School of Medicine MSc Research Project

Code

ONCG4024

School

Cancer and Stem Cells

Level

4

Credits

60

Semesters

Summer UK

Summary

This module enables students to experience contemporary research methods by engaging them to design a research programme and perform experiments, surveys, or other research activities aimed at solving a specific biomedical problem. Each student will be allocated an academic supervisor with whom they will discuss the research project prior to commencement.

Students will first collect, analyse data, read and collate previous results relevant to their project, then embark on a period of research before preparing, writing and submitting a scientific paper. They will write a clear and concise report and will discuss their work with academic members during an oral presentation.

This module is School MSc course wide. The form of project may vary and it will be based on laboratory work, audit, patient studies or an extended literature review. The principal activities will be completion of the practical work and submission of a final report in the form of a dissertation and presentation.

Target Students

Students of MSc Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology; MSc Oncology; and MSc Stem Cell Technology and Regenerative Medicinecourses in the School of Medicine

Classes

Full-time students will complete this module during the Spring and Summer semesters. Part-time students will complete the research project in their own time (normally during their second year) and will be supervised and based in their place of work.

Assessment

• 50% Dissertation: Dissertation (5,000 words)
• 35% Presentation 1: Oral Examination (20 minutes)
• 15% Coursework 1: Supervisor Appraisal/Skill Based Assessment

Assessed by end of summer vacation

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

A) Knowledge and Understanding:

Of how established methods of research are used to interpret knowledge in the biomedical sciences;
Of the techniques applicable to their research field;
Appropriate use and interpretation of statistical data;
Explain and discuss critically the background, approach and outcomes of the project;
Knowledge of contemporary research and theory in the chosen areas of biomedical sciences.

B) Intellectual skills:
Development of critical, analytical skills, creative thinking, literature analysis;
Design and conduct an extended research, or educational project;
Demonstrate competence in technical, laboratory, recording, organisation, data handling, research appraisal or other skills appropriate to the project.

C) Practical skills:
Systematically assemble and reference relevant published material related to specific biomedical issues;
Synthesise the material, identifying key points for evidence-based actions;
Describe and evaluate research and theory in chosen areas of biomedical science;
Produce a coherent written report of the project which includes: concise scientific abstract, a critical review of background literature; a clear account of the approach, rationale and methods used; appropriate analysis and interpretation of the results or outcomes; and conclusions drawn from the results or outcomes;
Make critically informed judgements about the merits of evidence.

D) Transferable skills:
Research methods;
Communication skills: writing, presentation, discussion.

E) Attitudes and behaviour:
Application to self-directed learning, time management and rigor in record/data keeping.

Conveners

• Dr Amanda Tatler