Overview

The module begins with an introduction to methods and skills required to perform critical reviews of primary research papers. To demonstrate development of methods and skills required to perform critical reviews of primary research papers students will be allocated three primary research papers to review.

In semester 1 students will review, critically analyse and present paper in the area of human molecular genetics. In semester 2 students will review, critically analyse and present a paper in the area of human immunology.

The module will then progress to selection of research areas and projects available from Supervisors of the North Wales Medical School. Students will then review, critically analyse and present a key paper in the specific area of the proposed research project, aligned to their project

If necessary, specific skill sets, that have not been introduced or acquired in the laboratory based taught modules of the MEDMBG MSc program may also be developed in this stage of the module. These skill sets may include specific data-mining techniques, critical aspects of Bioinformatic analysis and (under supervision of project research groups/supervisors) specific laboratory skills/techniques, which are directly applicable to a specific research project.

For student revision, lectures, tutorials and practical demonstrations are recorded using the Panopto system

Skill sets developed may include specific data-mining techniques, critical aspects of Bioinformatic analysis and (under supervision of project research groups/supervisors) specific laboratory skills/techniques, which are directly applicable to a specific research project.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold Pass (C- to C+ range 50-59%) Primary criteria. A threshold student demonstrates knowledge of key areas & principles, and understands the main elements of the subject area, although gaps and weaknesses in the argument are evident. No evidence of background study and wider reading. Answer focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure & argument. Answers have several factual/computational errors. No original interpretation. No links between topics are described. Limited problem solving skills. Some weaknesses in presentation accuracy 7 delivery. Secondary Criteria C+ Good within the class - Exceeds expectations for some primary criteria - Strong factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understanding - Ideas/arguments are limited but are well presented C Mid-level - Matches all primary criteria - Moderate factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understanding - Ideas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentation C- Meets requirements of class - Matches most but not all primary criteria - Moderate factual knowledge with several weaknesses in understanding - Ideas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentation

Good Merit (B- to B+ range 60-69%) Primary criteria Good students demonstrate strong knowledge & understanding of most but not all of the subject area. Limited evidence of background study. The answer is focussed with good structure. Arguments are presented coherently, mostly free of factual/computational errors. Some limited original interpretation. Well know links between topics are described. Problems are addressed by existing methods/approaches. Good presentation with accurate communication Secondary Criteria B+ Good - Exceeds expectations for most primary criteria - Command of subject but with gaps in knowledge - *Some ideas/arguments original B Mid-level - Meets all primary criteria - Strong factual knowledge and understanding - Ideas/arguments are well presented by few are original B- Meets requirements of class - Meets most but not all primary criteria - Strong factual knowledge with minor weaknesses in understanding - Most but not all ideas/arguments are well presented and few are original

Excellent Distinction (A- to A** range 70-100%) Primary criteria Excellent students demonstrate comprehensive knowledge & detailed understanding of the subject area. Clear evidence of extensive background study & original thinking. Highly focussed, accurate and well structured information and concepts. Arguments are logically presented and defended with evidence and examples. Original interpretation of the information with clear evidence of wider reading. New links between topics are developed and new approaches to a problem are presented. Excellent presentation skills with very accurate communication. Secondary Criteria A Outstanding - Exceeds expectations for most primary criteria - Complete command of subject and other relevant areas - Ideas/arguments are highly original A+ Excellent - Exceeds expectations for some primary criteria - Complete command of subject - Ideas/arguments are highly original A Good - Meets all primary criteria - Command of subject but with minor gaps in knowledge areas - Ideas/arguments are mostly original A- Meets requirements of Class - Meets most but not all primary criteria - Complete command of subject but with some gaps in knowledge - Ideas/arguments are mostly original

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate appropriate use of information technology applications in information research, collection, analysis and presentation

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of current peer reviewed background literature covering a specific research topic/area

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of laboratory data generation techniques and protocols required to answer a specific research question and hypothesis

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the ethical design and development of a specific research hypothesis and strategy

• Demonstrate master level abilities to efficiently locate, collect and incorporate appropriate literature and/or secondary data into specifically formatted scientific documents or presentations

• Demonstrate master-level scientific writing and presentation skills, to specific scientific formats