2025/26 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
MEDM5161M Methods in Biomedical Research
15 creditsClass Size: 70
Module manager: Heiko Wurdak
Email: h.wurdak@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Pre-requisite qualifications
As per parent programme specification.This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
The MEDM5161M teaching module covers essential aspects of biomedical research, starting with the fundamentals of project planning and experimental design, including the considerations necessary for effective and ethical research involving animals and patients. Students will explore various methodological approaches and the corresponding data types they generate, with an emphasis on rigorous data analysis using appropriate statistical methods. The course will conclude with skills in effective research communication through report generation.Objectives
On completion of the modules, graduates will be able to1. Critically appraise and interpretate scientific literature effectively.
2. Participate in project planning and experimental design in the context of biomedical research.
3. Appraise ethical considerations when considering research involving patients and animals
4. Demonstrate advanced understanding of a range of common experimental approaches and the types of data they generate.
5. Demonstrate advanced understanding of the statistical methods used in biomedical research.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1. Identify the subject of study within a niche biomedical research area, appraise published data, and develop an original/ null hypothesis.
LO2. Evaluate general principles of project design in biomedical research, including objectives, experimental design, milestones, and contingencies.
LO3. Critically evaluate a range of biomedical research approaches and types of data they produce.
LO4. Critically assess the general principles of experimental planning, requirement of independent experiments, technical versus biological repeats, use of multiple models as appropriate for a biomedical research approach.
Skills Learning Outcomes
SLO1. Demonstrate proficiency using various search engines to gather relevant data and information related to biomedical research, as well as using software to analyse data and produce diagrams illustrating concepts for inclusion in written reports and oral presentations. (working, academic, digital skills)
SLO2. Demonstrate critical evaluation of literature relevant to biomedical research and the ability appraise key concepts related to experimental approaches in biomedical research. (academic skills)
SLO3. Demonstrate the ability to take a logical approach to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data in biomedical research. (academic skills)
SLO4. Demonstrate efficient time management in the preparation for tutorials, reading and critique of primary research papers, analysis of data, synthesising written work, generating digital presentations, and adhering to deadlines to submit the assessments. (working, academic skills)
SLO5. Demonstrate the ability to present information in a clear, concise, and structured manner, both in a verbal and written form, and the ability to use visual aids appropriately to support written work and oral presentations. (working, enterprise and academic skills)
SLO6. Demonstrate the ability to use the correct scientific language appropriate to their level of studies and good academic practice, including referencing and using their own language instead of plagiarizing. (academic skills)
Syllabus
Beginning with core principles of project planning and experimental design, the module guides students through the structured development of research projects, including the ethical considerations required when working with patients. Students will examine various methodological approaches and the types of data they generate, gaining skills in accurate data analysis with appropriate statistical techniques. Emphasis is also placed on research communication, equipping students to synthesise and present findings clearly and effectively.
Upon completing this module, students will be able to design and plan research projects, apply ethical standards, and analyse and interpret data using appropriate statistical methods. They will also critically appraise scientific literature, placing their findings in the context of existing research. Additionally, students will develop key research and professional skills, including hypothesis formulation, project evaluation, and effective use of research tools to support data analysis and reporting.
Assessment is based on a detailed reflective log, encouraging self-reflection on key learning insights, and a research report based on students' own data analysis to demonstrate analytical and communication skills. Students are expected to engage actively with all module components, including guided self-learning aspects such as writing the research report, maintain academic integrity, and develop clear, structured communication suited to biomedical research contexts.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Supervision | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| Lecture | 16 | 1.00 | 16.00 |
| Practical | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Seminar | 4 | 2.00 | 8.00 |
| Private study hours | 120.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
A formative MCQ exercise (~20 questions, choose from 3 possible answers) is in place for monitoring student understanding of the course content.For the coursework, there are two scheduled informal feedback sessions (2 hrs each) to provide opportunity for discussion regarding student progress and submission of course work.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Coursework | 1 x 1500 word report | 80.00 |
| In-course MCQ | Formative OTLA - MCQ | 0.00 |
| Coursework | Reflective log - 300 words | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
The reflective log assesses the ability of students to reflect on their learning journey with regards to the general principles of experimental planning, requirement of independent experiments, technical versus biological repeats, and use of multiple models as appropriate for a biomedical research approach. The diversity and complexity of this module with different research approaches and tutorials, make the reflective log essential in capturing their experiences as they navigate through the material. Report: the students choose one of the tutorial topics and perform hands-on analysis on raw data, which forms a basis for their research report. The report consists of the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion. The MCQ test (formative assessment) consists of ~20 questions, each with 3 possible answer choices. For each question, the students need to identify the one correct answer or statement. There is no compensation between assessments for this module, students must pass each individual assessment in order to pass the module.
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 05/02/2025
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