Module Details

Module Code: EDUC8036
Title: Dissertation: Research Phase
Long Title: Dissertation: Research Phase
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to enable the student to write a substantial undergraduate dissertation relating to their field of study, e.g. sport/leisure and exercise management. The module will be delivered by providing research workshops and supervisory support to each student. This module consists of the development of a research plan which will include identifying a research question(s), engaging in a comprehensive literature review and developing an appropriate methodology.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Formulate a research plan, complete with a specific research question and thorough research proposal, appropriate to the selected topic.
LO2 Engage in independent research with supervision to investigate the specific topic chosen.
LO3 Assess and critically review the academic literature pertinent to the research topic.
LO4 Select, develop and justify appropriate research methods suitable for the chosen topic.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Research Workshops
Quantitative and qualitative research methods including: questionnaire design, qualitative vs qualitative research, literature review, research ethics, methodological design.
Research Proposal
The student will present a detailed proposal outlining the research questions, ethical considerations, an overview of literature and methodological approach.
Independent academic research
The students will be required to conduct independent research including a thorough analysis of secondary data on their chosen topic. This will include a comprehensive review of academic and industry reports, books, journals and e-sources of data.
Literature Review
The students will be required to submit a completed literature review including the chosen methodology for the empirical research of the final project. The students will be required to display a high standard of writing a good quality of expression style and standard of language as well as clarity of expressions, focus and readability.
Methodology
Students will submit a comprehensive methodology detailing the participant selection, experimental design, measurement procedures and justification, data analysis.
Supervision
Small group (n=3) supervisory session focusing on research breakdown, progress reports and feedback.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Written proposal of research question outlining methodologies.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Submission consisiting of Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, References, Appendices
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Student as researcher - student engagement in the research process
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture based Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Contact with assigned research supervisor Every Week 0.33 0.330000013113022
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent research, study and learning. Every Week 5.67 5.67000007629395
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.33
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture based Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Contact with assigned research supervisor Every Week 0.33 0.330000013113022
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent research, study and learning Every Week 5.67 5.67000007629395
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.33
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K., Silverman, S.J. (2015), Research Methods in Physical Activity, 7th. Human Kinetics, Champaign IL, [ISBN: 9781450470445].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • O' Shea, T. (2013), Essential Statistics for researchers, Tadhg O' Shea, [ISBN: 13-978-0957505902].
  • Ballenger, B.. (2011), Curious Researcher, 7th Edition. Longman, [ISBN: 9780205172870].
  • Sharp, J.A., Peters, J., Howard, K.. (2006), The management of a student research project, 3rd Edition. Gower, [ISBN: 0566084902].
  • Levin, P.. (2008), Excellent dissertations, McGraw-Hill, Maidenhead, [ISBN: 9780335218226].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Manual, Burns, C.. (2015), Dissertation manual, Cork, Cork Institute of Technology.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BSPRT_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Sport & Exercise Management 7 Mandatory
CR_BSPTE_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Sport and Exercise 1 Mandatory