BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 …...BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Cellular Biochemistry and Biology Module Description The aim of this module is to

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Cellular Biochemistry and Biology

Module Description

The aim of this module is to provide a basic understanding of protein biochemistry and build from this to provide an overview of the key processes in cell biology. Description of the fundamental elements of protein structure and function together with the relevant chemical principles will provide a context for understanding the basic quantitative elements of biochemistry and an appreciation of the applications for proteins in biomedicine. This will provide the student with sufficient background to understand the second phase of the module, where the fundamental elements of the cell will be discussed, including cell structure, motility, adhesion, signalling, proliferation, trafficking and regulation.

Module Content

Session Session Title

Lecture Introduction to the Module

Lecture Charge and shape in biological reactions

Lecture Protons and their Impact

Lecture Maintenance of pH

Self Directed Learning Solutions dilutions

Lecture The components of proteins

Small Group Teaching Ionisation and pH

Lecture Protein structure dictates function

Small Group Teaching SOD Session 1

Lecture Protein Partners

Lecture Protein Interactions

Small Group Teaching Protein Structure

Lecture Measuring protein activity


Lecture Fluorescence in biochemical analysis

Small Group Teaching Spectroscopy

Lecture Energetics of protein action

Lecture Dynamics of Protein Action

Self Directed Learning Cellular Reactions

Self Directed Learning Inhibitors

Lecture Controlling protein action

Lecture Extracting proteins from biological sources

Laboratory Practical Enzyme Review

Small Group Teaching Kinetics


Lecture Analysis of protein properties

Lecture Protein applications in biomedicine

Small Group Teaching Purification

Lecture How we study cells

Self Directed Learning SOD Session 4

Lecture Moving cargo in the cell

Lecture Keeping cells together

Self Directed Learning Motors

Lecture The scaffold of the cell

Self Directed Learning Adhesion

Lecture Cell structure - membrane compartments

Small Group Teaching Cell adhesion


Lecture Cell movement

Lecture The social life of cells

Small Group Teaching Motility

Lecture Communication between cells 1

Lecture Communication between cells 2

Small Group Teaching Signalling


Lecture Cell growth and proliferation

Lecture Regulating cell numbers

Small Group Teaching Cell Cycle

Lecture Moving into the nucleus


Self Directed Learning Adhesion

Lecture Getting to the cell surface

Lecture Controlling activity in the cell

Laboratory Practical Cell Cycle (Part 1)

Small Group Teaching Transport

Lecture Latency and activation

Laboratory Practical Cell Cycle (Part 2)

Lecture Review of the module


Small Group Teaching SOD Session 9/10

Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Describe the principle of chemical ionisation and apply this knowledge quantitatively in the context of pH, buffers and protein action

2. Give an overview of protein structure, including its origin during biosynthesis, the forces responsible for its maintenance and its relevance to macromolecular assembly and protein substrate interaction, and to apply this in the context of structure/function relationships

3. Describe the basic aspects of enzyme kinetics and its analysis and apply this knowledge to interpret a simple experimental data set

4. Describe the basis of the key methodologies used to purify and analyse proteins and use this information to design a simple preparative or analytical process

5. Describe the underlying structure of the cell and the contributions of the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and membrane compartments to cell function

6. Describe the basic strategies used by cells to communicate and how this influences cell proliferation and to apply this knowledge to design experimental outlines to investigate its consequences

7. Describe key intracellular trafficking events used to transport cargoes between compartments of the cell and the relationship of these processes to the activation and degradation of proteins

Assessment Module assessment will comprise a combination of a written unseen paper and in-course assessments: Examination (2 hours; 2 from 4 essays and 6 SAQs): 75% In course assessment 25%: Students will give individual 10 minute oral presentations, each covering a specified aspect of the module (12.5%) and a January MCQ (50 questions, 1 hour, 12.5%). Hours Academic staff to deliver 33 lecture sessions, 110 small group sessions (10 SGTs taught as 2 x 5 groups and 10 tutorials) and 18 (2 x 9) hours of practical work.

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Cardiovascular Science

Module Description

This module will provide students with a detailed understanding of the functioning and control of the heart and vasculature. The module will be delivered by scientific and clinical research experts within the College to ensure a broad perspective to the subject rooted in current state-of-the-art research knowledge. This module will provide a foundation from which the student will build their knowledge, skill and experience in this area should they choose to study the subject further in the third year or in postgraduate studies. The module is organised into a series of themes: the heart, the vascular system and control mechanisms. In each theme a combination of lectures, small group discussion, practical work and interactive sessions will be used to encourage the students to apply their knowledge about the system and develop generic skills that can be applied to other modules.

Module Content


Lecture Coronary Circulation

Lecture Cardiac Function: EC Coupling

Lecture Cardiac Function: Failing Heart

Lecture Cardic arrhythmicity

Lecture Physical Characteristics of Blood

Small Group Teaching

Cardiac Function: Review of Material in Lectures L04-L06

Lecture Red and White Cell Circulation

Lecture Dysregulated Leukocyte Trafficking in Chronic Disease

Lecture CNS Control of Cardiovascular System

Lecture Disturbances of Blood Pressure and Volume


Cardiovascular Pathology - Review of materials in lectures L10-L12

Lecture Review of the Respiratory System

Lecture Central(neural) Control of Respiration

Lecture Pheripheral (Chemical) Control of Respiration

Practical Exercise and Blood pressure reg

Lecture Pulmonary Function of Circulation

Lecture Normal and Abnormal Pulmonary Function

Lecture Respiratory Failure

Lecture Integration of Cardiovascular & Respiratory Function

Small Group Teaching Respiration: Review of materials in lectures L13-L17

Lecture Temperature Regulation

Lecture CVRS Integration: Exercise

Lecture Integration: Alerting response, Vasovagal syncope

Lecture CVRS integration: sleep

Lecture acclimatisation to high Altitude

Practical Pulmonary Function in Rest and Exercise

Small Group Teaching CVRS Integration


Pulmonary function in rest and exercise - review of practical data

Seminar Interactive Demonstration

Lecture Introduction to the Cardiovascular and Respiratory System


1. Describe the basic structure and function of cardiovascular system and how it enables oxygen and metabolic fuel to reach tissues, and carbon dioxide and waste products to be removed.

2. Evaluate the use of genetic, molecular, cell, tissue and whole organism (including man) approaches to the study of the cardiovascular system

3. Apply knowledge gained from reference to experimental research models about cardiac structure and function in normal circumstances and disease.

4. Apply knowledge gained from reference to experimental research models used for understanding vascular structure and function in normal circumstances and disease.

5. Describe the central mechanisms responsible for controlling the cardiovascular system using knowledge gained from an understanding of the research methods currently used in this area.

Assessment Module assessed by one piece of in course assessment and a written, unseen examination End of year 1 hr examination (75%) – 1 hr: a selection of 15 MCQs, 2 from 4 SAQs, 1 from 2 Essays

ICA (25%) – Data interpretation exercise Hours Total contact hours: 37: 15 hr Lectures; 12 hr Tutorials; 10 hr practical classes/workshops; 63 hrs guided independent study

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Drug Action

Module Description

The module aims to familiarise the students with the principles of pharmacology as a quantitative science. Coverage of the basic principles is supported by a systems based consideration of some of the potential mechanisms for the pharmacological manipulation of the peripheral and central nervous systems, the gastrointestinal tract, inflammatory processes, infection and cancer.

Module Content


Lecture Principles of Drug Action

Lecture Introduction to Quantitive Pharmacology

Tutorial Tutorial 1

Lecture Pharm Methods and Meas

Lecture Drugs Affecting the Neuromuscular Junction

Lecture Absorption and Distribution of Drugs

Lecture Local Anaesthetics

Tutorial Tutorial 2

Lecture Drug Metabolism and Excretion

Lecture Introduction to Autonomic Pharmacology

Lecture Drugs Affecting the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Tutorial Tutorial 3

Lecture Adrenergic Pharmacology 1

SGT Autonomic Function and Dysfunction

Com Practical Cardiolab 1

Lecture Anti-Cholinesterases

Tutorial Tutorial 4

Lecture Histamine and Histamine Receptor Antagonists

Lecture Emetics and anti-drugs

Lecture Cardiolab assessment

Tutorial Tutorial 5

Lecture Pharmacokinetics 1

Lecture Pharmacokinetics 2

Student Presentation Presentations

Tutorial Tutorial 6

Lecture Opiate

Lecture Alcohol

Lecture Cytotoxic drugs

Tutorial Tutorial 7

Tutorial Tutorial 8

Lecture Adverse drug reactions

Lecture Principles in chemotherapy

Tutorial Tutorial 9

Lecture Anti-viral chemo

Lecture Anti-parasitic chemo

Practical Drugs Affecting the Isolated Ileum of the Guinea-Pig


1. understand the concept of a drug receptor and appreciate the nature of these receptors 2. define the terms agonist, antagonist, partial agonist, affinity and efficacy, and

understand the importance of these parameters in determining the properties of drugs

3. realise the importance of pharmacokinetics in influencing the response to a drug 4. know the mechanisms of action and side effects of selected drugs affecting a)

the peripheral nerves, b) the central nervous system, c) the gastrointestinal tract, d) inflammatory processes and e) infectious organisms and cancer cells

5. appreciate the ways in which differences between individuals can influence the response to, and toxic effects of, drugs

6. present and interpret data from simple pharmacological experiments 7. work as a group to prepare and deliver an oral presentation

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of a 1 hr written, unseen examination and in course assessment. Examination 75% (Semester 2) ICA 25% (Semester 2) The examination will comprise 25 MCQs and 4 SAQs from a choice of 6. The ICA component will comprise the following: Group seminar presentation

Hours Total contact hours: 100: 20 hr Lectures; 6 tutorials and a 2h seminar session for each of 10 groups (=80h).

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Digestion and Renal Sciences

Module Description

The module links the function of the main nutritive inputs (through Digestion) and their waste outputs (Renal Sciences). The processes of digestion, absorption and excretion in the gastro-intestinal tract and associated organs are introduced to provide a system-based appreciation of specific function/dysfunction. The Digestive science component covers the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract with a strong relevance to gastrointestinal disease. The Renal Science component covers the anatomy, physiology and toxicology of the kidney and urinary tract, and the role of the kidneys in homeostasis of osmolarity, volume and acid-base. Most pertinently both aspects of the module align with research performed within the college of MDS and thus provides students with the opportunity to experience cutting edge research within the college of MDS.

Module Content


Lecture Introduction and Overview of the Digestive System

Lecture Functions of the mouth/oesophagus and associated diseases

Lecture Gross Anatomy of the Digestive System

Lecture Secretion in the Stomach and its control

AnatPrac Histology of the Gut Wall and Glands

Lecture Secretion in the pancreas and intestines

Lecture Control of Smooth Muscle in GI Tract

Lecture Motility in the GI Tract

Lecture Function of the Liver and Hepatobiliary System

Lecture Jaundice

Lecture Absorption Ions and Water

SGT Digestion 1 – GORD

Lecture Control and Absorption of Iron

Lecture Digestion and Absorption of Carbohydrate and Protein

SGT Digestions 2 – Jaundice

Lecture Digestion and Absorption of Fat

Lecture Fed/fasted states and Metabolic Disorders

Exam Essay under examination

SGT Digestion 3 – Pancreatitis

Lecture Glycogen synthesis and breakdown

Lecture Nutrition 1 – Normal Physiology

SGT Digestion 4 – Iron Deficiency

Lecture Nutrition 2 – Starvation/Obesity

Lecture Acute and Chronic Inflammation of the GIT

Lecture Cancers of the GIT

Exam Turning Point Formative MCQ

Exam Assessment Session / MCQ


1. Understand the gross anatomy of the organs of the digestive, renal and urinary systems (including their relations to other organs in the abdomen and pelvis), and demonstrate an understanding of their functions and processes.

2. Appreciate the mechanisms of digestion, motility, absorption and elimination as applied to the major organs and classes of food.

3. Understand the special features of the renal blood supply which adapt the organ for filtration and reabsorption, and how blood flow and GFR can be measured

4. Describe the transport properties of the nephron and how these relate to excretory function of the kidneys

5. Understand the role of the kidneys in regulating body fluid osmolarity, volume and acid-base balance; and the methods of investigation used to obtain this knowledge.

6. Understand the cause and types of the major diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and how this impacts on its function

7. Understand the role of food in society, of nutrition and disordered nutrition and metabolic disturbance in diabetes.

8. Understand the role of the kidneys in regulating body fluid osmolarity, volume and acid-base balance; and the methods of investigation used to obtain this knowledge.

9. Understand how drugs, including anti-ulcer treatments and diuretics, can modify digestive and renal function.

10. Use independent thought processes to discuss and evaluate scientific material.

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of written examination (2 hours, consisting of 20MCQs, 4 from 6 SAQs and 2 from 4 essays) and course work.

Examination 75% (Semester 2) Course work 25% (Semester 2) The course work component will consist of an essay (2000 words excluding references). Hours Total contact hours: 57: 36 hr Lectures; 13 tutorials 2hr demonstration; 6 practical classes/workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 component: Employability Skills passport (Level C) non credit-bearing

Component Description The purpose of this component is to encourage students to develop a number of skills which are critical for their on-going development on the course but also for their future employability prospects. To achieve this goal, the component will focus on the non-module specific skills acquired during the year. This will not require any additional assessment but emphasises and rewards engagement of students with these elements. Furthermore, it ensures that students are not progressing with deficiencies in their skills which could put them at a significant disadvantage in subsequent years.

Students shall normally be required to:

1. Attend, engage with and contribute to all identified compulsory teaching sessions, including anatomy, laboratory and computer practicals, small group teaching sessions, tutorials and progress tutorials.

2. Engage with their Personal Tutor during Progress Tutorials and reflect on the subject and transferable/employability skills that they are developing with the aid of feedback that they have received.

Component Outcomes By the end of the component students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic level of ability to contribute to communicate orally and in writing scientific concepts and/or data

2. Undertake laboratory work safely and competently, to the level taught at level C 3. Demonstrate a willingness to work effectively in groups and contribute to the

achievement of common goals 4. Demonstrate a willingness to engage in reflective practice relating to their

learning experiences

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Fundamentals of life science

Module Description

The module introduces basic concepts in biomedical sciences and provides a sound knowledge base for subsequent cellular and systems-based modules. It comprises a series of lectures, small group sessions and laboratory-based practical sessions that will lead to an in-depth understanding of some fundamental principles of human biology. The structure and function of DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids are introduced at the beginning of the module. Later, the physiology of fluid compartments and the biochemistry of energy generation are considered. The fundamental principles of human embryological development, and the anatomy of some of the major structures of the body are presented. The biology of bacteria, including their structure and genetics, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance are introduced. The biology of viruses, viral infection and virus-receptor interactions are considered, and an introduction to immunology, including innate and adaptive immunity is presented. A number of experimental technologies, including DNA cloning and sequencing, polymerase chain reaction and the use of antibodies as experimental tools are discussed.

Module Content


Lecture Introduction to the module

Lecture Structure and properties of RNA

Lecture Amino acids and proteins

Small Group Teaching Breaking the Code

Tutorial Assessment tutorials : essay setting and feedback

Laboratory Practical Core Labskills 1

Lecture Translation

Lecture Enzymes

Anatomy Practical Introduction to histology and classification of tissues


Anatomy Practical Preparation and visualisation of histological specimens


Anatomy Practical Epithelial tissue

Small Group Teaching Metabolism II

Anatomy Practical Epithelial tissue

Anatomy Practical Topography and histology of the skin

Lecture Early embryonic development

Lecture Gastrulation and the formation of the body plan

Small Group Teaching Hold - Spare Slot (as per Wendy/Lisa)

Lecture Development of the organ systems – ectoderm and nervous system

Lecture Development of the organ systems – mesoderm

Anatomy Practical Histology and histopathology of connective tissue

Lecture Development of the body systems – body folding and endoderm

Lecture Recombinant DNA and cloning

Small Group Teaching Embryology I

Lecture Introduction to infection and immunity

Small Group Teaching Embryology II

Lecture Structure of bacterial cells

Laboratory Practical Gram Stain 1

Anatomy Practical Histology of cartilage and bone

Laboratory Practical Gram Stain 2

Small Group Teaching Experimental Procedures

Lecture Genetics of bacteria

Lecture Virology: Your cells under new management

Anatomy Practical Muscle anatomy

Lecture Antibiotics

Lecture The ‘lock and key’ model of virus-receptor interaction

Small Group Teaching Bacteriology

Tutorial assessment tutorials : essay setting and feedback

Small Group Teaching Bacteriology

Lecture DNA viruses, clinical features and replication

Lecture Innate immunity

Small Group Teaching Virology

Lecture Adaptive immunity

Small Group Teaching Immunology

Lecture Introduction to immunology


1. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the structure of DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids, and the fundamental principles of replication, transcription and translation.

2. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of physiology including the role of cell membranes, fluid compartments and the principles by which cell volume and composition is maintained.

3. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of biochemistry including an appreciation of metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, and the mechanisms by which energy is generated in the cell.

4. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of human embryological development including fertilisation and organ development, and including an appreciation of how developmental defects can arise.

5. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of human anatomy including an appreciation of the structure and function of epithelial tissues, connective tissues, muscle and the skin.

6. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of bacteriology, including the structure of bacterial cells, the genetics of bacteria, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.

7. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of virology including viral infection and virus-receptor interactions.

8. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of immunology including innate and adaptive immunity.

9. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of DNA cloning and sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, the use of antibodies as experimental tools and other experimental techniques that are routinely used in modern research laboratories.

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of written (2 hours comprising 6/8 SAQ and 2/4 essays) and course work. Written examination 75% Course work 25% The course work component will comprise of: Essay (1500 word) 12.5% January MCQ exam (50 questions) 12.5% Hours Total contact hours: 200: 34 hr Lectures; 20 tutorials; 11 practical classes/workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Foundations of Neuroscience

Module Description

This is the first of a series of systems and/or subject based course elements in Years 1 and 2. It considers the structure and function of the nervous system and synaptic communication in general and then goes on to cover in greater detail the structure and function of the sensory, autonomic and enteric nervous systems. It is linked to the following modules: Cardiovascular Science, Digestive & Renal Systems and Drug Action. These links reflect a) the integration between the physiological control of the cardiovascular and digestive system with the nervous system and b) the importance of synapses in the peripheral and central nervous systems and as drug targets.

Module Content


Lecture Introduction to the Module

Lecture Membranes and Cell Excitation

Lecture The Basis of Excitability

Lecture Neurones, Synapses, Role of Transmitters

Lecture Synaptic signalling

Computer Practical Sensory Receptors PBL A

Computer Practical Introduction to Neurones in Action (session 1)

Small Group Teaching Action Potentials

Lecture Glia - form and function

Computer Practical Introduction to Neurones in Action (session 2)

Computer Practical Sensory Receptors PBL B

Computer Practical Neurones in Action: The Na+ Action Potential (session 1)

Computer Practical Neurones in Action: The Na+ Action Potential (session 2)

Lecture The Neuromuscular Junction

Small Group Teaching Neuronal Circuits

Anatomy Practical Histol and Histopath of Nervous System 1 and 2

Lecture Somatic Nervous System: an Overview

Lecture Nerve and Muscle: Degeneration and Re-innervation

Small Group Teaching Nerve Function and Dysfunction A

Practical Nerve Action Potentials

Anatomy Practical Topography of Brain, Spinal Cord and Cranial Nerves

Lecture Chemical Senses

Computer Practical Neuroscience Assessment 1

Anatomy Practical Topography of the Sensory Systems

Lecture Sensory System: Vision

Lecture Sensory System: Somatosensory

Small Group Teaching Nerve Function and Dystfunction B

Lecture Sensory System: Audition

Lecture Simple Reflexes

Small Group Teaching Sensory Systems

Lecture Anatomy of the Autonomic Nervous System: an Overview

Lecture Functioning of the Autonomic Nervous System: an Overview

Lecture The Enteric Nervous System

Anatomy Practical Anatomy of the Autonomic Nervous System: an Overview

Lecture Concepts of Brain Function

Computer Practical Neuroscience Assessment 2


1. Appreciate the topographical organisation of the nervous system; in particular, the sensory division of the somatic, the enteric and autonomic nervous systems. Also, be familiar with the distribution and function of the cranial nerves

2. Understand the principles by which neurons are able to: receive and recognise information from the internal and external environments; to generate electrical signals; to communicate with other cells via synapses (including the multisynaptic pathways of simple reflexes)

3. Demonstrate an awareness of the structure and function of the organs involved in the special senses of sight and hearing and chemical senses

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the different glial cell types in the nervous system and their function and roles.

5. Be able to present and interpret data generated by a quantitative experiment.

Assessment The module is assessed by a combination of written examination and course work. Written examination 75% (semester 2) Course work 25% (semester 1 and 2) The examination is composed of the following sections:

A: 4 short notes, at least one of which must be on an anatomy topic (out of 6 questions in total; 4 on general module content, 2 on anatomy teaching) B: 1 essay question (out of 2). Examination sections will be weighted equally. The course work component will include the following: Practical write up with questions 12.5% MCQ test 12.5% (taken in January) Hours Total contact hours: 38.5: 18 hr Lectures; 9 tutorials; 11.5 practical classes/workshops

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Introduction to Molecular and Experimental Genetics Module Description

The aim of the module is to provide a basic understanding of the causes and consequences of human genetic variation. A description of the molecular methods for investigating pathological genetic variations in man will provide the student with sufficient background to be able to understand the approaches used to investigate the molecular pathology of human disorders.

Module Content


Lecture Recombinant DNA & Cloning

Lecture Experimental Technology 1: DNA and RNA

Lecture Experimental Technology 2: RNA

Lecture Experimental Technology 3; Antibodies as experimental tools

Tutorial Assessment Tutorial

SGT Problem Based Session

Lab Practical Molecular Biology Techniques

Lecture Origin of genetic variation – meiosis

Lecture Origin of genetic variation – mutation

Lecture Mutation; origin, pattern and implications

Lecture Molecular pathology – (I) The consequences of gene mutation

SGT Karyotype Analysis

Lecture Molecular pathology – Functional essays

Lecture The future: mammalian cloning and uses of stem cells

Lecture Problem based learning. Genes in pedigrees

SGT Pedigree Analysis


1. Describe the basis of germline genetic variation in man. Also understand the importance and origin of the germline mutation rate in the male and female.

2. Understand at a basic level the role of mutation in evolution. 3. Describe the patterns of Mendelian inheritance in man as well as how

mitochondrial inheritance is different from this. 4. Describe the range of human chromosome disorders particularly those arising

from chromosomal non- disjunction and their consequences for the individual. 5. Describe the methods, at a basic level, that are used to investigate gene

mutation and chromosome abnormalities in man as utilised in an NHS genetics laboratory.

6. Explain the consequences of gene mutation in terms of its effect on protein function and how this effect can be measured in the laboratory.

Assessment Module assessment will consist of a combination of a written unseen paper and a single in course assessment. Written examination 75% Consisting of a 1 hour written examination (15 MCQ, 2 short answer questions and 1 essay question). Course work 25% Practical class write-up Hours Total contact hours: 30: 18 hr Lectures; 8 tutorials; 4 practical classes/workshops (the shorter version of the practical class had been scheduled for 4h) This practical would run twice (each with half the class)

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Introduction to Research and Experimental Skills

Module Description

Research and experimental design are key concepts for someone working within a scientific discipline to understand. This module will teach these key skills, whilst giving the students exposure to the best biomedical research within the College. It will seek to inspire and motivate them, whilst teaching core academic skills such as literature searching and evaluation. It will look at the full life cycle of research, from project design, via practical issues of setting up a piece of research, to effectively communicating its outcomes via academic writing and presentation. We will introduce the consideration of bioethics and current experimental approaches and their use in modern biology. The module will provide training in the application of statistical methods to experimental design and data analysis.

Module Content


Lecture Introduction to BMedSc Year 1

Lecture Intro to module- life cycle of research

Practical Library Skills and using the library

Practical Literatures Searches and the Internet

Lecture HoS Research strengths

Practical Cluster session. (word, excel, powerpoint skills

Small Group Teaching Assessing the quality of sources

Practical Cluster session. (word, excel, powerpoint skills

Small Group Teaching Head of Student Support

Small Group Teaching Myth busters-research design

Lecture Health & Safety

Practical Research taster 1- lab tour

Practical Research taster 1

Small Group Teaching What is an abstract?

Small Group Teaching Mythbusters - Experimental Design

Lecture The scientific process. Experimental design (controls, outliers, repetition)

Lecture Stats I Intro to Stats

Lecture Stats II Vetting variability and pursuing population parameters

Small Group Teaching Debates Part 1

Lecture Stats III Do Smarties make you smarter?

Small Group Teaching Data handling (basic numeracy, buffers, unit conversion)

Lecture The effect of the change in the HE tuition fee structure on subject choice

Small Group Teaching Data interpretation worksheet (e.g. Statistics)/ Focus on statistical analysis (basic)

Lecture Experimental techniques to solve a research problem (1)/ Gene expression. Westerns, PCR & Q-RT PCR

Practical Research Taster Slot

Lecture The Stroop test

Practical Research taster 2 - Ppt discussions (formative assessment)

Lecture The effect of voter turnout on general election results


1. Demonstrate an understanding of how to communicate scientific concepts (e.g. written report and poster session)

2. Perform a literature search to identify material appropriate to a given topic (poster session and written report)

3. Demonstrate an awareness of how to design an experiment and be able to propose suitable methods to address a basic research question (poster session and written report).

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the different glial cell types in the nervous system and their function and roles.

5. Understand, be able to apply and interpret appropriate statistical methods to simple unseen experimental data (MCQ).

Assessment The module will be assessed by two components: 1) A Group work poster presentation on their final Research taster visit, (including literature background, future experimental design, methods and outcomes) : 20% Associated individual written report (1500 words): 30% 2) A Statistics MCQ exam (30, 1 from 5 MCQs in 1 h): 50% Students MUST pass both components- i.e. both are required components to pass the module. Students, who miss their final Researcher taster day due to a justifiable reason, will be given a handout so they are still able to complete the Poster activity and written report. Hours Total contact hours: 64: 20 hr Lectures; 32 tutorials; 4 hr IT cluster sessions; 8 hr supervised time in studio/workshop/lab

Documents

BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 …...BMedSc Bachelor of Medical Science Year 1 Modules: Cellular Biochemistry and Biology Module Description The aim of this module is to