic presentation, discussion, debate and constructive peer review, students develop and appraise their understanding of ideas, concepts and theories that may be directly or indirectly relevant to their doctoral research.

Students are supported through active learning approaches to think critically and collaborate meaningfully in the construction of their learning. The module provides each student with opportunities to develop transferable skills related to research conduct and dissemination, including presentation skills, critical capacities for engagement in scholarly discussion and debate as well as planning and facilitating effective peer evaluation and feedback. Participation in this module enables development of supportive peer relationships.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be able to:

1. Justify and debate a thesis topic with reference its conceptual and theoretical elements
2. Debate, defend and justify a research design, with reference to the ontological underpinnings
4. Evaluate methods of scientific inquiry and their application in field and/or desktop research
5. Communicate research ideas concisely, coherently and effectively to peers academic audience
6. Plan a student led discussion on research topic and evaluate application to own critical learning
7. Evaluate the work of a peer against success criteria
8. Plan and facilitate constructive peer feedback
8. Reflect on peer feedback and self-evaluate learning

Indicative Module Content:

The module will be delivered over one academic semester - over a series of three seminars for which 100% attendance will be required. The module supports student learning within the Research Degree Programme and content is tailored to reflect group needs.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

9
Specified Learning Activities

21
Autonomous Student Learning

95
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The teaching and learning methods include faculty and student-led seminars. Continuous assessment methods include student presentations, discussions, peer review activities, and submision of written assessments.

There is a particular emphasis on experiential learning and on the application of learning to students' professional practice and research contexts through a range of activities. Additional online activities support student learning via asynchronous Google Community resource.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

General Requirements:
•Applicants must hold a primary degree or equivalent in Nursing, Midwifery OR a related discipline.
• Applicants must hold a current registration with An Bord Altranais OR other relevant professional association.


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
Individual Project: Students are required to deliver one oral presentation on a topic directly or indirectly related to the thesis and lead a scholarly discussion with peers and faculty. Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
50
 No
Individual Project: Students are required to attend an oral presentation of a peer and participate in a scholarly discussion of that presentation. They submit a peer evaluation providing constructive feedback. Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
10
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Students are required to attend and contribute to a minimum of three seminars throughout the trimester Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
10
 No
Reflective Assignment: Students are expected to complete a written reflective statement (approx. 700 words) on their learning experience reflecting upon the process of preparing a presentation and on the peer-review process Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
30
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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