Newcastle University

Aims

This module aims to familiarise students with a range of practical issues surrounding different forms of clinical research and with enhanced principles of research governance. It also aims to enhance the knowledge of the science behind research at an international level and allow students to reflect on their academic career. The module is designed to prepare students to plan and conduct original clinical research by providing them with specific knowledge and enabling them to develop understanding of the subject as well as a portfolio of skills to this end. The module will also provide students with knowledge of legal requirements for performing research outside the UK and provide enhanced knowledge building upon that obtained in the Postgraduate Certificate.

The module will be delivered on e-learning via blackboard VLE. The curriculum will be delivered through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based tutorials, lectures and discussion boards. Students will submit their work for assessment via Blackboard VLE. Students will be asked to prepare paperwork for formative summative assessment and submit these for assessment through VLE. The work for summative assessment will use the knowledge gained from their individual feedback, notes, discussion board interactions and other sources. Student work will be submitted and feedback given electronically.

Outline Of Syllabus

i. Current legislation and the law - the European perspective.
ii. Post marketing surveillance.
iii.Understanding the science of research.
iv.The Academic Career journey - how did I get where I am today.
v. Managing intellectual property.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module will be delivered by e-learning using Blackboard VLE through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based lectures and tutorials. Work will be submitted via Blackboard VLE for assessment and students will learn fundamental principles of research governance and good ethical practice as they apply to clinical research. Feedback will be given via blackboard VLE through on-line discussion and through interaction with module leaders.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students will develop two pieces of written work of 1000 words each that focus on new knowledge acquired during their learning regarding current legislation, governance, local and national regulations and the need for good practice. These will be assessed in and formative feedback given via Blackboard. Written communication, planning and organisation and information literacy are all practiced and assessed in the essay.


The Future Career Path refers to the scenario set for the assessments of this module where by a student will have the opportunity to interview a colleague, have sessions talking about career pathway, review current career guidelines and prepare a presentation – all based on what they would like to do given unlimited funding.

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