Innopharma Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science Dissertation Handbook | GU

The Aims and Learning Outcomes of a Dissertation

Introduction

To be awarded an MSc in Pharmaceutical Business and Technology, an MSc in Medical Device Technology and Business or an MSc Digital Transformation (Life Science), learners must complete an original and comprehensive dissertation which is worth 30 ECTS credits.

This dissertation is expected to further extend a learner’s analysis of aspects in one or more of the related taught modules on the postgraduate programme stages. Learners are expected to draw heavily on the underpinning research methods module. 

Learners select their dissertation title from a range of areas that meet specific criteria. The dissertation must be related to the life science industry. Topics can include manufacturing, regulation, validation, technology transfer, clinical research, operational excellence, or related areas are also acceptable areas of research. A portion of the dissertation can focus on business aspects, organisational design or change management. However, a dissertation that is purely business-focused is not acceptable. 

Module Aims

Your MSc research dissertation involves an in-depth study of a specialised area or issue central to life science and linked back into your taught modules. Drawing on substantial relevant research, literature, concepts and techniques, you will need to combine theory and practice. Through your research proposal, you have already devised the research question or objective, identified some of the relevant literature and aspects of the research design, and identified any ethical issues and concerns. You must now critically review more extensively the relevant literature, refine and develop your research strategy and methods of data collection and analysis as you will operationalise it, and write up and present your dissertation. You will be supported by your supervisor, who will monitor and review your progress throughout the research process. 

It is a condition of the Dissertation module that you must collect primary data as part of your research, so this must be considered when mapping out the methods and data types for your research.

The process of completing the dissertation aims to: 

• Provide you with an opportunity to apply advanced manufacturing and data analytical skills and knowledge to a professional-level research project.  
• Allow you to contribute to your chosen field of enquiry.
• Identify confidently ethical issues and concerns, together with awareness of data protection and consent obligations.
• Provide you with an opportunity to develop substantive research questions, source relevant information, and sharpen your analytical and critical thinking processes through a systematic approach to problem identification and problem solving. 
• Develop an understanding of the limitations and contributions of your study and suggest areas for further research in the area.
• Advance your oral and written presentation and communication skills.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, Learners can:

• Display a critical awareness and conceptual understanding of current relevant issues; 
• Devise and investigate an original and complex problem in the life science sector by 
• Drawing on an extensive and deep knowledge of primary and secondary sources;
• Interrelate theory and practice to the formulation of an original and pertinent research question/hypothesis; 
• Successfully apply appropriate research techniques, methodologies and practical research skills;
• Identify and apply the appropriate statistics / quantitative /qualitative methods in the analysis of data;
• Critically evaluate and interpret relevant literature and data, and appraise current results considering previous findings;
• Differentiate between good research and research that is lacking in quality and rigour;
• Analyse and interpret data, draw conclusions and understand the implications of the findings.
• Devise, direct and produce to deadline a substantial piece of research;
• Act autonomously in tackling problems, sourcing, planning and implementing solutions;
• Interpret and communicate the results of their research clearly, concisely and professionally to colleagues and peers and present research findings in a form suitable for publication.