Introductory description

The module intends to develop research and professional transferable skills that future employers will look for whether in academia, industry or other professional settings. The module will develop students' analytical and critical skills and provide training on various topics including managing of research progress, data collection, analysis and presentation; managing time, resources and people; scientific technical and non-technical writing. The module also intends to provide knowledge of the legal framework including intellectual property and contract law and promote awareness of the principles of research ethics and integrity and good professional practice in a biomedical laboratory setting. Students will be trained to present research concepts orally, will write a research proposal similar to a grant application and will be trained to defend a research proposal in a virtual funding committee (Term 2). Throughout the year, students will demonstrate progress in their transferable research skills by engaging in a series of activities (annual conference organization; engagement with departmental seminars; partaking in various committees within the School or other departments, etc) as well as following lectures related to research ethics, patent law, exploitation of research, team work skills, time and resource management, communication skills, self-assessment skills and leadership skills. Students will submit reflective pieces in a form of a portfolio of evidence.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Topics will include:
Legal framework, including health & safety (COSHH, policies); principles of exploitation of research intellectual property and commercialization, patent law, equality diversity and inclusion; principles of ethical approval in research (human and animal); General Data Protection Regulations.
Good academic practice, including plagiarism and data manipulation; data management and presentation (collecting and documenting, electronic lab books; database and large datasets); probity and research integrity; reproducibility and reliability.
Team work, leadership and communication including organizing a scientific event; taking part in committee/panel discussion; outreach and public engagement; networking; delivering written and oral reports.
Report and outputs, including researching databases; reviewing and rebutting grants and papers, asking a research question; developing contingency plans; composing grants and papers; planning (e.g.; Gantt charts), scheduling; budgeting and publishing (e.g.; prep-prints, open access).

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. Frame appropriate research questions to address complex topics in biomedical science
• 2. Demonstrate originality and creativity in producing and defending a grant proposal
• 3. Conduct critical appraisal of scientific concepts and project proposals
• 4. Communicate orally and in writing complex ideas to specialist and non-specialist audience
• 5. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research ethics and culture of the research environment; differentiate good from inadequate research practice
• 6. Evaluate and reflect on own professional behaviour and image: critically analyse personal development and demonstrate an insight into the transferable nature of research skills to other work environments within and outside academia.

Indicative reading list

Hofmann A.H. Scientific Writing and Communication: Papers, Proposals, and Presentations (4rd edition 2017) Oxford University Press.
Zinsser, W. On Writing Well 3rd ed (2006) Turtleback books
Strunk Jr, W. The Elements of Style (1999) Pearson.

Interdisciplinary

The module will allow students to acquire skills through various opportunities during the MSc year, that transfer across the boundaries of any particular module.

Subject specific skills

1. Acquire and develop professionalism in research;
2. Knowledge of research ethics and good academic practice
3. Knowledge of the development of a research proposal including a budget

Transferable skills

1. Managerial skills (time management, team work and leadership)
2. Ability of articulate and defend own ideas and questions
3. Develop critical analytical skills
4. Develop communication and leadership skills