CARDIFF UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Cardiff University [2014]. All Rights Reserved No part of this material may be copied or otherwise reproduced in any material form or stored in any medium without the prior written permission of Cardiff University subject to any contrary provision under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 as amended. Any unauthorised reproduction of this material may lead to a civil claim for damages and/or criminal prosecution. CARDIFF UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Postgraduate Certificate (Pg Cert) Biomedical Research STUDENT HANDBOOK 2014/15 1

IMPORTANT NOTE: Cardiff University Academic Regulations Handbook All students are advised to familiarise themselves with the University s Academic Regulations Handbook, which provides a valuable reference point for regulations and procedures that are applicable to all programmes of study pursued at Cardiff University. The Academic Regulations Handbook is referred to throughout this handbook, and is available via: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/sfs/regs/. This handbook is intended for information regarding the Pg Cert only and should be used in conjunction with your PGR Handbook for full details on your Postgraduate Research Degree. Occasionally, content in this handbook may differ to the relevant current Cardiff University Senate Regulation (refer www.cf.ac.uk/regis/sfs/regs/index.html); in these instances, the relevant Senate Regulation takes precedence, unless exemption has been granted re. the Regulation in question 2

Contents Welcome from the Programme Director 4 1 MASTER OF RESEARCH PROGRAMME INFORMATION 5 Programme Description 5 Programme Introduction 5 Programme Structure 5 2 PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATION AND CONTACTS 7 3 STUDENT REGISTRATION, ENROLMENT AND INDUCTION 8 4 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE 9-10 5 PROGRAMME REQUIRMENTS/SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK 11 6 ASSESSMENT 12 7 PROGRAMME OUTCOMES 13 8 SUBMISSION DATES 13 9 FORMS 15-18 Coursework submission cover sheet 15 Assessment Criteria for Presentations 16-17 Summary of Student Assessment 18 3

Welcome from the Programme Director It is a pleasure to welcome you to the School of Medicine, Cardiff University and to this Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) Programme. On behalf of the School I hope you enjoy both your studies and your time here in Cardiff. Detailed information about the Pg Cert Programme is in this Handbook and on the School of Medicine website (www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine). General information for School of Medicine Postgraduate Research (PGR) students is also available on the Medicine pages and in the School PGR Handbook, available from pgrmedic@cf.ac.uk, which you will also receive and should read in conjunction with this Handbook. These handbooks will provide information about the Pg Cert Programme of Study, PGR study in the School of Medicine and our student induction programme. The Pg Cert Programme itself is overseen by a Programme Committee which is answerable to the School Research Degrees Committee and the School Board and it is these two bodies that have responsibility for providing, administering and monitoring the Programme and your progress through it. They are here to ensure you have the means to succeed. As University regulations change, information will be communicated to all students, supervisors and departmental PGR administrative staff via email. We recommend that you routinely use the electronic handbooks and web links for directions to relevant forms and guidelines. This handbook complements the University Handbooks that can be found at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/current/for-current-students-handbooks.html and should also be read in conjunction with the School of Medicine Postgraduate Research Student Handbook. This programme of study is regulated by Cardiff University and conforms to the academic regulations of the university (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/sfs/regs/index.html). If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the staff of the Postgraduate Research Degrees Office in the first instance. Any suggestions for improvement of this handbook are most welcome and can be emailed to them at MEDIC_BIOMED_MRES@cf.ac.uk. I hope you have an enjoyable and productive time with us. Dr Robert Steadman Pg Cert. Programme Director 4

POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME INFORMATION Programme Description The Postgraduate Certificate (Pg Cert) Programme is in place to give students the opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary Postgraduate Certificate. The Postgraduate Certificate award in Biomedical Research is a part-time Programme extending for 26 weeks (60 credits). The programme includes taught modules on research methodologies and skills development in key areas such as scientific writing, critical appraisal and grant proposal preparation. There are four optional routes through the Programme - Biomedical Laboratory Techniques, Molecular and Experimental Medicine and Laboratory Techniques in Infection & Immunity and Epidemiology. Programme Introduction The School of Medicine Pg Cert. Programme provides training for postgraduate students in biomedical research at Masters level and will develop research and other transferable skills suitable for careers in academic or industrial research. Programme Structure The Pg Cert Programme is composed of modules. These modules are intended to be used by those studying for the Master of Research to obtain a stand alone M (level 7) qualification. The course begins with a two core modules (MET 371 Research Skills & Environment and MET 372 Data Analysis for Biomedical Research) which focus on generic research-transferable skills. Alongside the core modules, students will also take MET 375 (Biomedical Laboratory Techniques), MET 376 (Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Experimental Medicine) or MET 377 (Laboratory Techniques in Infection & Immunity Research) or MET 378 (Epidemiology). These four routes, lead to the award of Pg Cert Biomedical Research. 5

MRes Students The Pg Cert runs alongside the MRes in Biomedical Research. The Master of Research award in Biomedical Research is a full-time Programme extending for 52 weeks. The MRes Programme consists of three taught modules followed by two short and one long research project in areas of biomedical research, in which the School has recognised international expertise. 6

PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATION AND CONTACTS Director of MRes/Pg Cert: Dr Robert Steadman (SteadmanR@cf.ac.uk) Dr Steadman is responsible for leading and coordinating the overall development of the M.Res and Pg Cert. in support of the School of Medicine s Research strategy. Deputy Director: Dr Amanda Tonks (tonksaj@cf.ac.uk) Dr Tonks is responsible for providing support to the Director of the Programme. Director of Postgraduate Research Study: Dr Anwen Williams (WilliamsAS@cf.ac.uk) Dr Williams is responsible for leading and coordinating the development of the School s postgraduate research strategy in support of the School of Medicine s Research strategy. M.Res/Pg Cert. Student Support Jo Richards (MEDIC_BIOMED_MRES@cardiff.ac.uk) Ext. 44237 Provides administrative support for all matters relating to the M.Res and Pg Cert. including student applications, registrations, changes of candidature, progress monitoring. Module leaders: Module Code Module Name Module Leader Contact Information MET 371 Research Skills and the Environment Dr Derrick Bowen Bowendj1@cf.ac.uk MET 372 Data Analysis for Biomedical Research Dr Amanda Tonks TonksAJ@cf.ac.uk MET 375 Biomedical Laboratory Techniques Dr Amanda Tonks TonksAJ@cf.ac.uk MET 376 Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Experimental Medicine Dr Derrick Bowen Bowendj1@cf.ac.uk MET 377 Laboratory Techniques in Infection & immunity Research Dr Amanda Tonks TonksAJ@cf.ac.uk MET 378 Epidemiology Dr Meirion Evans EvansMR@cf.ac.uk 7

Postgraduate Research Degrees Office: The Postgraduate Research Degrees Office provides comprehensive administrative support and advice on all Research Degree matters to students and staff. Office Email: pgrmedic@cf.ac.uk Location: Room 2TB2.24, 2nd Floor Main Building, Heath Park Website: http://medicine.cf.ac.uk/pgr/ Contact Responsibilities Email Tel Aled Holt PGR Manager Sarah Williams Student Support Assistant Frances Murphy Student Support Assistant Responsible for developing and maintaining the administration of the School s postgraduate research activities. Issues of a confidential nature should be referred to the Office Manager in the first instance. Sensitivity and confidentiality is assured at all times. Provides administrative support for all matters relating to postgraduate students, including student applications, registrations, changes of candidature, IT and Web support for MEDIC Postgraduate Research Provides administrative support for matters relating to student appraisal, annual progress monitoring and submission of thesis; examination procedure and graduation HoltAJ2@cf.ac.uk Ext. 46453 WilliamsSE9@cf.ac.uk Ext. 46716 MurphyFM@cf.ac.uk Ext. 46484 3 STUDENT REGISTRATION, ENROLMENT AND INDUCTION Registration and Enrolment Request Pg Cert Application and Approval Form from the PGR Office. This form needs to be completed and signed by student and supervisor if the student is a current School of Medicine PGR student. This form should be promptly returned to the PGR Office, under these circumstances. Jo Richards will ensure Registry add the relevant module options on your SIMS record. You will receive an email confirming this. If you would like clarification on how to ensure you that your student records are correctly set up, please contact Jo Richards MEDIC_BIOMED_MRES@cardiff.ac.uk School Induction The School will provide an induction in September for new PGR students. All new PGR students are expected to attend. If you are unable to attend, please contact the Postgraduate Research Degrees Office. 8

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Pg Cert Taught Modules (60 credits) Module Credits Knowledge and critical understanding gained Module 1: Research Skills and Environment (COMPULSORY) MET 371 Module 2: Data Analysis for Biomedical Research (COMPULSORY) MET 372 Module 3A: Biomedical Laboratory Techniques MET 375 20 20 20 Understand the principles underlying the organisation of the scientific research literature; the concept of evidence in science, including the system of peer review, bibliography management and the importance of citation information. ( Be able to confidently conduct advanced literature searches using a range of information software and resources Develop research strategies / study designs including the use of appropriate methodologies to answer key research questions in Biomedical research Disseminate research findings effectively, ensuring clarity to a variety of audiences whether presenting visually, orally or in writing Understand the need to be ethically aware and the importance of ethical approval / confidentiality and informed consent Understand the way in which research is funded in the UK Understand the importance of knowledge exploitation and public engagement in scientific research The ability to appropriately handle. Process and analyse data generated through their own work and by others The ability to confidently critically appraise different research approaches and methodologies in published studies and determine the value of data presented and conclusions drawn An understanding of the principles underlying good experimental design that survives critical review An understanding of the importance and application of statistical evaluation of data and the correct choice of statistical test for data analysis Choose the correct technique and equipment appropriate to addressing a specific research question. Implement experimental design such that relevant techniques are incorporated Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of diverse areas of Biomedical Research and associated methodologies. Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of rapidly developing technologies such as genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. Critically evaluate both the appropriateness of different methodologies and the experimental data generated using them for answering research questions. 9

OR: Module 3B: Laboratory Techniques in Molecular & Experimental Medicine MET 376 OR: Module 3C: Laboratory Techniques in Infection & Immunity Research MET 377 OR: Module 3D: Epidemiology MET 378 20 20 20 An understanding of key current areas of molecular and experimental medicine research and the methodologies used to address research questions Choose the correct technique and equipment appropriate to addressing a specific research question. Implement experimental design such that relevant techniques are incorporated Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of diverse areas of Biomedical Research and associated methodologies. Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of rapidly developing technologies such as genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. Critically evaluate both the appropriateness of different methodologies and the experimental data generated using them for answering research questions. An understanding of key current areas of Infection and Immunity research and the methodologies used to address research questions Choose the correct technique and equipment appropriate to addressing a specific research question. Implement experimental design such that relevant techniques are incorporated Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of diverse areas of Biomedical Research and associated methodologies. Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of rapidly developing technologies such as genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. Critically evaluate both the appropriateness of different methodologies and the experimental data generated using them for answering research questions. Population concepts and basic epidemiology Epidemiological methods, including study designs, their strengths and weaknesses Basic demographic techniques to estimate trends in mortality and fertility Critical evaluation of published research Systematic review and the hierarchy of evidence On completion of the programme, providing students have passed the modules, they will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Biomedical Research Methods (minimum of 60 credits). 10

PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS/SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK Attendance and Academic Progress Attendance Students are expected to attend at least 70% of the taught sessions. Submission of work Each component of work must be returned by the required date (see Timetable). Any work not submitted by the required date without prior arrangement with the programme team, will be awarded zero marks, in accordance with Academic Regulations. Short term absence Please contact Jo Richards: MEDIC_BIOMED_MRES@cardiff.ac.uk in relation to any short term absence. Monitoring of student academic progress Formative and summative assessment is ongoing throughout the academic year. Extensions Extension to deadline for coursework Should any circumstances be foreseen that may occasion work to be late (e.g. close family problems, illness or professional circumstances), candidates must refer to the University s guidance on Extenuating Circumstances, and complete the Extenuating Circumstances/ Extension Request Form. Resitting/re-assessment/resubmission Where a student is given the opportunity to resit/be re-assessed for a failed module, or to resubmit a dissertation please refer to the Senate Regulations for PG Taught Programme of Study - Modular of the Academic Regulations Handbook. Appeals Procedure A student who wishes to appeal against a decision of the Examining Board must submit a Verification and Appeal Form to Registry, to arrive within fourteen days of the date of issue of the letter informing the student of their result. 11

ASSESSMENT Taught Modules Each of the taught modules will be assessed as briefly described below. Poster presentations will take place in November with the critical appraisal and grant proposal assignments to be submitted in early January. Examinations (Data Analysis open book and MRes/Pg Cert examination) take place in early- December. The marks achieved for the assessed work will be considered by the Examining Board in February. Students achieving an overall mark 60% are eligible for a merit. Students achieving an overall mark 70% are eligible for a distinction. The relative contribution of each assessment to the overall module marks is summarized below: Module 1 (MET 371) Poster Presentation (25% of module mark) Grant Proposal (3000 word) Application (75% of module mark) Total: 20 Credits Module 2 (MET 372) Critical Appraisal (50% of module mark) Data Analysis Examination (50% of module mark) Total: 20 Credits Module 3 (3A, B, C or D) (MET 375,376,377 or 413) Oral Presentation (50% of module mark) Examination (50% of module mark) Total: 20 Credits Students are required to achieve 50% or more overall to pass each module. Students will be permitted within one month, one attempt at retrieval of one or more failed modules. The maximum mark available for a retrieved assessment is 50%. 12

Pg Cert OUTCOMES Upon completion of the Pg Cert in Biomedical Research, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes: Learning outcomes: A detailed understanding of the design, execution, analysis and reporting of experimental research Intellectual Skills: Demonstrate an ability to critically assess available evidence using a variety of information sources Develop an integrated insight into experimental design Develop the ability to formulate statistical strategies for the analysis of data generated by a variety of experimental designs Describe and discuss basic principles of either laboratory- or population-based research techniques Evaluate additional information from self-directed learning and integrate this into material covered by the Programme. Develop an integrated insight into how the development and impact of their knowledge and skills is of value and relevance to the workplace and to biomedical science Analyse and formulate the problem to be addressed from defined knowledge and skills, generating and designing possible solutions with critical discussion of alternate methods and justify choice of method Evaluate possible solutions to problems and integrate information and data from a variety of sources Transferable Skills: Become effective in data handling, communication of knowledge, theories and principles in writing and orally Possess the ability and desire to expand knowledge base Use of information and communications technologies. Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open-mindedness and in the spirit of critical enquiry Increased understanding of learning and research cultures at work Sharing experiences and support with other students Communicate effectively in writing, verbally and through graphics On completion of the Pg Cert students will have a clear idea of how medical research should be conducted and will have the ability to design and pursue experimental approaches to answer their own research questions. 13

Submissions Dates Module Summative Assessments Deadlines Research Skills & Environment (MET 371) Core Scientific Poster 25% w/c 3 rd November 2014 Grant Proposal Assignment 75% 16 th January 2015 Data Analysis for Biomedical Research (MET 372) Core Data Analysis open book Examination 50% 8 th December 2014 Critical Appraisal Assignment 50% 17 th November 2014 Biomedical Laboratory Techniques (MET 375) Optional Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Experimental Medicine (MET376) Optional Laboratory Techniques in Infection & Immunity Research (MET 377) Optional Epidemiology Techniques (MET 413) Optional Unseen examination (1.5 hours) 50% 12 th December 2014 Presentation 50% tbc *Dates are subject to change during the course of the year* *Any changes will be communicated to your Cardiff University email account* 14

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH (Pg CERT) COURSEWORK SUBMISSION COVER SHEET STUDENT DETAILS Student name Student number ASSIGNMENT DETAILS Module title Module number Assignment Title Assignment Deadline Resubmission (delete as appropriate) YES / NO DECLARATION I hereby declare that the attached assignment is all my own work. I have not submitted any aspect for assessment previously and I have not knowingly allowed anyone to copy my work. I understand that deceiving or attempting to deceive academic staff by passing others work off as my own is plagiarism. Plagiarism is against the University regulations. Any attempt to plagiarise work will result in action being taken. Signed: Date: Please ensure all sections are completed. And that your name does not appear within the body of the document, but ensure your student number is included as a header or footer throughout. All marking, where possible is anonymous, therefore markers will not see this sheet 15

ORAL PRESENTATION ASSESSMENT Internal Examiners will use the Assessment Criteria on the lower half of this Assessment proforma to assess oral presentations. They will then use the Scoring Table in conjunction with the Assessment Criteria to decide on the grading band into which the presentation falls and to decide on an actual mark within that band. A short description of the strengths and weaknesses of the presentation will be added to the comments box. This along with the Assessment Criteria will constitute the feedback to the students. Student: Marker: Student ID No: Mark Awarded: Scoring Table mark range 100 80 70 60 50 40 0 Distinction Merit Pass Fail grade range Is the problem clearly addressed? Scientific/dental/me dical evidence Quality of Presentation Material Ability to Answer Questions Comments 16

Assessment Criteria for Presentations % Description >80% 70-79 60-69 50-59 40-49 The presentation is excellent and the approach lucid. Material is included which has been gathered through non-directed reading or independent research. Evidence is evaluated critically and the answer forms a creative contribution to the subject area. Excellent response to the questions. The presentation is clear, logically organised and supported by relevant evidence. The presentation is error free and includes material derived from additional reading. Other related and relevant topics are integrated into the presentation. Evidence of clear critical insight into the subject area. Good response to the questions. Sound, well presented and planned showing good appreciation of the subject area. The presentation is given in a logical, well reasoned manner and arguments are supported by relevant information where appropriate. The information given is factually correct with little irrelevant material presented. There are good indications of additional reading and deductive thinking. Diagrams are used in an effective manner and well integrated into the answer. Good response to the questions. Enough background information is presented to indicate an adequate knowledge of the topic. The factual content is limited but the subject area is adequately described. The structure of the presentation is poor, but intelligible and satisfactory. There is minimal evidence of additional reading and no indication of original thinking. Average response to the questions. Some serious misunderstandings or poor, ambiguous explanations of important concepts. Considerable amounts of irrelevant material are presented with limited evidence presented in support of arguments. Weak or disjointed structure to the presentation. Some diagrams are relevant. There is no indication of additional reading. Poor response to the questions. 30-39 The topic as set is not answered but material related to the topic is presented. In general, some correct and relevant information is presented, but other important points or essential areas are omitted. Some serious misconceptions are apparent. Poor response to the questions 20-29 Many inaccuracies and misinterpretations of the topic with confused or erroneous reasoning. Important and essential areas are omitted from the presentation. Poor structure with little or no explanation of the subject. Little more than a brief list of items relevant to the topic. Very poor use of diagrams. No response to the questions. <20% The topic is not covered at all or is completely misinterpreted. Gross errors of reasoning, or misunderstanding of the subject. Severely lacking in material or predominantly consisting of completely irrelevant material. No use of relevant diagrams. No response to the questions. 17

Appendix 15 SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, CARDIFF UNIVERSITY EXAMINING BOARD CONVENTIONS FOR MASTERS OF RESEARCH (MRES) IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH Details of Assessment Criteria The Masters in Research (MRes) in Biomedical Research/PgCert in Biomedical Research use criteriabased marking schemes for all of its assessments. Marking criteria for all course assessments are made available in the student and tutor handbooks and all tutors and examiners are required to use these when marking work and providing feedback. The weightings of the assessments are: Module Summative assessments Weighting notes 20 credits Compulsory Grant Proposal Assignment 75% Scientific poster presentation 25% Research Skills and Environment (Core) (MET 371) Data Analysis for Biomedical Research (Core) (MET 372) Unseen Statistics Exam 50% Critical Appraisal Assignment 50% Epidemiology (MET 413) Oral Presentation 50% Unseen Examination 50% Biomedical Laboratory Techniques (MET 375) Oral Presentation 50% Unseen Examination 50% Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Experimental Medicine (MET376) Oral Presentation 50% Unseen Examination 50% Laboratory Techniques in Infection & Immunity Research (MET 377) Oral Presentation 50% Unseen Examination 50% 20 credits 20 credits 20 credits Compulsory 20 credits Students choose one of these four modules 20 credits Total 100% 18