Masterclass in Experimental Development Biology

MEDN65541 Masterclass in Experimental Development Biology 15 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Cerys Manning Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:-webkit-left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Students will complete a series of 2 masterclasses run by research staff within the Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine and invited speakers. These will cover areas of major research focus within developmental biology, including key development processes, different experimental model systems, the use of modern technologies including CRISPR-Cas9 and single-cell RNAseq, and the translation of developmental biology to understand human disorders. Students will gain an insight into the benefits of different model systems and the importance and nature of cutting-edge developmental biology research. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:-webkit-left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">The course will be run between October - December; each masterclass will run over 1-3 days. Assessment of the masterclass unit will be via a debate and a written poster assignment and will provide experience of oral presentation, producing a scientific poster and reviewing data from research papers. All of these assessments are based upon tasks that are commonplace in an academic role. Students will complete a series of 2 masterclasses run by research staff within the Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine and invited speakers. These will cover areas of major research focus within developmental biology, including key development processes, different experimental model systems, the use of modern technologies including CRISPR-Cas9 and single-cell RNAseq, and the translation of developmental biology to understand human disorders. Students will gain an insight into the benefits of different model systems and the importance and nature of cutting-edge developmental biology research. The course will be run between October - December; each masterclass will run over 1-3 days. Assessment of the masterclass unit will be via a debate and a written poster assignment and will provide experience of oral presentation, producing a scientific poster and reviewing data from research papers. All of these assessments are based upon tasks that are commonplace in an academic role.   The unit aims to:Provide students with an overview of experimental models and cutting-edge techniques in the field of developmental biology. It will include lectures and workshops with researchers of international standing, aiming to equip students with knowledge of fundamental developmental principles, modern techniques used to address experimental hypotheses and the interface between fundamental research and human developmental disorders.On completion of the unit, students will have acquired significant knowledge of current research themes within the fields of developmental biology and some insight into the problems that researchers seek to address. Students will thus understand the need for fundamental research in developmental and cell biology and the importance of integration between basic science and the clinic in achieving solutions to health problems.     •    Understand and explain the benefits of experimental model systems. •    Understand the need for both stem cell and animal models for developmental biology research. •    Demonstrate awareness of research that integrates knowledge between different experimental model systems. •    Understand and explain key processes during development including but not limited to organogenesis, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell motility, morphogenesis and tissue patterning. •    Understand and explain about some of the classical techniques of developmental biology including but not limited to RNA in-situ and dissection/transplantation. •    Understand the modern developments to techniques used in developmental biology research. •    Demonstrate awareness and understanding of modern techniques and their use in developmental biology research, including but not limited to CRISPR-Cas9, single-cell RNAseq, live-imaging. •    Demonstrate awareness of inter-disciplinary research combining computational analysis and modelling with experimental systems. •    Understand the importance of fundamental research in order to drive innovation and understanding of human health and disease.  •    Show awareness of the necessity for integration between fundamental research and the clinic for translational research and improving diagnosis. •    Show critical thinking capacity when analysing published research publications •    Acquire the skills to learn new facts and concepts from oral presentations and from contributions to discussions •    Summarise knowledge about the need for fundamental research and it’s integration with health problems.  •    Present research evidence from this and other groups in a logical and accurate fashion •    Design and present a scientific poster •    To listen effectively and learn background information about different facets of experimental research and methods from lectures/workshops •    Use word processing and powerpoint (poster design) •    Make constructive contributions to a discussion/debate •    Communicate effectively with both peers and academic staff  •    Organise time and resources •    Prioritise and schedule  •    Work independently and show capacity for self-discipline, motivation and diligence •    Work, and make important contributions, as part of a team •    Independently gather, sift, synthesise and organise material from various sources (including library, electronic and online resources), and critically evaluate its significance. •    Produce a written poster-style presentation using language appropriate to a specialist readership  •    Lectures from basic scientists and clinicians working within developmental biology •    Focussed workshops in small groups to discuss important facets and modern techniques of laboratory research •    Tour of model organism facilities to aid understanding of the need for appropriate in vivo models    0 Other 100% Group presentation/discussion - Oral presentation (15 minutes) & 30-minute discussion: 50% Poster: 50%   •    Guidance as to what makes a good poster presentation •    Constructive feedback and improvement on written poster assignment  MEDN69921 Research Methods Pre-Requisite Compulsory BIOL66111 Laboratory Skills Co-Requisite Compulsory MEDN66110 Tutorial Unit - Reproduction & Development Tutorials Co-Requisite Compulsory N Practical classes & workshops 15 0 135