2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MEDS5010M Research Project in Medicine

120 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Susan Richman and Dr Henry Wood
Email: S.D.Richman@leeds.ac.uk, H.M.Wood@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Sep to 31 Jul View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Identical to the entry requirements for MRes Medicine

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Not available as a discovery module

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

- conduct a literature search and review using library and computing facilities
- prepare an impact statement and press release justifying their research in lay terms
- write and justify a detailed research proposal based on their reading of the literature, according to a specified format. This will include the following: background, research methods and analysis, ethical review, expected outcomes, timelines, equipment and consumable requirements
- undertake a programme of research in any facet of medical research, with reference to hypothesis testing and project management
- prepare a report in the style of a scientific paper submitted to a journal
- make oral presentations on the research to an audience.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:

- write a journal style article
- describe the most recent research in the area of his/her project
- consider the steps required to formulate applications for research governance and ethical approval
- explain the scientific principles that are applied in his/her project and demonstrate an understanding of how these basic principles apply to the particular research question
- demonstrate further expertise in critical evaluation of current research in the discipline in order to identify areas of a field in which questions that can be addressed by research arise
- formulate research ideas, hypotheses and questions and develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these
- assess and appraise the validity, strengths and weaknesses of his/her own work
- present and defend research outcomes which extend the forefront of knowledge in a discipline.

Skills outcomes
The research project in the MRes Medicine programme enables students to develop the following subject specific skills:

- the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility in planning, executing and delivering research in a medical topic
- the deployment of decision making skills as a reflective, critical student and as a member of a research team
- the communication of information, ideas, problems and solutions in written and oral forms to research and medical staff and students.

Syllabus

Students undertake a research project of eight months' duration which may be laboratory-based or patient-based. Before selecting a project the student is encouraged to discuss the details of the research work with the prospective supervisor.

Each project is supervised by a member of the University staff but, in addition, students may liaise with other students and staff. The student submits a research proposal in semester 1 and a dissertation in semester 2 for assessment.

Each student will make a presentation in Semester 1 on the aims of his/her research project. The presentation will be marked by students (peer marking) using criteria established by the group prior to the presentation. This is a formative experience. A final presentation of the project findings, which will be assessed, is made in July.

Arrangements for supervision of projects
The supervisor will usually be an experienced PhD or MD supervisor. Where the supervisor does not have this experience, s/he will be partnered by an experienced PhD or MD supervisor.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	20	2.00	40.00
Lectures	3	1.00	3.00
Tutorials	4	1.00	4.00
Class tests, exams and assessment	2	8.00	16.00
Group learning	1	5.00	5.00
Private study hours			1,132.00
Total Contact hours			68.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			1,200.00

Private study

This module forms a large part of the programme. As such the student will be expected to undertake a considerable amount of self directed work, both in the preparatory stages through independent reading and undertaking practical work and assembling reports and presentations.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The supervisor will maintain a record of meetings which will be shared with the student. As a minimum, meetings will occur once every fortnight during term times. This will enable the student's progress to be closely monitored.

Students submit draft summary forms, literature reviews, press statements and impact statements before submission of the summative assessment. The formative drafts receive individual written feedback from the markers.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	10,000 words	40.00
Assignment	Proposal form, Impact statement, Illustrated press release, Gantt chart, List of requirements, Literature review (6,000 words)	30.00
Oral Presentation	15 min	20.00
In-course Assessment	Performance of the student during the project	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Research Proposal Includes the following: Proposal Form, Impact Statement, Illustrated press release, Gantt Chart, List of requirements, Literature review (6,000 words)

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:18:11

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD