| Unit name | Foundations in Health Sciences Research |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BRMSM0074 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Biglino |
| 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?
Scientific and clinical advancements depend on the results of well-designed and conducted research studies that have been robustly analysed and interpreted. During this unit you will begin your educational journey towards becoming an independent researcher capable of producing reliable novel findings in health sciences research. It provides you with an essential foundation by training you in the academic, research and transferable skills required for your subsequent study and the successful conduct of your research project. This unit will equip you with fundamental knowledge and understanding of experimental and clinical research design and statistical analysis. You will gain an awareness and understanding of the theory and practical application of commonly used laboratory techniques. This unit will provide the basis for you to be able to interpret and critically appraise scientific literature, to design, analyse, interpret and communicate your own research studies and prepare you for more specialised training appropriate to your area of study.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit is taken at the beginning of the programme to ensure you have solid core knowledge and understanding of the academic and research skills you will need for the rest of the programme. The Project Proposal, Research Club and Research Project units will utilise and further develop the knowledge and skills developed in this Foundation unit.
An overview of content
Teaching and learning include: Finding research information using the library and internet; reading, interpreting and presenting research data; scientific writing and referencing. Experimental and clinical research design and methodology, concepts of data analysis and statistical inference, and application of a statistical software package to manage and analyse data are covered. The statistical teaching will cover aspects important to laboratory-based experiments, epidemiological studies and clinical trials. The theory and application of several widely used laboratory techniques for investigating physiology and pathophysiology applicable to various areas of biomedical research are included.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will have the academic and research expertise to successfully embark on your research project with confidence. You will develop communication, organisational, decision-making and time management skills. You will grow both as a self-directed individual, and as collaborative team member.
Learning Outcomes
You will learn fundamental academic and research skills through lectures (in person and online) and interactive tutorials. Self-directed asynchronous online e-learning resources cover the essentials of statistical concepts which are supported by interactive tutorials including formative problem-based discussion. You will learn about essential laboratory techniques through lectures and practical classes.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative MCQs embedded in self-directed online learning resources which provide feedback on submission will help you learn core concepts of research methodology. These will be built upon during tutorials in which research methods (study design, data analysis and interpretation) questions are discussed, marked together and verbal feedback given. A group presentation will develop your ability to research information, communicate and work collaboratively. Feedback will be provided.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan
If you do not pass the unit, you will normally be given the opportunity to take a reassessment as per the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes. Decisions on the award of reassessment will normally be taken after all taught units of the year have been completed. Reassessment will normally be in a similar format to the original assessment that has been failed.
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. BRMSM0074).
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.
