
- UCAS course code
- B217
- UCAS institution code
- M20
BSc Pharmacology with Entrepreneurship / Course details
Year of entry: 2023
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Course unit details:
Preclinical Study Design for Biomedical Research (L)
Unit code | BIOL31841 |
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Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Preclinical Study Design for Biomedical Research will present key topics at the forefront of modern medical and life sciences research, from both academic and industry perspectives. The unit will draw together legislation and ethics, 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement), experimental design, data handling and statistics, interpretation of animal research and its translation to clinical research for students who may wish to follow a career path in academia or industry.
Aims
The aims of this unit is to provide a thorough understanding of the use of animals in research, with students developing abilities in experimental design, data interpretation, experience in dealing with experimental problems of a realistic attitude to whole-animal research and an understanding of the basis of experimental variability.
PLEASE NOTE: This unit has restricted numbers and may not be possible for students to be enrolled on this unit during one-week course unit change period at the start of semester 1 (L) units.
Learning outcomes
- To recognise different aspects of normal research behaviour and how these can be modified by drugs.
- Develop an ability to design, analyse and interpret real experimental data.
- Understand strengths and limitation of animal models and how these translate to clinical research.
- Understand how to find, identify and interpret key data, concepts and ideas to pass these on to others.
Syllabus
Block | Topic | Teaching | Assessment |
1 | Animal experimental design & statistics | Workshops/ small group teaching | Experimental design using NC3Rs experimental design tool (10% unit mark peer review) Paper critique (10% unit mark; group presenation) |
2 | Animal Models | Workshops/ small group teaching | Writing part of a Home Office Project License (40% of unit mark) |
3 | Analysis of Behavioural Experiments | Workshops / small group teaching (introduction to behavioural tests and scoring experimental videos then analysing data) | Conference abstract on data generated by the students plus figure(s) (40% unit mark) |
4a OR 4b | Stream A: Animal handling & injection skills Stream B: Translational Research from animal to man | Workshops/ small group teaching Workshops/ small group teaching | Practical assessment (formative) Panel Discussion (formative) |
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Students are required to analyse statistically and represent graphically data generated in the workshop sessions.
- Group/team working
- Students will work in groups for some tasks and have individual responsibilities for group task outcomes.
- Innovation/creativity
- Students will be responsible for planning experiments and writing section(s) of a Home Office Project Licence.
- Oral communication
- Students will participate in and lead discussions on multiple topics related to animal research.
- Research
- Students will use the literature to extend knowledge and obtain a broad overview of the use of animals in research.
- Written communication
- Students will gain skills in writing research abstracts, paper critiques and section(s) of a Home Office Project Licence.
Assessment methods
Experimental Design (peer review) 20%, Home Office Project Licence (section) 40%, Conference Abstract and Figures (40%)
Feedback methods
Students will gain feedback in workshops and small group teaching sessions from different academic staff to gain a well-rounded view of animal research. They will also gain experience in giving peer feedback as well as recieving peer feedback. Written feedback on summative assessments will also be provided.
Recommended reading
Specified reading will be given on Blackboard and in workshops during the course.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Practical classes & workshops | 18 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 82 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Susan Cochran | Unit coordinator |