Blood Science Research Project & Dissertation

MEDN64220 Blood Science Research Project & Dissertation 60 Full year Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Stephine Whiteside Unit coordinator Philip Macdonald Unit coordinator Helen Jopling Unit coordinator Nicholas Barnes Unit coordinator School of Medical Sciences 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 30.0 This unit supports NHS STP trainees in completing an independent research project aligned with their blood science specialism. Projects may involve original research, NHS service development, method verification/validation, or clinical audit. All projects must demonstrate academic rigour, relevance to clinical science, and alignment with the NHS STP curriculum.The research is typically carried out in the trainee’s NHS host laboratory, with day-to-day supervision provided by an NHS clinical scientist. Academic oversight is provided by the University of Manchester to ensure MSc-level standards are met. Prior to starting, trainees submit a research proposal for university review and approval.Project activity usually begins in Year 2 and continues into Year 3, with data collection shaped by workplace factors such as access to equipment, training schedules, and supervisor availability. Trainees submit a dissertation of 10,000–15,000 words, with some pathways permitting a publication-style format and others requiring a traditional structure.This unit enables students to apply scientific, analytical, and project management skills in a real-world healthcare context while producing a substantial piece of original work relevant to their future role as a clinical scientist. This unit supports NHS STP trainees in completing an independent research project aligned with their blood science specialism. Projects may involve original research, NHS service development, method verification/validation, or clinical audit. All projects must demonstrate academic rigour, relevance to clinical science, and alignment with the NHS STP curriculum.The research is typically carried out in the trainee’s NHS host laboratory, with day-to-day supervision provided by an NHS clinical scientist. Academic oversight is provided by the University of Manchester to ensure MSc-level standards are met. Prior to starting, trainees submit a research proposal for university review and approval.Project activity usually begins in Year 2 and continues into Year 3, with data collection shaped by workplace factors such as access to equipment, training schedules, and supervisor availability. Trainees submit a dissertation of 10,000–15,000 words, with some pathways permitting a publication-style format and others requiring a traditional structure.This unit enables students to apply scientific, analytical, and project management skills in a real-world healthcare context while producing a substantial piece of original work relevant to their future role as a clinical scientist. Provide trainees with the opportunity to design, conduct, and report an independent research or service development project relevant to clinical blood science practiceDevelop skills in research design, literature review, data collection and analysis, and critical interpretation of findingsSupport trainees in producing a high-quality MSc-level dissertation, with appropriate scientific writing, data presentation, and discussion of clinical implicationsEnsure that projects meet the expectations of both the MSc academic framework and the NHS Scientist Training Programme <div> Students should/will be able to:</div><ul> <li> Develop understanding of the literature in a specific area of Blood Science  </li> <li> Understand how to identify an appropriate research question  </li> <li> Identify and employ the appropriate research methods and analyses necessary to answer their research question  </li> <li> Understand how to interpret their data and the clinical and scientific implications  </li> <li> Understand the requirements of scientific writing  </li> <li> Understand the requirements of data presentation  </li> <li> Understand the ethical issues and processes involved in research</li></ul> Students should/will be able to:<ul> <li> Critically appraise and synthesise a body of literature relevant to their research question  </li> <li> Generate timely and theoretically grounded research questions  </li> <li> Analyse data and apply appropriate and relevant statistical tools</li></ul> Students should/will be able to:<ul> <li> Plan and conduct a detailed, focused and current literature search  </li> <li> Implement and manage data collection  </li> <li> Conduct appropriate analytical techniques  </li> <li> Manage and manipulate datasets</li></ul> Students should/will be able to:<ul> <li>  Demonstrate independent thought  </li> <li> Develop self-management project skills (e.g. time management, prioritisation of tasks)</li></ul> <div> Regular individual meetings with a nominated project supervisor, guided reading and focused skills support. Progress will be monitored and regular feedback provided. </div>  0 Other 100% Assessment is by submission of a written dissertation (10,000–15,000 words), which accounts for 100% of the unit mark. The dissertation must demonstrate a clear research question, a critical literature review, appropriate methodology, data analysis, and a scientifically robust discussion of findings.The format and structure of the dissertation may vary depending on the trainee’s specialist pathway (e.g. publication-style vs. traditional format), but all submissions must meet MSclevel academic standards and align with NHS STP curriculum expectations. Research proposal stage – Feedback is provided on the submitted proposal, including comments on feasibility, academic quality, and alignment with STP learning outcomes. Approval is required before the project can begin.NHS supervision – Day-to-day project supervision and feedback are delivered by NHS workplace supervisors, typically based in the trainee’s host hospital laboratory.University oversight – Academic advisors provide guidance as needed on literature review, methodology, data interpretation, and writing style.Draft dissertation review – Students may receive feedback from their NHS supervisors on sections or drafts of the dissertation.Post-submission – Written feedback is provided on the final dissertation, summarising academic performance and areas for improvement. MSc Clinical Science MSc Clin Sci - Clin Bio PGDT Dissertation Mandatory MSc Clinical Science MSc Clin Sci - Clin Immunology PGDT Dissertation Mandatory MSc Clinical Science MSc Clin Sci - Histo & Immuno PGDT Dissertation Mandatory N 0 0 600