2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
DSUR5133M Investigative and Enabling Technologies
30 creditsClass Size: 15
Module manager: Professor Jennifer Kirkham
Email: j.kirkham@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Pre-requisite qualifications
Applicants must meet the programme entry requirementsThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
The module will explain the theoretical basis of biomedical and applied health technologies. Students will be expected to be able to 1. demonstrate and combine in-depth, expert knowledge and mastery of clinically relevant, biomedical science and applied health technologies and methodologies to prepare students to successfully contribute to future translational research at the forefront of their chosen disease field.2. demonstrate the scholarship skills required to critically and creatively evaluate current technologies relevant to translational research to allow for the synthesis of valid research methods to address a specific clinical challenge.The module will also provide a “hands on” experience of some of the techniques and methodologies covered above. During a laboratory placement, students will experience enabling techniques in biomedicine, including tissue culture, cell seeding, scaffold design, bio-imaging, image analysis, immuno-based technique, microbiology and materials testing. Two workshops will deliver experience in applied health research qualitative methodologies.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to ...1. To demonstrate how technologies in biomedical science and applied health research can be used independently and in synergy to translate research findings
towards a clinical end point for health benefits.
2. To provide the student with state of the art, specialist knowledge and expertise in
enabling technologies and methodologies to equip them to successfully contribute towards translating research in academic, professional or industrial settings.
3. To provide the student with analytical skills and knowledge with which to critically evaluate existing and future technologies for research translation.
Learning outcomes
Through successful completion of this module students will show evidence of being able to;
1. Critically appraise and evaluate the underpinning rationale for selection of specific technologies for research translation at different stages of the translational pipeline
2. Synthesise knowledge of the scientific and methodological bases of specific enabling technologies towards addressing defined clinical challenges
3. Critically evaluate the relative advantages, disadvantages and limitations and demonstrate in-depth understanding of technologies and methodologies used in translational research
4. Appraise and evaluate the links and synergies between biomedical research and applied health methodologies.
Skills outcomes
Analytical skills, time management skills, critical thinking, practical skills in selected techniques, the ability to evaluate and apply rationale for choice of specific methods to address challenges, skills in understanding and applying research translation.
Syllabus
The module content will provide information and hands on practical experience in respect of the key technologies and methodologies that underpin progression of research and innovation through the translational pathway.
Technologies and methodologies will include biomedical techniques and pre-clinical models used to progress basic research towards a defined clinical need and applied health research methodologies that enable translation of research for health benefit and for diffusion of innovation into society.
Examples of techniques and methodologies to be covered include;
high throughput gene sequencing,
PCR and bioinformatics,
organotypic, in vivo and transgenic models for human disease,
bioreactors,
gene therapies,
digital dentistry,
immunology and microbiology based techniques,
medical imaging,
materials design,
clinical trials design,
discrete choice experiments,
quality of life measures.
Practical work will include hands on demonstrations across a range of biomedical techniques and workshops developing tools for qualitative applied health research.
The module comprises of lectures, practical workshops, a laboratory placement and seminars or tutorials. In addition to developing their knowledge base in enabling technologies for translational research, students will develop practical research skills, analytical and critical thinking and communication skills within a team.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 2 | 3.00 | 6.00 |
| Lecture | 18 | 1.00 | 18.00 |
| Practical | 8 | 3.00 | 24.00 |
| Seminar | 4 | 3.00 | 12.00 |
| Private study hours | 240.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 60.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Private study
Students will spend time in private study in order to 1) prepare for the lecture sessions, which will be delivered making use of interactive learning. This cannot be delivered without preparation by the students before each session takes place; 2) carry out revision and consolidation of knowledge gained during the learning sessions; 3) prepare for the workshop and seminar sessions and conduct the project work associated with these and 4) carry out literature searches to independently build criticality in developing their research grant proposal (see below in assessments).Opportunities for Formative Feedback
A semester 1 formative assessment within a workshop environment will assist in early recognition of any student who is faltering. Informal teaching sessions in term 1, including seminars and workshops will assist is identifying students needing additional support. The laboratory placement brings students in to close proximity working daily with staff and post graduate demonstrators. Again, experience shows that this focused interaction assists in monitoring student progress.Summative assessments at the end of semester 1 and early in semester 2 will also provide feedback for monitoring performance overall.
The module leads will hold informal meetings with students at the end of semester 1 to discuss their progress and any other issues that the students may have.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Presentation | There will be a formative assessment in Applied Health methodologies to be held semester 1 and linked to the workshops held in that semester. The assessment will be based on a verbal presentation. There will be a formative assessment in Applied Health methodologies to be held semester 1 and linked to the workshops held in that semester. The assessment will be based on a verbal presentation. | 0.00 |
| Reflective log | This will take the form of a laboratory notebook maintained by the student during their practical laboratory placement. | 20.00 |
| ------------------------- | Mock outline capital equipment grant proposal with special focus on proposed methodologies to be used. (6 A4 page limit at Ariel font 11pt and 2 cm minimum margins, including 250 words max summary and references) | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online MCQ | 1 hr 30 mins | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
All three elements are non-compensatable The exam will include MCQ and EMQ.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 19/10/2017
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
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- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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