PHAR40020 Pharmacology Research Project

Academic Year 2022/2023

This Laboratory Research Programme in Pharmacology will run for 10 weeks over Autumn followed by thesis write up and oral presentation in Spring. The Research Programme gives the student the opportunity to work under the supervision of an academic researcher to test a hypothesis with a pharmacological emphasis. Through this module, the student acquires requisite skills in experimental techniques, critical data evaluation, and written and oral communication of scientific content. An additional component of this module is a review of fundamental pharmacological principles required to have full appreciation of an advanced research question such as those typically addressed in the research programme.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:1. Design a coherent experimental strategy to critically evaluate a research question.2. Perform experiments using the technique(s) learned during the project and analyse and interpret the results.3. Compile a research thesis in publication format detailing the background literature, methodology, results and implications of the research programme they have carried out.4. Present their research work in a clear and competent manner in a standard scientific seminary format.5. Discuss basic pharmacological principles.

Indicative Module Content:

This module provides training and support for the following essential scientific skills:
- Development of laboratory-based scientific research skills and proficiency in experimental techniques
- Training and experience in oral communication of research activities and experimental findings
- Communication of research activities in a discipline-specific manner, via preparation of a written scientific report

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

20

Laboratories

430

Total

450

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module aims to develop skills considered essential to scientific training. Teaching will delivered via a blended format, and using a variety of teaching methods. Teaching and learning opportunities provided to individual students will differ, dependent upon the specific research environment. These may include, but not limited to, the following:
- Technical laboratory training will be provided within the laboratory by supervisor and/or other laboratory personnel, via a hands-on practical approach.
- Training in oral communication of research will be provided by the supervisor prior to summative assessment, and may be further supported by routine laboratory group meetings throughout the module. The nature and frequency of this will depend upon the individual research environment.
- Individual face-to-face interaction between student(s) and supervisor(s) will take place routinely to facilitate technical development and research progress throughout the module. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Presentation: Oral Presentation Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

10

Assignment: Written dissertation Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

70

Continuous Assessment: Laboratory-based research activity and project engagement Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat (CFP) Within Three Semesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Each student participating in this module will experience and individual laboratory placement, therefore the nature and extent of feedback will be dependent upon the research environment and may differ for each student. - Research training and feedback will be provided throughout the research component by supervisor(s) and other laboratory personnel where appropriate. - Individual feedback will be provided by supervisor(s) in preparation for the oral presentation, and by other academic staff during the presentation process. - Feedback will be provided by the supervisor(s) in response to the first draft of the written dissertation, prior to summative assessment of final dissertation.

Name Role
Dr Gary Brennan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Colm Collins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Derek Costello Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor John Crean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor William Gallagher Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Carmel Hensey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Patricia Maguire Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Siobhán McClean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Tara McMorrow Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Keith Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor David O'Connell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Maria Prencipe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jens Rauch Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alison Reynolds Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Craig Slattery Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Yan Yan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer