NUTR09023 2019 Public Health Nutrition Thesis

Manage an independent research project with a support structure in place for supervision.

Critically evaluate academic literature (and literature/technical information from a wide variety of other sources), to draw inferences from this body of knowledge to conduct an extensively focused critical review.

Develop professional practice skills including research project management, time-management and scientific writing skills.

Develop a research methodology and project plan for a research project.

Conduct the project by selecting and applying appropriate research methodology/techniques and analyse the data according to accepted models of analysis.

Interpret, critique and draw coherent conclusions from the research data generated.

Produce a thesis/research project which meets postgraduate standards of technical expertise investigating the subject area outlined in the research proposal.

Develop the skills to present and defend aspects of their research at seminars, conferences and vivas.

The thesis is an independent research project that will involve self‑directed learning in a core topic related to the programme. Students will avail of one to one supervision with a designated supervisor. This is a learner‑centered approach, where the learner will assume the responsibility for learning. Students will manage their time effectively to ensure that they maintain contact with their supervisor while also completing their project work. Regular meetings with their supervisor will engage the student in discussion which will deepen their learning and motivation. Critical thinking skills will be developed through analysis of research data and the presentation of research outcomes in the format of thesis, presentation and viva.

Assessment of this module will be based on:

1. Thesis composed of a critical literature review of the research topic along with research paper drafted in a format a Peer-review journal standards. 
2. Conference presentation
3. Viva voce  

Where a learner fails this module the Examiners will identify where the deficits in learning occurred. The learner will then have an opportunity to address these deficits and resubmit the project for a full re-examination, the next time this module is examined.

LO1) Manage an independent research project with a support structure in place for supervision.

Students will be expected to manage the research project (execute relevant methodologies and analyse data obtained, draw conclusions and prepare a thesis) combining independent study with support from supervisor(s).

LO2) Critically evaluate academic literature (and literature/technical information from a wide variety of other sources), to draw inferences from this body of knowledge to conduct an extensively focused critical review.

Students are expected to critically review key literature relevant to their chosen research area. They are expected to present and argue literature which clearly demonstrates increased knowledge and expertise in their fields, and where appropriate informs the development of further stages of their research project.

LO3) Develop professional practice skills including research project management, time-management and scientific writing skills.

Students will arrange regular meetings with Supervisors and provide up-dates of their work. Critical thinking skills will be developed through analysis of research data and the presentation of research outcomes in the format of thesis and other oral or written formats. A viva voce will be undertaken by the student, allowing them to present and defend their work to examiners. Students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of all aspects of their research project. Questions to be answered accurately and fluently and the discussion to be extended with confidence in familiar and unfamiliar areas.

LO4) Develop a research methodology and project plan for a research project.

Students will demonstrate and defend why they have chosen a topic, research process and format and submit a project proposal to the supervisor. Students should demonstrate ethical implications of the research and the development of an Ethics application, if required. Each project should contain a certain of novelty.

LO5) Conduct the project by selecting and applying appropriate research methodology/techniques and analyse the data according to accepted models of analysis.

Paradigms of enquiry, methodologies, methods of data collection, data analysis, tools and techniques are dependent on the project but must demonstrate clear relevancy to the research chosen. Students must be able to justify and clearly articulate these decisions, as the best fit for their research project. Explaining how chosen techniques are used to create, interpret and present knowledge.

LO6) Interpret, critique and draw coherent conclusions from the research data generated.

Students completed work will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competency that are required for a level nine award in this area.

LO7) Produce a thesis/research project which meets postgraduate standards of technical expertise investigating the subject area outlined in the research proposal.

The thesis will be presented and published in a manner appropriate to this award level e.g. Submission of thesis typed, bound and complying with IT Sligo`s Research Ethics Policy and Procedures. The thesis will be composed of a critical literature review of the research topic along with a research paper based on obtained results drafted in a format a Peer-review journal standards. 

The thesis will be dual graded by the internal supervisor and another examiner.

LO8) Develop the skills to present and defend aspects of their research at seminars, conferences and vivas.

Students will be required to present their research in a conference event on campus to promote their research findings, while also being encouraged to pursue other dissemination avenues.  Students will be required to complete a viva with both the internal supervisor and another examiner.Students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of all aspects of their research project. Questions to be answered accurately and fluently and the discussion to be extended with confidence in familiar and unfamiliar areas.