Research project (pharmaceutical sciences)

Code	School	Level	Credits	Semesters
PHAR3025	Pharmacy	3	40	Spring UK

Code: PHAR3025
School: Pharmacy
Level: 3
Credits: 40
Semesters: Spring UK

Summary

This module provides:
An opportunity to undertake an original research study;
First-hand research experience and insights into scientific methodology, through the undertaking of a review of published work and experimental and/or computer-based work to investigate a selected topic;
The opportunity to use state-of-the-art instrumentation available in the School of Pharmacy.

Target Students

Available to BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences and MSci Pharmaceutical Sciences with a Year in Industry (Year 3)

Classes

4 x 1 hour lectures Structured self-directed learning (e-learning materials) (8 h) A maximum of 120 hours laboratory-based studies or data gathering sessions (typically an average of 2 days per week for 7-8 weeks)

Assessment

70% Report: Dissertation.
10% Practical: Practical/research skills assessed by supervisor(s).
20% Presentation: Scientific poster and oral defence/discussion of poster.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

This module aims to enable 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 problem related to pharmaceutical science. The practical component of the project will provide an opportunity for the student to carry out scientific research, and to relate the outcomes to scientific concepts and knowledge of the field. Students will collect, analyse and interpret data, read and collate previous results relevant to their problem, presenting their research as a clear and concise report.The module will commence with taught sessions to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and key skills in research and statistical processes such as:Literature retrieval and creation and management of a bibliography;Scientific writing including the presentation of research data;Study methods and study design including formulating and testing hypotheses;Evidence-based medicine;Human and animal research ethics;Qualitative research;Critical analysis of a scientific paper;Academic integrity and plagiarism;Statistical analysis of research data.The form of project may vary and it will typically be based on laboratory work. The module content is defined solely by the scope of the allocated project and the time for completion of the module. Academic supervisors will provide the topic of study and guidance on the project, and students will be expected to plan their own work and develop the theme of the dissertation in their own way, within the limits set by the supervisor.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

A. Knowledge and understanding

A6 Demonstrate and critically evaluate advanced scholarship in an area of pharmaceutical science.

B. Intellectual skills

B1 Critically appraise, analyse and summarise information, in particular in the context of pharmaceutical science;

B2 Undertake independent, reflective and self-directed learning in any area related to pharmaceutical science;

B3 Understand principles of experimental and research methodology in order to address questions and problems related to pharmaceutical science;

B4 Critically examine scientific data in areas related to pharmaceutical science.

C. Professional/practical skills

C1 Undertake effective information exchange with professionals in the pharmaceutical industry and academia;

C2 Undertake practical experimental work using appropriate materials, operating procedures and instruments;

C3 Undertake numerical tasks and carry out quantitative analysis relevant to pharmaceutical science;

C6 Apply and report scientific knowledge in an ethical manner.

D. Transferable/key skills

D1 Critically use information resources, including library and electronic sources;

D2 Work effectively as an individual or as part of a team;

D3 Communicate effectively in a variety of forms, including written, verbal and visual;

D4 Consolidate evidence from a range of sources in order to solve scientific and business problems.

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue

Last updated 07/01/2025.