| Unit name | Anatomical Research Preparation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ANATM0005 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Miller |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
ANAT30009, ANAT30010, ANAT30012, ANAT30014 & ANAT30015 must all be completed |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
MSci Anatomy Research Project |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Anatomy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
This TB1 unit will help you to prepare for an independent research project in the TB2 MSci Research Project unit. You will attend taught sessions to support you in writing an appropriate research proposal for ethical review, covering the legal and ethical considerations of using human and animal material or data in conducting work with scientific integrity. With support from your research supervisor you will develop and refine the methods needed for your research project, ensuring that you can start your research in TB2 with a clear plan. Developing effective research protocols and methods is essential for designing thorough studies and achieving reliable results.
You will also write an extended literature review on a chosen topic, forming the background for your final research project submission in TB2, learning to critically analyse scientific literature, an important skill for identifying gaps in scientific literature and formulating original research questions.
The skills developed in this unit are key for conducting high-quality research and will prepare you for further work in research-based disciplines.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit lays the groundwork for the MSci Anatomy Research Project unit in TB2, covering the necessary background work for your research project. This includes identifying an original research question, planning methods and techniques, and obtaining ethical approval for your projects. This preparation will allow you to concentrate on the practical aspects of your research in TB2, with the literature review and methods written in this unit forming the basis of your final submission.
An Overview of Content
This unit acts as the preliminary stage for the Research Project unit in TB2. During TB1, you will engage in activities required prior to starting your research. The curriculum includes writing a literature review to establish a strong knowledge base and context for your research question, and to identify an original research question. You will also plan the methods and techniques appropriate for your study and apply for necessary ethical approvals. This will enable you to have a clear plan for your research in the TB2 Research Project unit.
How Will Students, Personally, Be Different as a Result of the Unit
By the end of this unit, you will have developed your ability to critically analyse academic literature to create an original research question. You will understand the principles of research ethics, especially relating to the Human Tissue Act, and will have developed an understanding of scientific integrity and ethical behaviour in an academic research setting. You will develop transferable skills in designing and planning research methodologies, equipping you with skills needed in a research workplace.
Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate scientific literature to identify gaps and establish a context for a research question, aligning with the Bristol Skills Framework’s emphasis on research skills.
2. Construct a research project application for ethical review, applying knowledge of legal considerations relevant to the use of human and/or animal tissue or human participants.
3. Design research methods and protocols, demonstrating the capability to conduct research, essential for employability in research-driven fields.
This unit uses a student-centered learning approach emphasizing interaction, application, and reflection. This pedagogical style is chosen because it aligns with the learning outcomes and the nature of the assessments, which aims to foster skill development in research methodologies.
These learning activities ensure that you are not only well-prepared academically but also professionally, as you develop the competencies needed for success in research or industry-based careers.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative tasks are designed to enhance learning and prepare you for summative assessments. They provide opportunities to practice and receive feedback on key competencies such as critical analysis, ethical reasoning, and research design. For example, you will submit a draft research proposal and ethics application to your supervisor for feedback before formally submitting. These tasks help develop your work for assessment in this unit as well as the TB2 MSci Anatomy Research Project based on constructive feedback and skills development.
You can expect detailed feedback on your draft submissions in alignment with the School of Anatomy feedback policy, focusing on areas of improvement and highlighting strengths, ensuring that you have the opportunity to incorporate the feedback into your summative submissions.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
An extended background literature review to include justification of the methods you will use in the MSci Anatomy Research Project Unit (100%) (ILOs 1-3)
A must-complete research project application for ethical review (Must complete)
This unit is a co-requisite for the MSci Anatomy Research Project Unit, any outstanding project outlines and ethical approvals must be in place prior to research work commencing in TB2.
When assessment does not go to plan:
Where needed, an alternative supplementary opportunity will be offered to submit the summative literature review and must-complete research project application.
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. ANATM0005).
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.
