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MRes in Translational Medicine

Academic Year 2017/18

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.

Programme Title

MRes in Translational Medicine

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Masters of Research

Programme Code

TMED-MRES

UCAS Code

JACS Code

A900 (DESCR) 100

Criteria for Admissions

A minimum upper second class honours degree. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Intercalating medical and dental students from within QUB will be
considered if they have successfully completed the third year of their course and achieved at least an upper second class honours standard. Applicants may be required to undertake an interview. Intercalating applicants should also ensure they have permission to intercalate from either the Director for Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.

To have an intercalated application considered, an external candidate must be ranked in the top half of their year cohort. A student must normally have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying.

International applicants should present with at least one of the following qualifications:
an IELTS score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing and within the last 2 years;
a TOEFL score of 90+ (internet based test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of Listening – 20, Reading – 19, Speaking – 21 and Writing – 20;
a valid certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
a valid certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
a first or upper class honours degree from a university in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitability quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be a majority English speaking.

Additional Relevant Information
For Further Information Refer To:
Course handbook
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
Postgraduate & Professional Development Office
Whitla Medical Building
97 Lisburn Road
Belfast BT9 7BL

www.qub.ac.uk/schools/mdbs/
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9097 2615
Email: pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Part Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

3 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Accreditations (PSRB)

REGULATION INFORMATION

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Awards, Credits and Programme of Learning Outcomes
The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations:

1. The Master of Research in Translational Medicine is currently offered as 1 year full-time (FT) or 2 year part-time (PT) study course.

2. Students must achieve an overall pass mark in all taught modules and the dissertation to be awarded the degree of MRes.

3. Students who fail a module may re-sit that module. However, students are normally permitted only one re-sit in each module. Students failing two modules in a semester may be required to withdraw from the course. All decisions on progress will be made by the Board of Examiners’.

4. A candidate who fails the dissertation may re-submit the dissertation within 6 months. Only one resubmission will be permitted.

5. Candidates who pass all the taught modules but who fail to achieve a mark of at least 50% in the dissertation, shall be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma only.

6. Candidates who pass all the taught modules but who do not submit a dissertation, shall be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma only.

Students with protected characteristics

Normally there are no barriers but as this is a laboratory based subject each case will be considered individually

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No
No (With the exception of students who are taking this as an intercalated degree and whose primary programmes are subject to Fitness to Practise (FTP) regulations) FTP programmes are those which permit students to enter a profession which is itself subject to FTP rules

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME

Acquire the knowledge and skills to understand the principles of translational medicine.

Show evidence of participation in original and high quality translational research.

Demonstrate scientific writing skills through the write up of their research as a Dissertation and the completion of written course assignments

Evaluate current and future developments in translational medicine and to critically assess biomarker and novel therapeutic approaches in the translational arena.

Critically analyse scientific literature and show proficiency in scientific writing of research articles.

Develop a coherent business plan taking into account financial and marketing considerations

Recognise and employ key skills in team building

Demonstrate ability to incorporate innovation into business plans/research projects

Demonstrate the knowledge and research skills for progression to PhD programmes

Demonstrate capacity for self-directed and life-long learning.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Analyse, interpret and appraise experimental data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Essays
Research Project

Adopt various experimental approaches and combine information from different sources to develop an experimental plan

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Assess publicly available data sets and outline how they would be useful in their research approach.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Research project

Evaluate ethical issues in human tissue research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed Learning and Small Group Learning

Methods of Assessment

Presentation, Written assignment

Write a cohesive business plan

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials, Group projects

Methods of Assessment

Presentation, Written assignment

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically evaluate scientific literature

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Essays.

Apply analytical, numerical and creative thinking skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Work independently and take responsibility for own learning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Research Project

Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills including the presentation of scientific information

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses

Methods of Assessment

Presentations, Written assignments

Manage time effectively and prioritize tasks

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Practicals

Methods of Assessment

Research Project

Develop business ideas and incorporate innovation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written Assignment

Develop own knowledge and skills and contribute to the development of others, through active participation in teamwork and group learning opportunities

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Journal Clubs
Small Group Learning

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Use information technology with particular emphasis on the recording of information and data retrieval

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Guided Self Directed Learning Small Group Learning, Practicals

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Apply scientific research principles and audit

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Enhance their Professional and Career Development portfolio

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars, Masterclasses

Methods of Assessment

Written assignment

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically analyse and discuss principles of translational medicine and how they can be applied in the translational/clinical arena

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Essays

Discuss experimental approaches, techniques and design in translational medicine.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Oral Presentations (powerpoint)

Understand genomic alterations that lead to cellular phenotype changes in human disease

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Poster Presentations

Discuss the use of biomarkers in disease diagnosis and prognosis and appreciate their role as surrogate markers of drug efficacy and disease response

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Outline the principles of clinical trial design and indicate how translational studies can be incorporated into clinical trials

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Practicals

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Critically evaluate current scientific literature.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Journal Clubs

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Discuss research ethics in relation to studies in humans and animals and correctly apply established principles and legislation to these areas of research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Guided Self Directed Learning

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Develop innovative business ideas and plan routes to commercialisation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Small group learning , Lectures, Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Discuss and outline how research discoveries may be commercialised for rapid development and translation to new diagnostics and treatments

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Small Group Learning

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically analyse experimental approaches

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Essays

Explain techniques that will underpin the experimental design of their Research Project

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Oral Presentations

Develop and present a Research Proposal for their Research Project

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written assignment

Write a comprehensive dissertation on the results of their Research Project

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses, Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Project dissertation

Demonstrate the ability to use publicly available datasets

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses, Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, Project dissertation

Evaluate specific genomic changes in disease and the subsequent effect on cell function

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Journal Clubs

Methods of Assessment

Oral Presentations

Write a Research report, indicating progress and future plans/directions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Guided Self Directed Learning

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Write a grant proposal with the aim of funding their research proposal

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Small Group Learning

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentation, Written assignments

Write a scientific paper based on established guidelines for a chosen journal

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Evaluate the important elements of biomarkers as prognostic and predictors of disease

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Explain what makes a good drug target and understand the requirement for the development of companion diagnostics in tandem with innovative drug development

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Discuss the factors that contribute to a high quality clinical trial.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials, Small Group Learning

Methods of Assessment

Presentation

Write a business plan

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written Assignment

Depending on their subject specialty, the successful student will also be able to demonstrate the skill sets as indicated below. Throughout the different themes, emphasis will be placed on critical thought using tutorials where the students will critique published scientific research.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

-

Methods of Assessment

-

Precision Cancer Medicine:

Identify the mechanisms that contribute to the development of cancer and the complexity of the cancer phenotype

Define the new methods of stratifying patients into treatment groups

Describe the advantages of adaptive clinical trials.

Discuss drug development strategies - how targeted therapeutic approaches will be applied in the changing paradigm of cancer treatment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials, Masterclasses, Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Presentation/Written assignments

Diabetes and Cardiovascular Medicine

Identify the physiological principles underpinning cardiovascular disease and diabetes

Assess the use of pre-clinical model as a basis for translational research

Discuss the current approaches used for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in diabetes

Evaluate present strategies for the prevention and management of diabetes cardiovascular disease

Discuss the mechanisms of action of commonly used cardiovascular drug therapies in diabetes

Critically evaluate the potential of novel strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials, Masterclasses, Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Presentation/ Written assignments

Infection and Immunity:

Explain and critically analyse the functioning of the immune system

Discuss the process that occurs during infection and analyse the host-pathogen interactions

Explain the outcomes of deregulated immune responses for disease processes

Compare and contrast in vitro and in vivo models of disease

Explain the therapeutic approaches to the design of new treatments and have an understanding of the principles and practice of clinical trials.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials, Masterclasses, Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Presentation/Written assignments

Drug Discovery

Describe how new drug target are identified, validated throughout the drug discovery process and how assays are developed

Describe how chemical matter is identified through screening, developed through hit to lead and lead optimization towards clinical use

Describe how external factors contribute to the development process, such as market place and commercial outputs

Describe new methods for drug delivery

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials, Masterclasses, Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Presentation/ Written assignments

MODULE INFORMATION

Programme Requirements

Module Title

Module Code

Level/ stage

Credits

Availability

Duration

Pre-requisite

 

Assessment

 

 

 

 

S1

S2

 

 

Core

Option

Coursework %

Practical %

Examination %

Translational Cancer Medicine

SCM8066

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

70%

30%

0%

Inflammation: from Cell to Clinic

SCM8062

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

70%

30%

0%

Translational Research Project

SCM8067

7

60

YES

YES

24 weeks

N

YES

20%

80%

0%

Dissertation

SCM8068

7

60

YES

YES

60 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Cancer Biology

SCM8065

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

70%

30%

0%

Genomics and Human Disease

SCM8095

7

20

YES

10 weeks

N

YES

70%

30%

0%

Research Translation: from Concept to Commercialisation

SCM8096

7

20

YES

YES

24 weeks

N

YES

80%

20%

0%

The Immune System in Health and Disease

SCM8097

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

70%

30%

0%

Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Biology and Disease

SCM8110

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

70%

30%

0%

Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Medicine Translation

SCM8111

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

70%

30%

0%

Lead optimization, drug delivery and clinical trials

SCM8138

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

70%

30%

0%

Target Identification and Hit ID

SCM8139

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

70%

30%

0%

Notes

Students must take the core taught modules (100 CATS) and two modules (20 CATS) from one of the groups above (Group A SCM8065 SCM8066, Group B SCM8110 SCM8111, Group C SCM8097 SCM8062, Group D SCM8138 SCM8139) plus the Dissertation (60 CATS)