Modern optometrists need to be able to understand clinical and vision science research. This course introduces students to research and the scientific method. The course covers the following: a literature review, critical analysis of the literature, developing a hypothesis, experimental design, ethical considerations, and the research process. Students will work in pairs, under the supervision and guidance of a member of academic staff, visiting staff, staff optometrists, postgraduate research students or external researchers, to develop a realistic research proposal.