| Unit name | Research Skills |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PANM33011 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Nicholson |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
4 x 20cp level H/6 lecture units offered by the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
MVSF30001 |
| School/department | School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
The unit aims to allow students to develop the skills necessary to carry out a research project in the field of cellular and molecular medicine. They will read, analyse and interpret scientific data presented in the literature.
Students will be able to evaluate and discuss the key research papers underlying their project. Students doing experimental projects will learn data analysis skills and to disseminate their results in a written dissertation and by giving a research talk. All students will learn to assess the scientific literature and will evaluate whether appropriate conclusions have been drawn.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit will build upon teaching in years one and two and requires an application of problem solving and independent research, as well as core academic knowledge. It provides an opportunity to refine and exercise a highly transferable set of skills including the ability to communicate in writing and orally; be self-reliant and organise time effectively; work as a group member where appropriate; take appropriate decisions when needed; an appropriate level of numeracy and IT skill; plan, execute and interpret the results of experimental work; and manage a research project.
An overview of content
Students will carry out an experimental, literature, and/or computer-based research project in an area of current interest in cellular and molecular medicine. The Introduction to the project dissertations will require a review of the relevant primary scientific literature.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit.
Students will develop the ability to reason; analyse and interpret data; identify and solve problems; exercise independence of mind; form and defend scientific judgements, work as a member of a team (where appropriate).
Learning Outcomes
Students will be supported throughout their projects by their project supervisors.
Specific instruction on data and literature interpretation will be given within the co-requisite level H/6 units. Students will attend Journal Clubs to discuss relevant primary literature.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
The Draft Introduction is submitted for formative feedback from your supervisor.
Full Draft version of the remainder of the dissertation – formative feedback provided by supervisor.
A short introductory talk 10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions to your personal tutor and peers, feedback on your presentation will be provided by your personal tutor.
Tasks 'which count towards your unit mark (summative)
The assessed components will be the project dissertation and a research talk:
The Supervisor mark is for originality and effort.
The project research talk will be a 10 minute project presentation, with 5 minutes for questions.
A project dissertation of 6,000 words, to include a 250-word abstract and 2,000-word introduction.
To earn credit for this unit you must normally have made a reasonable attempt at each of the components of the unit assessment. A reasonable attempt requires a student to have undertaken the assessment activity and engaged with its purpose in the academic judgement of the relevant Unit Director, or nominee.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PANM33011).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
