BMS3007 : Research in Biomedical Sciences
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Lee Borthwick
- Lecturer: Dr Suzanne Madgwick, Dr Luke Gaughan, Professor Simi Ali, Professor James Allan, Professor Janet Quinn
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
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 to:
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 students ability to critically evaluate scientific experiments and interpret scientific data.
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 | 1 | 44:00 | 44:00 | Work on Critical Appraisal |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | PIP - Presentation session - Assessment based on a research paper - |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | PIP - Seminar - To be delivered in person |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Group Learning - Work on Presentation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | PIP - Tutorial at the request of students. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PIP - Introductory Module talk |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
There will be an introductory talk to introduce the aims, structure and expectations of the module. After the introductory talk, the students will attend short group tutorials where they will be introduced to their assigned scientific papers. There will be 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) at the presentation session attended by all 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.
Public health contingency:
All lectures, seminars and tutorials can/will move to online either as synchronous or non-synchronous delivery.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 30 | Group presentation of study papers (12 mins presentation, 3 mins discussion - PIP) |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 70 | 1000 word critical appreciation of 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.
Public Health Contingency:
Group presentations can/will move to online as synchronous delivery.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMS3007's Timetable