BMD3015 : In vivo research (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Lindsey Ferrie
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Jasmine Clarkson, Dr Matthew Leach
- Lecturer: Mr Huw Thomas, Professor Laura Greaves, Dr Saimir Luli, Dr Colline Poirier, Professor Lucy Asher
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module aims to:
Provide students with an in-depth understanding of the roles and importance of regulations, ethics and animal health and welfare used for in vivo research in the UK.
Develop the skills of students in experimental design, analysis and critical appraisal
Explore current and future trends in experimental research techniques/methodologies and data analysis from research-led in vivo case studies.
Explore bioscience and non-bioscience focused in vivo research areas/careers
Outline Of Syllabus
The module comprises of lectures/seminars by research active academics and animal technologists with experience of in vivo research and translational pharmacology.
This module will cover fundamental topics such as:
• Animals used for scientific purposes
• UK regulatory control
• Ethical perspectives, animal health and welfare & good practice (e.g. 3Rs)
• Animal & non animal models
• In vivo techniques / Methodologies – Case Studies
• Experimental design, data analysis & critical evaluation
• Bioscience and Non-bioscience in vivo research / career perspectives
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 115:00 | 115:00 | Including research presentation event |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | CBC activities |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 1 | 6:00 | 6:00 | Online self-paced learning course (Research Animal Training). |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | In vivo research case studies, CBC activities and Q&A sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Writing up lecture notes and general reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures a formal taught session to the whole cohort which consists largely of the exposition of theory, themes, methodologies and techniques. These will form the basis of a student’s understanding of a subject.
Seminars / Small group teaching will encourage contextualisation of taught material through discussion, Q&As, data interpretation and problem-solving. Small group teaching provides support for students in their preparation for the assessment format.
Workshops will provide skills training and assessment guidance. Workshops foster active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking. It bridges theory and practice by engaging students in problem-solving, discussions, and hands-on activities, enhancing understanding and retention while developing teamwork and communication skills.
Independent study will allow students to extend their knowledge and prepare for assessments through consolidation of module content, reading of books, journal articles and other recommended references such as the online, self-paced training course.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 60 | Experimental study plan: Study plan proposal and data analysis questions - Individual submission. 1500 words max |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 40 | Individual Research presentation: Audiovisual dissemination of research value/impact (10 min) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | Group REC/Review and draft study plan proposal feedback: Peer assessed performance against rubric; 350-500 word draft proposal |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessments have been designed to emulate the authentic experience of in vivo experimental design. Students follow the journey of hypothesis generation and design justification, regulatory approval (ethical and peer-review), data interpretation and end the experience with critical consideration of the wider research impact and its dissemination.
The experimental study plan will be used to assess evidence of critical evaluation and knowledge acquisition in experimental design, problem solving, data interpretation and evidence-informed reasoning.
KO: 1, 2. SO: 1, 2, 3.
The research presentation will assess the student’s ability to effectively disseminate complex scientific data demonstrating creativity and communications skills. KO: 3, SO: 2, 4, 5
The group REC/review activity will provide a formative opportunity to practice critical thinking in addition to decision making, ethical consideration and constructive feedback skills.
Digital skills/computer literacy will be assessed in all assessments.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMD3015's Timetable