Scientific Research Proposal and Report Writing

Certificate in Scientific Research Proposal & Report Writing

Course description

This module will prepare students to develop the skills necessary to undertake a research project relevant to their own clinical and educational environment. This module provides students with the opportunity to critically analyze different research methodologies relevant to their areas of practice. They will also appraise the academic literature to develop an evidence-based approach to increase professional effectiveness in the medical and health education fields.

Target group

The course will benefit a diverse range of learners including Masters and Ph.D. students as well as early-career researchers and more senior colleagues with some experience.

Learning outcomes

Participants will develop knowledge, skills, and understanding that will enable them to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles and methodologies of managing a research project applied in the context of the student’s own educational and clinical practice
• Review and critically evaluate best available evidence relevant to a specified area of professional practice, synthesizing information from key sources and literature searches, assessing the literature for validity and relevance using a recognized appraisal tool.
• Critically evaluate and appraise quantitative and qualitative research strategies, and consider the application of each to addressing different research questions in the professional and clinical environment.
• Demonstrate an ability to reflect on the ethical aspects of research, and to compile a formal application, comprising a research project proposal and ethics approval form, for later consideration

Course content

• Structure of a research proposal
• Social science perspectives on methodology – including phenomenological approaches; the ontology and epistemology of research approaches and ‘insider research’ / ‘real-world research’ / practitioner research’ in particular.
• Development of the research problem/statement
• Development of the research question(s) and/or hypotheses
• Exploration of issues in research design (including possible stakeholder involvement), including research methodologies – phenomenology; ethnography; case-study; quasi-experimental research
• Critical analysis and identification of the best available literature and research evidence to support the research problem and questions.
• Development of a parallel ethical proposal in anticipation of the future process of relevant Ethics Committee submission.
• Structure of a Scientific report

Training methods

This course will be available on face-to-face and Online. It will encompass specific facilitator inputs (e.g. lecture presentations), combined with a variety of interactive learning activities, including structured group work, demonstrations, group and individual reflection, role plays, self-study and writing, and plenary discussions

Mode of assessment

The course will be assessed using pre and post-tests, continuous progressive tests, presentations, and group discussions

Award

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate from Uganda Christian University.

Training venue

The training will be conducted at UCU School of Medicine campus Mengo or any other venue communicated in advance.

Application

To register for the course, download a copy of the application form here or pick one from our administrative office at UCU School of Medicine Mengo near Namirembe Cathedral. Application forms cost a non-refundable fee of UGX 30,000 

Payment

A training fee of UGX 450,000 will be charged for the course. This covers tuition fees, learning materials, and training venue. Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to ucusom@admin.ucu.ac.ug NOTE: Foreign currencies will be converted using prevailing forex rates.   

Visit https://ucu.ac.ug/payments for a variety of payment options. The Administrator shall avail an Access Code to Distance Learners upon presentation of proof of payment.

Training Schedule

The course will be available: –

Study options	Days	Duration	Study time
Week days (Day)	Monday – Friday	For 2 weeks	9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Week days (Evening)	Tuesdays & Thursdays	For 1 month	5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Weekends (Day)	Fridays & Saturdays	For 1 ½ months	9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Online	At convenience	Course must be completed within 3 months from the time of registration

Course Intakes

The course will be available during the specified times below

Intakes for Face-to-face	Starts on
Easter Intake	February 11th, 2020
Trinity Intake	June 8th, 2020
Advent Intake	September 28th, 2020
The Online platform is accessible throughout the year

Organizational Training

This can also be offered as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. To find out more contact us on: UCUSoM@admin.ucu.ac.ug OR +256 794770215 / +256 775264136 / +703737065