Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

•       To appreciate experimental investigations in biomedical sciences and how these advance our understanding of human disease.

•       To analyse in depth and critically review one scientific paper and present the results and inferences contained therein for discussion to a audience of peers: Specifically;

o       To consider study design, selection of appropriate methods, analysis of results and how these are presented in scientific papers.

o       To consider the relationship between study aims, results and conclusions in scientific papers and how these test hypotheses and generate further studies.

•       To produce a short critical report of the assigned scientific papers.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module provides students with an insight into the process, using real examples of published studies, of biomedical research and how this research contributes to advances in our understanding of human disease. In addition, the module will develop a student's ability to critically evaluate scientific experiments and interpret scientific data.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students will have:

•       An understanding (based on real examples) of how the research in biomedical sciences contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge and practice.

•       An understanding, using scientific literature, of the approaches being used to advance our understanding of medical problems and the limitations that may apply to these studies.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Intended Skills Outcomes

At the end of the module students will have developed skills in:

•       Critical analysis of scientific literature and research methodologies.

•       Oral presentations and writing a short report.

•       Team work.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

There will be an introductory lecture to introduce the aims, structure and expectations of the module. After the introductory talk, the students will attend group tutorials where they will be introduced to their assigned scientific papers. There will be a maximum of 2 groups of students per tutorial at which the designated papers will be discussed and general guidance will be given from academic supervisors. Each group will subsequently present their designated paper (12 minutes presentation, 3 minutes discussion for pairs, 15 minutes presentation, 4 minutes discussion for trios) at the presentation session attended by other students. Students are expected to lead and get involved in the discussion following each presentation. Additional marks will be given to students that provide questions and get involved in discussion.

In addition to the presentations, students will write a 1000 word critical appraisal on their designated paper.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The presentations provide students with an opportunity to collaborate in a group to collate their findings and share their knowledge to create a concise research summary. The presentation will therefore assess the students' teamwork skills as well as more specific writing and presentation skills in the oral presentation session.

The presentations are graded by 3 tutors and individual scores assigned to each student within the group ie: the mark is individual.

The critical appraisal of a designated paper will assess the students' ability to research a topic in greater depth showing their critical analysis skills as well as their general writing skills.

General Notes

N/A