Module overview
As part of year one of the Integrated PhD (iPhD) programme, all students will undertake three short research projects (10-12 weeks each) in different laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to develop a broad range of laboratory skills and to develop a well-rounded understanding of their chosen field of study. Students will be offered as much choice as possible for each of the three projects, with information on project availability being provided by the module leads. Students will be encouraged to develop a wide range of skills that will support them for their research in years 2-4 of the programme.
Each student will have a clearly identified supervisor who will provide guidance and support in both the practical and theoretical elements of the project. Students will need to utilise appropriate research techniques to address a clear research question. In addition, students will be expected to develop a good understanding of the published literature within their field of study.
Assessment of the project will be through a written research report of approximately 5000 words.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the practical considerations involved in carrying out research (Programme LOs A1).
- research conventions appropriate to the aims of the study and the research design (e.g research governance, ethics health and safety, and data protection) (Programme LOs A3).
- the justification for carrying out research in the particular area chosen for the project (Programme LOs A4, B1, B2, B3, B5, C4, D1, D2)
- different types of research methods and apply appropriate research designs to your chosen projects (Programme LOs A2, B4, C5, D2).
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- plan and undertake a project with knowledge of good laboratory practice in a specified area of research with appropriate supervision (Programme LOs A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B4, B5,C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D1, D2).
- perform appropriate data presentation (Programme LOs C3,C4).
- submit a written report of research with an element of originality (Programme LOs A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B5, C3, C4, C5, D1).
- use data collection, handling and analysis methods appropriately (Programme LOs A1, A3, B1, B4, C3).
Cognitive Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critically assess research carried out by others, evaluate its usefulness for your own practice and use it as a starting point for your research (Programme LOs A4, B1,B3, B5).
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Direct your own learning and perform independent judgement and critical self awareness for your work (Programme LOs A1, B1, B5, C1, C2, D1).
- Organise your research activities to achieve a desired outcome within a limited amount of time (Programme LOsB4, B5, C1, C5, D1).
- Exercise initiative and personal responsibility (Programme LOs B5, C1, C2, D1).
Syllabus
Students will work with an assigned supervisor (one for each short research project) to learn and extend their:
a) background knowledge and critical appraisal of the area in which they are working;
b) knowledge of health and safety and Ethical considerations relating to the project;
c) technical skills required to carry out a specified short research project;
d) knowledge of good laboratory practice in performing experiments;
e) data collection, handling and analysis skills to produce results;
f) data presentation skills in both oral and written formats.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
You will learn the specialised skills required to perform a short research project in a specific subject area by accessing a range of learning and teaching opportunities including:
a) Faculty of Medicine Postgraduate Training Programme;
b) Training and discussion sessions;
c) Research Seminars;
d) Face-to-face theoretical and practical training.
Total Study Time
The modules will reflect the normal distribution of 400 hours of student effort attributable to each 40 credit module.
Contact hours: 40
Non-contact hours: 360
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 360 |
| Teaching | 40 |
| Total study time | 400 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Reading List. You will be guided by supervisors to identify literature appropriate to the area of research prior to the commencement of themodule. The reading associated with generic transferable skills learned in the other modules of the programme will also be applicable to this module.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The assessment for the module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. It will demonstrate your ability to plan, perform and present a short research project using an evidence-based approach.
The markers/reviewers will be selected from teachers on the module. All assignments will be double marked by the supervisor of the project and another tutor involved in the programme. Marks and feedback will be moderated by the module leader.
Assessed Course Work:
Written assignment of between 4500 and 5000 words reporting the research project including: Abstract, Introduction, Background and Literature Review, Hypothesis aims and specific objectives, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Future Research and References. The assignment will demonstrate your knowledge and appraisal of the relevant literature and show that this has been applied to the design, execution and reporting of the project.
All the learning outcomes detailed in sections above will be achieved in identifying, planning, performing and presenting the written assignment for the research project.
Assessment requirements
You must pass the module overall at 50% or above. Candidates who fail the module at the first attempt will be permitted to re-sit a supplementary assessment as agreed by the coordinator. Candidates who achieve at least 50% overall at the second attempt will be permitted to pass the module.
Students are not normally permitted to repeat the year.
(Summative) Assessment Method: Project report (approx. 5000 words)
% contribution to final mark: 100%
Learning Outcomes: A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, C1, C2, C3, F1
Mode of Feedback to Students: Detailed feedback addressing each section of the project is entered into the eAssignment system by the markers and is released to students with the marks
(Referral) Assessment Method:Project report (approx. 5000 words)
% contribution to final mark: 100%
Learning Outcomes: A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, C1, C2, C3, F1
Mode of Feedback to Students: Detailed feedback addressing each section of the project is entered into the eAssignment system by the markers and is released to students with the marks
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Project report | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Project report | 100% |