BIMRM22-Research Management, Ethics and Current Topics in Biomedical Engineering

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Faustina Hwang
Email: f.hwang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module has two aspects. Firstly, it provides training that will help students develop as researchers. The module will develop skills required for assessing, conducting, and communicating research. Topics include critically and constructively reviewing others’ work, preparing a research ethics application, and managing research data. Secondly, the module will draw upon the expertise of the academic staff in the Department or suitable external speakers who will lead sessions on areas of interest or in which they have published academic papers. Topics may vary from year to year. Students will write and submit two essays from the range of topics presented. Attendance will be monitored by sign-up sheet.

Aims:

• To provide training in searching for and using research literature, in critically evaluating research, and writing reviews.


• To develop skills in conducting and communicating original research.


• To provide training in preparing a research ethics application.


• To provide guidance on research data management.


• To inform students about the current state of knowledge and debate in biomedical engineering. Topics reflect the expertise in the department, including assistive technology, rehabilitation, medical instrumentation and imaging, human computer interface, tissue engineering and dynamic modelling of biological systems.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Ability to search for relevant literature from a wide range of sources, to select appropriate key literature, and use the literature to make/support an argument.


• Ability to assess and produce scientific writing according to a specified set of requirements, and to evaluate the quality of presentations and proposals.


• Ability to assess critically the methods, results and conclusions reported by other researchers.


• Knowledge and understanding acquired of a selected research topic.


• Ability to prepare a research ethics application.


• Ability to discuss key considerations in research data management, and be able to propose an appropriate data management approach.


• Ability to write concise essays and summarise academic research in a style appropriate for an interested, non-specialist reader;


• Ability to present and critically discuss a current research topic in biomedicalengineering;


• Ability to gain an appreciation for the relevance of their studies to advanced research fields;


• Ability to appreciate the significance of the selected research topics in the wider context of biomedical engineering and its applications.

Additional outcomes:

Written and oral presentation skills; organisation skills; time management.

It is anticipated that the training in this module will provide the requisite theoretical background to the students in taking up a career in further research (e.g. a PhD) in biomedical engineering and related disciplines.

Outline content:

• Different types of research contribution


• Effective use of literature search facilities


• Critical assessment of the quality and presentation of research


• Publication strategies and how to write a paper


• Research ethics


• Research data management

Students will attend research lectures delivered by academic staff and external speakers in order to develop an overview of current topics in biomedical engineering. Students will choose two topics to focus their study and write a scientific report on each topic.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures related to research management and ethics will be given to provide relevant information to the whole class. Students will work individually or in small groups to apply the material from the lectures ideally to a project relevant to them, with support from the lecturer. The format will be primarily student led, where students will share their work with peers through written reports and discussions, and provide feedback on others’ work.

Two series of research lectures on current topics in biomedical engineering will be delivered in an informal setting to facilitate discussion and debate. Students are required to write an essay presenting topics of their choice based on each series. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	30
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	5
Peer assisted learning	5
Advance preparation for classes	5
Completion of formative assessment tasks	15
Group study tasks	5
Carry-out research project	40
Essay preparation	80
Reflection	5
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

For research management and ethics, there will be 1 written assignment relating to the assessable learning outcomes, contributing 50% of the module total.

For current topics in biomedical engineering, there will be two essays (2000-4000 words), 25% each.

 

Formative assessment methods:

During tutorials, there will be opportunities to discuss methods and to receive feedback from peers and the lecturer. Feedback will be provided on coursework assignments.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 25 September 2023