The 152, 652, 752 Research module at King’s College Singapore immerses students in advanced research methodologies. It prepares students to contribute original findings and engage critically with existing research. A key aspect is external validation, where students corroborate their findings through data and insights from established third-party experts.

Students gain skills to navigate academic research, formulate research questions, select methodologies, and rigorously gather and analyze data. The module emphasizes effective communication of research findings in both written and oral forms.

Unique to this module is its focus on external validation. Students engage with third-party experts to benchmark and validate their research, involving a thorough review of existing literature and strategies for collaboration. This ensures their research is original, robust, and reliable.

By the module's end, students will deeply understand the research process and conduct research that contributes valuable new insights. They will also critically engage with existing research and use external validation to enhance their findings' reliability and impact.

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare master's level students for the thesis track by developing key research skills and character traits of the 'Metadidomic genius' as described in the 7 modalities paradigm. It will cover advanced research methodologies, ethical considerations in research, and the application of the metadidomic approach to the student's thesis work.

Thesis Topics and Writing Framework

Thesis topics must conform to an approved structure that is rooted in the Life Impact Statement, serving as a foundation for the thesis writing. This structure is designed to guide the development and articulation of the thesis topic, and to ensure that the thesis writing process is purpose-driven and audience-centric. The framework for thesis topics and writing is as follows:

I help … (first 20 pages): This section should clearly identify and define the target audience for the thesis. It should provide an in-depth understanding of the audience's needs, challenges, and aspirations, and should articulate how the thesis aims to address these needs and contribute to the audience's growth and development.
To … (second 20 pages): This section should provide an accurate and specific statement of the purpose-driven mission of the thesis. It should outline the key objectives and goals of the thesis, and should provide a clear and compelling rationale for why these objectives and goals are important and relevant to the target audience.
By … (last 20 pages): This section should describe the signature bespoke approach that will be used to achieve the objectives and goals of the thesis. It should provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the research methodologies, strategies, and techniques that will be employed in the thesis, and should explain how these methodologies, strategies, and techniques are uniquely suited to the thesis topic and the target audience.

The total writing period for the thesis should commence once all the requisite courses have been completed and after executive mentorship commences, within the final 2 years before graduation. This timeline is designed to ensure that students have the necessary knowledge, skills, and support to successfully complete their thesis, and to allow for a purposeful and strategic integration of the thesis writing process into the overall graduate research journey.

Course Objectives

Develop an in-depth understanding of advanced research methodologies, including but not limited to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. This should also cover the selection of appropriate methodologies for specific research questions, the collection and analysis of data, and the interpretation and presentation of research findings.
Cultivate the key character traits of the 'Metadidomic genius', which include but are not limited to curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and integrity. This should also involve the development of a strong work ethic, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and the capacity to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the research process.
Apply the 7 modalities paradigm to the planning and execution of the thesis, which involves the integration of the metadidomic approach into the thesis research. This should also include the identification of a research topic that aligns with the metadidomic approach, the formulation of a clear and purpose-driven research question, and the development and implementation of a rigorous and ethical research plan.
Understand and uphold the ethical dimensions of graduate research, which include but are not limited to the importance of honesty, integrity, and transparency in the research process. This should also cover the ethical considerations of working with human and animal subjects, the ethical use of data and information, and the ethical implications of the research findings.