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SM2501: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

  • this course cultivates literature research skills, building confidence in team-working and communication through scientific writing and seminar presentation;
  • it encourages student-led learning and organisation in researching a topic on human health or disease of your own choice, with tutors providing guidance;
  • you will learn to use online and library resources to search for information from primary research articles and relay that information in the form of a written report and a Powerpoint presentation to peers and academic tutors;
  • these are all fundamental skills for scientific researchers, but are also transferrable talents for many other career pathways

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Derryck Shewan

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Programme Level 2

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • One of BI1507 The Cell (Passed) or SF1503 The Cell (Foundation) (Passed) or SM1501 The Cell (Passed)
  • One of Anatomy (AN) (Studied) or Biochemistry (BC) (Studied) or Biotechnology (BT) (Studied) or Developmental Biology (DB) (Studied) or Genetics (GN) (Studied) or Health Sciences (HE) (Studied) or Immunology (IM) (Studied) or Molecular Biology (MB) (Studied) or Microbiology (MC) (Studied) or Pharmacology (PA) (Studied) or Physiology (PY) (Studied) or Sports Science (SR) (Studied)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course focuses on enhancing core research skills for the study of the medical sciences. It is a requirement for all students with degree intentions in the School of Medical Sciences. The course develops the essential skills that are needed to undertake a research project. Its aim is to instil an active student-driven approach to learning based on curiosity and exploration of knowledge as opposed to passive acquisition. Students work in groups of 6 and will research a particular topic related to the general theme of 'Health and Disease'. Students learn to critically analyse published work, evaluate sources of information, basic presentation skills.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Tutorial 15%

Presentation 40%

Timed Essay 40%

Peer review 5%

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyCarry out work in a disciplined manner as part of a team
ProceduralApplyTake responsibility for ensuring that the group delivers the research project
ProceduralApplyUnderstand how to use library facilities to perform a basic literature search and assemble relevant information
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the basis of scientific investigation and the importance of hypothesis driven enquiry
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the importance of critical appraisal of information sources and the reality of conflicting views on important research topics
ConceptualApplyExplain and educate your peers on information that you have learned about the group topic
ProceduralApplyDemonstrate basic computing and communication skills to create an oral presentation
ReflectionUnderstandUnderstand the meaning of plagiarism and take responsibility for ensuring that the group’s project is a true reflection of the group’s own work
ConceptualAnalyseDemonstrate the skills needed to write an individual report of the project under exam conditions
ProceduralApplyDevelop transferable skills related to teamwork, time management, communication and information technology skills

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