Core units
Academic English Skills
Statistics for Health and Medical Sciences
Understanding statistics is embedded across all research in Health and Medical Sciences so it is integral that the students can use their knowledge and apply it to design and carry out research.
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Critically apply a range of mathematical and statistical methods and tools
- Analyse a range of statistical approaches and select the most appropriate within the context of research
Subject-specific
- Formulate solutions to health and medical sciences problems using mathematical and statistical techniques
Key Skills
- Translate real-world problems into mathematical and statistical models and effectively communicate solutions
Biosciences
This module provides a broad introduction to key elements of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Evolution, Ecology and the Environment.
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Describe key concepts and terms in relation to the study of:
a) Cell biology
b) Molecular Biology
c) Embryo development and Developmental Biology
- Evaluate how research methods and approaches could be used to investigate a range of biological problems
Subject-specific
- Be able to carry out laboratory experiments following standard experimental protocols
- Be able to produce practical reports, following standard scientific methodology
- Interpret and analyse relevant research data
- Interpret graphical and mathematical models of biology
Key Skills
- Demonstrating an independent, articulate approach and an ability to express own opinions
- Apply practical biology-life skills and good laboratory practices to the development of experimental protocols including appropriate statistical analyses, displaying the ability to be innovative and to conceptualise responsibly and collaboratively
Research Skills
This module is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the ability to frame appropriate questions and apply learnt techniques of enquiry in their chosen specialism.
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Use HMS knowledge and skills to carry out an investigative project in Health and Medical Sciences
Subject-specific
- Justify a choice of Research Design and Research Methodology
- Produce an evaluative Literature Review
- Analyse scientific data as part of an investigative project
- Critically evaluate key concepts
Key Skills
- Summarise the findings of an investigative project, using appropriate graphs and display charts
- Produce a scientific dissertation following standard referencing
- Present the results of the investigation to peers and other stakeholders
Indicative Content:
- Health and Medical Sciences research for Masters level
- Opposing research positions and types of methodologies
Psychology
This module gives an overview of theories, methods, and research findings in the area of social and personality development during childhood and adolescence from a socio-cultural perspective. It will also introduce students to some of the key questions which currently guide research and practice in environmental psychology and provide an insight into the research and theory development.
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of contemporary social psychological research on historical processes
- Compare and contrast theoretical perspectives in social and personality development
- Demonstrate coherent knowledge of environmental psychology theories, methods and research evidence
Subject-specific
- Critically evaluate relevant psychology research literature
- Analyse the quantity and quality of evidence in psychology
Key Skills
- Apply statistical and analytical skills
- Evaluate the practical impact of research
The Future Scientist
This module explores modern scientific practice against a backdrop of change, enabling the student to explore a scientist’s role in society and their responsibility to and within the wider community.
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Critically evaluate experimental data and primary literature
- Analyse the role of the scientist in modern society and their responsibility to the wider community
- Demonstrate the importance of sound scholarly conduct, recognising the pitfalls that could lead to scientific fraud
Subject-specific
- Critically examine how health and safety issues and project/data management competencies could change the outcome of a life science project
- Critique the broader societal outcomes of life science research with reference to scholarly conduct, scientific fraud and research misuse
Key Skills
- Communicate conclusions concisely to scientific and non-scientific audiences
Career Ahead
This module provides the opportunity for students to identify and develop employability skills.
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Evaluate own level of personal development through the application of Kolb’s learning cycle
Subject-specific
- Recognise and analyse the importance of behavioural competencies required for success in own chosen career area
Key Skills
- Self-assess relative strengths of career resume and identify areas for self-development
- Reflect on the application of a range of effective interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills through both independent and group work
Journal Club
This module provides an opportunity for experience of extended reading and writing to demonstrate an appropriate level of synthesis, through a literature review, speaking skills, presentation of journal articles or texts.
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Deploy acquired knowledge of principles of critical reading
Subject-specific
- Apply relevant subject-specific academic conventions to academic writing, including use of data and diagrams
Key Skills
- Demonstrate competence in the process of self-critical drafting for postgraduate study, reflecting on and incorporating feedback
- Apply independent learning techniques
- Critically evaluate sources and reflect on the process of leading a seminar and discussion
- Develop critical literature review skills, utilising a variety of research sources