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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

Staying Safe – Covid-19

Feeling prepared and equipped at the present time inevitably brings thoughts of health and safety. We have followed the advice from Universities UK, Public Health England and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to make sure our campus is a safe and happy environment for you to start your studies.

When arriving on campus, you’ll notice the changes we’ve made to keep everyone safe. For example, our buildings will have clearly marked entry and exit points; we’ll be asking everyone to sanitise or clean their hands immediately on entry; and markings on floors, stairwells and doors will help maintain social distancing.

Read our detailed safety guidance here.

As part of our University’s commitment to keep all staff and students safe we are strongly recommending everyone on campus to download the NHS COVID-19 app

It’s important for everyone to follow the guidelines on campus to keep themselves and others safe. We have faith that all members of our University community will do the right thing. You can politely remind people of the guidelines if they aren’t following them. If you still have concerns, you can report these to our COVID-19 team via Covid-info@manchester.ac.uk

Breaches of COVID-19 guidelines may be subject to University disciplinary action.

Our ‘Staying Safe’ microsite outlines the safety measures that are in place as well as useful information regarding:-

 Student Frequently Asked Questions is regularly updated online but if you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact your school as soon as possible.

Points of Contact

Programme Director
Dr Joanne Pennock (Senior Lecturer)
School of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health
University of Manchester
joanne.pennock@manchester.ac.uk
0161 275 5133

Programme Co-Director
Dr Nicholas Barnes (Lecturer)
School of Medical Sciences
Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health
University of Manchester
nicholas.barnes-2@manchester.ac.uk
0161 275 4964

Unit Lead (Immune Responses)
Dr Lily Novak-Frazer (Lecturer)
School of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health
University of Manchester
lily.novak-frazer@manchester.ac.uk
0161 291 4198

Unit co-Lead (Hypersensitivity & Allergy)
Dr Susana Marinho (Consultant Allergist and Honorary Senior Lecturer)
Susana.Marinho@manchester.ac.uk

Programme Board Members
Prof Silvia Bulfone-Paus (Professor of Immunobiology)
Dr Peter Arkwright (Senior Lecturer/Consultant Paediatric Allergist & Immunologist)

Programme Administrators
 Miss Amanda Benson and Miss Emily Burns

School of Medical Sciences
Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health
1.485, 1st Floor, Stopford Building
University of Manchester
clinicalimmunology@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 306 3411

MSc student rep. To be appointed democratically by the student cohort

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.

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

Please be aware that you will be required to provide a full vaccination history to the University’s Occupational Health team, and receive any vaccinations that may be missing or out of date – these will be confirmed at your Occupational Health appointment.

In addition, we strongly recommend that you are vaccinated against Hepatitis B if you undertake a research project that involves handling of clinical material Any student who intends to have a career within a clinical setting will be required by their future employers to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B. In this case it is sensible to ensure you are vaccinated as soon as possible.

When you have registered on our programmes, you will be invited for an appointment at the University of Manchester Occupational Health Service. During this appointment you will be assessed for ‘Fitness to Work’ in a laboratory and will identify (and provide) any vaccinations you may require. (http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/occupational-health). Alternatively, vaccinations can be arranged via your GP (with whom you should register during your stay in Manchester).

2. Overview of the Programme

 

Programme Overview

The MSc/PGDip Clinical Immunology is designed to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of Clinical Immunology. This will equip students with the transferable, intellectual and professional skills to permit them to develop their academic and professional potential throughout their career by fostering lifelong learning in the pursuit of excellence in scholarship.

The programme provides a unique opportunity for clinical immunology students to undertake core academic and research skills education and training with students from the other health science disciplines. Through shared taught units students will benefit from inter-professional multidisciplinary learning whilst at the same time gaining the ability to apply core knowledge and understanding specific to Clinical Immunology. The programme is delivered by the University of Manchester (UoM) with Haematological Malignancy component delivered in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).

Aims Of The Programme

 

The Postgraduate Diploma programme aims to:
1 Equip students with knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of clinical immunology.
2 Produce graduates with a critical understanding of how the data obtained by the clinical immunology laboratory is used in conjunction with other specialisms, to develop a clinical diagnosis, and how this information can be logically and systematically employed to aid effective management in the patient care pathway.
3 Contribute to innovation, change and service developments in clinical immunology at both the laboratory and institutional levels by equipping students with a systematic and critical understanding of relevant knowledge, theoretical frameworks and advanced skills.
4 Enhance career-long development and promote lifelong learning in students in order to support and enhance best practice in clinical immunology.
5 Develop the students’ experimental, analytical and interpretative skills through the undertaking of a comprehensive research project.

Learning Outcomes Of The Programme

A. Knowledge & Understanding

Upon completion of the programme, students should have or be able to demonstrate::

For the Postgraduate Diploma and masters
1 Knowledge and understanding of the human immune system.
2 Knowledge and understanding of the clinical significance of immunity as applied to infection and cancer.
3 Knowledge and understanding of the causes of immunodeficiency. They will understand the clinical presentation and investigation of a range of immunodeficient conditions and the principles and practice of immunotherapy.
4 Knowledge and understanding of the mechanism of hypersensitivity and allergy. They will understand the clinical presentation and investigation of a range of conditions associated with hypersensitivity and allergy.
5 Knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of patients with haematological malignancies, transplantation and appropriate investigations.
6 Knowledge and understanding of the mechanism of autoimmunity. They will understand the clinical presentation and investigation of a range of autoimmune disease.
7 Knowledge and understanding of the basic scientific principles and application of common assays and analytical techniques employed in clinical immunology laboratory.
Additionally for the Masters only
8 An ability to systematically and critically employ the knowledge and understanding obtained during the taught component of the programme to address an original research question through the design and undertaking of a comprehensive research project and production of a dissertation.

B. Intellectual Skills

Upon completion of the programme, students should be able to:

For the Postgraduate Diploma and Masters
1 Critically appraise and interpret information from different sources in order to develop a coherent critical analysis of issues relating to the practice clinical immunology.
2 Systematically and objectively evaluate what immunological parameters need to be established to develop a valid diagnosis of a patient displaying specific clinical symptoms.
3 Critically evaluate the performance of new analytical technologies in the context of the specific requirements of clinical immunology.
4 Critically analyse and objectively evaluate immunological data from different analytical platforms.
5 Interpret immunological data and then systematically develop a clinical diagnosis and clear therapeutic strategy.
Additionally for the Masters only
6 Synthesise, analyse and systematically combine information obtained from different sources to develop a defined original research question and then to address it through the development of a coherent research project.
7 Interpret and statistically interrogate scientific data leading to the generation of valid and defensible scientific conclusions.

C. Practical Skills

Upon completion of the programme, students should have or be able to:

For the Postgraduate Diploma and Masters
1 Effectively communicate with colleagues through the presentation of verbal and written reports.
2 Collect, collate and record scientific data according to established professional practices.
3 Draw on their knowledge and understanding of different analytical approaches to formulate appropriate analytical strategies to integrate clinical pathologies.
4 Contribute to the advancement of effective and timely patient diagnosis through a knowledge and understanding of the multidisciplinary environment of the clinical immunology laboratories within the modern health service.
5 Utilise appropriate theoretical frameworks and evidence-based constructs to formulate proposals to advance clinical immunology practice.
Additionally for the Masters only
6 Design a scientifically valid experimental strategy to address a specific research question relevant to modern clinical immunology practice.
7 Produce a cogent dissertation that contains a critical analysis and evaluation of data generated during the research project, and a concise and scientifically valid interpretation of the experimental findings.

D. Transferable Skills and Personal Qualities

Upon completion of the programme, students should have or be able to:

For Postgraduate Diploma and Masters
1 Communicate effectively in a variety of settings with a range of individuals.
2 Effectively utilise information technology/health informatics.
3 Demonstrate research and enquiry skills by accessing and analysing literature in order to inform and develop practice.
4 Work co-operatively and effectively with others as a member of a team.
5 Reflect on their own academic and clinical performance and utilise strategies to improve these.
6 Use logical and systematic approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.

Programme Structure and Credits

The MSc/PGDip programme in Clinical Immunology is a full-time programme delivered over 9 months or one year respectively. The MSc programme is composed of a 120-credit taught component, which consists of four 15-credit and one 30-credit taught units delivered in semesters 1 and 2, and a 30-credit research proposal (Research Project 1), with progression to a 60-credit research project (Research Project 2) undertaken during the summer. The PGDip programme solely consists of the 120 credit taught component of the MSc; PGDip students do not undertake a research project.

The programme also provides a unique opportunity for students to undertake core professional and research skills education and training alongside NHS clinical scientist trainees from Blood Science disciplines.  Through shared taught units students will benefit from inter-professional multidisciplinary learning whilst at the same time gaining the ability to apply core knowledge and understanding specific to Clinical Immunology.

PGDip consists of:

Taught Units (90 credits)

  1. Research Methods (0 credits)
  2. Introduction to Clinical Immunology (15 credits)
  3. Research Skills Masterclass – Clinical Immunology (15 credits)
    1. Week 1 (Proteins)
    2. Week 2 (Flow Cytometry)
  4. Immune Responses (15 credits)
  5. Immunodeficiency and Immunotherapy (15 credits)
  6. Advanced Clinical Immunology (30 credits)
    1. Hypersensitivity and Allergy
    2. Haematological Malignancy and Transplantation
    3. Autoimmunity

Research Project 1 (Clinical Immunology) (30 credits)

This provides students with an experience of designing an original research project. Students will learn how to critically appraise and synthesise published research, formulate and work with a relevant research question, formulate an appropriate experimental plan and develop research-writing and presentation skills.

To complete the Masters, students will complete a research project:

Research Project 2 (60 credits)

Students will develop and refine core research and transferable skills in addition to expanding their knowledge and understanding of clinical immunology.

For progression to the Research Project 2, students must pass the Research Project 1 element of the programme. All other taught elements must also be passed (with compensation or referral if required).

The pattern of delivery for the different awards and durations are as follows:

SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 Semester 3
Full time PGDip 1 2 3a 4 6a 6b 6c 5 3b RP1 EXIT
Full time MSc 1 2 3a 4 6a 6b 6c 5 3b RP1 RP2
Part time MSc (year 1) 1 2 4 5 RP1
Part time MSc (year 2) 6a 6b 6c RP2

Students enrolled on the Masters programme on a part time basis may choose which year to undertake the 3a and 3b components of the Research Skills Masterclass unit; however it is strongly recommended that both components of this unit should be undertaken in Year 1.

Taught Units

Semester 1

Induction Week (0 credits)

The unit acts as a zero credit introduction and familiarisation course for the students and will be shared with the other programmes in the Healthcare Sciences Consortium. The week will consist of a series of induct and introductory lectures and seminars, and will include:

  • Programme Induction
  • University/Faculty Induction
  • Introductions to Health and Safety and Good Laboratory Practice
  • Basic Laboratory Skills
  • PGT Online Resources

SMS Introductory Course – Lab-based (MEDN67810)

All students are automatically enrolled onto an introductory course unit that provides information on health and safety, academic malpractice and academic literacy.  Completion instructions for each of these units are clearly defined within the course.  Completion of these units 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 units is monitored by the School.

Research Methods (0 credits)

The Research Methods Course Unit is a non-credit bearing  (please refer to programme summary) interactive blended learning unit which will give you a comprehensive introduction to key information and skills required for the design, execution, interpretation and dissemination of medical, scientific and clinically-related research. The research methods course is an integral part of your research experience whilst undertaking your degree. It will help you produce a high quality dissertation and provide you with the strongest grounding possible to carry out successful research, whether in academia, industry or a medically-aligned profession.

The unit is a blended combination of lectures, workshops and on-line material designed to cover topics relating to critical analysis of scientific/medical research literature, information management, study design, basic statistical analysis, research integrity, research presentation skills, scientific writing and publishing skills.  These topics will provide the students with transferable skills and competencies necessary to complete and to improve your effectiveness in research. The unit has formative non-credit bearing assessments to allow you to adjust to the expectations of postgraduate study and reflect on your additional learning requirements.

Introduction to Clinical Immunology (15 credits)

This module will provide the students with an introduction to the immune system and immune responses.  They will develop an understanding of the organisation and components of the immune systems, and how it works at a fundamental level. They will also understand the role of a clinical immunology laboratory service, and gain knowledge of diagnostic techniques employed within the clinical immunology laboratory in the investigation, diagnosis and management of immune disorders.

Research Skills Masterclass (15 credits)

This unit will provide students with hands-on experience of well-documented techniques used in clinical and research laboratories, including protein analysis and flow cytometry. Students will receive both theoretical and practical instruction relating to laboratory procedures to enable them to undertake experimental research.

Immune Responses (15 credits)

This unit provides students with a knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of immunity, and provide students with a good understanding of how the immune system functions in response to both infection and cancer. The student will become familiar with methods and strategies to investigate the immune system in infection and malignancy, and the clinical significance of results in relation to infection and malignancy.

Semester 1/2

Advanced Clinical Immunology (30 credits)

This is a 30 credit unit, which comprises three components.

1: Hypersensitivity & Allergy:This component will provide the student with knowledge and understanding of the mechanism of hypersensitivity and allergy. They will understand the clinical presentation and investigation of a range of associated conditions. They will become familiar with methods and strategies to investigate hypersensitivity and allergy and gain experience of the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings.

2: Haematological Malignancies & Transplantation:This component equips students with knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of patients with haematological malignancies. Furthermore, it will provide students with knowledge of the scientific basis of stem cell transplantation and an understanding of principles and practice of stem cell transplantation.

3: Autoimmunity:This component will provide the student with knowledge and understanding of the mechanism of autoimmunity. They will understand the clinical presentation and investigation of a range of autoimmune disease. They will become familiar with methods and strategies to investigate autoimmunity and gain experience of the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings.

Semester 2

Immunodeficiency and Immunotherapy (15 credits)

This unit will provide the student with knowledge and understanding of the causes of immunodeficiency. They will understand the clinical presentation and investigation of a range of immunodeficiency conditions and the principles and practice of immunotherapy. They will become familiar with methods and strategies to investigate immunodeficiency and gain experience of the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings

Research Project 1 (30 credits)

This unit provides students with an experience of planning an original research project, assessed as a short research proposal. Students will develop abilities to critically appraise and synthesise published research, formulate and work with a relevant research question and develop research-writing and presentation skills.

The research proposal will be comprised of a focussed literature review and formulation of a research proposal related to the intended topic for the dissertation research project to be undertaken in Research Project 2. Developing an evidence-based proposal is an essential skill for researchers and provides an opportunity for students to formulate a hypothesis and design a research project including the aims, experimental approach be utilised, and intended impact of undertaking the research, using the knowledge gained so far in the course and from undertaking the literature review.

Research Project 1 aims to train students in developing the following transferable skills:

  • Literature and database searching
  • Critical analysis
  • Identification and conceptualisation 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
  • Presentation skills

Research Project 2 – Research Project and Dissertation (60 credits) 

The research project permits students to develop and refine core research and transferable skills in addition to expanding their knowledge and understanding of clinical immunology. The research project will be started after completion of the taught component of the programme, and once the Research Project 1 element has been passed. It will run through the summer (usually May-August) and be completed for submission on 6th September 2019. Students will also be required to deliver an oral presentation on their research project prior to the submission of the written dissertation.  If a student is having difficulties he/she should immediately contact their Personal Advisor or the Programme Director.

During the research project you are expected to produce a dissertation (see Appendix II). This will include a literature review, which will be an expanded version from that submitted for Research Project 1. An online notice of submission form should be completed 6 weeks prior to the date of submission.  The School Graduate Office will ensure you are given access to the online submission form.  If you have any queries about the online submission form you should contact your Programme Administrator. An electronic copy of your dissertation will need to be submitted via the Dissertation course unit space on Blackboard.

A copy of the presentation of dissertations policy is available online: http://www.campus.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/map/teachinglearningassessment/assessment/sectionb-thepracticeofassessment/guidanceforthepresentationoftaughtmastersdissertations/.

You should expect some help from your project supervisor in writing the report. Obviously, the extent of this help may be reflected in the final mark, but as a rule your project supervisor will be expected to read and comment on a first draft of the report. You should however provide your supervisor with adequate notice when submitting your draft report since they have many calls on their time. You will find it helps to prepare figures and to work on aspects of your report throughout your research project, rather than leaving it until the end before you start writing.

It is important to remember that one of your markers will not be closely aware of your project. It is therefore important to provide a clear and concise write-up. Given that projects will vary in the number and size of figures/images, the fairest and most consistent method to standardise the length is to impose a word limit.

Project Supervisors for Research Project 1 and 2

Each student will be allocated a Research Project Supervisor. Supervision is governed by the University Manual of Academic Procedures, which outlines in more detail the responsibilities of the supervisor and the student.  Briefly, the responsibilities of the supervisor include: giving guidance about the nature of research and the standard expected; the planning of the research programme; and pointing the Student towards relevant literature and other sources of information.

The relationship between the student and his/her supervisor is of central importance.  Both the student and the supervisor have a responsibility to ensure that the dissertation is completed within the prescribed period of the programme. Supervisors and students should establish at their initial meeting clear and explicit expectations of each other in order to minimise the risks and problems of misunderstanding, personality clashes, inadequate supervision and unsatisfactory work.  Timetables for Progress Monitoring meetings must be closely observed.  It should be noted that in some instances students may be jointly supervised by staff, and be assigned a principal and second supervisor.

Course Unit Outline – Research Methods (MEDN 69920)

The Unit Lead: Dr Vitalia Kinakh                                 vitalia.kinakh@manchester.ac.uk

Course Unit Administrator: Christie Finegan               christie.finegan@manchester.ac.uk

Overview of the Course Unit

The Research Methods Course/Unit is an interactive blended learning unit. It will give you a comprehensive introduction to key information and skills required for the design, execution, interpretation and dissemination of medical, scientific and clinically-related research.

The Research Methods (RM) course is an integral part of your experience whilst undertaking your degree. It will help provide you with the strongest grounding possible to carry out successful research, whether as part of your course (e.g. in a dissertation) or/and in the future in academia, industry or a medically-aligned profession.

Aims of the Course Unit

This unit aims to prepare you for postgraduate research. Specifically, it will:

  • Introduce you to the skills and knowledge required to critically design, effectively implement, ethically conduct and knowledgeably interpret research in medical, scientific and clinically related sciences.
  • Provide you with life-long critical appraisal skills that you will be able to apply to any research evidence that comes before you.
  • Develop your competence in key transferable skills, particularly written and oral communication of research and time and project management in the research setting. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the Course Unit

Unit Overview and How to Ensure Research Ethics/Integrity.

ILOs:

  • To understand the importance of research integrity and how to avoid plagiarism, fraud, and misconduct
  • To raise awareness of the research governance framework that underpins robust, ethical research and consider case studies when research has gone wrong.

Research Study Design

ILOs:

  • To understand key concepts and epidemiological study design
  • To understand the basic principles of project and time management.
  • To be able to apply project planning tools to establish and execute a successful research study with maximum research impact.

Dissertation Skills

ILOs:

  • To be able to critically appraise a research paper.
  • To understand the principles of effective academic writing.
  • To be able to produce a high-quality dissertation and prepare a well-structured research abstract

Introduction to Statistics

ILOs:

  • To be able to appropriately describe and present quantitative data.
  • To understand the principles underlying hypothesis testing, sampling, estimation and confidence intervals
  • To be able to carry out statistical analyses using statistical software.

Research Communication Skills

ILOs:

  • To understand how to effectively communicate your research ideas and findings to a wide audience.
  • To be able to produce an effective research poster with high visual impact.
  • To be able to confidently deliver a research presentation and defend/field questions.

Organisation of the Course Unit

This is a blended course and combines guided independent study (making use of online resources) and taught sessions. Blackboard RM online resources, including reading and varied visual materials, are designed to cover topics relating to critical analysis of research integrity, scientific/medical research literature, study design, basic statistical analysis, research presentation skills and scientific writing skills. Blackboard RM online resources include self-assessment exercises and quizzes to formatively assess your learning.

Research Methods Online includes:

  1. Dissertation Skills
  • Library skills – key bibliographic databases and how to carry out focused searches – with MCQ self-assessment (formative).
  • Academic Writing, referencing and plagiarism – writing style development for your assignment and dissertation including critical reading, academic writing style, structure, word choice and grammar.
  • Critical appraisal – key concepts, appraising different study designs and assessing quality in research.
  1. Study Design
  • Protocol design – the principals involved in the research process including research protocol development, data collection/management, work scheduling, resources/budgeting, ethics/safety – with MCQ self-assessment (formative).
  • Epidemiology – key concepts and epidemiological study design – with MCQ self-assessment (formative).
  • Ethics – the ethical and legal framework governing research and how to obtain ethical approval for your research.
  • Evidence based practice – the elements of good evidence-based practice and its role in effective healthcare delivery.
  • Good clinical practice – the principles of clinical research practice including protocol development, gaining approval, conducting a trial and safety reporting.
  1. Statistical Analysis
  • Further key concepts – Applying the appropriate statistical technique (including correlation and linear regression, logistic regression, survival analysis and diagnostic testing) to solve important problems in clinical or clinically related research.

3. Teaching, Learning and Assessment

 

Coursework and Assignments

We normally require you to submit written coursework and assignments via the Blackboard e-learning environment.

You should be given an assignment brief by either the academic leading the course unit or your programme administrator. Your assignment brief should contain the following information:

  • Methods for submission (e.g. via Blackboard, email etc.)
  • Word count (excluding bibliography/reference list, figure legends, tables and appendices).
  • Details of any penalties which would be incurred for exceeding the word count.
  • Referencing style to be used (e.g. Harvard, Numeric). (All written work must contain referencing.)
  • The weighting the assessment contributes towards the course unit

Submitting your assignments

Do:

  • Ensure that your student ID number is contained in the filename for your submission.
  • Ensure that your student ID number (not your name) is contained within the body of your assignment (e.g. in the header or footer).
  • Leave adequate time to upload your assignment via Blackboard. The portal for submission will be closed after the deadline.
  • State the word count of the assignment (word counts exclude bibliography/reference list, figure legends and tables and appendices). Students should ensure that figure legends and tables are of an appropriate length are not used to circumvent the word limit.  Students who are found to be doing this will be penalised.

Do Not:

  • Include your name in the file name.
  • Include your name in the body of the assignment (except for the final dissertation).

If you have technical difficulties on the day of the deadline and cannot submit via Blackboard, then as a last resort you should email your work to clinicalimmunology@manchester.ac.uk

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

Preparing for your Exams

Practice exam questions will be made available to you within the appropriate course unit space on Blackboard.

All aspects of the course unit are eligible for assessment/examination unless stated otherwise by the Programme Director.  On some occasions, speakers/lecturers may advise you that particular elements are not examinable – PLEASE IGNORE THIS!  However, please note it is not appropriate for us to offer specific guidance to any lecturer on what will and will not be examined.

Do:

  • Ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before the exam start time.
  • If you are delayed and may not be able to arrive for the exam start time please notify the programme team.
  • Always bring a calculator; your invigilator will be able to advise you at the start of the exam whether or not calculators are permitted for that paper. NB It is not the University’s responsibility to provide calculators in an examination.

Exam Timetable Information, Locations and Equipment

All exams are arranged by the programme team.  Therefore, details of your Exam date, location and time will be made available by your programme administrator normally through the programme community space in Blackboard / via email during the academic year.

Grades and Feedback

We aim to make grades available within 15 working days of the assignment submission or exam date. We aim to give feedback within this time frame on written assignments (feedback will be available through Blackboard or sent by either academic or administrative staff). Feedback comments for examinations are available on request.

Grades for all assessed work are released via the Campus Solutions Student System which can be accessed via the My Manchester area https://my.manchester.ac.uk .

Within the Student System navigate via Self Service>Student Center>Academics>Assignments

All grades are subject to final ratification at Examination Board.

 

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

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.

Detailed Format for Writing a Masters Dissertation

The dissertation should be prepared in line with the University of Manchester’s Guidance for the Presentation of Taught Masters Dissertations. The document is available via the following link: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=2863

Additional information that needs to be provided with the Dissertation includes:

Introduction and aims: This section should provide information about the background to the project. The main aim of the Introduction is to inform the reader why the area of research is important, and how the project contributes to the research field. This section should end with one or two paragraphs that clearly state the overall aims (e.g. what hypothesis will be tested?) and the key objectives (e.g. what experiments will be performed?) of the project. The Introduction should be self-contained and should not require the reader to access additional material in order to understand it. Neither should it be a leisurely review of the field. It should be limited to around 6-10 pages of typescript. The referencing of reviews to cover large areas of literature is appropriate. However, research that is directly relevant to the project should be referenced in full as primary research papers. The use of figures to illustrate concepts or previous work is encouraged. It is best that figures are originals. Where unavoidable, figures may be copied or adapted from journals, in which case they must be cited in full within the legend.

In summary, it is important to identify in the Introduction:

  • The research topic or area;
  • The question or questions being addressed, and why they are important;
  • The purpose of the project. In most cases, the project should seek to test a hypothesis. Some projects may be more observational, in which case it is important to identify how these observations will be utilised to advance the field.

Materials and Methods: This should provide a description of the experimental systems and designs employed to obtain data, the materials used (including suppliers), and the methods of data and statistical analysis. Detail should be sufficient for others to repeat the work and to demonstrate that the student has understood the methods used. The key here is to appreciate which methodologies require detailed descriptions and which standard procedures can be dealt with quickly by referencing previous publications or manufacturers’ instructions:

  • There is no need to describe at length many standard laboratory procedures. For example, cell culture could be described by: “HeLa cells were grown in a 5% CO2 environment, in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and containing penicillin (x U/ml) and streptomycin (x U/ml).” Methods of cell splitting etc. need not be referred to unless they are intrinsic to the design of experiments.
  • Many standard protocols use kits. These can be described by identifying the kit and stating that methods were followed according to the manufacturer’s instructions (with details of any modifications).

Results: A detailed description of the results and findings. These should not endlessly re-state the aims of the project but should provide sufficient information to allow the reader to ascertain the aim of each experiment/method development and what the result was. The results are often best divided into sections, each with a theme.

The text should be supported with figures and tables. These should be placed in the appropriate position within the main body of the report, i.e. immediately following the first reference to each table or figure, and not all put at the end of the report. Tables and Figures should be self-contained with appropriately detailed legends and it should normally not be necessary to describe every aspect of the table/figure in the text. There may however be occasions when you want to draw the reader to specific components of the Table/Figure (for example, “note differences between columns X and Y in Table II”, or “note the asterisked bands in lane 6 of Figure 4” etc).

Tables should be numbered consecutively. They must have an informative heading and an explanatory legend. These should make the general meaning comprehensible without reference to the text. Consider the layout carefully so the significance of the data can be grasped readily. Statistics should be quoted where appropriate. Units in which the results are expressed should be given at the top of each column.

Figures should also be numbered consecutively and should contain appropriate headings, annotations and legends. Do not make the figures over complicated by presenting too many sets of data. On graphs, each line should have a separate symbol and error bars should be shown where appropriate.  Unless there are special reasons, do not present the same data in more than one form.

Discussion: The Discussion should not be a paraphrasing of the results and is normally headed only by a brief summary of your findings. The Discussion should consist of a logical flow of arguments and reasoning that explains and expands upon the results in simple English, and identifies their relevance to published findings. You will be expected here to refer mainly to primary papers in the literature. The Discussion also provides an opportunity for you to defend your conclusions, identify how experiments could have been improved upon, and to discuss how the project might develop given more time.

Conclusions: A short summary will identify whether the approaches used have been successful and whether the aims that the student set originally have been achieved.

References: There should be a single reference section at the end of the document. References must be cited in full (all author names and initials, date, title, journal, volume, pages). References can be cited in the text either by author and date (e.g. Smith, 1996 or Smith and Brown, 1980 or Smith et al., 1990) or by numbering e.g. (34). You are encouraged to use a referencing software package such as Endnote or Reference Manager.

Acknowledgements: You may wish to acknowledge the people who have helped you in your project.

Appendices etc: Appendices are useful ways to include supplementary data (e.g. DNA sequences) without breaking the flow of the dissertation. Buffer compositions are best described in parentheses within the Methods section, but their inclusion in an appendix is acceptable. Abbreviations should be listed on a separate page, preferably after the Table of Contents. Terms that are abbreviated should be used 3 or more times in the text. They should be written in full the first time they are used, followed by the abbreviation in parenthesis.

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

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/

Extensions

It is expected that all students will submit work for assessment in advance of the deadline for submission provided in the assignment brief.  Extension requests will only be considered in exceptional circumstances when submitted with documentary evidence.

All coursework extension requests should be submitted directly to the Programme Administrator. Course tutors do not accept extension requests. Please send extension requests to the following e-mail address: clinicalimmunology@manchester.ac.uk

In the first instance, coursework extensions of up to one week can be considered at the discretion of the Programme Director. Extensions of up to one week are usually only granted for acute illness around assignment submission time and any unforeseen life events that affect your ability to work in the short-term. Evidence supporting the request (where possible and/or appropriate) will be required in order for the Programme Director to make an informed decision on the extension request.

Extensions are not given for inadequate time planning or due to holidays booked during term time.  Extensions are not given for failure or loss of a computer or printer that prevents submission of work on time.  We expect that you should back up work regularly.  All students have access to a My documents P:Drive via the My Manchester portal as an option for secure electronic file back-up.

*All requests must be received by 4.00 pm on the last working day before the assignment deadline*

In your request please provide as much detail as possible (name, student registration number, course unit, assignment, reason for extension request), and be assured that all information will be treated confidentially.

In cases where a student may require longer than a one week extension, a mitigating circumstances form and appropriate evidence (e.g. medical certification) will need to be submitted.  Students with approved mitigating circumstances may be offered the opportunity to submit at a later date to be agreed by the Programme Director.

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.

Requests to Take Leave

Because of the structure of the MSc we are not always able to follow standard Semester dates and University holiday periods.  You are expected to attend for all taught lectures and exams.  We also expect that following completion of your taught assessments that you are actively engaging with your studies for your Research Projects 1 and 2.  If you wish to take leave, please submit a request with dates to your Programme Administrator, who will seek approval from the Programme Director.

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.

The MSc Programme Committee monitors all cases of absence, and students who do not attend satisfactorily will be asked to meet the Committee and give good reason for your lack of attendance.  Students are reminded that in order to maintain adequate academic support from staff, they are required to attend all teaching sessions.

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 Advisor

Each student will be allocated an academic advisor whose responsibilities will include pastoral care in addition to mentoring and monitoring the student’s academic and personal development progress during the programme. You will meet with your Academic Advisor at regular intervals throughout the course to discuss your academic progress and raise any issues you may have. The progress of the research project will also be discussed at these meetings (as well as progress on the programme more generally) but the supervision of the project is the responsibility of the project supervisor.

Attendance at Advisor meetings will be recorded by the student submitting a brief summary of the items discussed and signing an electronic form.

Prior to each meeting, you will be required to fill in an Advisor Meeting form using the FormSquared app.  It is your responsibility to ensure that these forms are completed and submitted by the deadline provided prior to your Advisor meetings. Should you not be able to access FormSquared, please print the forms and complete manually before your meeting. These forms provide a framework both for pastoral issues and academic progress. All information submitted on these forms is treated with complete confidentiality.

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

 

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

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.

http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/counselling/

Occupational Health

Occupational Health 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.

http://www.occhealth.manchester.ac.uk/

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, 9.30am to 4.30pm, term time and vacation. There is no need to make an appointment.

Religious Observance and Looking after yourself and your patients during Ramadan 

Policy on Religious Observance:

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 Dr Paul Turner who is a Clinician Scientist in Paediatric Allergy and Immunology and is based at Imperial College London.

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 will then report the matter to the 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.

External Examiner Meetings

For operational and administrative purposes the MSc is divided into three parts.

Initial consideration of marks – April / May

Examiners Meeting  – June

Final Examination Board – November

The MSc Programme has one External Examiner, who advises the Faculty on the quality of the MSc 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. He/she will be sent the assessments from the taught units and the research project dissertations.

Initial consideration of marks (April/May)

The programme team will monitor your results throughout the academic year.  We would normally expect to have complete course unit results for half of your taught units by May.  Students who have scored below 50 in any course units may be contacted by the programme team to discuss their marks.

Examiners Meeting (June)

An Examiners Meeting is held to ratify the provisional marks for all completed taught units and to determine which students should progress through to research project.  Students must have passed all taught units at Masters Level (including any units passed by compensation or referral, within the referral / compensation allowance defined in the Postgraduate taught degree regulations) and the Research Project 1 unit to be able to progress to the Research Project 2.  Students who do not meet the criteria to remain on the Masters pathway will be considered for an alternative exit award (PG Diploma or PG Certificate).

Final Examiners’ Meeting (November)

During this meeting the progress of each student will be discussed. The marks from the research project dissertation will be combined with the taught unit marks to provide a final weighted average percentage score. The panel will then recommend a classification for each student.

Please note the MSc Programme Director, MSc Programme Committee or the Graduate Office are not permitted to disclose the recommendations made at the Final Examiners’ meetings.

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, 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

 

Roles and Responsibilities of Supervisors and Students

Roles and Responsibilities of Supervisors

The responsibilities of Supervisors include:

a) giving guidance about the nature of research and the standard expected, the planning of the research programme, literature and sources, attendance at taught classes where, appropriate and about requisite techniques (including arranging for instruction where necessary);

b) maintaining contact through regular meetings (the frequency of meetings being appropriate to the research being undertaken and agreed in advance);

c) being accessible to the student at other appropriate times for advice and responding to difficulties raised by the student;

d) giving detailed advice on the necessary completion dates of successive stages of the work so that the thesis may be submitted within the agreed timescale;

e) requesting written work or reports as appropriate and returning written material with constructive criticism and in reasonable time;

f) ensuring that for degrees where an oral examination is required the student is adequately prepared by arranging for the student to present his or her work to staff and graduate seminars;

g) ensuring that the student is made aware when progress is not satisfactory and facilitating improvement with advice and guidance;

h) establishing at an early stage the Supervisor's responsibilities in relation to the student's written work, including the nature of the guidance and comments to be offered as the work proceeds and on the draft of the thesis before it is submitted. It must be made clear to the student that research for a higher degree is undertaken within the general principle that a thesis must be the student's own work;

i) ensuring that at the end of each year of the course the student produces a research report, to which the Supervisor should add comments on progress. The Supervisor's comments on progress should be signed by the student to confirm that they have been seen, before the annotated report is submitted by the Supervisor to the appropriate Supervisory body in accordance with established Graduate School procedures;

j) making students aware of other researchers and research work in the department and Graduate School;

k) encouraging the student to publish the research;

l) providing pastoral support and advising students, where appropriate, of University support services;

m) bringing to the attention of the students the health and safety regulations and academic rules, regulations and codes of practice of the University. More detailed guidance on Health and Safety is available in the University's Health and Safety Policy Notice UMHSP 33, available from Health and Safety Services, which interprets and applies the CVCP Note of Guidance N/93/111, "Health and Safety Responsibilities of Supervisors towards Graduate and Undergraduate students". Guidance on specific situations is available from the staff of Health and Safety Services;

n) to recommend examiners for the student’s thesis after discussion with the student to ensure that the proposed examiners have not had a significant input into the project, a significant personal, financial or professional relationship with the student, or that there is no other good reason to doubt the suitability of the recommendation.

 

Responsibilities of the Student

The responsibilities of the student include:

a) pursuing the programme with a positive commitment, taking full advantage of the resources and facilities offered by the academic environment and, in particular, contact with the Supervisor, other staff and research students;

b) discussing with the Supervisor the type of guidance and comment believed to be most helpful, and agreeing a schedule of meetings;

c) ensuring that he/she is aware of the health and safety regulations and academic rules and regulations and codes of practice of the University;

d) successfully completing any training programme arranged within the prescribed time period;

e) taking the initiative in raising problems or difficulties, however elementary they may seem, bearing in mind that prompt discussion and resolution of problems can prevent difficulties and disagreements at a later stage;

f) maintaining the progress of the work in accordance with the stages agreed with the Supervisor, including in particular the presentation of written material as required, in sufficient time to allow for comments and discussion before proceeding to the next stage. Where possible, students will be given details of the work programme for the academic year at the beginning of the year;

g) providing at the end of each year a report on progress to the Supervisor for submission to the appropriate Supervisory body in accordance with established Graduate School procedures. The report at the end of the first year will normally be a substantial piece of work in accordance with Graduate School procedures. Reports at the ends of subsequent years, occurring before the completion of the thesis, should adequately describe the progress made during the preceding year. If industrial research contract reports are being written on a regular basis, the Supervisor might judge these to be a satisfactory alternative to progress reports;

h) agreeing with the Supervisor the amount of time to be devoted to the research and the timing and duration of holiday periods;

i) deciding when to submit the thesis. The student should take due account of the Supervisor's opinion but must recognise that it is only Advisory. The student must ensure that appropriate notice of intent to submit a thesis is given, in accordance with the published University procedures;

j) checking the completeness and accuracy of the text of the thesis submitted; failure to check the thesis carefully may result in the thesis being failed or cause a delay in the award of a degree;

k) to disclose, in discussion with Supervisors concerning potential examiners for the thesis, any information that could significantly affect the suitability of the proposed examiner (s).  Such information may concern a significant input from the examiner(s) into the project or a significant personal, financial or professional relationship they may have had, with the student.