Postgraduate

Modules

Modules

MCR8011 : Writing in a Research Setting (E-learning)

Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
Semester 3 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0

Aims

Writing is a key skill for anyone in medical research. This module 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.

Outline Of Syllabus

Writing standard operating protocols and study protocols

Practical information skillsWriting standard operating protocols and study protocols
Developing a research idea
Writing papers and grants
Costing grants
Peer review including responding to referees comments
Authorship and ownership – responsibilities
Plagiarism how to avoid it and how to detect it

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion415:0060:00Assessments
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading105:0050:00Online content
Guided Independent StudySkills practice24:008:00Software
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity84:0032:00eJournal/Blog
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity62:0012:00Wiki
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study102:0020:00Supplemental reading
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time21:002:00Synchronous online webinar
Guided Independent StudyOnline Discussion82:0016:00
Total200:00
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 Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Presentation103M30Submission of recorded presentation
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M20Abstract (Standard Length Document).
Written exercise3M40Research Grant Application (standard length as required by template).
Portfolio3M10Participation in collaborative e-learning activities throughout the module (Discussion Board, Blog, Wiki).
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise2MWrite a SOP (standard length document)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

In order for students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for them to be able to complete medical writing, they will complete three summative assessments. The first is an abstract for a published paper; second an original research proposal for a grant application; ; third a recorded presentation (5-10 minutes) with PowerPoint (10 slides)on their own research idea. In addition students will be formatively assessed on writing a standard operating procedure.

A participation grade is included to encourage and reward the student's engagement with the
collaborative activities.

Should a student fail the participation assessment and have to undertake a re-sit they will have to
complete a different form of assessment. The student will be asked to look at 2 participation
activities as identified by the module leader/team and submit a 500 word written summary (approx. 250 words per activity).

Reading Lists

Timetable