module specification

This module introduces you to key research concepts and academic practice within health and social care context. We will cover academic skills crucial for producing quality academic work in various formats, including writing, presenting and designing outputs. The emphasis is placed on you developing key academic and digital skills, such as using Microsoft Office tools, podcasting, video recordings, poster design, to engage with research, critically evaluate evidence and effectively present and communicate your academic work . You will be introduced to the core principles of research, including understanding sources of  evidence and theoretical frameworks and research approaches.   These research and academic skills are embedded throughout the module via lectures, seminars, and assessments. You will also be introduced to the final year project pathway to begin considering the pathway you wish to pursue and potential topics as you engage with content across other modules.

This module aims to: 

Develop student’s academic study skills and digital literacy. 

Introduce students to research within the health and social care context and how to find academic and non-academic sources 

Develop students’ ability to reason critically and analytically from evidence  

Make connections between work based and academic knowledge, evaluating and appropriately using different sources (academic and non-academic)  

Consider the academic and professional skills required within health and social care including communication, teamwork, partnership working and ethical research and academic practice  

Explore ethical and unethical use of AI in academic work and H&SC contexts, with reference to London Metropolitan University guidance, responsible digital practice and academic integrity.

Develop an awareness and understanding of the cultures, principles and values that underpin research within health and social care 

Some of the key areas that will be studied covered:

Introduction to research: what is research, how to find it, and how to distinguish good &ethical research from low-quality information (LO1, 2) 

Academic practice and referencing: academic writing, communication and team working skills, structuring essays, using   proper citations and referencing style, academic integrity, digital skills such as creating effective and accessible  posters and PowerPoints presentations (LO4, 5)  

Basic introduction to qualitative research approaches (LO1, 2) 

Basic introduction to quantitative concepts & research approaches (LO1, 2) 

Basic introduction to primary and secondary research and their ethical implications (LO1) 

Reading, understanding, critically analysing & summarising a research paper (LO3, 4) 

Evidence vs theory and their uses with a focus on critical thinking (LO3) 

Theoretical input will be through online material and exercises, seminars and workshops.  Students will also benefit from a blended learning approach through the use of Web Learn for supplementary materials, links to E-books, on-line discussions and self-assessment exercises such as reflective tasks.  

Reflection and discussion are key to teaching for all students and will be in the context of tutor-led sessions and exercises incorporated into web-based materials.  

Teaching and learning strategies and methods also focus on workplace skills and professionalism.  

On successful completion of this module students will be able to: 

1. Recognise and describe core conceptual distinctions in research (qualitative vs quantitative, primary vs secondary, etc)  
2. Read and draw on academic and non-academic sources  
3. Summarise core elements of a published research paper and their applicability to health and social care practice 
4. Reference research according to academic norms  
5. Demonstrate academic skills necessary for effectively communicating in various formats  

Tallis reading list yet to be created by the library but will include resources from below:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/05F75CB8-413D-8261-9484-C08F6E991DC4.html?lti1p3LaunchId=lti1p3_launch_679be7412531f8.75552846&existingResourceLinkId=d55e0158-faa3-4b80-9bae-dd7a48424922&lti1p3LinkType=resource_link&login=1

Aveyard, H., Sharo, P., & Wooliams, M. (2015). A beginner's guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care. 

AVEYARD, H., & SHARP, P. (2013). A beginner's guide to evidence-based practice in health and social care. 

CRAIG, C. (2009). Study skills for health and social care students. Los Angeles, SAGE. 

McMillan, K., Weyers, J. (2010) How to Write Essays and Assignments, Harlow: Pearson (available as E book) 

OKO, J., & REID, J. (2012). Study skills for health and social care students. London, SAGE. 

Wilson, E., Bedford, D. (2009) Study Skills for Part-Time Students, Harlow: Pearson