- Academic Registry
Programme & Unit Catalogues


PA40288: Pharmacology dissertation for MSci students

[Page last updated: 05 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: DS 80%, OR 20%
Assessment Detail:
  • Dissertation (DS 80%)
  • Oral (OR 20%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: In taking this module you cannot take PA30222
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.

Programme availability:

PA40288 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)

PA40288 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change 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.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.