MSc Infection Biology / Course details

Year of entry: 2025

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Course unit details:
Grant Application Writing

Course unit fact file
Unit code	BIOL68942
Credit rating	15
Unit level	FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s)	Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit?	No

Overview

This unit aims to introduce students to the critical reading and writing skills required to assess and author research papers and grant applications. Students will be encouraged to research both the relevant literature and the combined knowledge and experience of the groups within which they have conducted projects to put together a realistic grant proposal. Students will work in groups and they will have to develop and write a Research grant based on a research question given by the instructor. Grants will involve at least one technology learned from the Technologies Workshop Unit. Each student group will present their grant idea to and receive feedback from their peer group before grants are finally submitted.

Aims

The grant writing unit is intended to provide students with first-hand experience of the grant writing process, from the initial idea to the submission and peer review of the proposal. The course will cover several aspects including: Why write grants? What are the key elements of a well written grant? What issues should you consider when applying for a grant? Generating hypotheses and aims, putting together a research plan, information required etc

The exercise will largely reflect the scientific interests and procedures adopted by the Medical Research Council.

Guidance will be given on how to critically read research grants and determine whether the experiments presented within a research grant address: the proposed hypothesis; are appropriately designed with suitable controls; and support the stated conclusions.

Students will learn how to critically read and review grant applications to determine: whether the stated hypothesis is timely and interesting; and whether the proposed experiments will address the stated hypothesis.

Students will be expected to draw up a (2000 word) grant application as a group based on a given research question and will assess the work of their peers in a dedicated peer review session.

Teaching and learning methods

Workshops will be focused on understanding the grant application process, funder rules, project design, costings, how to write a good application and peer review. Each group will also deliver a presentation where they will present a grant submitted in previous years and provide with peer review comments during a funding committee workshop. Each group of students will write a grant based on a research question given by the instructor.

Knowledge and understanding

In particular, students will:

Integrate and apply knowledge to synthesise new theories on mechanistic basis of disease.
Be aware of the practical issues and problems associated with conducting high quality research, including ethical issues.
Acquire an understanding of the theory and practise of research methods and scientific techniques basic to the discipline
Work individually and collaboratively to identify appropriate methodology during experimental planning, interpret and present scientific data, interrogate relevant scientific literature and develop research plans.
Recognise potential methodological failings and strategize accordingly
Understand scientific methodology together with the philosophical contexts within which research is conducted in science and medicine
Communicate effectively through writing, oral presentations and IT to facilitate further study or employment in molecular, cellular and physiological science
Exercise theoretical and practical knowledge required for employment in a variety of biomedical environments
Write and defend research reports, which appraise the results of laboratory based scientific study

Intellectual skills

Critically analyse, evaluate, interpret and understand the significance of research findings and the biomedical areas that underpin the discipline
Analyse, interpret, objectively evaluate and prioritise scientific literature, recognising its limitations and questioning preconceived ideas
Recognise, define, formulate and prioritise research questions that are pertinent to the discipline
Understand and be able to critically appreciate methodology, including the appropriate selection of quantitative or qualitative methods
Recognise the importance of rigour in collecting, analysing and interpreting data
Exhibit creativity and resourcefulness in professional learning, scientific endeavour and research formulations

Practical skills

Design and carry out research projects using appropriate methodologies to address specific research questions
Recognise the importance of justifying expenditure (cost and time) during experimental planning
Present information clearly in written, electronic and oral forms, and communicate ideas and arguments effectively
Retrieve, manage and manipulate information by all means, including electronically
Exercise the practical competence required for employment in a variety of biomedical environments

Transferable skills and personal qualities

Effectively manage time resources and set priorities
Monitor and realistically evaluate own performance and personal capability
Be aware of career opportunities and if appropriate, plan a career path in academic or clinical research
Make oral and written presentations to specialists and non-specialists
Demonstrate a capacity for self-directed, independent learning and adopt the principles of critical reflection and evaluation
Understand and comply with the requirements of research governance
Recognise the views of others and work constructively with them in a multidisciplinary context

Assessment methods

Method	Weight
Written assignment (inc essay)	60%
Oral assessment/presentation	40%

Feedback methods

Marks will be provided online within 3/4 weeks of assessment deadline

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Practical classes & workshops	15

Independent study hours
Independent study	135

Teaching staff

Staff member	Role
Sara Gago	Unit coordinator

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