Module Title:Research Project and Dissertation
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 20
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: During the planning, practical and write up phase of their project the student will be closely supervised by the supervisor. The initial focus will be on drawing up a detailed proposal incorporating specific objectives and research hypotheses. During the write up process students will be guided by their supervisor. The student will receive written guidelines concerning the adherence to deadlines and production of project report in the agreed house style and adhere to the Institute’s plagiarism policy.
Module Aim: 1. To develop independent skills in project planning, design and execution. 2. To develop skills in the manipulation, analysis and presentation of data. 3. To enable students to present results in the context of the current stage of knowledge in oral and written form.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 1. Select and use independent skills to conduct a research project in its intellectual context, through critical analysis and synthesis of a specific topic in relation to relevant literature.
LO2 2. Present a proposal of the chosen topic in a well structured manner, addressing any ethical concerns, and demonstrating a highly organised thought process.
LO3 3. Justify and exercise appropriate judgement in researching and designing a methodology with the capacity to investigate the research question being asked, and develop a critical scientific style of writing with assigned appropriate referencing style.
LO4 4. Critically carry out statistical analyses and interpretation, discuss findings in light of current research, and demonstrate an aptitude in applying findings to the relevant scientific field.
LO5 5. Communicate, present, defend and support key elements of their research findings in the form of a Viva presentation, acknowledge faults in their own body of work, and make recommendations for further advancements in the chosen field.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
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.
Successful completion of year 3 or equivalent
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Nature of Research Dissertation
The dissertation topic will be agreed and approved by a proposal presentation which will be assessed by a panel interview consisting of relevant Course Board members. • A research question based on the current research topics in the areas of rehabilitation, sport, health and exercise will be examined. Students may submit their own research idea, or be assigned a topic. Alternatively proposals may be received from businesses, institutions, sporting bodies or government departments. The question may be novel, following up current research or may take a review approach. Where possible, the student projects will be matched to their interests. • The project will be carried out under supervision usually at IT Carlow. During the planning, practical and write up phase of their project the student will be closely supervised by the supervisor. The student is expected to develop skills in project planning and to recognise and solve problems • A final project report consisting of a literature review, methodology, results and discussion will be prepared and submitted for assessment by each student at the end of the practical project in an approved format. This will be assessed in a consistent manner by their supervisor and a second reader. • The project will run over the entire year. In the first semester a detailed methodology will be submitted to the assigned supervisor and following final agreement on design protocols the practical element of the project will be carried out over a 10-15 week period. During the second semester the student will complete the literature review, results, final submission, and deliver a Viva presentation. • A standardised form of referencing will be used throughout the project. The final Project report will be written in the agreed style with the support and advice of the supervisor. During the write up students will be guided by their supervisor. The student will receive written guidelines concerning the adherence to deadlines and production of project report in the agreed house style. The student is required to submit the required declaration and adhere to the Institute’s plagiarism policy.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment25.00%
Project75.00%
Special Regulation
Students must achieve a minimum grade (35%) in both the CA and Project components..
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Written thesis 1,2,3,4 75.00 n/a
Project Viva Presentation 5 25.00 n/a
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Directed Learning 30 Weeks per Stage 6.00
Estimated Learner Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Total Hours 240.00