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PA40350: Engaging the public with drug discovery research

[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 2
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Case Study (CW 10%)
  • Group presentation & Plan (CW 20%)
  • Individual Reflective Portfolio (CW 60%)
  • Peer Assessment (CW 10%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: In taking this module you cannot take PA40234
Description: Aims:
To engage the student in activities and approaches aimed at communicating drug discovery research with the public. To highlight the context and importance of public engagement with research. To provide training in a range of transferable skills relating to creativity, project management, team working, evaluation and self-reflection. To develop core communication skills including reflective writing and reflective practice.

Learning Outcomes:
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
* Rationalise the required approach for a public engagement activity taking into account aims, contexts and audiences
* Conduct public engagement activities that may involve interaction with a range of publics (e.g. children, adults, patient groups)
* Have an awareness of health and safety requirements and planning for interactive public events
* Critically evaluate and reflect upon the effectiveness of public engagement activities.
* Demonstrate initiative, creativity and industry
* Demonstrate their ability to work successfully with peers.

Skills:
Written communication (T/F/A)
Verbal communication (T/F A)
Project management (T/F A)
Team working (T/F A)
Evaluation (T/F A)
Problem solving (T/F A).

Content:
Students will attend a number of lectures which will address topics including; the aims, contexts and audiences for public engagement (PE); how to creatively design and evaluate PE activities. Students will engage in workshops and examine case studies and literature on PE to develop an understanding of what makes for successful PE with research. Students will work in teams with an academic researcher in the Department to identify, design and deliver a public engagement activity to an audience of their choice (e.g. children, adults, patient groups) using appropriate media such as through interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops or digital media. Students will receive training in techniques of science communication and public engagement and will be expected to evaluate their activities and reflect on their performance and skills development throughout the unit.

Programme availability:

PA40350 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
  • USPA-AKM02 : MPharmacol(Hons) Pharmacology with Year long work placement (Year 4)

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.