PHPS40940 MSc Clin Nutr & Diet Dissert

Academic Year 2022/2023

Research skills are fine-tuned in the MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Dissertation module, whereby students work with an academic supervisor to conduct a research project, statistically analyse their data and prepare a thesis based on two elements: a critical review of the literature in a specified topical area of nutrition/dietetics and an original publication for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Students will be assigned an individualized final year project (and project supervisor) decided upon by the academic team.

The specific first and final draft deadline dates will be specified each year by the Project Module Coordinator. The project thesis template includes an Introduction, Hypothesis, Aim and Objectives, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions / Future Perspectives and References.

All students will complete an oral presentation outlining these key aspects of their research project. The project presentations usually occur within about 2 weeks of the thesis deadline.

All students are required to fill in an ethical application form and attach, as an appendix, to the research submission. This ensures that when working on a project with prior ethical approval, the student still demonstrates an ability to identify potential ethical issues associated with the research conducted and gains experiential learning in the ethical approval process.

The MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Dissertation is a core module for the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate:

i. In-depth understanding of an advanced research topic and generation of new material to advance the current state-of-the-art.
ii. Understanding of the ethical considerations, approval process and ability to complete an ethical application form.
iii. Ability to undertake an academic study in a self-directed and professional manner.
iv. Aptitude to analyse and present the results of the scientific investigation accurately using statistical analysis appropriate to the properties of the data collected.
v. Logical and valid conclusions based on the results of their enquiry.
vi. Effective research communication skills, with an appreciation of how knowledge must be adapted to suit the audience.
vii. Understanding of the implications of the research findings, including ethical, therapeutic and/or public health.

Indicative Module Content:

Module content will reflect the theme of the individual projects assigned to each student.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Project Supervision

36
Autonomous Student Learning

396
Total

450
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Active research project based learning
Lectures
Problem-based learning
Critical writing
Student presentations 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Presentation: Final presentation of work to class and staff Week 12 n/a Graded No

20
Continuous Assessment: Project supervisor assessment of work Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20
Project: Project dissertation including a literature review and paper. Week 12 n/a Graded Yes

60

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The student will work with their project supervisor. The project supervisor will provide feedback at project meetings. The clinical / academic supervisor will provide feedback based upon the first draft of the literature review and research paper.

Name Role
Dr Sarah Browne Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Clare Corish Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Sharleen O'Reilly Tutor
Dr Carla Perrotta Tutor