Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

This course will provide students with the opportunity to carry out an independent research project in the field of clinical trials. Students will gain experience in research techniques, report writing and presentation skills.

The project will take place over the summer.

None

None

None

Written report - 65% (5,000 - 6,000 words approx) [ILO1-ILO4].

Oral presentation - 20% (20 minutes) [ILO5].

Supervisors report - 15% [ILO6].

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Supervisor report is not re-assessable.

The course aims to provide students with an opportunity to perform a piece of original research to investigate a hypothesis or research question related to clinical trials. The project work will provide an opportunity for students to develop practical and/or technical skills, analyse data critically, draw conclusions, and suggest avenues for future research to expand their findings

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically design, plan and execute a research project in an area of clinical trials.

2. Develop and apply practical skills relevant to clinical trial-based projects, including managing clinical trial data, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical regulations, collaborating with stakeholders, and potential handling of sensitive information. For dry projects, demonstrate proficiency in information retrieval, analysis, and secure handling to support decision-making and research.

3. Select and justify appropriate methods for data collection and analysis, critically analyse and interpret generated data and draw evidence-based conclusions. 

4. Critically appraise relevant literature to support research findings.

5. Effectively synthesise key research findings and deliver a presentation to communicate the outcomes.

6. Communicate effectively with supervisor/colleagues and manage time by prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.