MSc Clinical Immunology

This unit provides students with an experience of planning an original research project, assessed as a short research proposal. Students will develop abilities to critically appraise and synthesise published research, formulate and work with a relevant research question and develop research-writing and presentation skills. The research proposal will be comprised of a focused literature review and formulation of a research proposal related to the intended topic for the dissertation research project to be undertaken in MEDN60402. Developing an evidence-based proposal is an essential skill for researchers and provides an opportunity for students to formulate a hypothesis and design a research project including the aims, experimental approach and intended impact of undertaking the research, using the knowledge gained so far in the course.

A series of workshops focussed on various aspects of conducting a literature review and the preparation of a research proposal, incorporating patient involvement in research.

Regular individual or small group meetings with a nominated project supervisor, guided reading and focused skills support.

Progress will be monitored and regular feedback provided. 

Students should be able to:

•    Develop understanding of the literature in a specific area of clinical and/or medical sciences
•    Understand how to identify an appropriate research question
•    Identify and employ the appropriate research methods and analyses necessary to answer their research question
•    Understand the requirements of scientific writing
•    Understand the requirements of data presentation
•    Understand the ethical issues and processes involved in research
 

Students should be able to:

•    Critically appraise and synthesise a body of literature relevant to their research question
•    Generate timely and theoretically grounded research questions 
•    Consider relevant statistical tools
•    Be able to make a reasoned argument for a particular point of view
•    Be able to draw reasoned conclusions

Students should be able to:

•    Plan and conduct a detailed, focused and current literature search
•    Implement and manage data collection
•    Research and consider appropriate analytical techniques
•    Consider management and manipulation of datasets

Students should be able to:

•    Demonstrate independent thought
•    Develop self-management project skills (e.g. time management, prioritisation of tasks)
•    Command an appropriate battery of oral and written communication skills to engage in constructive dialogue with peers and supervisor, and to present work based on the Research Project 1

Research project proposal (100%)

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