| Unit name | Statistics & Research Methods |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MEDIM4003 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Harris |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Bristol Medical School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
This unit will help you understand key features of study design and design effective studies to address common research questions. You will also be able to describe the core statistical concepts necessary to be able to accurately interpret and present statistical analyses. By engaging with this unit your confidence around study design and statistical interpretation will increase, which will enable you to review and critically appraise scientific literature.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Being confident around research approaches and statistical analyses will enable a sound basis for your other units on the MSc in Reproduction and Development, especially your research project, BRMSM0034.
An overview of content
Using a flipped-classroom model, you will be introduced to simple and more complex statistical concepts and will have the opportunity to collectively work through examples in tutorials. Study design aspects will be delivered via a mixture of lectures and tutorials.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will have increased confidence when reading scientific papers, in understanding numerical output and interpreting findings. You will also have a more trained critical eye for understanding study design issues.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, students will be able to:
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks '(formative):
A short formative task using data extracted from a study will be used to prepare your second summative assessment. Students will be expected to prepare a table of summary data and findings. Feedback will be provided in a group session. This task will be set soon after the teaching for this unit finishes.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Coursework (contributing a total of 100% to the Unit):
(i) Interpret and appraise a scientific paper (40%)
(ii) Write a short scientific report. This will assess your ability to select and present appropriate statistical analyses, accurately interpret results and draw sensible conclusions (60%).
When assessment does not go to plan
You may be given the opportunity to resubmit depending on further unit results. Re-assessment will take place in a similar form to the original summative assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MEDIM4003).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
