Research Project/Audit

Code

MGEM3003

School

Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine

Level

3

Credits

60

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module provides students with direct experience of contemporary research in medical physiology and enables the development of the practical and organisational skills required for a career in science. Students undertake a project that reflects the research activities of the school by designing, planning and carrying out a research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. They will read and appraise the scientific literature relevant to their project, collate, analyse and interpret data, write a clear and concise dissertation, and present and discuss their work with staff members and peers. The form of the research project will vary and may include laboratory-based work and/or clinical, patient-based data studies. Assessment will comprise a written report, student performance, and a presentation.

Target Students

Students on Part II of BSc Medical Physiology and Therapeutics

Classes

Research training, project specific lab skills training (where applicable), supervisory meetings and contact, feedback on written work, data interpretation and analysis.

Assessment

• 70% Dissertation: 8000 word - dissertation
• 15% Coursework 1: Project Supervisor Appraisal
• 15% Presentation 1: Poster presentations and questions

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Understanding of how established research methods are used to develop evidence and knowledge in healthcare
 

Comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to their own research
 

Ethical considerations, constraints and procedures as appropriate for the chosen research project
 

Relevance and interpretation of an appropriate statistical approach relevant to the chosen project
 

Explain and critically discuss the background, approach and outcomes of the chosen project
 

Development of critical and analytical skills
 

Critical appraisal of relevant research literature
 

Capacity to produce and interpret simple descriptive and inferential statistics relevant to the chosen project
 

Demonstrate design and conduct of an extended research project
 

Demonstrate competence, including where applicable, safe and professional practice, in technical, laboratory, clinical, recording, data handling, search and appraisal, and other skills relevant to the chosen project
 

Systematically search and compile relevant published material, in print or electronic, related to the chosen project
 

Produce a coherent and concise report of the project that includes: a critical review of the background literature, a clear account of the research question/s, approach, rationale and methods used, appropriate analysis and interpretation of the results and/or outcomes, and conclusions drawn from these.
 

Communicate effectively in writing and via presentation and discussion
 

Use word-processing, bibliographic and statistical IT packages to manage the research literature, reports and data analysis relevant to the chosen project
 

Plan and carry out independent work to deadlines
 

Exercise problem-solving, initiative, personal integrity and responsibility in their research
 

Formulate and test research questions and hypotheses
 

Critically evaluate written and numeric information, drawing valid and justified conclusions from the evidence
 

Research methods relevant to the chosen project
 

Effective, safe and reliable conduct of the project, time management, and independent work
 

Rigour in record and data management
 

Conveners

• Dr Arundhati Ray