Unit information: Research Methods and Biostatistics (TTS-D1) in 2014/15

Unit name	Research Methods and Biostatistics (TTS-D1)
Unit code	PANMM0012
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Harris
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of research methodologies and knowledge of the appropriate use of statistics. Where possible examples are taken from transfusion and transplantation studies, but the principles and techniques apply equally to other areas of medicine. Students gain an understanding and appreciation of how to conduct research successfully and avoid common pitfalls. Concepts underlying statistical methods are introduced, and students gain sufficient knowledge to be able to identify an appropriate analysis method and recognise when statistics are being applied inappropriately. Mathematical formulae are kept to a minimum. Sessions on project management, effective communication/leadership, and economic evaluation are also included. The unit comprises a mixture of lectures, small group work, discussions and practical sessions. Students are expected to read around the subject and to use the published literature to support the unit. Two assignments are set, which contribute to the final mark for the unit.

Aims:

The unit aims to cover the following topics: Types of research design. Bias and confounding. Randomisation. Data collection and recording. Questionnaire design. Data summary. Sample size and power. Study population and sampling. Economic evaluation. Project management. Writing a successful funding application. Research governance and ethics. Costing a project.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the unit students should be able to:

• Describe the key elements of a well designed research study

• Describe the common pitfalls to be avoided when designing and conducting research and explain how these can be avoided

• Define research hypotheses clearly

• Choose a suitable research design

• Complete all sections of a funding application form and understand the key principles of good project management

Teaching Information

The unit teaching methods comprise a mixture of lectures, small group work, discussions and practical sessions.

Assessment Information

One marked assignment

Reading and References

DG Altman – Practical statistics for medical research – Chapman and Hall (1991)

M Bland – An introduction to medical statistics (2nd edition) – Oxford Medical Publications (1996)

MJ Campbell and D Machin – Medical statistics. A common sense approach (2nd edition) – Wiley (1993)

A Petrie and C Sabin – Medical statistics at a Glance – Blackwell (2000)