1. General Information

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

Points of Contact

If you have any queries or concerns at any time during your period of study in Manchester, there is a range of people you can approach. Your MRes Programme Administrator will be your first port of call for general issues. Alternatively, you may wish to contact the Programme Directors for specific aspects to do with the course. Your supervisor or the Academic Advisors are the best people to contact about issues relating to your project, career plans or for pastoral support. If you wish to raise a confidential matter at School level, you should approach the MRes Graduate Manager. Contact details for all these staff members are written below.

Programme Directors

Dr Mark Dilworth
m.r.dilworth@manchester.ac.uk

Deputy Programme Director

Dr Elizabeth Cottrell

elizabeth.cottrell@manchester.ac.uk

Programme Administrator
Mrs Jemma Fielding
RP@manchester.ac.uk

MRes Student Representative
To be appointed democratically

MRes Consortium Administration Lead
Mr Nick Cunningham
nick.cunningham@manchester.ac.uk

Graduate Education Manager
Ms Lynsey McVey
lynsey.mcvey@manchester.ac.uk

Research Floor Manager
Mrs Sally Mosley
sally.mosley@manchester.ac.uk

Health and Safety Officer
Mr Kurt Mynett
kurt.mynett@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.

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.
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.

Health and Safety

Before you visit the University campus, please take time to read the University’s Health and Safety Policy.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the research staff and students for whom you have responsibility are provided with an environment that is safe and healthy and all research is conducted within the requirements of health and safety legislation:

That necessary risk assessments have been undertaken (Never assume that because your research is not lab-based or using hazardous substances that it would not require a risk assessment).
That staff are adequately informed, trained and monitored regarding safe practices to ensure they do not endanger themselves, others or the environment.
That your research complies with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations as appropriate.

2. Overview of the Programme

Aims and Learning Objectives of the MRes Programme

It is recognised by the Research Councils, by Universities, and by employers that a gap has opened up between the skills possessed by new graduates and the skills normally expected on entry to a higher research degree or an industrial research career. The MRes has been specifically designed to bridge this gap. The programme is entitled MRes Reproduction and Pregnancy (MRes R&P). The 1-year programme is structured around a 2:1 split between research projects and taught elements.

Aims of the programme:

Equip students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to pursue a research career
Provide graduates who will meet the regional, national and international demands for scientists with a broad range of research methods
Provide highly qualified researchers to contribute to and enhance the excellence of the Faculty’s research programmes

Intended learning outcomes of the programme:

1) Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme students will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of central principles and ideas in areas of reproductive biology and medicine relevant to fertility and pregnancy.
Show knowledge and a conceptual understanding of, the major pregnancy disorders of implantation failure, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth and pre-term labour.
Understand the current and future effects of reproductive and pregnancy disorders on population health, and the ability to critically evaluate priorities for healthcare advancement locally, nationally and internationally.
Delineate the main landmarks of embryonic, endometrial, fetal and placental growth and development and their relevance to disorders of pregnancy.
Show critical awareness of the methodology in use at the forefront of reproductive biology and pregnancy research at organismal, organ, tissue, cellular and molecular levels and develop a creative approach to applying such methodology within the discipline.
Be aware of the practical issues and problems associated with conducting high quality research, including ethical issues; informed consent; storage of patient information both summative and formative.
Have a detailed and systematic understanding of a chosen area of reproduction and pregnancy.
Demonstrate the ability to apply laboratory methods to an unsolved problem in research relevant to reproduction or pregnancy.
Demonstrate the knowledge to apply critical evaluation to a research problem and present this problem within the context of current understanding.
Understand the need for appropriate pre-clinical studies in reproduction and pregnancy and gain knowledge of the pathway from basic science discovery to translation into clinical practice.

2) Intellectual (thinking) skills

The ability to:

Adopt a reflective and inquisitive attitude to the analysis and evaluation of research in the fields of reproduction and pregnancy.
Recognise, define, formulate and prioritise research questions that are pertinent to the fields of reproduction and pregnancy.
Analyse, interpret, objectively evaluate and prioritise information, recognising its limitations
Understand and be able to critically appreciate methodology, including the appropriate selection of quantitative or qualitative methods
Recognise the importance of rigour in collecting, analysing and interpreting data
Exhibit creativity and resourcefulness in their professional learning, scientific endeavour and research formulations

3) Practical Skills

The ability to:

Apply appropriate methodologies to specific research questions
Demonstrate competence in practical laboratory or clinical skills to enable sound and reproducible collection of data
Present information clearly in written, electronic and oral forms, and communicate ideas and arguments effectively
Retrieve, manage and manipulate information by all means, including electronically

4) Transferable Skills

The ability to:

Effectively manage time resources and set priorities
Monitor and realistically evaluate their own performance and personal capability
Be aware of career opportunities and if appropriate, plan a career path in academic research
Demonstrate scholarship in research
Make oral and written presentations to specialists and non-specialists
Demonstrate a capacity for self-directed, independent learning and adopt the principles of reflective practice and lifelong learning
Understand and comply with the requirements of clinical and research governance
Recognise the views of others and work constructively with them in a multidisciplinary context

MRes in Reproduction & Pregnancy Programme Structure

The Programme comprises eight compulsory components:

Introductory Course – Lab-based (formative)
Research Methods Course Unit
Laboratory Skills Course Unit
Tutorial Course Unit
Masterclass in Reproduction and Pregnancy
Clinical Masterclass Course Unit – Intercalating medical students only (formative)
Research Project 1 Course Unit – a literature review and project proposal
Research Project 2 Course Unit – a final dissertation, research performance assessment and poster presentation.

Summary of Course units and Credit Ratings

Course Unit	Credits	Teaching Methods	Assessment Method
Introductory course lab based.	0	On-line material.	On-line MCQ assessment.
Research Methods course unit	15	Lectures and workshops. On-line material.	Written abstract, ethical and critical appraisal written assignments, Self-learning exercises.
Laboratory Skills course unit	15	Induction, Laboratory based workshops.	Laboratory notebook assessment and written reports.
Tutorial course unit	15	Taught seminars, preparative directed reading, group preparation of oral presentations.	Oral presentations and written assignments.
Masterclass in Reproduction and Pregnancy course unit	15	Lectures and discussion groups, group preparation of oral presentations.	Oral presentations, poster and written assignments.
Clinical Masterclass course unit	0	On-line material, seminars and workshops.	GCP training
Research Project 1	30	Orientation meetings with supervisory team. Preparative directed reading.	Written literature report and research proposal.
Research Project 2	90	Research laboratory experience	Written report, poster presentation and research performance assessment.

Credit Rating

A credit is a measurement of learning time. Learning time includes attendance (contact) time, practical work, private reading and note taking, preparation of projects, etc. In accordance with the University’s credit rating for Masters (MRes) Degrees the MRes comprises 180 credits. 120 credits are dedicated to research projects and 60 credits to four taught elements: 15 credits each to Research Methods, Laboratory Skills, Tutorials and Masterclass in Reproduction and Pregnancy course units. Assessment of most course units will involve summative assessment (marks go towards final award) and formative assessment which may be either formal or informal.

The MRes Programme is operationally divided into two parts:

Part 1 comprises four Taught course units and Research Project 1 and First Examiners’ Meeting.

Part 2 comprises Research Project 2 (including the MRes Dissertation) and Final Examiners’ Meeting.

Exit awards: Students may wish to leave the Programme due to unforeseen circumstances. Depending on the achievement of appropriate amount of credit, it might be possible to submit for the PG Certificate (exit point: 60 credits) or PG Diploma (exit point: 120 credits).

Course Unit Outlines

RESEARCH METHODS (MEDN 69910)

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 specialty – carry out focussed 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.

LABORATORY SKILLS UNIT (MEDN 66111)

Course Unit Lead: Dr Susan Taylor susan.h.taylor@manchester.ac.uk

Introduction to the Course Unit

The Laboratory skills unit aims to equip students with the theoretical understanding and practical skills relating to laboratory-based biomedical techniques to enable them to undertake, interpret and accurately record experimental research in the biomedical sciences.

The unit will consist of an induction session and three of the following workshops, providing theoretical or hands-on experience in the wet or dry laboratory environment:

Induction (online) – basic laboratory guidance, including health and safety regulations, keeping a laboratory notebook

Workshop 1 – Biological Safety, Laboratory Health & Safety, risk assessment and management.

Workshop 2 – Manual handling in a laboratory, including dilutions and solution preparation

Workshop 3 – Microscopy: Theory of light, fluorescent and confocal microscopy; practical experience of light microscopy, including set-up and maintenance.

Workshop 4 – Staining techniques: histological staining, immunohistochemistry

Workshop 5 – Nucleic acid techniques 1: NA Extraction, NA amplification, electrophoresis

Workshop 6 – Nucleic acid techniques 2: Real-time PCR

Workshop 7 – Protein handling techniques1: Protein extraction/purification and analysis, including SDS-PAGE

Workshop 8 – Protein handling techniques 2: Western blot, Mass spectrometry/MALDI-TOF

All Students will complete the online induction and then take a further 3 workshops to complete the course unit, with no more than two from workshops 1-3

AIMS:

The unit aims to equip students with the theoretical understanding and practical skills relating to laboratory-based biomedical techniques to enable them to undertake, interpret and accurately record experimental research in the biomedical sciences.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:

Category of outcome	Students should/will (please delete as appropriate) be able to:
Knowledge and understanding	Develop awareness of current best practice in laboratory health and safety and understand how to keep themselves and those around them safe within a laboratory environment. Develop an understanding of the principles of a range of practical techniques used in the biomedical context and understand how to employ and adapt these within their own research applications.
Intellectual skills	Develop critical understanding of the limitations of particular techniques and their applications. Develop an understanding of how to solve problems arising from unexpected results.
Practical skills	Acquire the practical skills to enable them to follow written standard laboratory methods and achieve expected outcomes. Acquire technical competence in a range of biomedical and computational techniques. Learn best practice for recording experimental procedures and outcomes in a standard laboratory notebook.
Transferable skills and personal qualities	Be able to carry out laboratory techniques alone or in partnership with others safely and efficiently. Demonstrate the ability to record experimental procedures in written form and to interpret experimental results obtained.

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS

The learning and teaching processes will take the form of lectures, practical laboratory classes, laboratory demonstrations and e-learning (completion of on-line formative assessments).

For workshops 1, 2 and 3 students will need to demonstrate competency in the specified laboratory skills via a practical in-lab assessment in order to progress to the summative assessment.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment task

Length

Weighting within unit (if relevant)

Any 3 from Workshops 1-8, with no more than two from workshops 1-3.

Details for each below.

Workshops 1-3

Each of the workshops will be assessed by an online MCQ/SAQ (graded)

Workshops 4-8

Each of the workshops will be assessed by a written practical report containing:

(a) theoretical overview of the technique

(b) report and interpretation of results obtained

MCQ/SAQ exam

1000 words

33%, 33%, 34% respectively

Students must accurately record each workshop in a laboratory notebook within two days of attendance, which will be assessed formatively by each Programme.

No fixed word limit

Formative only

FEEDBACK METHODS

Students will be provided with personalised feedback for their summative assignments, within 15 working days.

TUTORIAL COURSE UNIT (MEDN66100)

Course Unit Lead: Mark Dilworth m.r.dilworth@manchester.ac.uk

Introduction to the MRes Tutorial Course Unit

The MRes in Reproduction & Pregnancy requires students to attend 3 tutorials which will be held between October and April. The tutorials will be run by clinical and non-clinical lecturers and will involve an interactive taught seminar. You will be assessed on your participation in tutorials (oral presentations) and/or on written assignments.

Aims of the MRes Tutorial Course Unit

The aims of the MRes Tutorial course unit are to:

Increase breadth of understanding the major clinical and scientific problems in reproductive medicine and pregnancy
Gain experience in elucidating and compiling facts presented in complex formats
Introduce research methodology not covered elsewhere in the course
Develop the ability to critique high calibre research publications and their impact on the field of interest
Gain better understanding of evidence based medicine and the quality of clinical research studies
Improve communication skills (written and oral) to diverse audiences
Develop greater understanding of different methods of presenting and analysing research data

Learning Outcomes of the MRes Tutorial Course Unit

The student should:

Be better able to understand research reports that appear in peer-review publications, both in scientific content and in the methodology used
Be better able to appreciate the relevance and importance of a scientific study in the context of the broad area of reproductive or pregnancy research
Have acquired the skills to learn new facts and concepts from an oral presentation
Merge, inter-relate and apply several research disciplines and technologies to address specific research problems leading to clinical outcomes and applications
Have increased understanding of data handling and analysis

Credit Rating of the Unit – 15 credits

This unit has a rating of 15 credits.

150 hours –15 credits

MASTERCLASS IN REPRODUCTION AND PREGNANCY (MEDN 65521)

Course Unit Lead: Dr Mark Dilworth m.r.dilworth@manchester.ac.uk

Introduction to the MRes Masterclass in Reproduction and Pregnancy

The masterclass involves a series of 3 sessions run by research staff within the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre and invited outside speakers. These will cover some major research areas within reproduction and pregnancy, including the use of assisted reproductive technologies and the translation to the clinic of potential therapies for complications of pregnancy. Students will gain an insight into the importance and nature of the interface between the laboratory and clinic for translational obstetric medicine.

Through the masterclass you will gain understanding of major clinical problems in the fields of reproduction and pregnancy and acquire knowledge about how improved screening and monitoring via research clinics can potentially improve outcomes in high-risk women. You will also gain appreciation of how basic scientific research findings can ultimately result in candidate therapeutics to be assessed in clinical trials and the need for appropriate pre-clinical models in this process.

The course unit will be run between November and February; each component of the masterclass will run over 1-2 days. Assessment of the masterclass unit will be via oral presentations including a debate, written reports and a poster presentation. They will provide experience of preparing a presentation, producing a poster and reviewing the importance of research clinics in obstetrics. All of these assessments are based upon tasks that are commonplace in an academic/clinical role.

Aims of the MRes Masterclass in Reproduction and Pregnancy

The aims of the MRes masterclass in reproduction and pregnancy are to understand the major clinical and scientific problems in reproductive medicine and obstetrics, formulate ideas and translate these to clinical situations.

Learning Outcomes of the MRes Masterclass in Reproduction and Pregnancy

Students should:

Understand and be able to explain some of the major clinical problems associated with reproduction and pregnancy, including long-term consequences for the offspring.
Understand and explain the need for appropriate pre-clinical studies in reproduction and pregnancy.
Gain knowledge of the pathway from basic science discovery to translation into clinical practice.
Understand and explain the need for research clinics in high-risk populations and how high-risk patients are identified.
Show critical thinking capacity when analysing published research.
Be skilled at learning new facts and concepts from oral and visual presentations.
Design and present a scientific poster.
Independently gather, sift, organise and synthesise material from various sources (including library, electronic and online resources), and critically evaluate its significance.
Produce a written presentation using language appropriate to a specialist readership.

CLINICAL MASTERCLASS COURSE UNIT (MEDN 61362)

Course Unit Coordinator: Dr Luigi Venetucci – Luigi.Venetucci@manchester.ac.uk

Introduction to the course unit

The Clinical Masterclass course unit is taken by intercalating medical students only and is a formative unit only. This course unit is part of the MRes in Medical Sciences, allowing the opportunity to interact with and learn alongside other intercalating medical students and students enrolled on the degree during their NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship training.

There are several generic skills necessary to becoming a successful clinical research scientist. This unit contributes further to the personal and professional development in these domains. The unit will consist of a series of seminars, workshops and on-line learning. Areas covered will include clinical research design and methodology, Good Clinical Practice, research governance and the regulatory framework for research, the Human Tissue Act, practical clinical ethics, patient and public engagement and involvement in research, diversity/equal opportunities in research/cultural competence, academic career development and pathways, personal effectiveness, and leadership (Practitioner, Partner and Leader roles).

Aims of the course unit

This unit aims to build on the earlier research methods unit undertaken by the students and will provide in-depth experience, knowledge and skills training required for effective clinical practice and success with a strong emphasis on clinical academic research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student will be able to:

Demonstrate effective knowledge and understanding of good clinical practice from the perspective of clinician, academic researcher and patient.
Demonstrate effective knowledge and understanding of research governance issues from the perspective of clinician, academic researcher and patient.
Be familiar with the human tissue act and the responsibilities of the Institution and individual researcher
Understand and anticipate issues relating to patient and public engagement and involvement in research and be able to apply this knowledge to their own research.
Understand the principles upon which clinical trials are based and have the knowledge to interpret information gained in this way.
Understand and anticipate issues relating to patient and public engagement in research and be able to apply this knowledge to their own research.
Build upon existing skills to allow for research creativity and entrepreneurialism.
Demonstrate leadership capacity within a clinical research environment

Credit Rating of the Unit

This unit is formative only and therefore has a rating of 0 credits.

RESEARCH PROJECT 1: LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH PROPOSAL (MEDN66121)

Course Unit Lead: Dr Elizabeth Cottrell

Introduction to Research Project 1 Course Unit

The initial part of Research project 1 is a supervised literature review on an important current research topic in the field. The second part of the unit will involve students formulating a research proposal that arises from their literature studies.

Research project 1 may well be your first serious encounter with research in reproduction and pregnancy. It provides an opportunity to delve deeply into the underlying basic science, and to imagine how present day research improve diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy and reproductive complications.

The starting point will usually be a topic defined by your supervisors, who will provide you with a brief outline of the topic and some initial references. At this stage you will not be given specific project aims, as later on you are expected to develop your own hypothesis and aims for your research proposal. During the first 10 weeks of the unit you will focus on the literature review. You will need to read the background and history of the problem, and critically examine previous research that has been reported in the literature. In some cases you will, consider the relevant molecular, cellular and tissue-level processes, and any clinical implications. In other your data may be gathered from clinical or psychosocial sources. Your supervisors (usually more than one) will help you to fill gaps in your basic knowledge, depending on your background. The methods you learn in the laboratory skills unit and techniques workshops, and your tutorial and seminar work will all help you to understand the concepts and methodology you encounter. During the weeks you are working on your literature report, you will have regular progress meetings with your supervisors. It is not a requirement that both supervisors are involved in every meeting.

After you have completed your literature review, you will prepare a research proposal to address a hypothesis you generate based on the gaps in knowledge you have identified. Developing a proposal is an essential skill for researchers and provides an opportunity for you to formulate a hypothesis and design a research project, using the knowledge gained so far in the course, from undertaking the literature review, the Laboratory Skills and Research Methods units. Although the majority of your research proposal will be completed in the New Year, during the preparation of your literature review you will gradually become aware of unanswered questions, gaps in knowledge, controversies and even contradictions in your area of study. These are the starting points for your research proposal. You will receive training in developing ideas, devising a workable approach, critically appraising the likely advance this project would bring if successful, and presenting a persuasive overall case that would convince an independent body that the research will be worthwhile and fruitful. Your proposal should be for a 6 month project, however, it may not ultimately be the exact work you undertake during Research project 2; this will be decided by the supervisors based on feasibility and costs.

You will start by defining a main hypothesis. This is likely to be broad, leading to several subsidiary hypotheses that might be capable of being addressed in a clinical or laboratory setting in a well-equipped academic centre. Imagining you have all the necessary resources at your disposal, how would you seek to add to knowledge in your chosen topic? Would you seek to increase understanding of a basic cellular process, and if so how? How might success translate to the clinic? Alternatively, would you choose to start from a clinical setting and design a patient based study? How would you select your patients? What investigations would you carry out? Would a laboratory arm be useful in the project? What can you realistically achieve in 6 months?

Throughout project 1, in preparation for the task of constructing a research proposal, you should give specific attention to areas of your topic that are incompletely understood, as these are the source of emergent research questions. This is a key part of the dialogue that you have with your supervisors, and should be an explicit component of your meetings throughout RP1.

Your choice of project 1 will have a major impact on the direction of your MRes, because the research you undertake in project 2 will likely be related to your study topic in project 1, and will have the same supervisors. Therefore you will be provided with intensive support during the first two weeks of the course, the time when you meet prospective supervisors to talk over and eventually decide a project topic.

The literature review and research proposal are equally weighted in terms of credit share (both are worth 15 credits). The marking criteria may be found in the mark sheets at the end of this section.

The Aims of the Research Project 1 Unit

The aims of Research Project 1 are to train students in:

Literature and database searching
Critical analysis
Identification, conceptualisation and exposition of unsolved problems
Literature review planning
Creating and using appropriate images
Scientific writing and referencing
Research proposal design
Critical evaluation and debate
Effective time management

Intended Learning Outcomes of the Research Project 1 Unit

Students should be able to:

Identify and isolate basic scientific, translational, clinical (and where relevant) epidemiological, demographic and social elements of their research problem
Synthesise and analyse data and information
Show critical thinking capacity, including abstraction, analysis and critical judgement
Report on the current status of research in a chosen area
Pose a problem, framing it in a fashion that is amenable to solution
Command an appropriate range of communication skills – written and spoken word, images and electronic media – to engage in constructive dialogue with peers and supervisors
Use effective word processing and reference manager software
Use library, electronic and online resources
Develop appropriate illustrative materials for a report
Make a written presentation using language appropriate to a specialist readership
Collect and integrate evidence to formulate and test a research hypothesis
Plan time effectively, apportioning appropriate energy to literature research and writing while undertaking other essential course activities
Meet agreed informal and formal deadlines for writing assignments

Credit Rating of the Unit

The credit rating is 30 credits. The literature review and research proposal are equally weighted and both contribute 50% towards the final mark for this unit.

Literature review -150 hours; Research Proposal -150 hours

300 hours – 30 credits

RESEARCH PROJECT 2 (MEDN 66132)

Course Unit Lead: Dr Elizabeth Cottrell

Introduction to the Research Project 2 Course Unit

Research project 2 is a major part of the MRes programme. The duration of the project is 25 weeks research work, with four weeks of additional writing-up time. This is a full time project and you are expected to spend 5 full days per week working on it with the exception of attendance at seminars, Grand Rounds, works in progress and other timetabled taught sessions which may still be running in the initial part of the project. The research project may be laboratory or clinically based. The location of the project may in rare cases be away from the main University campus.

Aims of the course unit

Equip students with knowledge and practical skills to pursue a research career focused on Reproduction and Pregnancy or another medically-related discipline.
Develop practical research expertise in chosen areas of Reproduction and Pregnancy.
Develop skills for both oral and poster presentation of research.

Intended Learning Objectives of the course unit

Become familiar with the theoretical and practical basis of research methods and techniques.
Acquire practical experience of developing research questions, and using research methods to progress to an answer.
Have a detailed and systematic understanding of a chosen area of Reproduction and Pregnancy.
Have practical experience of presenting scientific research in poster form.

Credit rating of the unit

Research Project 2 course unit comprises: 900 hours = 90 credits for the unit.

3. Teaching, Learning and Assessment

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

Programme Exemptions to PGT Degree Regulations

MRes Programmes

The award of distinction is based on the overall average of the programme.

Cardiovascular Health and Disease (MRes)

Medical Sciences (MRes)

Oncology (MRes)

Reproduction and Pregnancy (MRes)

The programme will not permit compensation rules to be applied to the following units

Research Project 1 (MEDN 66121)

Reassessment will be permitted in up to half of the taught units plus Research Project 1 (i.e. 50% of total number of taught units (60 credits) + Research Project 1 (30 credits) = 45 credits)

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.

Submission of Assignments

All course paperwork must also be submitted through your Programme Administrator or via Blackboard as instructed. Do not submit laboratory reports, tutorial work or other items of work to your MRes Programme Director or other members of staff unless specifically asked to do so – they should be submitted electronically as explained below. Please be aware that all electronically submitted work will be assessed for plagiarism using Turnitin software as described below.

Please refer to your Blackboard unit spaces for more information regarding coursework and assessment, including submission deadlines: https://my.manchester.ac.uk/

Marking of Assignments

Summative assessments for the taught units will be marked by the primary assessor and feedback given to help you understand the mark you have received for the work submitted, and how your performance might be improved in future. A sample of the assignments will be assessed by an internal moderator. The tutor and moderator will meet to agree a final mark, accompanied by written feedback where necessary. Marks and feedback will be returned to you by the Programme Administrator, or will be available for you to view on Blackboard, within 15 working days of the submission date.

The research project 1 and 2 reports will be independently double marked by two assessors. Both will provide feedback and will meet to agree a final mark. This may be an average of the two marks; if not the assessors will provide written justification of the agreed mark. If the assessors cannot agree a final mark then a third marker will assess the work. The external examiner will moderate the research project reports. Marks and feedback will be returned to you by the Programme Administrator, or will be available for you to view on Blackboard, within 20 working days of the submission date for Research Project 1 and following the Final Examination Board for the Research Project 2 Dissertation.

Assignments will be marked anonymously wherever possible and therefore should be identified by your ID number rather than your name. The only exceptions to this rule are oral presentations and pieces of work which are required to bear a name (e.g. laboratory notebooks).

For further information see: Policy on Marking and Policy on feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students.

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.

Guidance for students is available on the web: A Basic Guide to Mitigating Circumstances.

Please contact your programme administrator for the Mitigating Circumstances Request Form.

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 7 days before the pre-arranged Mitigating Circumstances meeting to studentsupport.smspgt@manchester.ac.uk. The dates of Mitigating Circumstances meetings for the 2020/21 academic year are as follows:

Wednesday 25^th November 2020
Wednesday 13^th January 2021
Wednesday 17^th February 2021
Wednesday 17^th March 2021
Wednesday 21^st April 2021
Wednesday 19^th May 2021
Wednesday 16^th June 2021

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:

Guidance on Late Submission

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.

Fitness to Practise

Where a programme of study requires the student to undertake practical training in a quasi-professional role in relation to patients, clients or service-users or where the qualification provides a direct license to practise, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has a duty to ensure that the student is fit to practise. In order to protect present or future patients, clients or service users and to comply with the requirements of professional/regulatory bodies, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has established a procedure for dealing with student-related fitness to practise issues.

Fitness to Practise issues are initially investigated and considered locally within the School (e.g. by a Health and Conduct Committee) and if necessary referred to the Faculty Fitness to Practise Committee.

A student may appeal against the decision of a Fitness to Practise Committee within twenty days of the decision but only on one or more of the following grounds:

a) procedural irregularity;

b) availability of new evidence which could not reasonably have been expected to be presented to the original hearing;

c) the disproportionate nature of the penalty.

The TLSO facilitates the arrangements for Fitness to Practise Appeals Committees. An Appeals Committee has the power to confirm or alter the original decision, and the outcome is confirmed to students in a Completion of Procedures letter. A student may then decide to pursue a complaint with the OIA.

Information on Fitness to Practise related matters can be found at: www.tlso.manchester.ac.uk/appeals-complaints/fitnesstopractise

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 https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/academic-appeals-complaints-and-misconduct/
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/

The University Library has produced online resources to help students in avoiding plagiarism and academic malpractice at:

https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/using-the-library/students/training-and-skills-support/my-learning-essentials/online-resources/

Student Logbook

Your progress and feedback given is monitored by a series of Progress Forms that have to be completed during the programme at set dates during meetings with your supervisory team and your Programme Director(s). A copy of these forms is provided in a Logbook. You should keep the completed forms for your records and self-reflection and provide the Programme Administrator with a copy. It is your responsibility to arrange meetings with your supervisor(s). Please be aware that academics have enormous demands on their time so it is advisable to arrange meetings well in advance of the deadline.

Personal Development Plan (PDP)

The PDP is a process to plan, reflect and record aspects of your progress, development and feedback during your programme. There are 5 components to the PDP: meetings, careers, research, time management and action planning. It is your responsibility to a complete the Personal Development Plan forms during the programme (found in Logbook) and bring these to your one to one meetings with your academic advisor. See website for more detailed information:

http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/secure/graduateoffice/pdp/

Mark Sheets

In the case of dissertations, the mark sheets are subject to change up to the point that students are asked to submit their Notice of Submission.

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 2020/21 academic year, the attendance monitoring census points will be during the following periods:

26th October - 6th November 2020
18th January - 29th January 2021
19th May - 9th June 2021
12th July - 23rd July 2021

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 October/November 2020.
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.

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

The Academic Writing workshops are delivered via live synchronous video sessions, and offer faculty-specific support covering both the basics and the finer points of good academic writing. The sessions are interactive and encourage small group work to solve problems and edit texts. Our Academic Grammar workshops are also online and open to students from all faculties. They include the fundamentals of good sentence structure as well as more subtle ways of showing nuance and emphasis.

There are also self-study resources available via our Blackboard community – details, and registration, is via the “Online Resources” link.

Should you have further queries, please email academicsuccess@manchester.ac.uk

Academic Advisors

You will be allocated an Academic Advisor for the duration of the MRes course. Your advisor will be an academic member of staff and can provide advice about any aspects of the course and/or pastoral support, together with advice about future career directions. You will meet with the Academic Advisors in the first week of the course, and then will have three one-to-one meetings scheduled throughout the year. Progress forms to be completed at these meetings can be found in the Logbook. Additional meetings can be held by mutual agreement if required.

Dr Alexander Heazell is a Consultant Obstetrician and Senior Clinical Lecturer and can provide additional advice and mentorship relating to medical training and academic medical career pathways for intercalating medical students or clinically qualified students.

Academic Advisors

Dr Sue Greenwood susan.greenwood@manchester.ac.uk

Dr Lynda Harris lynda.K.Harris@manchester.ac.uk

Dr Lizzy Cottrell Elizabeth.Cottrell@manchester.ac.uk

Dr Michelle Desforges Michelle.Desforges@manchester.ac.uk

Clinical Academic Advisor

Dr Alexander Heazell alexander.heazell@manchester.ac.uk

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

Tel (Disability Service) +44 (0)161 275 7512

Tel (Assessment Centre) +44 (0)161 275 0990

Mobile Number (Text only for d/Deaf students) 07899 658 790

Email (Disability Service) dass@manchester.ac.uk

Email (Assessment Centre) assessments@manchester.ac.uk

School Disability Coordinator Contact Details:-
Email: dc.medicalsciences.pgt@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.

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 this programme is Prof Geraldine Hartshorne who is a Professor in Reproductive Medicine and is based at The University of Warwick.

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 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.

First Examiners’ Meetings

The MRes Programme has one External Examiner, who advises the Faculty of the quality of the programme and its management, as well as providing advice on the quality of the assessment procedures and fairness of the decisions made about individual students. They will be sent the reports from Research Project 1 and will be able to view a selection of taught course work and assessments. The major purpose of the Examiners’ meeting (held in May) is to ratify the marks from the four taught course units and Research Project 1 and to confirm that students can progress with Research Project 2 of the MRes Programme (see below for details).

Progression Requirements and Options Available to Students

Progression to Research Project 2 of the MRes programme occurs once the criteria noted below have been met and approved at the First External Examiners’ meeting (in practice students will have started Research Project 2 by the date of this meeting). If achievements do not meet the criteria as set out below at the end of Research Project 1 of the programme, the student will normally be invited to submit for a PG Certificate or PG Diploma. If achievements do not meet the minimum criteria for those awards, the student will normally be excluded from the programme.

To progress with the Research Project 2 and therefore stay within the MRes programme, the student must:

pass the Research Project 1 (with referral if required) and;
pass the Research Methods unit (with compensation or referral if required) and;
pass the Laboratory Skills unit (with compensation or referral if required), and;
pass the Masterclass in Reproduction and Pregnancy (with compensation or referral if required), and;
pass the Tutorial unit (with compensation or referral if required), and;
satisfactorily attend and complete all compulsory elements (Understanding academic malpractice), and appropriate components of the Faculty Regulatory courses (as agreed with their Programme Director), and;
achieve a mark of ≥50% on assessment of Research Performance (see Programme logbook)

Submission of the MRes Dissertation and the Final Examiners’ Meeting

The student must give on-line notification to submit 6 weeks prior to submitting the MRes dissertation. Students will be informed of the notification date and procedure for dissertation submission beforehand. After internal double marking and moderation by the external examiner, the dissertation marks are sent to the School Examination Panel for ratification.

Each student will be recommended according to the following categories:

1. Award MRes with Distinction
2. Award MRes with Merit
3. Award MRes
4. Referred for Masters (MRes) (Resubmission of Dissertation)
5. Award Diploma / Certificate
6. Fail

You will receive formal notification of your award following the final School Examination Panel. The MRes Programme Directors, MRes Committee or the Graduate Office are not permitted to disclose the recommendations made at the Final Examiners’ meetings. In the event that there are conflicts of opinion between the recommendations made by the External Examiner and those made by the Internal Examiners, the School Examination Board has the mandate to resolve the conflict and to make the final decision.

8. Learning Resources

Learning Resources within the School

Access to computers, printers, email and the internet is available at several computer clusters within the School including the Multiuser laboratories on the ground floor of Stopford or in the new medical teaching block. Additionally, there are postgraduate computing clusters in each Research Section.

Centre for Academic and Researcher Development (CARD)

http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/trainingteam/Default.aspx

The Centre for Academic and Researcher Development team creates an environment that supports you through every stage of your career, allowing you to excel and reach your full potential. They deliver face to face training programmes and continual online resources that are tailored to meet your needs.

University Learning Resources

Library – http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/

With over 3.5 million books, some 7,000 current periodical subscriptions and a wide range of electronic resources, the University of Manchester Library http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/ is one of the largest academic libraries in the UK. The computer catalogue of the Library provides details of the books and periodicals available and can be used to reserve and renew books. It can be accessed using dedicated terminals distributed throughout the Library and through the Library’s World Wide Web site. Graduate students may borrow 12 books plus additional books from a Short Loan collection that contains duplicate copies of books in heavy demand. Any material that is not available in the Library may be ordered through the Document Supply Unit. Information desks are distributed throughout the Library together with self-service photocopiers. Nearly 200 electronic services, including the main scientific, engineering, biological and medical databases, are available through a Library web-based service. A Training Suite in the Library is used to provide hands-on training in the use of electronic databases.

Available Software

A new system opened over the summer which gives you access to download software from a catalogue of site-licensed software packages – such as SPSS, Graphpad Prism and Reference Manager.

The system, called the Electronic Software Distribution system, has an intuitive, on-line-shopping-style web interface, and may be accessed day or night from on-campus machines or from off-campus machines which are securely connected to the campus network using the Virtual Private Network service.

Site-licensed software is now available free-of-charge without having to wait for the media to be copied.

For quick and convenient access to software, visit: http://www.software.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/

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, or search the Knowledge Base.

For IT and eLearning support visit: https://elearning.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/student/technical-support/

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 Video Portal and on YouTube:

The recording is just over seven minutes long and covers most of the commonly used tools in Blackboard.

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

Data Protection

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

PGT Degree Regulations

Policy on Feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students

Student Complaints Procedure

Student Charter

Work and Attendance of Students (Regulation XX)

Student Support Issues

A-Z of Student Services

Accommodation

Blackboard
Students should access Blackboard via My Manchester

Careers Service

Counselling Service

Disability Advisory and Support Service

University Language Centre – Study English - Tel: 0161 306 3397

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Staff and Students

Health & Fitness

Health & Safety Policy

International Advice Team

IT and eLearning Support

Mature Students Guide

Occupational Health Services for Students

Personal Development Planning

A Personal Safety Guide for International Students

Students Union

10. Appendix

Good Research Conduct

Code of Good Research Conduct
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=2804

Good Research Practice Booklet
http://www.researchsupport.eps.manchester.ac.uk/documents/policy/UOMgoodresearchpractice.pdf

General principles
This code is written to preserve the highest professional standards, while striving to maintain an environment that values creativity and flexibility.

All work must be carried out in accordance with the highest standards of scientific practice.
Policies on safeguarding good scientific practice are available from the BBSRC at http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/web/FILES/Policies/joint_code_of_practice_for_research.pdf

Extract from Good Research Practice Booklet

3.9 Recording, Storing and Archiving
Research Data/Materials
As leader of a research project, you are responsible for ensuring that there are clear protocols for the collection, recording, storage and archiving of research data/materials generated as part of your project. These protocols should fit within any professional guidance available, guidance from funding bodies, your school and the University’s Code of Good Research Conduct.

3.10 Health and Safety
It is your responsibility to ensure that the research staff and students for whom you have responsibility are provided with an environment that is safe and healthy and all research is conducted within the requirements of health and safety legislation:

That necessary risk assessments have been undertaken (Never assume that because your research is not lab-based or using hazardous substances that it would not require a risk assessment).
That staff are adequately informed, trained and monitored regarding safe practices to ensure they do not endanger themselves, others or the environment.
That your research complies with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations as appropriate.