Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Constructing a Research Thesis
Module Code	EF611
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Teresa Hogan Semester 2: Teresa Hogan Autumn: Teresa Hogan
Module Teacher	Teresa Hogan
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to explore the doctoral research process from the perspective of the requirement of writing a doctoral thesis. This module examines the following: (a) reviewing the literature; (b) developing research question(s); (c) positioning and presenting research; and (d) the nature and extent of ‘original’ contribution. The module is delivered through lectures. The module will include presentations by guest speakers, including invited academics, colleagues who have recently completed a doctorate, and specialists in use of some tools/techniques.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the nature and process of doctorate research
2. Explain the purpose of reviewing the literature and the various formats such a review might take
3. Review, evaluate and synthesize the body of literature applicable to their own research
4. Critically assess the extent and nature of contribution of academic research within their own field
5. Evaluate, benchmark and defend their own research in the context of the requirements of the doctorate degree
6. Write/communicate research in a format suitable for a doctorate award

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Seminars	12	Discussions based on prescribed readings and assignments
Lecture	12	Presentation and guest lectures
Assignment	40	Assessed assignment (written and oral)
Independent learning	11	Readings
Directed learning	20	Specified Readings
Directed learning	30	Assignments for class (for example, content analysis of a PhD thesis; review of literature and empirical articles; citation analysis)
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Topic 1.
The doctorate degree and criteria used to evaluate doctorate research.

Topic 2.
The literature review. Alternatives forms (and objectives) of literature reviews..

Topic 3.
Analysing the impact of prior work through the analysis of citations..

Topic 4.
Developing and formulating research question(s).

Topic 5.
Writing, positioning and presenting doctoral research.

Topic 6.
The nature of ‘original contribution(s)’. How to articulating (and claim) an ‘original contribution’..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	In this assignment the students assess their doctorate studies in terms of (a) the structure, scope, focus and content of their literature review; (b) the development of a research question; and (c) the ‘original contribution’ of their work. Submission of approximately 1,500 words.	75%	n/a
Oral presentations	Students will present and defend key choices in the research process to date including the following: (a) research question (b) prior literature (c) research context and (d) research contribution. Presentation of approximately 20 minutes, followed by question and answer session.	25%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Jesson, J. K, Matheson, L. and Lacey, F. M.: 2011, Doing your literature review traditional and systematic techniques, 1st Edition, Sage, London,
Phillips, E. M. and Pugh D. S.: 2010, How to Get a PhD, 5th Edition, Open University Press, Berkshire, England,
Hart, C.: 1998, Doing A literature Review, 1st Edition, Sage, London.,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

AFPD

PhD

ALPD

PhD

ALPM

ALPT

PhD-track

ARAPM