MCR8011 : Writing in a Research Setting (E-learning)
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Mark Booth
- Owning School: FMS Graduate School
- Teaching Location: Off Campus
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
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 4 | 15:00 | 60:00 | Assessments |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 10 | 5:00 | 50:00 | Online content |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 2 | 4:00 | 8:00 | Software |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 8 | 4:00 | 32:00 | eJournal/Blog |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | Wiki |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Supplemental reading |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Synchronous online webinar |
| Guided Independent Study | Online Discussion | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | |
| Total | 200:00 |
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
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 20 | Abstract (Standard Length Document). |
| Written exercise | 3 | M | 40 | Research Grant Application (standard length as required by template). |
| Portfolio | 3 | M | 10 | Participation in collaborative e-learning activities throughout the module (Discussion Board, Blog, Wiki). |
| Oral Examination | 2 | M | 30 | Submission of recorded presentation - 10 minutes |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Write 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
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCR8011's Timetable