PSC3010 : Research in Physiological Sciences
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Christina Elliott
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Sasha Kraskov
- Demonstrator: Dr Michael Gray, Dr Matthew Wilcox, Dr Peter Chater
- Lecturer: Professor Christopher Stewart, Dr Louise Reynard
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The overall module aim is to introduce the participants to the various knowledge and skills relevant to a career in physiological research. This includes an introduction to career planning and a visit to biomedical sciences research labs at Newcastle Medical School. The students will learn how to communicate science using different media (research articles/oral talks/poster presentation). Moreover, considerations will be given to how research is evaluated and funded. More specifically the module aims to;
• provide an introduction to the conduct of research in physiological sciences.
• introduce students to the issues of how scientific research is funded and how research careers are structured.
• allow students an insight into the process of publication including peer review and publication metrics.
• provide an understanding of the conduct of research with respect to appropriate design, methodologies and technological developments.
• allow students to further develop skills in critical review of scientific literature.
• allow students to further develop skills in dissemination of research findings using a variety of media.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module provides an introduction to research in physiological sciences and considers:
• Examples of how research careers are structured in an academic environment
• The conduct of research with respect to appropriate design, methodologies and technological developments.
• The dissemination of research findings using a variety of media such as print, talks or poster presentations
• Tools to develop skills in critically reviewing scientific literature
• Various ways of how physiological research is funded
This module will provide a broad overview of physiological research in an academic setting including an introduction to postgraduate study options. The theme will be explored with projects focusing on methods in physiological research and in depth discussion of a selected research topic. The students will use these skills to produce an oral presentation and a scientific poster.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | PIP 2 lectures (joint with other research modules (PED3013, BGM3046, BMS3007). |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | PIP - Oral presentation and mini conference presentation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | PIP - Visit to the Labs |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Tutorials - PIP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | PIP Seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 84:00 | 84:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| BGM3046 | Research in Biochemistry & Genetics |
| BMS3007 | Research in Biomedical Sciences |
| PED3013 | Research in Pharmacological Sciences |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lecture materials convey the core knowledge.
Seminars provide opportunity for formative discussion and aid the development of critical key skills and problem solving.
Individual and group study encourages the use of the scientific literature at a deeper level than that presented in lectures.
The tutorials provide further opportunities for discussion and debate as well as practical experience in accessing scientific information through computer-based approaches and lab visits.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 10 | 1 | M | 40 | Presentation duration 10 mins - PIP |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poster | 1 | M | 60 | Critical discussion of selected research topic & creative extrapolation of jointly researched material. Online submission A1 poster |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The two assessments test a range of knowledge and skills related to the taught material and also covering the guided and individually researched topics. Generic skills that are essential for a career in physiological research are also tested. The oral presentation requires concise and clear explanation of a chosen physiological research method. Presentation skills are essential for a scientist in the current academic world. The poster presentation assesses critical reading and investigation and gives the student the opportunity to demonstrate oral communication skills. The presentation is assessed by several academics and mimics a conference set-up. All the assessments are informed by real-life scenarios in science. The assessments are all finished before Christmas to avoid interference with the 3rd year research project.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSC3010's Timetable