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PA40288: Pharmacology dissertation for MSci students

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 6
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 1
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: DS 80%, OR 20%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites: In taking this unit you cannot take PA30222
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
The aim of the unit is that the students develop their skills in conducting a literature survey on a chosen topic, critically appraising their findings and presenting them both as a short oral mini-lecture and in a well-organised dissertation.

Learning Outcomes:
When the students have completed the unit, they should be able to:
1) use methods of searching for current research literature on a pharmacologically related topic;
2) critically evaluate the current literature and appraise the reliability and importance of individual pieces of information according to their source and relevance to the topic;
3) demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the selected topic;
4) construct an organised, well argued and concise dissertation (approx 7500 words) using this information, and give a short oral presentation (15 minutes total) based on the dissertation material.

Skills:
Planning and organisation (T/F/A)
Handling information (T/F/A)
Information and communication technology (T/F/A)
Written communication (T/F/A)
Oral communication (T/F/A)

Content:
A topic related to the science of pharmacology will be chosen by each student from a list provided. A tutor will be assigned to each student to monitor progress, give advice and assess the dissertation and oral presentation. An introductory lecture will be given to all the students to give general guidance on planning library and electronic database work, assessing the quality and relevance of data and writing the dissertation. Three tutorials will be given by the tutors to assigned groups of students; in these tutorials, the student will be given further guidance and their progress will be monitored.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PA40288 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 5
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 5

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.