Veterinary Research Module

Code

VETS3008

School

Veterinary Medicine and Science

Level

3

Credits

30

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

The module enables students to experience contemporary research methods by requiring them to design a research programme and perform data analysis activities aimed at solving a specific veterinary biomedical problem. They will analyse and interpret data, read and collate previous information and results relevant to their problem, write a clear and concise report in the form of a proposal for future research. Students will complete three mentored research rotations, from a choice of nine options, to provide students with insights into a variety of data analysis approaches relevant to veterinary medicine. including data based on laboratory work, audit, experimental or observational studies or an extended literature review. 
  
This module also considers: 
  
The basis of how scientists formulate hypotheses, make predictions based on these hypotheses, and conduct experiments to test these predictions. 
  
Introduction to the importance of laboratory and field research and evidence based veterinary medicine.
 

Target Students

Restricted to students registered for the BVMedSci programme only. There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.

Classes

A mixture of lectures, practical sessions, seminars and self-directed study.

Assessment

• 100% Dissertation: 3000 word structured research proposal

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

a. Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of this module the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

A practical understanding of how established methods of research are used to interpret knowledge in veterinary medicine and science.

• The relevance of research to the research active clinician and evidence based clinical veterinary practice.

• The importance of scientific rigour in testing a hypothesis and drawing conclusions.

• The difference between qualitative and quantitative research. 
   

• A comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to their own research topic.

• If appropriate to the research exercise, the ethical constraints for research and procedures for gaining ethical approval for research activity.

• If appropriate to the project, relevance, use and interpretation of statistical data.

• Ability to explain and discuss critically the background, approach and outcomes of the research.

• Knowledge of contemporary research and theory in the chosen areas of veterinary science.

b. Intellectual Skills

At the end of this module the student should be able to demonstrate:

• Development of critical, analytical skills, creative thinking.

• Ability to design and describe a proposed extended research, or related project.

• Demonstration of competence in technical, laboratory, recording, organisation, data handling, research appraisal or other skills appropriate to the research.

• Critical analysis of research literature. 
   

• Ability to produce and interpret simple statistics.

• The optimum design of qualitative and quantitative research.

• The realisation why ethical reflection is important for veterinary surgeons.

c. Professional Practice Skills

At the end of this module the student should be able to demonstrate:

• Systematically assemble relevant printed and electronic material related to specific area of veterinary science.

• Synthesise the material, identifying key points for evidence-based actions.

• Describe and evaluate research and theory in chosen areas of veterinary medicine/science.

• Produce a coherent written report of the proposed research which includes: a critical review of background literature; a clear account of the approach, rationale and methods proposed; a summary of expected research results; identification of research impact and references. 

• Make critically informed judgements about the merits of the evidence generated.

• Produce an oral presentation of their work, including background, methods, results summary.

• An ability to undertake literature reviews and use reference management system.

d. Transferrable Skills

At the end of this module the student should be able to demonstrate:

• Learning and study techniques which promote life-long learning. 
   

• An ability to search for, select and use information for problem-solving and decision-making.

• Knowledge of the principals required to become a research active clinician.

• Progress in their ability to write and edit scientific prose. 
   

• Communication skills: writing, presentation, discussion.

• Development of the ability to assimilate information that will be of value for future clinical practice.

• Development of the ability to critically analyse scientific literature.

• Time and resource management, attitudes and behaviour. 
   

• Application to self-directed learning.

• Rigour in record/data keeping.

Conveners

• Dr Andrea Clarkson
• Dr Jennie Jeyapalan
• Dr Stephen Dunham
• Professor Janet Daly