Module manager: Dr Elizabeth Valleley
Email: E.Valleley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Identical entry requirements to the PG Diploma in Medical Research
| MEDP5321M | Research Methods |
| MEDS5020M | Paper Criticism in Medicine |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Not available as a Discovery Module
Students will undertake a small programme of medically related research designed to increase their practical experimental skills and subject specific knowledge in their chosen discipline.
Students will work with one of the established groups within Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s and experience cutting edge research in one of several key areas: Cancer Biology, Diagnostics & Pathology, Epidemiology, Gastroenterology, Genetics, Haematology, Health Informatics, Immunology, Oncology, Molecular Medicine, Surgical Technologies and Translational Medicine.
The students will present their research in the form of a journal style article and make a poster presentation.
On completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Present the findings of their project in a written report.
2. Describe the most recent research in the area of their project.
3. Explain the methodology that are applied in the project and demonstrate an understanding of how these principles apply to the research question.
4. Critically evaluate recent research in the discipline.
5. Begin to develop research ideas, hypotheses and questions and, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these.
6. Start to assess and appraise the validity, strengths and weaknesses of their own work.
Research project 1 in the PG Diploma in Medical Research is designed to provide an introduction to practical research and to develop the following subject specific skills:
• Preparation, planning and execution of a medically related research project.
• Subject / discipline practical laboratory or research analysis skills
• Critical analysis of own and others work
• Communication of proposals, outcomes and analysis in written and poster format.
Students will undertake Research Project 1 for a period of 12 weeks full time study from the beginning of semester 2 or pro rata over semester 1 and 2 if optional taught modules occur in the semester 2 teaching period.
The project will be medically related and may be laboratory, office or clinically based dependent on the specific research area.
The student will discuss the details of proposed research projects with both the programme leader and the prospective supervisor(s).
Where supervision can be identified a research project may be undertaken in any area of research in Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s e.g. Cancer Biology, Diagnostics & Pathology, Epidemiology, Gastroenterology, Genetics, Haematology, Health Informatics, Immunology, Oncology, Molecular Medicine, Surgical Technologies and Translational Medicine.
The supervisor will usually be an experienced PhD or MD supervisor. Less experienced supervisors will be partnered by an experienced PhD or MD supervisor.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision Meetings | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Practical | 35 | 5 | 175 |
| Tutorial | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Private study hours | 110 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 190 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
This module forms 25% of the PGDip in Medical Research programme. The student will be expected to undertake self-directed work throughout the duration of Research Project 1, this will include independent reading, writing an initial literature review, undertaking practical work, preparing a report and assembling a poster presentation.
The student will attend weekly one to one supervision meetings to monitor progress on the research project. The supervisor and student will maintain a record of meetings.
Student will write a 1000 word review of the literature pertaining to the research topic. This formative exercise will be reviewed by the supervisor and formal written feedback provided.
The module leader will also occasionally contact the supervisor and the student to receive independent feedback of the student progress.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | 4000 words | 80 |
| Literature Review | 1000 words | 0 |
| Presentation | 5 min presentation and 5 min for questions | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Compensation between elements is permitted and students are allowed to achieve a combined pass mark for the written and oral components. * Research project 1 will be set in semester 1, week 1. Whilst it is envisaged that project 1 will occupy weeks 14-22 (which runs across the University Easter vacation for undergraduates), these timings may vary for individuals. This is due to the bespoke nature of the programme; both compulsory modules (Research Methods & Paper Criticism in Medicine) will commence in semester 1. The former will be completed in semester 1 and the latter extends into semester 2. Some selected optional modules are delivered in semester 1, others may be delivered in semester 2. In these cases, allowances will be made (e.g. for exams, coursework) such that all students are allocated the equivalent of 12 weeks’ full-time study for this module and submission dates set accordingly.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2025
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