Unit name | Further Research Methods in Health Sciences |
---|---|
Unit code | MVSFM0001 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Wills |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Life Sciences Faculty Office |
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit will build on the student's statistical literacy developed in Unit 1(Introduction to Research) alongside learning a range of laboratory techniques. The unit consists of self-directed home-based study materials (e-videos and quizzes), lectures, tutorials, and practicals that will prepare students for their MRes research projects. Teaching sessions will consolidate and expand their knowledge of statistical inference and experimental design, addressing topics such as estimation, inference, regression models, non-parametric methods and survival analysis. Students will also learn the basics of a statistical software package to manage data and carry out basic analyses. This will provide the basis for students to be able to design and interpret their own studies and analyses, and interpret and critically appraise the scientific literature. The statistical material will cover aspects important to both laboratory based experiments and epidemiological studies, including clinical trials. Laboratory-based practical classes will provide experience of laboratory skills and basic and advanced experimental techniques, including the methods used to study gene regulation, cell imaging techniques and tissue culture. Additional teaching will provide training in various aspects of laboratory safety, including the preparation of risk assessments
At the end of this unit the student should be able to:
This unit is taught through lectures, tutorials, laboratory-based practical sessions and home-based e-learning.
Formatively assessed coursework that will include data analysis, interpretation and a critical appraisal exercise; use of eBiolabs; this will assess learning outcomes (i), (iii))-(v) & (vii). Exam to include data interpretation, critical appraisal and study design (70% of summative assessment); this will assess learning outcomes (i)-(v) & (vii). MCQ examination on laboratory techniques (30% of summative assessment); this will assess learning outcomes (vi)-(vii).
Diggle P, Chetwynd A. 2011. Statistics and Scientific Method: An introduction for students and researchers. OUP Motulsky H. 2014. Intuitive Biostatistics: A non-mathematical guide to statistical thinkin. OUP Kirkwood BR & Sterne JAC. 2003. Essential Medical Statistics. Second Edition. Blackwell Science
Selected relevant research papers