Postgraduate Course: Dissertation (Critical Care) (CRCA11011)
Course Outline
| School | Deanery of Clinical Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 60 |
ECTS Credits | 30 |
| Summary | A dissertation will be undertaken after successful completion of 120 credits and would involve the planning, execution, and reporting of a significant project. The project may be a piece of original research (lab, translational, or clinical), and extensive audit or quality improvement project, or a systematic review. |
| Course description |
1) Academic description
Students will be asked to research and write a reflective element (10-15,000 words). This may report a piece of original research (lab, translational or clinical), an extensive audit or quality improvement project, a systematic review, or the of substantial clinical guideline. The subject matter must be relevant to the area of clinical medicine and we would envisage that students would consider something in their chosen specialty area. Before beginning, a detailed assignment proposal must be submitted and approved by the candidate's supervisor, and the organising team.
2) Outline Content
The dissertation would consolidate the knowledge and understanding gained from the first two years/120 credits of study. In providing an opportunity to study a topic in depth, the dissertation would develop further the ability to analyse published evidence and apply the principles of evidence-based medicine to professional clinical practice.
3) Student learning experience
This feature will require a high level of commitment and application from the candidate and provides a valuable exercise in the writing and presentation of information to a standard that engages appropriately with academic conventions in relation to style, tone, structuring and referencing. As an integral element of the final year the student will have ready access to a variety of research methods training to provide the skills required for successful completion of the dissertation.
Supervision for this element of the MSc will be provided by existing academic staff and subject experts currently employed by the University of Edinburgh or National Health Service staff. Candidates will also be encouraged, where appropriate, to work closely with senior staff at their home institutions. Where a suitable academic link exists, these staff may be contracted to provide additional formal supervisory support.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2019/20, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Full Year |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
600
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 12,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
588 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
100 %,
Coursework
0 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
100% Written Assignment (Dissertation) |
| Feedback |
Feedback is defined as information to students which allows them to review what they know, understand and can do in their studies. Feedback is also important to identify areas for improvement, for example course feedback surveys will be an integral component of the programme to allow refinement.
Students will be asked to submit a project outline in advance of the start of the academic year (i.e. at the end of academic year 2) on which they will receive written feedback. At this stage, the outline must be approved by the teaching team in order for students to progress into the dissertation year (3).
Feedback will be given on an informal basis through direct contact between supervisor and student as the year progresses. This feedback will be in written or live audio (or video) form.
Dissertations will be marked within 15 days of submission and written feedback will be provided. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge, skills, practices, and thinking to complete and report a substantial research, quality improvement, audit, or guideline development project
- Demonstrate an ability to conduct a literature review and interpretation to an advanced level
- Demonstrate appropriate use of citation, statistical analysis, and research methodology
- Produce a piece of work that has an impact on the care of critically ill patients (through generation of new knowledge or by translation of clinical research into a clinical recommendation or guideline
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
a) Mindsets:
Enquiry and lifelong learning:
Graduates of this course will be encouraged to pursue their own curiosity and to learn and develop in the field of critical care, to strive for excellence in their own professional practice, and to strive to improve care for patients as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Aspiration and personal development
Students will be encouraged to draw on their own experiences to identify areas in which they wish to grow and develop acknowledging that different students will have different priorities and aspirations.
Outlook and engagement
Students will be asked to bring to the course experiences from their own practice, often specifically relating to their own geographical context, that can be used to explore learning, engage with individuals from other international communities on the programme.
b) Skills:
Research and enquiry
Although not all students will conduct a piece of research during their dissertation year, all students will use and further develop newly acquired expertise in accessing the literature and critical appraisal, to incorporate the findings of primary research in their arguments, discussions, and assessments.
Personal and intellectual autonomy
The dissertation is a self-directed component, and whilst there is likely to be regular contact with a supervisor, there is no regular teaching. Students will therefore develop personal and intellectual autonomy.
Personal effectiveness
Success on the course will require students to be effective and proactive learners. Using the resources of their dissertation supervisor , and the university learning and information environment, students will be encouraged and supported to contribute to their own learning, as well as that of others.
Communication
Excellence in the dissertation element of the programme requires the attainment of a high standard of written communication skills. |
| Keywords | Dissertation,Critical Care,Quality Improvement,Research,Protocol development,Audit |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr David Griffith
Tel:
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Olga Paterson
Tel: (0131) 242 6130
Email: |
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