Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The overall module aim is to introduce the participants to the various knowledge and skills relevant to a career in pharmacological research. This includes an introduction to career planning and a visit to pharmacological research labs at Newcastle Medical School. The students will learn how to communicate science using different media (research articles/oral talks/poster presentation). Moreover, considerations will be given to how research is evaluated and funded. More specifically the module aims to;

•       provide an introduction to the conduct of research in pharmacological sciences.
•       introduce students to the issues of how scientific research is funded and how research careers are
structured.
•       allow students an insight into the process of publication including peer review and publication metrics.
•       provide an understanding of the conduct of research with respect to appropriate design, methodologies
and technological developments.
•       allow students to further develop skills in critical review of scientific literature.
•       allow students to further develop skills in dissemination of research findings using a variety of media

Outline Of Syllabus

The module provides an introduction to research in pharmacological sciences and considers:

•       Examples of how research careers are structured in an academic environment
•       The conduct of research with respect to appropriate design, methodologies and technological
developments.
•       The dissemination of research findings using a variety of media such as print, talks or poster
presentations
•       Tools to develop skills in critically reviewing scientific literature
•       Various ways of how pharmacological research is funded

This module will provide a broad overview of pharmacological research in an academic setting including an introduction to postgraduate study options. The theme will be explored with projects focusing on methods in pharmacological research and in depth discussion of a selected research topic. The students will use these skills to produce a draft fellowship/grant application in addition to an oral and a poster presentation.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to :

•       Illustrate how research careers are structured in an academic environment
•       Discuss the approach and conduct of research with respect to appropriate design, methodologies and
technological developments.
•       Compare how research findings are disseminated using a variety of media such as print, talks posters and
other channels such as preprint servers and social mediaor poster presentations.
•       Describe how to critically review scientific literature and research projects.
•       Explore the various sources of pharmacological research funding

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module the students will be able to:

•       Critically analyse scientific literature and research methodologies.
•       Communicate effectively via scientific writing, oral presentation and poster defense.
•       Work as part of a team to prepare a formal submission for a research fellowship/grant application.
•       Manage their time effectively to meet deadlines.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials convey the core knowledge. Seminars provide opportunity for formative discussion and aid the development of critical key skills and problem solving. Individual and group study encourages the use of the scientific literature at a deeper level than that presented in lectures. The tutorials provide further opportunities for discussion and debate as well as practical experience in accessing scientific information through computer-based approaches and lab visits.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The two assessments test a range of knowledge and skills related to the taught material and also covering the guided and individually researched topics. Generic skills that are essential for a career in pharmacological research are also tested. The oral presentation requires concise and clear explanation of a chosen pharmacological research method. Presentation skills are essential for a scientist in the current academic world. The poster presentation assesses critical reading and investigation and gives the student the opportunity to demonstrate oral communication skills. The presentation is assessed by several academics and mimics a conference set-up. All the assessments are informed by real-life scenarios in science. The assessments are all finished before Christmas to avoid interference with the 3rd year research project.

General Notes

N/A