Preclinical Study Design for Biomedical Research

BIOL31841 Preclinical Study Design for Biomedical Research 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 3 Gareth Morris Unit coordinator School of Biological Sciences 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Last part of a Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 Preclinical Study Design for Biomedical Research will present key topics at the forefront of modern medical and life sciences research, from both academic and industry perspectives. The unit will draw together legislation and ethics, 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement), experimental design, data handling and statistics, interpretation of animal research and its translation to clinical research for students who may wish to follow a career path in academia or industry. Preclinical Study Design for Biomedical Research will present key topics at the forefront of modern medical and life sciences research, from both academic and industry perspectives. The unit will draw together legislation and ethics, 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement), experimental design, data handling and statistics, interpretation of animal research and its translation to clinical research for students who may wish to follow a career path in academia or industry. The aim of this unit is to provide a thorough understanding of the use of animals in research, with students developing abilities in experimental design, data interpretation, experience in dealing with experimental problems, a realistic attitude to whole-animal research and an understanding of the basis of experimental variability. PLEASE NOTE: This unit has restricted numbers and it may not be possible for students to be enrolled on this unit during the one-week course unit change period at the start of semester 1 (L) units.    • To recognise different aspects of normal research animal behaviour and how these can be modified by drugs. • Develop an ability to design, analyse and interpret real experimental data. • Understand strengths and limitations of animal models and how these translate to clinical research. • Understand how to find, identify and interpret key data, concepts and ideas and to pass these on to others.   Analytical skills Students are required to analyse statistically and represent graphically data generated in the workshop sessions. Group/team working Students will work in groups for some tasks and have individual responsibilities for group task outcomes. Innovation/creativity Students will be responsible for planning experiments and writing section(s) of a Home Office Project Licence. Oral communication Students will participate in and lead discussions on multiple topics related to animal research. Research Students will use the literature to extend knowledge and obtain a broad overview of the use of animals in research. Written communication Students will gain skills in writing research abstracts, paper critiques and section(s) of a Home Office Project Licence. <figure class="table"><table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse:collapse;margin-left:6.85pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow:yes;mso-yfti-irow:0;"><td style="border:1.0pt solid windowtext;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:39.4pt;" width="53">Block</td><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:windowtext;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:solid;border-width:1.0pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:109.45pt;" width="146">Topic</td><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:windowtext;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:solid;border-width:1.0pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:159.6pt;" width="213">Teaching</td><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:windowtext;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:solid;border-width:1.0pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:135.5pt;" width="181">Assessment</td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1;"><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:windowtext;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:39.4pt;" width="53">1</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid windowtext;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid windowtext;border-top-style:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:109.45pt;" width="146">Animal experimental design & statistics</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid windowtext;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid windowtext;border-top-style:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:159.6pt;" width="213">Lecture & Workshop / small group teaching</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid windowtext;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid windowtext;border-top-style:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:135.5pt;" width="181">Course work only:<ul><li>Experimental Design & peer review 20%</li><li>Home Office Project Licence (Section) 40%</li><li>Conference abstract and figures 40%  </li></ul>  Students will gain feedback in workshops and small group teaching sessions from different academic staff to gain a well-rounded view of animal research.  They will also gain experience in giving peer feedback as well as receiving peer feedback. Written feedback on summative assessments will also be provided. N Specified reading will be given on Blackboard and in workshops during the course. Practical classes & workshops 18 0 82