Course unit details:
Research Project MSc Genomic Medicine
| Unit code | BIOL67980 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 60 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Full year |
| Offered by | School of Biological Sciences |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
The 60 credit research project will normally only be an option for full-time students due to the time commitment required. Part-time students will normally do the 30 credit literature review, in which case two additional optional 15 credit modules must be undertaken to fulfil the requirements of 180 credits for a Masters degree. In exceptional circumstances a part-time students may be allowed to undertake the 60 credit research project if it is discussed and agreed with a Programme Director or the module lead.
Aims
The aim of this module is for students to build on their previous knowledge, skills and experience of undertaking research by undertaking a medical genomics research project that shows originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in a specialism of healthcare science. Research projects should be designed to take into account the research training required by individual students and the needs of the department in which the research is to be conducted. The research dissertation should be presented in the form of a scientific report to be considered for publication in a scientific journal, i.e. use of sub-headings, tables, figures, references, etc. This can be based on a workplace project or the Genomics England dataset.
Content Description
Students will use both the theoretical knowledge they will acquire throughout the taught part of the course and the analytical skills they will develop in order to tackle a research question by themselves. Undertaking of the research project will involve formulating the question, acquiring and analysing the data and finally present and discuss results. The project could be carried out in the hosting NHS laboratory, research department and industry under joint supervision i.e. tutors from both the hosting department and the programme. Research projects should be presented in the format of a paper for publication (additional figures and tables can be presented as supplementary material).
Knowledge and understanding
- Design, plan and undertake a research project to test a hypothesis from conception to completion/archiving in accordance with ethical and research governance regulations drawing on expert advice where necessary and involving patients and service users
- Analyse the data using appropriate methods and statistical techniques, and interpret, critically discuss and draw conclusions from the data
- Prepare a written report that describes and critically evaluates the research project, clearly identifying the strengths and weaknesses
- Present a summary of the research project and outcome that conforms to the format of a typical scientific presentation at a national or international scientific meeting, responding to questions appropriately
- Prepare and present a summary of the research project to specialist, non-specialist and lay audiences seeking feedback on the presentation(s) and critically reflecting on the experience and feedback.
Intellectual skills
- Justify the rationale for research governance and ethical frameworks when undertaking research or innovation in the NHS
- Identify a research question and critically evaluate the novelty and importance of the research question
Practical skills
- Develop appropriate laboratory skills relevant to the research project and course
- Understand statistical analysis methodology
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100% |
Feedback methods
Formative and Summative feedback given
Study hours
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 600 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Mayada Tassabehji | Unit coordinator |