Unit Code: PCP907

Unit Name: NCD Research Proposal and Implementation

Description: This course will expose students to the philosophy of research and various approaches in social research including health research. In semester 1, while students learn the theory in terms of research approaches they are also able to put theory to practice and develop the necessary skills they need to have, to enable students to approach and engage in research in a systematic way. Both quantitative methods and qualitative methods will be covered, dealing with theoretical approaches and views to practical issues in research utilizing these methods, and analysis. Discipline-specific research methods will also be covered and can be treated at more in-depth levels through work-shop style sessions. The practical component of the course encourages students to select research methods, variables and how to measure selected variables, using a choice of quantitative or qualitative methods, or a combination of the two. Computing and analytical skills will also be strengthened through a number of workshops. Students will learn to develop research statements, write a literature review, write a review article, and prepare a full research proposal. Students acquire hands-on experience in conducting social research from the conception of a research idea, through to the presentation of its findings. This will make students mindful of pitfalls to watch out for when doing their own Masters research project, or other research exercises. This course is designed for students to firstly develop their NCD Reserach Proposal, submit to CHHREC for approval, and implement their Non Communicable Disease research proposal that consists of an original body of work based on individual research, the analysis of an existing database, or a directed and comprehensive analytical review, such as a Programme evaluation, of an existing body of literature or other sources. This course is two semesters long with the following course content: In Semester 1: the student will conduct Research Proposal development and activities outlined above : The Science of Research - The philosophical framework of Research Designs: Quantitative and Qualitative - Investigating Health Services and Health – The scope of Research - Research Statement and Research Proposal - Hypothesis and Research question Formulation - Research Approaches - Measurement Tool and Instruments - Analysis in Applied research • Application of Research - Statistical Tools in Research - Writing in research In Semester 2: the student will implement the following activities: 1. Data collection 2. Data entry 3. Data collation and validation 4. Data Analysis Plan 5. Data analysis 6. Draft data analysis report 7. Finalized Data Analysis report 8. Thesis write-up 9. Final review 10. Submission to external and internal examiners 11. Supervisor and convener mock presentation 12. SPHPC mock presentation 13. Final review and revision 14. Draft manuscript for publication 15. Defence of thesis (Oral and Viva) to external and internal examiners At the completion of this course you are required to submit a thesis of no less than 15,000 to 20,000words and would not exceed 20,000 words, excluding tables, reference lists, annexes and other adjunct material.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge on theories and applications of Research Philosophy 2. Demonstrate knowledge on qualitative and quantitative methods, data collection tool, sampling and sample size, data management and analysis. 3. Design a NCD Research Proposal 4. Execute NCD Research data collection & analyse findings utilizing range of software enhancing research work 5. Design & compose the NCD written thesis 6. Plan and execute final presentation & defence of thesis

Prerequisite: Minimum Entry Requirements, PCP904 and PCP905

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 60

Offered In: Semester 1,2