1. General Information
Welcome to the School of Medical Sciences
Welcome to your Postgraduate Taught Programme in the School of Medical Sciences within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at the University of Manchester. The University has a worldwide reputation based on high quality teaching and research, and I am sure that your programme will provide a solid foundation for your future career success.
Within the School and the wider Faculty, our goal is to create an environment that allows you to excel and reach your full potential. Offering access to first-class facilities and strong links with regional health-service providers, our postgraduate programmes are designed to meet the diverse needs of all our students. The curriculum of our taught programmes provides the knowledge and skills you will need in your subject area and all our Masters programmes include an opportunity to carry out an independent research project on topics spanning all areas of biomedical research from molecular to experimental biology and clinical medicine. While subject areas cover a broad range, all our taught programmes have two common aims:
- To develop your skills in your chosen field of study
- To enhance your knowledge within the field you have chosen. Whether you are a graduate, professional or have a clinical background, the programmes have been tailored to meet your specific needs.
As a student of the School of Medical Sciences, you will be expected to take responsibility for your degree, within a supportive environment that fosters your development and helps prepare you for your future career. This handbook will be a useful resource as you progress through your programme. It provides programme-specific information that I am sure that you will find helpful throughout your study. If however, you have questions or would like some further advice, please do not hesitate to contact the people listed in this handbook for further information and assistance.
I wish you every success as you embark upon your programme, and in your future career.
Dr Carol Yates
Director of Postgraduate Taught Education
School of Medical Sciences
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Updated version
Academic year 2019/20
Welcome to Manchester and the Medical Microbiology and Medical & Molecular Virology Postgraduate Programmes
It is our aim to provide you with the excellent teaching and practical training that you will need to become a successful Medical Microbiologist or Medical Virologist, whatever your chosen career path when you leave us.
You will find the academic and technical staff committed to helping you to achieve this, but the rest is up to you. The programmes are intensive and it is hard work; these Programmes are unique because our students spend most of their time actually in the laboratory, learning how to be microbiologists/virologists. The fact that you were offered a place, and that you are here, means that you have the ability to succeed. We hope that at the end of this year you will have learnt a lot of microbiology and/or virology! However, we also hope that during the year you will develop your own personal and transferable skills, as together these elements will give you a flying start for your future career.
This handbook provides details of our taught postgraduate programmes and gives general information that you will find useful during the coming year.
The Microbiology programmes are:
(i) MSc in Medical Microbiology (MSc MM)
(ii) Diploma in Medical Microbiology (PGDip. MM)
(iii) Certificate in Medical Microbiology (PGCert. MM)
The Virology programmes are:
(i) MSc in Medical & Molecular Virology (MSc MMV)
(ii) Diploma in Medical & Molecular Virology (PGDip. MMV)
(iii) Certificate in Medical & Molecular Virology (PGCert. MMV)
All programmes are modularised; they have a strong practical element and run in parallel. Many of the course units are common to all the programmes and students are often able to transfer between them. Full details of the composition of the programmes are given later.
We are very proud of our Microbiology teaching here in Manchester. Indeed the Diploma of Bacteriology (no longer delivered) was established early in the 1920’s by Professor WWC Topley and is the oldest taught postgraduate microbiology qualification in the country, and probably in the world! In more recent times the MSc Medical Microbiology programme has become well established consolidating our microbiology teaching. Virology is, of course, an important element of our microbiology programme, but the increasing importance of virology as a separate discipline is reflected by the fact that, for the first time in 2005, we introduced a Masters programme in Medical Virology. So, rest assured that by choosing to come and study here you are combining the best in traditional microbiology with modern molecular methodology. These programmes have been thoroughly updated and their structure revised to produce the current programmes in Medical Microbiology and Medical & Molecular Virology.
Points of Contact
This handbook contains information that you will need throughout the year, whether you are enrolled on the MSc MM or MSc MMV, so please keep it somewhere that you can find it, even after the first week. If you need any further help, advice or clarification on any academic or personal matter, seek help straight away. Any member of staff will be willing to help, but usually the first person to contact should be:
| Programme Director (MM & MMV) Director of Postgraduate Taught Education (SMS) Unit Lead Practical Microbiology and Global Health & Epidemiology |
Dr Carol Yates Room: 1.305 Stopford Building The University of Manchester Oxford Road M13 9PT Tel No: +44 (0)161 275 1906 E-mail: Carol.Yates@manchester.ac.uk |
| Programme Deputy Director (MM) Unit Lead Molecular Diagnostics and Antimicrobials & Infection Control |
Dr Moustafa Alkhalaf Stopford Building The University of Manchester Oxford Road M13 9PT E-mail: moustafa.alkhalaf@manchester.ac.uk |
| Pathway Lead (MMV) | Prof Pam Vallely Room: 1.302 Stopford Building The University of Manchester Oxford Road M139 PT E-mail: pamela.j.vallely@manchester.ac.uk |
| Unit Lead Understanding Infection | Dr Gavin Humphreys Room: 3.130 Stopford Building The University of Manchester Oxford Road M13 9PT Tel No: +44 (0)161 275 8341 E-mail: Gavin.Humphreys@manchester.ac.uk |
| Programme Administrator | TBC 1.485, Stopford Building The University of Manchester Oxford Road M13 9PT Tel No: 0161 275 1909 Email: medmicro@manchester.ac.uk |
Staff Contact List
| Name | Email address | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Staff | ||||
| Dr Carol Yates Programme Director |
Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology and Virology | Carol.Yates@manchester.ac.uk | ||
| Dr Gavin Humphreys | Lecturer in Medical Microbiology | Gavin.Humphreys@manchester.ac.uk | ||
| Prof Paul Klapper | Professor of Clinical Virology | Paul.Klapper-2@manchester.ac.uk | ||
| Prof Pam Vallely | Professor of Medical Virology | pamela.j.vallely@manchester.ac.uk | ||
| Dr Moustafa Alkhalaf | Lecturer | moustafa.alissaalkhalaf@manchester.ac.uk | ||
| Clinical/Honorary Staff | ||||
| Dr Katy Edwards | ||||
| Dr Pradeep Subudhi | ||||
| Dr Celia Chu | ||||
| Technical Staff | ||||
| Mrs Audrey Bibby | Technical Manager | |||
| David Dennington | ||||
| Yvonne Duxbury | ||||
| Rosemary Hope | ||||
| Gaynor Bates | ||||
| Stuart Marshall | ||||
| Colin Greensmith | ||||
| Name | Role | Email address | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | ||||
| TBC | Programme Administrator | Medmicro@manchester.ac.uk | ||
| Mr Nick Cunningham | Senior PGT administrator | Nick.Cunningham@manchester.ac.uk | ||
| Ms Lynsey McVey | Graduate Education Manager | Lynsey.Mcvey@manchester.ac.uk | ||
Online Skills Training Resource
The Faculty has developed a skills training resource to support you through your postgraduate taught programme. This online material should supplement the assessed learning material and activities undertaken in your taught programme.
Accessing the online skills resource
You can access Blackboard through the My Manchester portal (http://my.manchester.ac.uk). The skills training resource is available in an academic community space available to all registered PGT students in the Faculty through Blackboard.
If you cannot see these units in your Blackboard please contact your Programme Administrator.
Content
Full details of all these resources can be found in the introduction to each unit. These resources have been designed to give you formative feedback on your progress through them. If you experience any problems and would like to talk to someone please contact your Programme Director. If you have questions about referencing and how it applies to your own work, please contact your Programme Director or dissertation supervisor/module lead.
| Academic Writing | This is an excellent resource that supports you to write your assignments and dissertation. It is split into units that focus on key areas that previous students have found difficult and aims to enhance your academic writing style. |
| Research Methods* | This course is spilt into 3 units that cover introductions to study design, statistics and dissertation skills. It has a number of online quizzes where you can test your knowledge. |
| Statistics* | The course provides a valuable foundation for understanding and interpreting biostatistics. It aims to provide you with the fundamentals of quantitative analysis. |
| Presentation Skills | This short interactive unit is designed to help you to enhance your presentation skills. Regardless of whether you are presenting in public, preparing for conferences, an oral examination or more informal settings this unit will give you the tops tips to improve your delivery. |
| Qualitative Research Methods* | This unit has been designed to give you an introduction to Qualitative Research. |
| SPSS* | This is an introduction to statistics, using SPSS, a popular and comprehensive data analysis software package containing a multitude of features designed to facilitate the execution of a wide range of statistical analyses. |
| Intellectual Property Awareness Resource | This Intellectual Property (IP) awareness resource has been created in order to improve your understanding of IP. Topics include: Types of intellectual property • Copyright and IP clearance • University policy on IP • IP commercialisation • IP in research or consultancy • IP issues to be aware when dealing with academic materials |
* NOTE: the material in this online resource is for reference and formative learning purposes only. In some of your taught programme you may be required to undertake assessed course units for Research Methods, Qualitative Research or Statistics. If your programme involves taught units then you should refer to the Blackboard material relating to that course unit. Please contact your Programme Administrator if you are unsure which material relates to your assessed work. You will still be able to refer to the online skills resource in later years.
Introductory Courses
All students are automatically enrolled onto an introductory unit that provides information on health and safety, academic malpractice and academic literacy. Completion instructions for each of these sections are clearly defined within the course. Completion of the academic malpractice and health and safety sections is mandatory for all students. All assessments must be completed as soon as possible after the programme begins, with the academic malpractice assessment completed before the first piece of coursework is submitted. Completion of these assessments is monitored by the School. All students are also strongly advised to complete the academic literacy section.
Communication with Students
Please note that only Blackboard, the University e-learning platform and your allocated student university email address will be used as official communication by University staff. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can access and read email from this source.
Students are required to keep the University informed of any change to their personal circumstances such as change of name or address. Changes can be recorded by the student via their own personal online record. It is also essential to inform the Programme Administrator if you do not intend to return to the next session of the course, if, for example, you are moving away.
Immunisation
During the practical element of the programme you will sometimes be handling infectious organisms. Please ensure that you are effectively immunised against the following diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis.
In addition, we strongly recommend that you are vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Although you do not handle clinical specimens during the taught part of the programme, you may need to do so as part of your research project. Any student who intends to have a career within a medical or clinical virology setting will be required by their future employers to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B. Therefore it is sensible to ensure you are vaccinated as soon as possible. We also recommend vaccination against Meningococcus C.
Prior to registration you will be sent a questionnaire in which you should provide dates of any vaccinations you have already received. If these were when you were a child but you do not know the exact date, please state “as a child” when asked when you received it. If you have not received any of the vaccinations we recommend, these will be administered during your Occupational Health appointment. Please remember that failure to attain a Fitness to Work certificate will mean that you will not be able to work in the laboratory. Incomplete vaccinations may limit your choice of research project to eliminate any risk when handling clinical samples.
(http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/occupational-health)
Health and Safety
Before you visit the University campus, please take time to read the University’s Health and Safety Policy.
All students must familiarise themselves with the procedures for dealing with an emergency, including discovery of a fire and fire exit points. During the induction week you will be given a fire safety lecture explaining these procedures.
Students should also familiarise themselves with Health and Safety at Work practices. Much of your time is spent in the laboratory and it is essential for your own safety, and that of others, that you adhere to the safety policy in place. You will be given instruction in these procedures during the induction week, and you will be given access to a copy of the Departmental Health and Safety Policy Statement on Blackboard. It is important that you read this document and then sign the Control Form, held by Mrs Audrey Bibby, the Technical Manager. In addition the University Health and Safety Policy Statement is available within the Department.
The Stopford Building is a secure site. During normal working hours (9.00am – 5.00pm) you must use your University swipe card on the barriers in the foyer. In the unlikely event that you will need to be in the building outside of these hours you must obtain permission from your supervisor.
All students must carry/wear a Student ID card at all times.
2. Overview of the Programme
Programme Overview
These Masters programmes are 12-month full-time programmes consisting of 9-months of formal teaching (8 course units) and a 3-month research project and dissertation. It is possible to complete the Masters programmes on a part-time basis over 2 years. However, because of the strong practical focus of the courses students must attend each course unit taken on a full time block-release basis. Thus, part-time students will normally complete 4 course units in the first year and 4 in the second year. The research paper, based on the research project can be completed on a full-time basis during the summer of the second year. This part-time option is usually taken up only by trainee microbiologists or virologists employed by the Regional Health Authorities, Public Health England (PHE) or Academic Institutions, who are able to obtain block-release. An individual schedule for completion of the programme is agreed for each part-time student.
The Diplomas in Medical Microbiology and in Medical & Molecular Virology follow the same structure of formal teaching as the Masters programme. These are carried out over 9 months full-time (September – June), and there is no research project. However, the assessment mark required for award of Diploma is lower (120 credits), than that required for Masters (180 credits). It is possible for a student who attains an overall average of 50% or more on the diploma programme and meets the progression criteria to transfer to the Masters programme at the end of the formal teaching. Similarly a Masters student who achieves less than 50% in more than 4 course units, at first sitting, may be awarded a diploma at the end of the taught programme instead of progressing to the Masters dissertation.
The programmes all follow the same basic structure. (see Programme Structure below)
You will see that each element of the programme is given a credit rating. The credit is a standard unit adopted by UK higher education institutes.
1 credit = 10 hours of study.
At the University of Manchester, all postgraduate course units have a credit rating of 15, equivalent to 150 hours of study. These hours are made up of a number of activities including lectures, seminars/tutorials, practical laboratory sessions, workshops, e-learning or private study; the proportion of each may vary between course units.
MSc students must complete 180 credits, and Diploma students must complete 120 credits.
Teaching and Learning Methods
A variety of teaching and learning methods are used to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes. These are as follows:
- Lectures
- Practical Classes
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Case history presentations
- Group work
- On-line and self-directed learning
- Student presentations
- Research Project and Research Paper
Lectures are considered appropriate for delivery of information in this factually based subject. The information presented is supplemented with reading lists and students are expected to increase the depth of their knowledge during private study.
Seminars may also be held to ensure concepts within the subject are explored and understood.
Acquisition of practical skills is a major focus of these programmes. The only means of acquiring practical skills is hands-on experience. Thus the programme is organised so that students are afforded the opportunity to spend much of the day within the laboratory during pertinent course units. A manual of techniques is provided for each course unit; supervision and guidance is available throughout to help the student master the procedures to a high competence.
Transferable and cognitive skills are developed during all interactive teaching including practical classes, group working, seminars, lecture discussions. There are opportunities for the student to assess their acquisition of these skills during group and individual seminar presentations.
Programme Structure
| Programme Structure | Credits |
| Semester 1 | |
| Research Methods | 15 |
| Practical Microbiology | 15 |
| Understanding Infection | 15 |
| Molecular Diagnostics | 15 → Cert. MM or MMV |
| Semester 2 (Medical Microbiology) | |
| Antimicrobials and Infection Control | 15 |
| Clinical Microbiology 1 | 15 |
| Clinical Microbiology 2 | 15 |
| Global Health and Epidemiology | 15 → PG Diploma MM |
| Research Project and Dissertation/Research Paper | 60 → MSc MM |
| Semester 2 (Medical & Molecular Virology) | |
| Clinical Virology | 15 |
| Molecular Virology | 15 |
| Research Project and Dissertation/Research Paper | 90 → MSc MMV |
| Or Literature Review | 30 → PG Diploma MMV |
Part-time Route
Note: PT students must attend full-time for the period of the course units they take each year.
Year 1 – 60 credits* (to include Practical Microbiology and Understanding Infection)
Year 2 – Any further 60 credits* (to include Global Health & Epidemiology) – Exit PG Diploma
*Pre-requisites: Units 1-3 must be taken before units 5-7
Students may opt to carry out the research project between June-September in Year 2.
NOTE: ALL UNITS ARE COMPULSORY
Programme Specification
MSc in Medical Microbiology and MSc in Medical & Molecular Virology
| Award | Programme Title | Duration | Mode of study |
| MSc | Medical Microbiology/Medical & Molecular Virology | 1 year/2 years | FT/PT |
| PgDip | Medical Microbiology/Medical & Molecular Virology | 9 months/ 2 years | FT/PT |
| Cert. | Medical Microbiology/Medical & Molecular Virology | 5 months/1 year | FT/PT |
School |
Medical Sciences |
Faculty |
Biology, Medicine and Health |
Awarding Institution |
The University of Manchester |
| Relevant QAA benchmark(s) | None |
Aims of the Programme
| 1 | Produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, specialist practical skills and critical awareness that will enable them to find employment within the Medical Microbiology or Medical & Molecular Virology discipline, whether in the hospital, laboratory, industrial or research setting and to meet the current employer need for graduates with this specialist training |
| 2 | Equip students with a critical understanding of the current issues and problems at the forefront of Medical Microbiology or Medical & Molecular Virology that will allow them to make independent, informed judgements in relation to these issues |
| 3 | Provide students with the opportunity to participate in, and contribute to, current microbiological or virological research programmes and to stimulate novel research within the local microbiology/virology community |
| 4 | Produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, specialist practical skills and critical awareness to enable them to pursue careers in microbiology or virology, whether in the hospital, laboratory, industrial or research setting |
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A. Knowledge & Understanding Students will be able to: |
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| 1 | Demonstrate both systematic and conceptual understanding of key principles and ideas in microbiology/virology | ||||
| 2 | Show a conceptual understanding of the replication and culture of microbiological organisms and of the relevance of this to assay, diagnosis and treatment of infection | ||||
| 3 | Analyse key relationships between bacteria, fungi or viruses and disease including a systematic understanding of transmission, pathogenesis, host immunity and epidemiology | ||||
| 4 | Show critical awareness of the molecular methodology in use and under development at the forefront of microbial diagnosis, treatment and research, and develop a creative approach to applying such methodology within the discipline | ||||
| 5 | Demonstrate a critical understanding of laboratory and clinical aspects of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infections and related infections in a wide range of patient groups | ||||
| 6 | Show a conceptual grasp of the effects of viral infections on human populations and critical awareness of the role of the diagnostic laboratory in the surveillance of infections both in hospitals and in the community | ||||
| 7 | Display a thorough understanding and critical awareness of current best practice surrounding issues of health and safety, and quality assurance procedures in the health service laboratory | ||||
| 8 | Show understanding of the basic principles of human biology and the effects of infectious disease on biological systems | ||||
| 9 | Demonstrate the knowledge to apply critical evaluation to a research problem and present this problem within the context of current microbiological or virological understanding | ||||
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B. Intellectual Skills Students will be able to: |
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| 1 | Critically analyse, evaluate, interpret and understand the significance of results of controlled experiments and be able to apply data obtained to solve a clinical or diagnostic problem | ||||
| 2 | Critically analyse and evaluate the relevant scientific literature | ||||
| 3 | Integrate technical knowledge of assays with interpretation of diagnostic information | ||||
| 4 | Demonstrate effective problem solving abilities | ||||
| 5 | Synthesise and analyse complex microbiological/virological concepts in a critical way and show the ability to challenge preconceived assumptions by informed argument | ||||
| 6 | Understand the importance of quality assurance and control to establish validity and the role of standard operating procedures in the diagnostic setting | ||||
| 7 | Recognise how knowledge of microbiology/virology can be applied to the clinical setting for patient management | ||||
| 8 | Plan, conduct and report on a piece of independent microbiological or virological research | ||||
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C. Practical Skills Students will be able to: |
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| 1 | Demonstrate manual dexterity by safely and competently carrying out a range of routine and advanced practical skills in laboratory based microbiology/virology using standard operating procedures | ||||
| 2 | Synthesise, organise and present primary and secondary data in written and oral forms, including the safe recording of laboratory data | ||||
| 3 | Use library, electronic and online resources to collect and select information | ||||
| 4 | Demonstrate safe handling of clinical samples | ||||
| 5 | Work effectively as part of a team and carry out constructive peer review | ||||
| 6 | Critically evaluate a range of research methods and select and design appropriate experimentation to address a specific research problem in microbiology/virology | ||||
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D. Transferable Skills and Personal Qualities Students will be able to: |
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| 1 | Confidently and accurately inform others on areas of learned expertise, but recognise self-limitation and actively seek advice from appropriate sources | ||||
| 2 | Make oral presentations to specialist and non-specialist academic audiences participating effectively within such contexts | ||||
| 3 | Approach their own professional development through planning, monitoring, critical reflection and evaluation | ||||
| 4 | Work effectively and productively, recognising the value of physical, electronic and intellectual resources and paying due regard to the importance of quality and reliability of output | ||||
| 5 | Manage time effectively and prioritise tasks appropriately whilst working independently or as part of a team | ||||
| 6 | Make a useful and informed contribution to a team, identifying their own role and the value of that role to the output of the team | ||||
| 7 | Demonstrate an enthusiastic and positive approach to learning | ||||
| 8 | Show good communication skills and the capacity to liaise | ||||
| 9 | Be responsive and adaptive to change | ||||
Accreditation
All MSc students are eligible for membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the largest professional body for scientists in pathology and laboratory medicine in the United Kingdom, providing support and guidance to students and professionals at every stage of their career.
Working in collaboration with students, the IBMS has developed an eStudent membership to support biomedical science students throughout their studies.
For £10 IBMS eStudent members will receive benefits including a year e-subscription to the profession’s leading journal, The Biomedical Scientist, a weekly eNewsletter featuring the latest news and developments in the field and access to members–only web content including; eCPD, IBMS forums, and placement and careers guides. A range of bursaries, awards and grants are also available to IBMS eStudent members, as well as access to the IBMS Additions member discount scheme.
eStudent membership of the IBMS will connect you to a 20,000 strong network of biomedical science professionals and provide you with additional tools to expand your knowledge and develop your skills.
Upon graduation with an accredited honours degree you will be eligible for Licentiate membership of the Institute.
Please visit the eStudent website for more information https://www.ibms.org/estudents/
Further information about the IBMS can be found on their website www.ibms.org
Course Unit Outlines
1. MEDN69910: Research Methods
Unit Lead: Dr Vitalia Kinakh
Credit rating: 15 credits
The Research Methods Course is a 15 credit, interactive blended learning course which provides students with an introduction to key material required for the design, execution and interpretation of medical, scientific and clinically-related research and the production of a high quality dissertation.
The unit will run online over one semester. There will be online material opened on each topic at specific timetabled slots throughout the semester and face-to-face consolidation sessions.
The unit incorporates online material and 10 face-to-face sessions covering:
Introduction to Blackboard and research methods online;
Dissertations skills – covering literature search, principles of academic writing, critical appraisal of publications, plagiarism and abstract writing;
Study design – covering project planning, time management and an overview of specific research designs, ethical issues and principles of good governance that apply to all clinical research;
Statistics – covering a basic introduction to statistical methods;
Communication skills – presentation skills and posters.
AIMS
The unit aims to:
– introduce students to the skills and knowledge to critically design, effectively implement, ethically conduct and knowledgeably interpret research in Biomedical and Human Sciences.
– provide students with life-long critical appraisal skills that they will be able to apply to any research evidence that comes before them.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:
| Knowledge and understanding |
· Understand basic statistical issues needed for the development of a study protocol · Understand key epidemiological concepts · Understand the structure of, and be able to differentiate between, the common types of epidemiological studies · Identify different types of data · Understand the key issues to consider when critically appraising different study designs · Understand key ethics and research governance documents and legislation, such as the Helsinki Declaration, and legislation such as the UK Data Protection Act. · Understand procedures relating to obtaining ethical approval for your research, using the UK NHS Ethics Committee system as an example. · Understand the basics of exploratory and inferential statistics. · Understand which types of data can be analysed by which statistical techniques. |
| Intellectual skills |
· Discuss the role of research in a clinical discipline · Explore the development of a research idea from hypothesis through to the drawing of conclusions · Make a judgement on the quality of a research article with consideration of implications for clinical practice/future research · Discuss issues regarding the implementation of research findings. · Develop critical appraisal of what statistical analysis can and cannot achieve. |
| Practical skills |
· Identify key bibliographic databases relevant to the area of speciality · Carry out focused searches to identify research literature relevant to a chosen topic area · Develop and implement a framework for successful project/time management · Have a clear understanding of the key components of academic writing · Be able to use bibliographic software (EndNote) for searching online bibliographic databases, managing citations and references, creating bibliographies and figure lists · Critically appraise literature to a high standard |
| Transferable skills and personal qualities |
· Manage time; work to deadlines; use initiative when seeking information · Use information technology and appropriate related software to a high standard · Apply skills for identifying, appraising, synthesising and applying evidence, in professional life · Apply research related skills to professional life |
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
The course unit will be delivered predominantly through e-learning over one semester, with seven timetabled face-to-face sessions run by the Graduate Training Team and three face-to-face sessions run by the Library Training Team. A variety of online material will be utilised including web-based reading, podcasts, online discussions, tutor feedback, interactive exercises, self-assessment through MCQs and self-reflection.
The timetabled sessions will be a mix of tutor presentations, group discussions and workshops.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
To help students appropriately focus their efforts throughout the unit, a combination of formative and summative assessments is offered.
All students must complete all formative assessments by the end of the semester.
Summative assessments will contribute a percentage towards the final mark. All students must complete three summative assessments in total. Two summative assessments “Critical appraisal of literature” and “Ethical issues related to clinical research” are compulsory for all programmes. Whereas each programme of study can choose the third summative assessment from three optional assessments: either Abstract writing or Grammar quiz or Statistics quiz.
FEEDBACK METHODS
Students will be provided with personalised feedback for their summative assignments, within 15 working days.
2. MEDN68511: Practical Microbiology
Unit Lead: Dr Carol Yates
Credit rating: 15 credits
Aims:
- Develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the structure, classification and replication of bacteria, viruses and fungi
- Encourage students to perfect the practical skills necessary for the laboratory analysis of bacteria and viruses
- Develop the student’s understanding and knowledge of the principles behind methods used to test for the presence of pathogens
- Develop understanding and knowledge of the immune system and host response to infection
Intended Learning Outcomes:
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Summative assessment of the unit
- In unit written practical assignment (50%)
- Unseen written examination (50%): Students will be asked to answer 2 out of 4 questions; 45 minutes are allowed for each question.
3. MEDN68621: Understanding infection
Unit Lead: Dr Gavin Humphreys
Credit rating: 15 credits
Aims:
- The primary aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of the biology of infectious disease in both the healthy and immunocompromised host.
- Students will also develop an understanding of the role of virulence factors in microbial infection as well as an understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of key microbial pathogens.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
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Summative assessment of the unit
- Written assignment (50%): 1500 words
- Unseen written examination (50%): Students will be asked to answer 2 out of 4 questions; 45 minutes are allowed for each question.
Reading list:
A general reading list is shown in Section 14. Further reading material will be detailed the individual Course Unit Blackboard space.
4. MEDN68631: Molecular Diagnostics
Unit Lead: Dr Moustafa Alkhalaf
Credit rating: 15 credits
Aims:
- Enable understanding of the principles of a range of molecular techniques as applied to medical microbiology and learn to apply this methodology for diagnostic and research purposes
- Introduce students to some of the recent advances in molecular diagnostics including real-time PCR and DNA sequence based approaches
- Enable the student to have an understanding of the impact of molecular techniques in the clinical diagnostic laboratory, the range of techniques available, how they are effectively implemented and how they are applied to inform on clinical management
- Help students to become more familiar with some of the core techniques used in bioinformatic analyses including data retrieval from web resources, sequence alignment, phylogenetic analyses and other DNA and protein sequence analyses
Intended Learning Outcomes:
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Summative assessment of the unit
- Written assignment based on experimental data (30%): During this unit, you will design and test novel primers for use in Real-Time PCR. For this assessment, you will be asked to write up this experiment and discuss how this test may be used in a diagnostic laboratory.
- Bioinformatics online assessment (30%): You will be asked to complete a series of questions covering theoretical principles of bacteria, viruses and fungi and their identification, covered in the course unit
- Unseen written examination (40%): Students will be asked to answer 2 out of 4 questions; 45 minutes are allowed for each question
5. MEDN68652: Antimicrobials, Resistance and Infection Control (MM only)
Unit Lead: Dr Moustafa Alkhalaf
Credit rating: 15 Credits
Aims:
- Introduce the students to antimicrobials and their mode of action, mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial discovery and infection control practices. In addition students will also develop a practical understanding of antimicrobial sensitivity testing.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the science of antimicrobial therapy including issues surrounding the discovery, development and use of antimicrobial agents
- Show an understanding of the practical methodologies used to determine antimicrobial sensitivity in bacteria in the laboratory
- Safely and competently carry out susceptibility testing and tests for antimicrobial tissue levels; to collate data according to established health service practices and to present this data to a range of audiences
- Draw on their knowledge of different clinical pathologies to formulate appropriate analytical strategies
- Utilise appropriate theoretical frameworks and evidence-based constructs to formulate proposals to advance clinical microbiology practice that is responsive to the diverse needs of service users and carers
- Analyse, evaluate and interpret the results of controlled experiments and from different technological platforms and integrate theory and practice
- Critically evaluate the performance of new analytical technologies in the context of the specific requirements of the health service
- Learn to improve their time and resource management by working in a laboratory environment where data is required within a given timeframe and using limited reagents
- Learn to manage effective team working by carrying out tasks within a small group in a structured laboratory situation, and by problem solving within a group setting.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of settings with a range of individuals
- Use information technology and appropriate related software to a high standard and use logical and systematic approaches to problem-solving and decision-making
Summative assessment of the unit
- Scientific Writing (40%): 1000 word written assignment
- Unseen written examination (40%): Students will be asked to answer 2 out of 4 questions; 45 minutes are allowed for each question
- Short Answer Question test (20%): You will be asked to complete a series of questions regarding material covered in the course unit
6/7. MEDN68662/MEDN68672 (MM only): Clinical Microbiology (CM1 & CM2)
Unit Leads: Dr Katy Edwards, Dr Pradeep Subudhi, Dr Celia Chu
Credit rating: 2 x 15-credit units
Aims:
- Produce students with a sound understanding of the role of bacteria, fungi/yeasts, viruses and parasites in causing community and hospital acquired disease and travel related infections
- Provide understanding and knowledge of the methods available for therapy of these infections and identification of the causative agents of disease
- Provide students with practical laboratory skills to allow accurate identification of the more commonly encountered microbial agents of infection
Intended Learning Outcomes:
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Summative assessment of the units
- CM1 Written assignment; patient or health care worker information leaflet (20%)
- CM1: Unseen written examination (40%): Students will be asked to answer 2 out of 4 questions; 45 minutes are allowed for each question
- CM2: Poster and presentation (20%)
- CM2: Unseen written examination (40%): Students will be asked to answer 2 out of 4 questions; 45 minutes are allowed for each question
- CM1 & CM2: Practical examination* (40%): 8 hrs over 3 days
* A mark of at least 50% must be achieved in the practical examination for successful completion of these units.
8. MEDN68642 (MM): Global Health & Epidemiology
Unit Lead: Dr Carol Yates
Credit rating: 15 Credits
Aims:
- Enable students to understand the impact of infection on human populations, the methodology used to investigate infectious disease outbreaks and the role of public health monitoring in a global context.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
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Summative assessment of the unit
• Short Answer Questions (20%): You will be asked to complete a series of short answer questions regarding material covered in the first part of the course unit.
• Presentation and case report (40%): 15 minute presentation and publication-style case report.
• Unseen written examination (40%): Students will be asked to answer 2 out of 4 questions; 45 minutes are allowed for each question.
5. MEDN 62582 (MMV only): Clinical Virology
Unit Lead: Prof Pam Vallely
Credit rating: 15 credits
Aims:
• Provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the viruses, their form and structure and how they are detected and studied.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the historical development of virology as a discrete branch of microbiology and the unique nature of viruses
- Understand the structure and form of viruses and how this determines their survival and the modes of their transmission in the environment
- Be able to identify major virus families and their replicative strategies particularly as they relate to significant disease in humans
- Understand the principles of control of virus infection – containment, vaccination and antiviral chemotherapy
- Have a knowledge of the science behind viral vaccination
- Have a knowledge of the science behind antiviral chemotherapy
- Develop knowledge on how viruses are detected and studied in order to determine their pathogenesis and devise methods for the prevention and treatment of infection both within the research and healthcare environments.
- Be able to identify the major viral groups and their relation to human disease
- Be able understand the principles of management and treatment strategies for viral infections
- Be able to identify and use methods for the detection and study of viruses
- Be able to present complex ideas to informed but non-specialist audiences in written and oral form.
Summative assessment of the unit
- Written assignment: Technical Report (20%)
- In unit test; Written Exam under controlled conditions (40%)
- Unseen written examination (40%): Students will be asked to answer 2 out of 4 questions; 45 minutes are allowed for each question
6. MEDN 61372 (MMV only): Molecular Virology (MV)
Unit Lead: Prof. Pam Vallely
Credit rating: 15
Aims:
This unit will develop a student’s knowledge of the molecular biology of viruses and viral infection, in the context of virus-host interactions and evolution of infection.
Lectures will focus on the following key aspects:
- Bioinformatic approaches to the study of virus evolution and epidemiology
- Molecular aspects of viral pathogenesis
- Mechanisms of virus evolution and emerging viruses
- Viral vectors and gene therapy
- Viral genetics
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Understand the molecular mechanisms of viral infection and evolution
- Appreciate the principles of advanced molecular/bioinformatic techniques and their application in the study of viral infection
- Select, understand and interpret the most appropriate tools for molecular study of viruses
- Perform and interpret complex bioinformatic analyses
Summative assessment of the unit
- Written assignment: 1500 words (60%)
- In unit test; Data handling, completed over two weeks (40%)
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Management of Assessment
All examination scripts and all coursework is anonymously double marked by two independent examiners, depending on the number of scripts. The external examiners see all exam scripts and a selection of coursework for moderation.
Postgraduate Taught Degree Regulations for Students
Students should familiarise themselves with the degree regulations for Postgraduate Taught Degrees by clicking on this link http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate-degree-regulations/ or reading the University document here: Introduction to the Postgraduate Degree Regulations for Students
Please note that students cannot progress to the MSc Paediatric Anaesthesia dissertation unless they have successfully completed 120 credits at Masters Level.
Programme Exemptions to PGT Regulations
A mark of at least 50% must be achieved in the practical examination for successful completion of the Clinical Microbiology 1 (MEDN68662) and Clinical Microbiology 2 (MEDN68672) units.
Guidance for Presentation of Taught Masters Dissertations
The University of Manchester guidance on presentation of taught Masters Dissertations is available at:
Guidance for the presentation of Taught Masters dissertations
The guidance explains the required presentation of the dissertation, and failure to follow the instructions in the guidance may result in the dissertation being rejected by the examiners.
Proof read your report carefully.
Good luck!
Turnitin and Plagiarism
Plagiarism and Other Forms of Academic Malpractice
Academic malpractice is any activity - intentional or otherwise - that is likely to undermine the integrity essential to scholarship and research. It includes plagiarism, collusion, fabrication or falsification of results, and anything else that could result in unearned or undeserved credit for those committing it. Academic malpractice can result from a deliberate act of cheating or may be committed unintentionally. Whether intended or not, all incidents of academic malpractice will be treated seriously by the University.
The Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health have designed a learning module to raise your awareness of academic malpractice and how it can occur in general writing during your studies. This resource can be accessed via Blackboard - SMS Introductory Course and must be completed before you submit your first piece of academic writing for assessment.
The University provides workshops and online training via My Learning Essentials
Please refer to the University of Manchester guidance to students on plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice
The full guidance document can be viewed here: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=2870
Academic Malpractice: Procedure for the Handling of Cases can be found at: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=639
Turnitin
The University uses electronic systems for the purposes of detecting plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for marking. Such systems include TurnitinUK, the plagiarism detection service used by the University.
As part of the formative and/or summative assessment process, you may be asked to submit electronic versions of your work to TurnitinUK and/or other electronic systems used by the University (this requirement may be in addition to a requirement to submit a paper copy of your work). If you are asked to do this, you must do so within the required timescales.
The School also reserves the right to submit work handed in by you for formative or summative assessment to TurnitinUK and/or other electronic systems used by the University.
Please note that when work is submitted to the relevant electronic systems, it may be copied and then stored in a database to allow appropriate checks to be made.
Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating circumstances are personal or medical circumstances which are unforeseeable and unpreventable that could have a significant adverse effect on your academic performance. You should only submit a mitigating circumstances application if you consider it serious enough, and the timing critical, to have affected your performance in your assessed work and examinations.
Request for mitigation must be submitted to your programme administrator, in advance of your assessment submission deadline or exam. Requests for mitigation submitted after the assessment or exam (except those requests made as a result of circumstances that have arisen during the course of that assessment period) will not be considered without a credible and compelling explanation as to why the circumstances were not known before the beginning of the assessment period or why you were unable to complete or submit an application prior to the assessment or exam. Please note that not informing the University of circumstances due to personal feelings of embarrassment and pride, or having concerns over the confidential treatment of requests for mitigation, are not considered to be credible and compelling explanations
All mitigating circumstances applications must be supported by independent third party evidence. The type of evidence required will vary according to the nature of the circumstances. Examples of evidence include a doctor or other health professional’s letter, counsellor’s letter, self-certification form signed by your GP or GP’s Medical Practice (for illnesses of 7 days and under only). Please note that it is a University policy that the self-certification form must be signed by a GP; we cannot accept forms which have not been signed by a GP. Please note that if evidence has not been received within 2 weeks of the submission of your form, and you have not contacted them to inform them of any delay, your application will be refused and no further action will be taken.
Please ensure that you password protect or encrypt your mitigating circumstances form and supporting evidence before sending to your programme administrator.
Any requests for mitigation will be considered confidentially by a mitigating circumstances panel or sub-panel. Where a request for mitigation is supported, a recommendation will be made to the exam board for them to decide on the best course of action for the student.
You are advised to consult the following guidance, which directs you to seek advice and support before and whilst submitting a request for mitigation.
The University form and guidance for students is available on the web: A Basic Guide to Mitigating Circumstances.
For further information about the process and acceptable grounds for mitigation see: Mitigating Circumstances Policy & Procedures: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=4271
Please be advised that any requests need to be submitted by midday the day before the pre-arranged Mitigating Circumstances meeting.
23rd October 2019
27th November 2019
8th January 2020
19th February 2020
18th March 2020
22nd April 2020
20th May 2020
17th June 2020
Late Submission Penalty (Including Dissertation)
Work submitted after the deadline without prior approval will be subject to a late penalty in accordance with the University Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes. The penalty applied is 10% of available marks deducted per day/24 hours (from the time of the original or extended deadline), until the assignment is submitted or no marks remain.
Penalties for late submission relate to 24 hours/calendar days, so include weekends and weekdays, as well as bank holidays and University closure days.
The mark awarded for the piece of work will be reduced by:
10% of the available marks deducted if up to 24 hours (1 day) late
20% of the available marks deducted if up to 48 hours (2 days) late
30% of the available marks deducted if up to 72 hours (3 days) late
40% of the available marks deducted if up to 96 hours (4 days) late
50% of the available marks deducted if up to 120 hours (5 days) late
60% of the available marks deducted if up to 144 hours (6 days) late
70% of the available marks deducted if up to 168 hours (7 days) late
80% of the available marks deducted if up to 192 hours (8 days) late
90% of the available marks deducted if up to 216 hours (9 days) late
100% of the available marks deducted if up to 240 hours (10 days) late
If the assessment is submitted within 10 days of the deadline the assessment should be marked and feedback to the student provided. If this mark before the penalty is applied reaches the appropriate pass mark but the applied penalty results in a fail of the assessment, the student should not be required to resit the assessment as the original mark can be taken as the resit mark. Further information and examples can be found in the Policy and associated Guidance documents.
For work submitted more than 10 days late, it is regarded as a non-submission and need not be marked. In this case a mark of zero will be awarded and normal resit regulations will apply.
The sliding scale should only be applied to first-sit submissions. For all referred (resit) assessment, any late submission will automatically receive a mark of zero.
For further information:
Policy on the Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
Assignment Word Count (Including Dissertation)
In accordance with the University Policy on Marking:
Each written assignment has a word limit which you must state at the top of your first page. It is acceptable, without penalty, for you to submit an assignment within a range that is plus 10% of this limit. If you present an assignment with a word count exceeding the specified limit+10%, the assignment will be marked but 1% will be deducted from this mark for every 100 words over the limit given.
For an original word limit that is 1000 words and an assignment that is marked out of 100. If a submission is made that is 1101 words then it exceeded the 10% leeway, and is more than 100 words over the original limit and should receive a 1 mark deduction.
In accordance with accepted academic practice, when submitting any written assignment for summative assessment, the notion of a word count includes the following without exception:
- All titles or headings that form part of the actual text. This does not include the fly page or reference list
- All words that form the actual essay
- All words forming the titles for figures, tables and boxes, are included but this does not include boxes or tables or figures themselves
- All in-text (that is bracketed) references
- All directly quoted material
Certain assessments may require different penalties for word limits to be applied. For example, if part of the requirement for the assessment is conciseness of presentation of facts and arguments. In such cases it may be that no 10% leeway is allowed and penalties applied may be stricter than described above. In such cases the rules for word count limits and the penalties to be applied will be clearly stated in the assessment brief and in the submission details for that assessment.
Academic Appeals, Complaints, Conduct and Discipline
Academic Appeals
- Students have a right of appeal against a final decision of an Examination Board, or a progress committee, or a graduate committee or equivalent body which affects their academic status or progress in the University.
- Students thinking of appealing should first discuss the matter informally with an appropriate member of staff, in order to better understand the reason for the result or decision.
- Should you wish to proceed to a formal appeal, this must be submitted within the timeframe outlined in the Academic Appeals Procedure to the Faculty Appeals and Complaints Team, Room 3.21, Simon Building, University of Manchester, M13 9PL (e-mail: FBMHappealsandcomplaints@manchester.ac.uk).
- The Academic Appeals Procedure (Regulation XIX) and associated documents, including the form on which formal appeals should be submitted, can be found at www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/academic
Student Complaints
- The University’s Student Complaints Procedure (Regulation XVIII) and associated documents, including a complaints form, can be found at www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/academic
- The University has separate procedures to address complaints of bullying, harassment, discrimination and/or victimisation - see https://www.reportandsupport.manchester.ac.uk/
- Students thinking of submitting a formal complaint should, in most instances, attempt informal resolution first (see the procedure). Formal complaints should be submitted on the relevant form to Faculty Appeals and Complaints Team, Room 3.21, Simon Building, University of Manchester, M13 9PL (e-mail: FBMHappealsandcomplaints@manchester.ac.uk).
Conduct and Discipline of Students
- General University information on the conduct and discipline of students can be found at www.tlso.manchester.ac.uk/appeals-complaints/conductanddisciplineofstudents/
- Faculty policies for students on communication and dress code, social networking. and drugs and alcohol can be found at:
- http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29038 (Communication and Dress Code)
- http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29039 (Drugs and Alcohol)
- http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29040 (Social Networking)
- Information on Academic Malpractice and how to avoid it can be found at http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/guidance-to-students-on-plagiarism-and-other-forms-of-academic-malpractice/
- In accordance with the Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes, ‘All typed summative assessment, including dissertations, should be submitted online and subjected to plagiarism detection software, where appropriate’.
4. Student Progression
Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students
The programme director and teaching staff will monitor the work and attendance of students on the programme. This is for your benefit and helps to ensure you are coping with the work. Regular or a pattern of non-attendance and/or engagement will result in you being contacted by the School to meet with your programme director. Following this, further action will be taken if there isn’t a significant improvement in attendance.
For further information see:
Regulation XX Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students
The University offers a range of advice and support to students experiencing problems with attendance. The A-Z of Services can be found on the MyManchester website. Here you can find a information on a wide range of topics such as library services, disability support and careers advice.
You can also speak to your Programme Director and/or Academic Advisor.
What to do if you are absent
In case of illness you should supply a doctor’s certificate or, if the illness is brief, a self-certification. If you are absent for other reasons then you should write a letter to the Programme Director explaining the circumstances. Medical certificates or letters should be given in person or sent to the Programme Administrator. Whatever your reason for being away, tell your supervisor about it and make any necessary arrangements to catch up with work you have missed.
Special Permissions
Interruptions to programme and extensions to writing up
It is the expectation of the University that postgraduate taught students pursue their studies on a continuous basis for the stipulated duration of their programme. However, it is recognised that students may encounter personal difficulties or situations which may seriously disrupt or delay their studies. In some cases, an interruption or extension to your programme of study may be the most sensible option.
Students who wish to interrupt the programme or extend to write up the dissertation should initially discuss their plans and reasons with the Programme Director and/or their Academic Advisor.
Students should also provide documentary evidence when appropriate, for example, doctor’s letter, sick note etc.
The forms required for formal application are available from your Programme Administrator.
Tier 4 Visa Attendance Monitoring Census
The University operates attendance monitoring census points within the academic year in order to confirm the attendance of students holding a Tier 4 Student Visa. This is to ensure the University meets the UKVI statutory requirements as a sponsor of Tier 4 students and its responsibilities in accordance with its Highly Trusted Sponsor status.
If you are a Tier 4 visa holder, you must attend these attendance monitoring census points, in addition to complying with your programme’s attendance requirements.
When are the census points?
In the 2019/20 academic year, the attendance monitoring census points will be during the following periods:
- 23rd September - 4th October 2019
- 13th January - 24th January 2020
- 13th May - 3rd June 2020
- 13th July - 24th July 2020
Please note:
- If you are a new student, registration is your first point to confirm your attendance at the University and you will not be required to attend a separate census point in September/October 2019.
- You will receive an e-mail from your programme administrator to confirm when and where you should go to have your attendance confirmed. You must check your University e-mail account regularly. Failure to check your e-mail account is not a valid reason to be absent from a census point.
What if a Tier 4 student cannot attend a census point?
If you cannot attend in person due to a valid reason which includes: illness; placement; field studies; on year abroad; research work; or any other reason connected to your programme of study, you must email your programme administrator to inform us of your absence and your inability to attend in person. In the case of illness, you must provide a copy of a medical certificate. If you are in this position you should report in person to the School as soon as possible after you return to campus.
Students who are recorded as interrupting their studies are not expected to attend during their period of interruption.
What happens if a student does not attend a census point?
The School must be able to confirm your presence to the UKVI by the end of each census point in the academic year. If you do not attend a census point when required by your School and you do not provide a valid explanation for your absence you will be deemed to be “not in attendance”.
Those students identified as “not in attendance” will be reported to the UKVI and the University will cease to sponsor the student’s Tier 4 visa. The Tier 4 visa will then be curtailed and the student must leave the UK within 60 days.
Further information
For more information on Tier 4 visas: https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa
If you have any concerns about the attendance monitoring census points, or your Tier 4 visa status, please contact visa@manchester.ac.uk
Withdrawal from the Programme
Students who are considering withdrawing from the programme should discuss this in the first instance with the Programme Director.
If arrangements for withdrawal need to be made, this will be handled by the Programme Administrator, who will manage communication with the Fees and Records Departments and other University bodies as appropriate OR Students may liaise directly with the Programme Administrator who will communicate this information directly to the University Student Services Centre.
5. Student Support and Guidance
Student Support and Guidance
Student support and guidance within the programme
Support and advice is available to all students both formally and informally from the Programme Directors, the Programme Administrator and research project supervisors.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss any issues at all – academic, administrative, technical or personal – please do not hesitate to get in touch. All personal issues will be dealt with confidentially.
If we are unable to help you directly, we can put you in touch with many of the support services that are available to students of the University through our Student Services Centre. You can approach these services independently, without the involvement of programme staff. Use the A-Z of Student Services Guide as an additional source of information.
Student support for the dissertation
During the research project and writing up of the dissertation, students will have individual support from their research project supervisor and scheduled structured sessions to monitor their progress and provide support, with help being offered if any problems are being encountered. In addition, students are made aware that they have the option of contacting the programme directors at any time if they are experiencing difficulties, whether this is in relation to their project, or indeed, with regard to any other issue of relevance.
Student support from the University
The University offers a range of support and guidance services to students, for example, Student Health Service, Student Union Advice Centre, Student Counselling and Careers Advice. Details of all these services can be obtained from the A-Z of Student Services
Counselling Service
The Counselling Service is available for all students. It is free and consists of a team of professional counsellors. The service provides confidential counselling for anyone who wants help with personal problems affecting their work or well-being.
The service is open 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday all year round except public holidays.
Occupational Health
The Occupational Health service is a specialised area of medicine concerned with the way in which an individual’s health can affect his or her ability to do a job and to study and conversely how the work environment can affect an individual’s health. Their aim is to promote the physical, mental and social well-being of students and to reduce the incidence of ill-health arising from exposure to work place hazards.
Students Union Advice Centre
The Students Union has advisers who can help with any matter ranging from finances to housing and beyond. On the South Campus, the Advice Centre is on the first floor in the Student Union Building, and is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm, term time and vacation. There is no need to make an appointment.
Personal Tutor/Supervisors
Academic staff members act as Personal Tutor to students during the taught part of the programme. These tutors may be available to see any student without appointment but at busy times an appointment system will operate. If any student wishes to make an appointment at any other time, please do this through the Programme Administrator, who will also usually be able to reach your tutor in case of an urgent problem.
During the research project, students will have close contact with their individual project supervisor. This will usually be an academic member of teaching staff, or an honorary university staff member such as an NHS or PHE staff member. However, if any problems arise during this time you should let your Personal Tutor know.
Academic Support
If you have problems understanding lecture material or practical classes, do not hesitate to discuss it with the relevant lecturer or course unit leader who should be delighted to help you. In addition, our excellent technical staff are a great source of information and expertise; each course unit has one or more technical staff assigned to it, so if there is anything you are not sure about, just ask!
Academic Success Programme
You’re studying at the University of Manchester – congratulations! Writing and speaking Academic English can be challenging, even for native speakers. Our team of experienced tutors are here to support you, and will help boost your confidence to work independently in English through a series of interactive workshops - freely available to all University of Manchester students.
To find out more, and to register, please go to www.manchester.ac.uk/academicsuccessprogramme
Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS)
The University of Manchester welcomes students with a disability or specific learning difficulties. The University has a Disability Advisory and Support Service, who can supply further information and DASS advisors will be pleased to meet you to discuss you needs. DASS will liaise with your School through the Disability Coordinator to make the necessary arrangements for your support during your time in Manchester.
The DASS office can also provide a copy of the University’s Disability Statement, ‘Opportunities for Students with Additional Support Needs at the University of Manchester’ which sets out the policy and provision for students with a disability.
DASS Contact Details:-
Location: 2nd Floor, University Place
Email: dso@manchester.ac.uk; Phone: 0161 275 7512
Text: 07899 658 790; Website: www.dso.manchester.ac.uk/
Disability Coordinator Contact Details:-
Name: Kay Gardner (0161 306 7978) & Wiktoria Obidniak-Marciniak (0161 306 5519)
Email: kay.gardner@manchester.ac.uk or wiktoria.obidniak-marciniak@manchester.ac.uk
Religious Observance and Looking after yourself and your patients during Ramadan
Policy on Religious Observance:
- University Policy
- The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has produced guidance for healthcare students on fasting and caring: Fasting and Caring - Looking after yourself and your patients during Ramadan: guidance for health care students.
6. Student Representation and Feedback
Student Representation and Feedback
Students, in consultation with the Programme Administrator, should arrange an informal election of their Student Representative near the beginning of the academic year. If more than one person is interested in the role, then each candidate is asked to write a short proposal which is circulated to the student body, and an election is held.
The overall responsibilities of the Student Representative are
- to liaise between staff and students about matters of concern
- to provide two-way feedback on programme and teaching quality
- to promote active student involvement in the development of the programme
- to identify student issues and needs on the programme
- to attend programme committee meetings representing the student voice
- to find effective ways to feedback the outcomes of meetings to the student body
- to attend relevant student representative training
- to liaise with other Student Representatives to gain support and ideas
- to become established as a central point for information and guidance for students in the group.
Student representatives are not required to get involved with fellow students’ personal problems, academic difficulties, or individual student allegations of unfair or inappropriate treatment.
Confidentiality is imperative when dealing with student issues. The representative is chosen by fellow students and has their trust, and must maintain it. Any discussion of an individual student’s situation with a third party requires their consent beforehand.
Course Unit Evaluations
The quality of teaching on the programme is monitored in part by student feedback. Thus it is very important that you make your views, good and bad, known. At the end of each course unit, and at the end of the programme you will be asked to complete an anonymous course unit evaluation form. In addition, please let the course unit leader or the programme director know at any time if you feel there is a problem with a particular area of the programme.
Student Representatives
A few weeks after the beginning of the year you will be asked to elect class representatives. The class reps will be invited to attend the Programme Committee for all parts of the meeting that do not involve discussion of individual students. The class reps should make students’ views known to the programme management. In addition they should report any staff response back to the students. Minutes of programme committees and any action taken as a result of student feedback will be placed on the student notice board.
The Students’ Union works in partnership with individual Schools and Departments to provide training and support for Student Representatives throughout their term. Further details of training will be provided for Reps once elected and information about additional support/activities for Student Representatives can be found on the Students’ Union website http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/reps .
Further information can be found in the following University document:
Feedback to Students Policy
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/list.aspx
7. Programme Management
Programme Management and Committee Structure
Programme Management
The programme is managed and operated in accordance with the policies, principles, regulations and procedures of the University of Manchester.
Programme Directors relate to the School and Faculty Postgraduate Teaching Committees on matters relating to admissions, exams, reviews and approval of new programmes and units, quality assurance etc. and policy issues of broad relevance to the Graduate School.
The Programme Committee will meet each semester and consist of the Programme Director, Programme Administrator, Programme Committee members and the unit co-ordinators.
The remit of the committee will be to:
- Oversee the teaching, assessment and examining arrangements;
- Monitor cohort progression including failure rate, withdrawal rate;
- Evaluate the extent to which the learning outcomes are achieved by students;
- Monitor, maintain and enhance standards of all aspects of the programme;
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and of assessment in relation to programme learning outcomes;
- Evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of the teaching and learning methods employed;
- Review and revise the programme in the light of any relevant Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) benchmarks, any other relevant external and/or professional requirements and developing knowledge in the subject area;
- Receive, consider and respond to feedback from students, employers and external examiners;
- Where the need for change is identified, effect the changes quickly and efficiently;
- Produce an annual action plan via annual monitoring;
- Produce reports for periodic review
- Produce relevant information for an Institutional Audit;
- Review programme documentation, e.g., programme handbooks, programme specifications, promotional literature and programme website;
- Ensure suitable and efficient arrangements are in place for recruitment, admission and induction.
Committee Structure
The Programme Committee acts as a curriculum development team for the Programme. The Programme Committee will report to a School, or Department, or Faculty level committee. The Programme Director is responsible for the management of the programme, and the Programme Committee is established to support the Programme Director in the carrying out of their responsibilities.
The role of the External Examiner
External Examiners are individuals from another institution or organisation who monitor the assessment processes of the University to ensure fairness and academic standards. They ensure that assessment and examination procedures have been fairly and properly implemented and that decisions have been made after appropriate deliberation. They also ensure that standards of awards and levels of student performance are at least comparable with those in equivalent higher education institutions.
External Examiners’ reports
External Examiners’ reports relating to this programme will be shared with student representatives and details of any actions carried out by the programme team/School in response to the External Examiners’ comments will be discussed. Students should contact their student representatives if they require any further information about External Examiners’ reports or the process for considering them.”
External Examiner Details
The External Examiner for the MSc Medical Microbiology programme is Dr Chris Barry
The External Examiner for the MSc Medical & Molecular Virology programme is Dr Ian Hart
Please note that this is for information only and it is inappropriate for students to make direct contact with External Examiners under any circumstances, in particular with regards to a student’s individual performance in assessments.
Other appropriate mechanisms are available for students, including the University’s appeals or complaints procedures and the UMSU Advice Centre. In cases where a student does contact an External Examiner directly, External Examiners have been requested not to respond to direct queries. Instead, External Examiners should report the matter to their School contact who will then contact the student to remind them of the other methods available for students. If students have any queries concerning this, they should contact their Programme Administrator in the first instance.
Examination Board
A progression meeting is held at the end of the taught component, to assess students’ results and advise progression to the research project. Examinations Boards are held on completion of the programme. Each Programme’s Examination Board, including the External Examiners, sits prior to a School Exam Board at which all results are ratified.
8. Learning Resources
Learning Resources
Libraries
All registered students may become members of the University of Manchester Library on the main campus.
Up-to-date news about the library is available here.
IT Services and eLearning
IT Services Support Centre online
Details of what IT support is available and how to access it can be found on the FBMH eLearning Support page.
Login to the Support Centre online to log a request, book an appointment for an IT visit, or search the Knowledge Base.
Telephone: +44 (0)161 306 5544 (or extension 65544). Telephone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In person: Walk-up help and support is available at the Joule Library, Main Library or Alan Gilbert Learning Commons:
Use Support Centre online for support with eLearning, from where you may make a request, report a fault, or search the Knowledge Base. The email address is: elearning@manchester.ac.uk
Blackboard
Blackboard, the University's 'virtual learning environment', will be used for online teaching.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is a web-based system that complements and builds upon traditional learning methods used at The University of Manchester. By using Blackboard you can
- view course materials and learning resources,
- communicate with lectures and other students,
- collaborate in groups,
- get feedback
- submit assignments
- monitoring your own progress at a time and place of your own convenience.
Training in the use of software
The Faculty eLearning team have produced a short introduction to Blackboard for new students. The recording is hosted in two places: the VLS and on YouTube:
The recording is just over seven minutes long and covers most of the commonly used tools in Blackboard.
Teaching Facilities
Purpose built teaching facilities for the programmes are located in the Stopford Building. Lectures and seminars may be held throughout the University campus, mainly in the Stopford Building where possible. Practical classes are held in our well-equipped teaching laboratory (1.501).
A student hub is available for postgraduate students on the 3rd floor of the Stopford building and students will have access to the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons located almost opposite the Stopford Building.
In addition students have access to the extensive computing suites in The Stopford Building. Details of these are available in the A-Z of Student Services Guide.
The Clinical Sciences Building at Manchester Royal Infirmary houses the NHS and Public Health England Diagnostic Microbiology and Virology Laboratories. The programmes benefit greatly from our close relationship with these bodies.
9. Useful Links
Academic and Student Support Policies
Academic Support Policies
A full list of University Policies and documents
Academic Appeals (Regulation XIX)
Academic Malpractice: Procedure for the Handling of Cases
Basic Guide to Student Complaints
Conduct and Discipline of Students (Regulations XVII)
General University information on the Conduct and Discipline of Students
Faculty policies for students on Communication and Dress Code, Social Networking and Drugs & Alcohol can be found at:
Information on Academic Malpractice and how to avoid it
Guidance for the Presentation of Taught Masters Dissertations
Guidance to Students on Plagiarism and Other Forms of Academic Malpractice
Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
Policy on Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating Circumstances Guidance for Students
Policy on Feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students
Work and Attendance of Students (Regulation XX)
Blackboard
Students should access Blackboard via My Manchester
Disability Advisory and Support Service
University Language Centre – Study English - Tel: 0161 306 3397
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Staff and Students
Occupational Health Services for Students