Newcastle University

Aims

Writing is a key skill for anyone in medical research. This module, ‘Writing in a Research Setting: E-Learning’ (MCR8011), aims to familiarise students with the many different processes involved in medical writing. The module is designed to allow the students to experience medical writing and to enable them to develop a range of key skills that will prepare them for writing research proposals, grant applications, case reports and manuscripts for both medical textbooks and journals.
This module is delivered as e-learning on Blackboard VLE and is worth 20 credits.

Outline Of Syllabus

i.       Writing standard operating protocols and study protocols
ii.       Critical appraisal of scientific papers
iii.       Peer review
iv.       Writing papers
v.       Writing grants
vi.       Responding to referees comments
vii.       Practicalities of data management for publication
viii.       Authorship and ownership – responsibilities
ix.       Plagiarism how to avoid it and how to detect it

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module will be delivered online via Blackboard VLE through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based lectures or tutorials. Students will learn fundamental principles of writing in a research setting. Through Blackboard, students and academics will be able to take part in and where appropriate advise on; review, critical appraisal and writing skills in both one-to-one and group discussions. The students will be able to practice review, critical appraisal and writing skills in a self-directed fashion. The students’ work will be assessed electronically and the students will receive formative feedback.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students will complete four assignments. The first is a SOP (standard operating procedure); second an abstract for a published paper; third an original research proposal for a grant application; fourth material for a scripted PowerPoint presentation on their own research idea. This presentation is presented by the student in their work place but this part is not assessed.

A participation grade is included to reflect the student's engagement with the collaborative activities included throughout this e-learning module. These activities include the Discussion Board, Blog and Wiki.