Module Code - Title:
BM6043
-
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH PROJECT
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
BM6043
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module aims to allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in conducting advanced research in public health, building on from their learning from all previous modules especially Public Health Research and Data Analysis. Students will conduct and disseminate a research project and will develop capacities to critically reflect on the research process.
Syllabus:
Students will conduct the research project, analyse and draw conclusions from the data and disseminate the findings.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will:
1. Assess real world public health challenges to determine where new research is needed.
2. Design their research project with appropriate methodological approach.
3. Analyse, and present research findings.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will:
1. Value research integrity and conduct research with integrity and ethical principles.
2. Adopt a proactive approach to feedback from supervisor and respond with professional aptitude.
3. Value the process and role of research and develop confidence in engaging actively in research.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Not applicable
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Within this semester long module, students will engage with fellow learners and the research supervisor in some classroom revisions of research methods taught as well as self-directed leaning. All the supervisors involved are experienced researchers who will draw from their research expertise to develop and facilitate a transformative learning experience where students will learn from each other and will be guided to apply the concepts learnt in lectures to answer a specific research question addressing one or more UN SDGs.
Graduate attributes are embedded across the module. The plurality of disciplinary and national/cultural backgrounds of lecturers, supervisors, and students, together with the participatory learning approach used in workshops and tutorials, fosters a flexible, inclusive, active, and applied learning environment. The learning experience will be technology-enhanced using Brightspace and various research tools. Emphasis will be placed on providing specific feedback to cultivate an agile and curious mindset, encouraging continuous reflection on strengths and areas for improvement. Supervisors will guide students in their decision-making to nurture responsible engagement, courageous exploration of ideas, and articulate expression—core capabilities that enhance employability.
Competencies
Students will develop comprehensive competencies in designing and conducting public health research using epidemiological, biostatistical, qualitative, survey methods and literature reviews. They will strengthen their ability to critically appraise scientific literature, interpret and analyse data, apply evidence-based reasoning, and integrate multiple research approaches to generate valid, ethical, and policy-relevant findings.
Prime Texts:
Chris Hart (2004)
Doing your masters dissertation
, SAGE
Rowena Murray (2011)
How to Write a Thesis
, McGraw-Hill Education
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH (PART-TIME)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Summer
Module Leader:
Vikram.Niranjan@ul.ie