Unit Code: PHM719

Unit Name: Introduction to Research Proposal Development

Description: This course is designed to develop students’ knowledge and skills in writing a research proposal. It deals with the process of developing a research proposal, rather than focusing on developing knowledge about research methods and approaches. This course will help students focus on a research topic, position their research within the field of pharmacy, shape their study using appropriate research methods and effectively write a research proposal. Students will also learn how to effectively communicate their research proposal depending on the purpose and the audience to which it will be presented.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Outline the structure and function of a research proposal and how this forms the basis of a variety of common scientific/professional communications (ethics, grant and scholarship applications, funding bodies). 2. Formulate a specific research question of interest to the student. 3. Identify published research findings that are of a high quality and relevant to the specific research and write an annotated bibliography. 4. Demonstrate an ability to justify the need for a proposed study related to the research question. 5. Analyze and synthesize published research findings that are of a high quality and relevant to the specific research and write a persuasive literature review 6. Demonstrate a basic ability to formulate an ethical research plan/methodologies appropriate to the research question. 7. Accurately identify methods to synthesise or analyse the potential data collected via the research proposal. 8. Discuss the principles of methodological rigour (validity, reliability, credibility, trustworthiness) with respect to the research proposal. 9. Effectively communicate the research proposal in written and audiovisual forms.

Prerequisite: PHM720

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 30

Offered In: Semester 1,2