Module BISS3181: RESEARCH SKILLS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BISS3181: RESEARCH SKILLS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Tied To

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To develop an appreciation of the role and limitations of scientific research in the development of modern molecular medicine.

Content

• Practical techniques used in the modern biomedical laboratory.
• The writing and reading of primary scientific literature.
• Selected topics in current biomedical science informed by the research interests of the academic staff.

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of this module, students should should be able to: demonstrate practical skill in selected experimental techniques
• Interpret and critically analyse experimental data
• Analyse and critically assess a range of scientific information, including primary research articles
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Communicate ideas effectively in written, oral or electronic form
• Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific process in modern cellular and molecular biomedicine

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Laboratory Sessions are used to train students in the practical skills in selected topics of molecular medicine, and also serve to ground the students in safe working practice in the laboratory. They also serve to enhance subject specific skills such as of accuracy, reproducibility, data recording and interpretation.
• Tutorials are used in the teaching of the research skills and knowledge that are not covered by the practical classes. The small group teaching environment also allows a rich opportunity for summative feedback on students work.
• Self Directed Study is provided within a framework of the tutorial program and is supported by network resources, such as DUO. This mode serves to embed both subject specific knowledge as well as extend subject specific skills, for example in critical analysis as well as key skills such as the ability to work independently and in teams.
• Laboratory reports assess the students ability to acquire and analyse experimental data and present the interpretation of this data effectively.
• Abstract writing and article reviews examine the student's ability to critically analyse primary research data.
• Oral Presentations are used to assess knowledge in specific areas, but also to examine the students understanding of the scientific process.
• Essays assess key communication skills but also are used to examine a students understanding of the scientific process.
• Posters are used to both assess subject specific knowledge and ability to communicate ideas to others. Peer assessment is also used in poster presentation, which specifically addresses the key skill of group work.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

There will be five pieces of formatively assessed work, mapped to the summative work described above. Thus students will on average be preparing a piece of work for every other tutorial session.