In vivo Experimental Design

At a Glance

Course dates: Monday 14th February 2011– Tuesday 15th February 2011
Location: Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University
Notional Learning Hours: 100 (Approximately 17 hours face to face)
Post Graduate Credits: 10 Masters Level (Level 7)
Stand alone module fees: £480
Course Contact: Dr Melissa Bateson  

Module information

This module introduces the basic principles of good experimental design including the scientific and animal welfare benefits of good design and the positive and negatives of different design theories (including a strong focus on QBD). There is significant emphasis on practical problem solving within the module with exercises included to develop students’ abilities to recognise flaws in existing experimental designs and to develop their skills and confidence in designing their own experiments.

The course is targeted at bioscientists working in the pharmaceutical sector, biotechnology or related industries and is particularly appropriate for those working in experimental design now or who may do so in the future. The module utilises examples which are representative of the type of problems students are likely to encounter in a commercial environment and we include a strong emphasis on practical problem solving to make sure delegates are able to implement the concepts taught in their workplaces and to develop confidence in experimental design.

Key topics / sessions

  • Why is experimental design important in the life sciences?
    • Costs of poor design:
      • Poor science
      • Wasted time and money
      • Ethical issues
  • Relationship between experimental design and statistics
    • Good designs lead to simple statistics
    • Importance of considering statistical analysis at the design stage
    • Communicating with a statistician
  • First steps to a good experimental design:
    • Defining your research question
    • Deciding on your hypothesis
    • Identifying specific predictions that follow from it
  • Goals of a good design:
    • Elimination of random variation and confounding factors
    • Importance of replication.
    • Understanding pseudo-replication
    • Reliability of measurements: inter- and intra observer reliability
    • Randomisation
    • Importance of blinding
  • Getting the sample size right
    • Introduction to power analysis
  • Different types of experimental design: their pros and cons
    • The importance of controls
    • Randomised and factorial designs
    • Blocking and within subject designs
    • Split-plot designs
  • The importance of pilot studies

Assessment

2000 word written report (100%)

Entry requirements

Academic: The entry requirements will normally be a second-class Honours degree, or an international equivalent. Other equivalent qualifications and/or relevant industrial experience will be considered for entry.

Language: Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90 (Internet-based) or 577 (paper-based), or equivalent.
There are no academic requirements for attendance only.

How to apply

Please contact Dr Melissa Bateson (details below) to register your interest for the course and for further application details.

Contact

For admissions, general enquiries or course content queries please contact:

Dr Melissa Bateson,
Centre for Behaviour and Evolution
Institute of Neuroscience
Henry Wellcome Building for Neuroecology
Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH

Tel: +44 (0)191 222 5056
Email: melissa.bateson@ncl.ac.uk