This module will form one of two modules to be completed over two semesters and will involve a major research project which can be presented in thesis or journal publication format. Students will employ skills acquired during the Research Methods module to complete an independent, self-directed project in the area of health professions education relevant to their own practice or education interests. In this particular module students will begin by submitting an ethics application where relevant, recruiting and collecting data and writing their literature review. This task based approach will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have successfully acquired the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to teach, lead and innovate in the area of health professions education. An appropriate academic supervisor will be appointed to guide the participant during this module. This module is M graded with "RESEARCH DISSERTATION (Part II)". Module codes to be inserted on approval.

The module will be largely self-directed where students will work closely with their supervisor and other members of their research team in obtaining ethical approval, recruiting, collecting and where possible analyzing data. Students should also be undertaking and commencing writing a comprehensive literature review at this point.

Acquire knowledge relevant to the type of enquiry chosen for the study. Critique and incorporate new literature as the project progresses. Collect and systematically organize data related to specific research questions. Synthesis knowledge to analyze the data collected. Engage in preliminary interpretation of findings. Synthesize research activity and process undertaken to date. Present a summary of research activity and process undertaken to date.

Critically reflect on all stages of the research study process. Demonstrate self-awareness by seeking out supervision and support appropriately. Respond to constructive feedback from one's academic supervisor, peers and other relevant stakeholders. Embrace the need for professional and ethical conduct when working in a research team.

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Students will engage in the recruitment of participants or the identification & selection of research sample/data as appropriate to project type. They will gather data (survey, interview, focus group, data mining) and undertake a preliminary analysis if possible. Facilitated distance and blended learning opportunities will include online tutorials, and meetings with supervisors. A discussion forum and, for those those on the blended learning format, a face to face study day will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their work and obtain feedback from their peers, academic supervisors and tutors. The education approach undertaken in this module will encourage self-directed learning, reflection on personal experience and critical thinking. The discussion forum and face to face study day will enable students to engage in collaborative learning. This task based approach and learning environment will stimulate students to be knowledgeable, proactive, creative, collaborative, articulate and responsible in line with the attributes required of all graduates of the University of Limerick.