OPT008: Study and Research Skills

This module provides you with an appreciation of your own learning style and explains the challenges of distance learning and how to be effective in managing independent studies.

It encourages you to better understand your learning processes to maximise the efficiency of your study.

The module also provides the background information to enable you to understand the principles of research methodology: the ability to recognise and validate problems encountered in optometry-related research.

It includes ethical and statistical considerations in optometric research and develops the skills to critically evaluate scientific papers and proposals. In addition, common statistical analysis methods used in optometric research are introduced.

Note that this module is delivered entirely via distance learning, i.e. there is no practical component.

This module is compulsory if you want to complete the full MSc and must be completed before commencing the Research Project module.

Start date	September
Duration	100 hours
Credits	10 credits - No CET points available for this module
Prerequisites	None
Module tutors	Justyn Regini
Tuition fees (2025/26)	£690 - Home students £1290 - International students
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£710 - Home students £1330 - International students
Module code	OPT008

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:

• Display a depth of knowledge relating to principles of research ethics, study design and protocol development
• Exercise critical judgement in evaluating sources of information (ILO1)
• Demonstrate critical evaluation and a systematic approach to the critique of scientific research output and research design (ILO2)
• Evaluate the use of basic statistical tests in published literature and argue for an alternative approach or identify other suitable statistical tests, given a case scenario (ILO3)

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught via online lectures (PowerPoint and Xerte with audio) and podcasts (audio files), delivered via Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references supplied.

There is an introductory webinar and a further session of guided online learning.

Discussion boards accessed via Learning Central will provide a platform for you to discuss any questions or queries that come up throughout the term with both the course tutors and your peers.

The module map, which outlines key activities and dates, is available via the module on Learning Central.

Syllabus content

• Self-assessment of learning style
• Independent study skills
• Study design and developing protocols
• Ethical considerations
• Critical review of published research
• Statistics

Skills that will be practised and developed

• Academic skills
• Digital Skills
• Referencing
• Researching
• Studying and learning
• Problem solving
• Writing
• Reflective practice
• Independent and critical thinking

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment will enable you to assess your progress:

• You will submit a critical evaluation of a research paper (1000 words). Feedback can be used to improve the summative coursework.

Summative assessments which contribute to your module mark:

• Online Test (40%, ~2-hour duration): There is an MCQ test that will assess your knowledge, understanding, and application across the entire syllabus. This will be undertaken near the end of the semester (ILOs 1,2,4).
• Written Coursework (60%, ~1500 words): You will submit one critical evaluation of a research paper. (ILOs 2,3,4).

How to apply

Contact our postgraduate team: