Introduction To Biomedical Research (BIOM40001)

This subject employs a modular approach to prepare students to the processes and strategies at the core of modern biomedical research. This is achieved via a two-pronged approach employing both self-study and oral and written communication. For the self-study segment, students will be guided through a series of competency-based online modules to serve as preparation for their own research projects. Online modules on the ethics of biomedical research, data integrity and legislation will equip students to consider the ethics requirements and implications of their research. Competency in the LabArchives/appropriate reference manager online modules will provide instruction and advice for recording data and to document their daily research work. Core statistical techniques and experimental design approaches using real-world examples will be presented as a basis for students to plan and analyse their own data. For the communication segment, students will participate in a journal club and present findings from selected manuscripts to their peers focusing on the critical evaluation of data and statistics of the paper along with contemporary research techniques employed. A 3-minute talk on the student’s own research project will allow students to present to their peers and to receive and provide feedback as part of their initiation to the research sphere. Students will demonstrate an appreciation and consideration for the ethical implications, regulation or impact of biomedical research by writing an opinion piece targeting a lay audience.