INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY AND VISION SCIENCES
MSc/PG Diploma/PG Certificate
PROGRAMME HANDBOOK
2022-23
Division of Pharmacy and Optometry
School of Health Sciences
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Welcome from the School Director of Education
I am delighted to welcome you to the School of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. We are extremely pleased you have chosen The University of Manchester to commence or continue your postgraduate study journey; whether you are progressing straight from your undergraduate studies, seeking to develop your knowledge/skills in your chosen career or are, bravely, taking a completely different direction in life.
In the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and humanity, we will place you at the centre of a transformational learning process to support you to achieve your individual goals and aspirations. Our challenge to you is to embrace all of the opportunities available to you; be bold, think differently and realise your potential. We want your postgraduate journey with us to be intellectually stretching, rewarding and fun.
We are aware that most of you will need to juggle a number of competing priorities during your postgraduate taught studies. Some of you will already be in full time employment, while others will need to secure part time employment to fund your studies. We know that many of you will have family and caring responsibilities that will have to be prioritised before your own learning. We hope the information detailed in this programme handbook will help you in managing these competing commitments. Whether you are joining us on campus, or studying at a distance, you are an integral part of our School and University, and we are here to support you.
We are extremely proud of our postgraduate student community and alumni who are making a difference, both locally and globally. We look forward to working with you, confident that you too will play a role in transforming the lives of people who use health and social care services, whether during your studies or upon graduation.
I wish you every success in your postgraduate studies here at The University of Manchester.
Mr Andrew Mawdsley
School Director of Education
School of Health Sciences
Introductory Courses
All students are automatically enrolled onto an introductory unit (SHSS60001 Introductory Courses) 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.
All students are also strongly advised to complete the academic literacy section. Completion of these assessments is monitored by the School.
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.
Full details of all these resources can be found in the introduction to each unit. These resources have been designed to give you formative feedback on your progress through them. If you experience any problems and would like to talk to someone please contact your Programme Director. If you have questions about referencing and how it applies to your own work, please contact your Programme Director or dissertation supervisor/module lead.
| Academic Writing | This is an excellent resource that supports you to write your assignments and dissertation. It is split into units that focus on key areas that previous students have found difficult and aims to enhance your academic writing style. |
| Research Methods* | This course is spilt into two units that cover introductions to study design and dissertation skills. It has a number of online quizzes where you can test your knowledge. |
| Statistics* | The course provides a valuable foundation for understanding and interpreting biostatistics. It aims to provide you with the fundamentals of quantitative analysis. |
| Presentation Skills | This short interactive unit is designed to help you to enhance your presentation skills. Regardless of whether you are presenting in public, preparing for conferences, an oral examination or more informal settings this unit will give you the tops tips to improve your delivery. |
| Qualitative Research Methods* | This unit has been designed to give you an introduction to Qualitative Research. |
| SPSS* | This is an introduction to statistics, using SPSS, a popular and comprehensive data analysis software package containing a multitude of features designed to facilitate the execution of a wide range of statistical analyses. |
* 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.
Introduction to MSc/PG Diploma/PG Certificate in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences
Welcome to the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry at the University of Manchester. The MSc in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science sits in the Pharmacy and Vision Sciences PGT Consortium in the School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
This programme handbook provides details of the University of Manchester Programme leading to the MSc or Postgraduate Diploma in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences. It includes information about the aims and learning outcomes, structure, content, admissions, assessment and programme management. It should be read in conjunction with related University documentation.
This handbook contains details of the course structure, together with other useful information about the School. In Part A, there is a summary of how the course is structured while, in Part B, each of the course units is described. Part C contains practical information about the School, and Part D the various University Regulations.
We hope that your time studying with Manchester will be productive and enjoyable.
Programme Director:
Dr Catherine Porter
Email: catherine.porter@manchester.ac.uk
3.017 Carys Bannister Building
PGT Consortium Lead, Pharmacy & Vision Sciences:
Dr Alain Pluen
Email: Alain.Pluen@manchester.ac.uk
School Administrative Teams:
Student Hub: shs.hub@manchester.ac.uk
Wellbeing: shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk
Attendance monitoring: shs.attendance@manchester.ac.uk
Disability support: shs.dc@manchester.ac.uk
Mitigating Circumstances: shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk
Programmes team: shs.programmes@manchester.ac.uk
Assessments team: shs.assessment@manchester.ac.uk
General information about the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, staff listings and research interests are contained in this handbook, but more information can be obtained from the following web sites:
The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health home page:
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/
The University of Manchester home page:
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/
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, accessed via the MyManchester portal. 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.
Section A: Programme Structure
Rationale, General Description, Postgraduate Taught Degree Regulations for Students
Postgraduate Taught degrees at the University of Manchester are based on the National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). This framework requires students to achieve credit at Masters level in order to get an award. For a standard postgraduate taught Masters programme this will normally mean passing 180 credits. A standard Postgraduate Diploma will normally have 120 credits and a Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits. The way in which you study these credits will be defined later in the programme handbook and the programme specification.
The University sets standards relating to your performance on every unit but also on your progression through the programme. Your programme and course unit specifications will set out the requirements for passing the credit on individual units.
The full PGT Degree Regulations can be accessed at:
http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate-degree-regulations/.
The following guidance should be read in conjunction with the Introduction to the Postgraduate Degree Regulations for Students:
http://www.tlso.manchester.ac.uk/degree-regulations/
Exemptions to the PGT Degree Regulations
Please be aware that the IOVS programme has some higher requirements to the University degree regulations and details of these are outlined below.
The programmes above will not apply compensation rules to any course units.
An average mark of 50% must be achieved for each unit, with no individual component mark within that unit below 40%. If any component mark of a unit falls below 40%, this assessment must be referred. This rule applies to all units within the programme.
Criteria for Awards
Award of Masters Degree
The award of Masters degree is based upon credit accumulation using a pass mark of 50%.
Distinction
Exceptional achievements over the course of the Programme according to the taught masters marking scheme will be rewarded with the degree of Masters with Distinction.
To obtain a Distinction, students must have:
accrued 180 credits;
have passed all units with no referrals;
have achieved an overall weighted average of 70% or more across the programme;
Students who have compensated or have been referred in any course units are not eligible for the award of Distinction. In addition, the dissertation must be submitted by the end of the period of programme, unless there are significant mitigating circumstances, approved in advance for missing the end of programme deadline.
Merit
To obtain a Merit, students must have accrued 180 credits AND have achieved an overall weighted average of 60% or more across the programme, including any provision made for compensated or referred units.
Pass
To obtain a pass, students must have accrued 180 credits including any provision made for compensated or referred units.
Progression
To progress to the dissertation / research element of the Masters programme, students must have passed all taught units (120 credits).
Award Postgraduate Diploma
To obtain a Postgraduate Diploma award, students must have accrued 120 credits (as specified by the programme) including any provision made for compensated or referred units.
Award Postgraduate Certificate
To obtain a Postgraduate Certificate award, students must have accrued 60 credits (as specified by the programme) including any provision made for compensated or referred units.
Unless otherwise specified in the exemptions, the awards of Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate degree are based upon credit accumulation using a pass mark of 40% for which there is no classification other than pass/fail.
Exit Awards
Exit awards are available for students who do not satisfy the criteria for the programme they are registered on or who needs to exit the programme early due to unforeseen circumstances.
To be considered for a PG Diploma (120 credits; exit point) students must have accrued 120 credits across the programme.
To be considered for a PG Certificate (60 credits; exit point) students must have accrued 60 credits across the programme.
Please note the pass mark for course units making up the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate exit awards is 40%.
Reassessment
Reassessment as a result of a fail is known as a “Referral”. Reassessment as a result of approved and verified mitigating circumstances is known as “Deferral” and may be permitted where students are reassessed as a first attempt, for which no penalty applies.
Students may be referred in up to half of the total taught credits. The combined total number of credits referred on IOVS cannot exceed half the taught credits. Decisions with regard to which components should be reassessed are made by the Examination Board. When a student is referred they will normally be permitted to retake the assessment/exam on one further occasion.
At the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, students will normally be allowed one resubmission of a failed dissertation or project and this will normally be within four months of the date of the publication of the result.
The pass mark for a reassessment is the same as the first attempt (i.e. 50% for masters and 40% for Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate). When a reassessment is passed, the mark is capped at the lowest compensable fail mark (i.e. 40R), unless the previous mark was within the compensation zone, in which case the original mark will stand with a suffix ‘R’. This mark is used in the weighted average/total mark for the final award. The capped mark is applied to the whole unit and not the failed component.
Please refer to the ‘Programme Exemptions to PGT Degree Regulations’ section of the handbook where specific exemptions applicable to the programme will be listed.
Available Degree Classifications
| Overall Programme Mean | Number of Credits | Award |
| 40% or more | 120 | Certificate/Diploma PASS |
| 50% – 59.9% | 180 | MSc Pass |
| 60% – 69.9% | 180 | MSc Merit |
| 70% or more | 180 | MSc distinction* |
NB If Either Taught Average or Dissertation mark fails within the buffer zone of 58.0-59.9 the student may be considered for the award of Merit. Further information please see the Postgraduate Taught Regulations.
*MSc with Distinction- with 180 credits successfully completed and no mark < 50% on any Course Unit at first attempt
NB If Either Taught Average or Dissertation mark falls within the buffer zone of 68.0-69.9 the student may be considered for the award of Distinction. Further information please see the Postgraduate Taught Regulations.
Students who register originally for a Diploma, but subsequently wish to transfer to the MSc course, will be allowed to do so if they attain, in assessments of the taught Course Units, the level of achievement specified above for the award of the MSc.
Students must be awarded 120 credits before being permitted to progress to the Dissertation stage of the programme.
Deadlines for Assessed Work
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU TRANSFER SUBMISSION DATES TO YOUR DIARIES AS SOON AS THEY ARE PUBLISHED.
Assessment submissions
The University uses electronic systems for the purposes of detecting plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for marking. Such systems include TurnItIn, the plagiarism detection service used by the University.
In accordance with the Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes, ‘Where appropriate, summative assessed written work, including dissertations and projects, should be submitted online and subjected to plagiarism detection software’.
The School also reserves the right to submit work handed in by you for formative or summative assessment to TurnItIn 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.
All written summative assessments should be submitted via Blackboard® through TurnItIn. All written summative assessments must be submitted anonymously, only displaying your student ID.
Submission deadline dates and times are published on Blackboard® for each course unit.
We urge you to attempt to submit your assessment early in order to address any problems before the deadline.
Assessments must be submitted within the specified deadline. If there is a problem which prevents you submitting the assessment on time you must bring this to the attention of the Assessment and Progression Administrator promptly and before the assessment submission date. Depending on the length of time you require to complete the assessment you will then need to apply for an extension of up to a maximum of one week for circumstances such as acute illness (see paragraph on Extensions for full details). If you are experiencing longer term problems you should follow the mitigating circumstances route.
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 calendar 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 re-sit the assessment as the original mark can be taken in lieu of a re-sit/referral and normal re-sit/referral procedures will apply. Further information and examples can be found in the Policy and associated Guidance documents below.
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 procedures will apply.
The sliding scale should only be applied to first-sit submissions. For all referred (resit) assessment, any late submission will automatically receive a mark of zero.
For further information:
Policy on the Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
Extensions
Students can only make requests for extensions and mitigating circumstances if the requests are accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation and using the correct form.
Requests must also be made more than 1 working day (by 12pm, midday) prior to the submission deadline
How do I apply?
Please note that only 1 extension per assessment per attempt is available. If you are granted an extension and still unable to submit by the extension deadline, you need to submit a Mitigating Circumstances Form (see information above).
Students should complete and submit an Extension Request Form no later than 1 working day (by 12pm, midday) prior to the submission deadline. You should state the amount of extra time you require to complete your work by adding the date you feel you can complete by, the Student Support and Wellbeing team along with the Examinations Officer will agree on an acceptable deadline taking into account the marking timeframes of the course unit. The link to the form can also be found on the front page of any online submission area on the course units on blackboard. If you are unable to meet the agreed extension deadline, no further extension can be granted, however you can complete a mitigating circumstances application if there have been circumstances affecting you following your request for an extension.
You must submit evidence to support your application and send to this to shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk. You can see examples of appropriate evidence above under
‘What evidence do I need?’
Please note extensions cannot be granted on exams.
Provisional extensions can be granted in exceptional circumstances where evidence cannot be sought initially. However, if the requested evidence is not submitted before the provisional extension submission date, the extension will become null and void.
Once an extension is confirmed the student will be notified by email to their student email address. It is therefore important that students regularly check their account for important programme and assessment-related information.
Please note that as extensions fall outside the original marking period this may result in a longer marking period.
Automatic 1 week extension for DASS registered Students:
As part of your support plan you may be eligible for an automatic extension of 7 days for assessed written work. The Assessment and Progression team will already have been advised of this, and it will not be necessary for you to submit an application for mitigating circumstances if you are able to submit your work within the original deadline. If the circumstances directly relating to your disability mean that you will need additional time beyond the automatic extension of 1 week, you must submit an Extension Request Form. Please note that automatic extensions do not apply to group-work, presentations or other forms of assessment, and you must submit a mitigating circumstances application if you are unable to meet the deadline for anything other than assessed coursework.
If you have any questions, please contact the Student Support and Well-being team, you can drop in to see them in the SHS Student Hub, ground floor of the Jean McFarlane Building, or email them at shs.wellbing@manchester.ac.uk, or telephone: 0161 306 7812.
Mitigating Circumstances
Please read this advice in conjunction with the University’s Mitigating Circumstances Policy: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=4271
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/or examinations.
How do I apply?
The link for the Mitigating Circumstances Form can be found here Mitigating Circumstances Form, and on the front page of any online submission area on the course units on blackboard.
You must submit evidence to support your application (further information below). Please send this to shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk.
If you do not have access to supporting evidence at the time of completing the form, please note this on your summary of circumstances and complete the form within the required deadline and evidence can be emailed when available.
What types of circumstances are normally accepted or not accepted?
Possible mitigating circumstances include:
- significant illness or injury; or worsening of an ongoing illness or disability, including mental health conditions; (please see the following DASS webpage for examples of disabilities: http://www.dso.manchester.ac.uk/who-do-we-support/current-students/)
- the death or critical/significant illness of a close family member/dependant;
- significant family or personal crises or major financial problems leading to acute stress; and
- absence from the University for public service, for example, jury service.
These lists are examples; other circumstances can also be considered
Circumstances that will not normally be regarded as grounds for mitigation include:
- holidays, moving house and events that were planned or could reasonably have been expected;
- assessments that are scheduled close together;
- misreading the timetable or misunderstanding the requirements for assessments;
- inadequate planning and time management;
- failure, loss or theft of a computer or printer that prevents submission of work on time; students should back up work regularly and not leave completion so late that they cannot find another computer or printer;
- the act of religious observance;
- consequences of paid employment (except in some special cases for part-time students);
- exam stress or panic attacks not diagnosed as illness or supported by medical evidence; and
- disruption in an examination room during the course of an assessment which has not been brought to the attention of, or recorded by, the invigilators (including instances such as fire alarms or other noise disruption)
Pregnancy: events may arise during pregnancy that may constitute mitigating circumstances, and these need to be judged on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), that, at a minimum, students are required to take two weeks’ compulsory maternity-related absence, or four weeks if they are on placement in a factory. This is in line with employment law, and is to ensure the health and safety of the mother following birth.
If a student has already applied for and received an extension, to be considered for mitigating circumstances, they would need to provide additional evidence stating that the circumstances were ongoing throughout the extension period.
Students who are registered with the Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS)
If you need to apply for mitigating circumstances due to issues directly related to your disability, you do not need to provide any additional supporting evidence, but you must provide a detailed explanation on the application form of how your disability is specifically affecting your studies at the time. It is not sufficient to indicate only that you are registered with the DASS. Additionally, if you feel that your disability has been exacerbated by an event (such as bereavement or a change of medication) then you must still provide evidence of the event itself. A Disability Advisor from the DASS will be part of the Mitigating Circumstances Committee that will consider your application. When considering your application the Committee may check on your engagement with any support you have been offered by the DASS. If support is available but you have chosen not to engage, this may be taken into consideration and reflected in the Committee’s recommendation. If you are registered with DASS but need to apply for mitigating circumstances for an issue that is not directly related to your disability, you must provide supporting evidence (see below for details).
What evidence do I need?
You should provide as much supporting information as possible with your mitigating circumstances request. This helps us to understand the severity of the situation and assess the best solution. All evidence will be treated confidentially.
You may include any evidence that supports your request, such as:
- Extracts from your medical notes (you can request these from your GP practice)
- Copy of prescription or photo of name label on prescribed medication
- Appointment cards from medical unit or hospital admissions letter
- Confirmation text of medical appointment
- Communications from a school or care facility confirming that they are closed or the person you care for is unable to attend
- An obituary or letter from a family member, in the case of bereavement
- Police, security or insurance report
- Press or media report
- Internal confirmation of existing engagement with our counselling / Advice and Response service
Mitigating Circumstances Committee
Mitigating circumstances committees take place prior to an exam board to consider submitted applications. The purpose of the committee is to establish the severity of the mitigating circumstances and to determine if they might have a negligible or significant effect on the outcomes of the assessment.
How will my application be considered?
The Mitigating Circumstances Committee will assess whether to accept or reject your application based on the information and supporting evidence you have provided.
Following the meeting the student will be informed of the outcome in writing via email. This will also be accompanied by a ‘Mitigating Circumstances Information Sheet’ with what happens next guidance.
If my application is accepted how will mitigation be applied?
Late submission of coursework (excluding PGT dissertations):
When coursework is submitted after the deadline, the student should complete the online mitigating circumstances form explaining the reasons for the late submission, together with appropriate third-party supporting documentary evidence (e.g. medical or other). Any coursework submitted after the submission deadline will be subject to the penalties outlined in the late submission policy (available in the Assessed Coursework Guidelines) unless the mitigation is accepted. If students have valid mitigating circumstances to explain the late submission and the Mitigating Circumstances Committee accept that the circumstances warranted the length of time taken to submit the work, then it will be the recommendation of the Mitigating Circumstances Committee that the penalty is waived and full marks are reinstated.
Students are advised to aim to submit outstanding coursework at the earliest opportunity and in any case within ten working days of the deadline. If work is submitted after that date it will receive a mark of 0 regardless of mitigation. If an application for mitigating circumstances is not accepted by the Mitigating Circumstances Committee (i.e. rejected), then late penalties will be imposed.
Late submission PGT dissertations:
Students are advised to aim to submit outstanding PGT dissertation at the earliest opportunity and in any case no later than twenty working days after the deadline. Students should liaise with the shs.assessment@manchester.ac.uk regarding difficulties in meeting these deadlines. When dissertations are submitted after the deadline, the student should complete the online Mitigating Circumstances Form explaining the reasons for the late submission, together with appropriate third-party supporting documentary evidence (e.g. medical or other). Any dissertation submitted after the submission deadline will be subject to the penalties outlined in the late submission policy (unless the mitigation is accepted).
If students have valid mitigating circumstances to explain the late submission and the Mitigating Circumstances Committee accept that the circumstances warranted the length of time taken to submit the work, then it will be the recommendation of the Mitigating Circumstances Committee that the penalty is waived and full marks are reinstated
If an application for mitigating circumstances is not accepted by the Mitigating Circumstances Committee (i.e. rejected), then late penalties will be imposed.
Mitigation will not result in the changing of any marks.
Instead, the Board of Examiners will note how much of the unit was affected. Normally students will be offered a first sit opportunity. In very serious cases, the Board may also agree to apply general mitigation to your overall performance for an academic year or offer an opportunity to repeat the year.
Missed examinations or non-submission of coursework:
In the case of a missed examination, this will normally be re-scheduled for the August examination period.
In the case of a non-submission of coursework, you will be issued with a new submission date which will be set by the Board of Examiners.
How will I find out the result of my application?
You will be notified of the outcome of your application by email to your student email address. All marks are provisional until the Final Examinations Board. The Committee will recommend to the Board of Examiners whether mitigation should be applied.
Students do not have the right to appeal against the recommendation of a Mitigating Circumstances Committee, although they can appeal against the final decision of an Examination Board, or equivalent body, under regulation XIX (Academic Appeals Procedure) once the results have been published.
What support might I be offered after submitting a mitigating circumstances form?
The Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) team can help you to access the relevant support services within the University. If you have disclosed personal/medical circumstances on your application the SSW team may contact you and ask for your permission to complete a referral to the relevant University support service.
You will notice on the form that you are asked to declare that you understand and consent to the University sharing any relevant personal data about you between departments (e.g. School, Mitigating Circumstances Panel, DASS), based on the information disclosed on the form.
Word Limits for Assessed Work
With the exception of closed book examination answers, all assessed work is subject to a word limit. There are three reasons for this.
It is one of our objectives to encourage students to acquire the skill of expressing ideas in clear and concise written prose. Writing within a word limit imposes a discipline on your work.
For any given type of work we can only apply fair and consistent marking standards when everyone is writing within the same constraints.
Imposing word limits communicates clear expectations.
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 exceeds 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 cover page, contents page, acknowledgements, 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.
Word limits should not include text in the contents page, acknowledgements, bibliography/reference list, tables and appendices (if relevant). However, students cannot use text within tables to try and side step the word limit (i.e. figure legends and table must be of appropriate length) and must be warned that if they do so they will be penalised.
Where assignments have high numeric content (e.g. statistics) then a judgement should be made as to whether it is reasonable for this ruling to apply.
Where any mark reductions result in a fail, the unit will be treated as a failed unit in accordance with the University’s Degree Regulations.
Submitting work
All assignments must be submitted electronically. The published deadlines for assessments all relate to the electronic submission which is done via Blackboard, on the SafeAssign system. You must submit by the deadline advertised in your timetable/assessment handbook.
Submitting an electronic copy of the work
Log onto Blackboard via My Manchester https://login.manchester.ac.uk/cas/login
Click on the relevant course unit
Go to assessment folder
Upload your assignment via the SafeAssign process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_913066741&feature=iv&src_vid=7ZuZW9-KAjY&v=oI3X0XW-xkI
Please remember you can only upload ONE document so you cannot save your references as a separate document.
IMPORTANT
For Online Blackboard submissions, you MUST put your ID number first in your assignment title and save your document using your ID Number e.g. 7123456 Assignment 1.
DO NOT save the work as ‘Essay’ or as the title of the work.
When creating your document please ensure your ID number is on each page (in header or footer) and your name does not appear on the document.
The electronic copy is your official record of submission.
Turnitin System
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. Where appropriate, summative assessed written work, including dissertations and projects, should be submitted online and subjected to plagiarism detection software.
The School 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.
The Faculty eLearning team have produced a short introduction to Blackboard for new students. The recording is hosted in two places: the VLS and on YouTube:
- https://video.manchester.ac.uk/faculties/52f9b4cd447aa2fbeb47d1926186f80b/46971601-1356-43e2-8e78-e9f8997821f0/
- https://youtu.be/47pA877MKJg
Feedback for assessments
The purpose of feedback is to provide constructive criticism and encouragement so that you can improve your standards as time goes on. Thus in addition to marks we will give you written feedback on most of your assessed coursework and give it back to you.
Marks awarded for your assessments (i.e. everything which contributes to your final degree classification) are subject to moderation by the examination board and the external examiner. Consequently all marks given to students before the final examiners’ meeting has taken place must be regarded as provisional. Shortly after the examinations meetings we will publish results and email out results letter.
The date your results will be published will be added to Blackboard.
When you have graduated you may obtain a detailed official written account of all your examination results (called a transcript) from the Student Services Centre on payment of a small fee. This carries the University stamp and is recognised for such purposes as admission to a further course of study at another institution (in the UK or abroad), membership of professional bodies, exemption from sections of professional examinations and so on. If you need a transcript, contact the SSC on 0161 275 5000.
Return of Marked Work
Understandably students are keen to know their results and to receive comments. However, there must inevitably be a trade-off between the diligence of the marking process and the speed at which it takes place. Marks from marked work must also be entered into our records, and this process is slowed by the need for painstaking checking to ensure accuracy. Students will be notified by email once the work has been marked and grades are available.
We will endeavour to mark work and give feedback to students 15 working days after the hand-in date. However, occasionally there may be delays as a result of staff illness or other unforeseeable factors.
The Policy on Feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students can be accessed here: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=6518
Example Marking Scheme
A generalised marking scheme for examinations and assignments to give an indication of the levels required for the award of a range of marks is given below.
| Classification | Mark as
% |
Criteria |
| Distinction | 100
80 70 |
Perfect critique with outstanding degree of originality. Provides novel insights, including the ability to apply
concepts to related fields Excellent, well organised critique with clear evidence of understanding. Contains examples of original ideas and supplementary reading Outstanding. Shows clear understanding of topic, examples of supplementary reading and cross-referencing of material. Very well presented. |
| Merit | 69
60 |
Very good. Well-structured and presented report that is able to convey the central aspects of the tutorial material.
Good. Comprehensive answer with accurate facts but largely limited to material covered in the tutorial class |
| Pass | 59
50 |
Adequate answer with some errors or omissions. Limited to tutorial class material. |
| Unacceptable | 49
40 |
Incomplete/inadequate answer with contains relevant information but demonstrates an incomplete understanding of
tutorial material Clearly incomplete/inadequate answer with sparse relevant information and poor understanding of tutorial material |
| Fail | 39
0 |
Deficient answer with many inaccuracies and little evidence of understanding of the tutorial topic
No relevant material presented whatsoever |
How to find your marks
Once work has been marked and moderated you will receive an email from the Assessment and Progression Administrator to tell you that the marks have been released. Work submitted via Blackboard will usually show a mark along with feedback on the Blackboard system.
You can also access marks by logging into your MyManchester account at https://my.manchester.ac.uk/uPortal/f/welcome/normal/render.uP and going to My Services/Self Service and Student Centre. You can choose ‘Assignments’ from the drop down box and choose the relevant unit. Your Final mark for the unit doesn’t appear until the unit is fully completed and marks have been through an exam board.
Examinations
Examinations run in the standard University exam period. The University publishes the dates of each examination period two years in advance, please refer to:
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/key-dates/
Please be aware that you may be tested on any topic from within a unit. Do not presume that because a piece of coursework has covered one area of a unit that it will not also appear in the exam. Past papers (where appropriate) are available on Blackboard in the Assessment folder for each course unit. Do not assume that exams will take the same format as previous years. Academic staff should not indicate what will/ will not feature in an exam as this may not be accurate. Staff may have submitted questions that may not, necessarily, appear on the final exam paper. You should presume that anything can appear on the exam paper unless informed officially by the Assessment and Progression Administrator or Programme Directors.
Monitoring Progress
For students progressing on to study for the MSc, further information regarding supervision will be in the Dissertation handbook and on the OPTO61262 Dissertation space on Blackboard. In order to monitor their progress, students will have regular, scheduled meetings with their dissertation supervisor. Progress forms should be completed at these meetings.
Participation
Online participation at webinars and academic adviser tutorials is compulsory and attendance is monitored. If your attendance or participation is unsatisfactory then you will be reported to the MSc Programme Committee and, ultimately, to the Pharmacy and Vision Sciences Postgraduate Consortium Committee. Of course we realise that students will sometimes be unable to study for very good reasons due to personal or family circumstances, or illness; if this happens to you we will only know if you tell us, and we ask that you account for any period of absence which involves missing any scheduled session. In case of illness you should supply a doctor’s certificate or, if the illness is brief, a self-certification form can be obtained. If you are absent for other reasons then you should contact the Programme Director, explaining the circumstances. Medical certificates or letters should be submitted to the shs.attendance@manchester.ac.uk. Whatever your reason for being away, please inform your supervisor or academic advisor about it and make any necessary arrangements to catch up with work you have missed. If you have failed to hand in a piece of assessed work as a result of your absence, be sure you have complied with the rules outlined above for late submission.
The Programme Committee monitors all cases of absence, and students who do not participate satisfactorily will be asked to meet the Committee and give good reason for their lack of engagement.
The University Policy on Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students can be found at Regulation XX: Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students
Requests for interruption
Students normally study for their qualification without breaking their studies. However the University recognises that it is sometimes necessary, in unfortunate circumstances, for people to interrupt their attendance. The regulations refer to this as “interruption”. An interruption allows students the chance to recover from such things as ill health; it is NOT a device to allow students to take time off because they fancy a break.
If approved, interruption would normally be granted for a period of 12 months. Thus a student would leave the University on a certain date and resume their studies on the anniversary of that date. Shorter periods of interruption are possible, but since they inevitably involve repeating some of the programme it is unusual for the University to allow them.
If you wish to interrupt you should first discuss it informally with the Programme Directors. If you decide to continue with your application, you must complete the online interruption form and send your supporting evidence to the Wellbeing Team at shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk, stating your name, University ID number and programme. You can also contact the Programmes Support Team if you need further advice on the process.
Withdrawal from studies
If for any reason you would like to withdraw from your studies, please contact the School Wellbeing Team at shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk, for further guidance. We will ask you to give notification of your withdrawal in writing, and you may be invited to speak to the Programme Director before your withdrawal is processed. Please note that you may be liable for part or whole of the tuition fees due and/or an administrative charge if you decide to withdraw once teaching has started.
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 and to determine whether the matter can be resolved informally by the School prior to making a formal appeal.
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 http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/academic/basic-guide-academic-appeals/
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 Student Complaints procedure). Formal complaints should be submitted on the relevant form to Faculty Appeals and Complaints Team, Room 3.21, Simon Building, University of Manchester, M13 9PL (e-mail: FBMHappealsandcomplaints@manchester.ac.uk).
Conduct and Discipline of Students
General University information on the Conduct and Discipline of Students can be found at https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/academic-appeals-complaints-and-misconduct/conduct-and-discipline-of-students/..
Faculty policies for students on Communication and Dress Code, Social Networking and Drugs & Alcohol can be found at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29038 (Communication and Dress Code)
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29039 (Drugs & Alcohol)
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29040 (Social Networking)
Information on Academic Malpractice and how to avoid it can be found at http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/guidance-to-students-on-plagiarism-and-other-forms-of-academic-malpractice/
The University Library has produced online resources to help students in avoiding plagiarism and academic malpractice at:
https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/using-the-library/students/training-and-skills-support/my-learning-essentials/online-resources/
Sharing Information
The University may share appropriate information relating to your health and/or conduct with external organisations such as your professional employer (for example, relevant NHS Trust Professional and Statutory Regulatory Bodies (PSRB), placement and training providers and/or regulator (such as the General Optical Council or the General Medical Council)). This may occur where concerns in relation to your health and/or conduct arise and the University considers it necessary for them to be disclosed to one or more of the above organisations.
The University’s Privacy Notice for Registered Students (which is accessible via this link: www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/data-collection-notice/) includes further information about how the University may use and process your personal data, including the legal basis and conditions which may be relevant to such processing (see section 6 of the Privacy Notice). The University will only disclose special category data (such as data relating to your health) to a third party organisation where one of the additional conditions are satisfied (see section 9 of the Privacy Notice), including where processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest.
Understanding Academic Malpractice
The University does not permit plagiarism or other forms of academic malpractice under any circumstances, and individuals found to have committed such an incident can expect a harsh penalty, which in some cases results in exclusion from the University. To ensure that you are fully informed about University expectations and understand your responsibilities with regard to academic malpractice, please ensure you complete mandatory academic malpractice training in the Blackboard unit SHSS60001 Introductory Courses.
A copy of the University’s Academic Malpractice Procedure can be found at the following link:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=639
You can also access an online e-learning package on avoiding plagiarism via the University Library’s award-winning skills programme, My Learning Essentials.
If you have any doubts or further questions please contact your Educational Supervisor or Programme Director.
Fitness to Practise
Information on Fitness to Practise related matters can be found at:
www.tlso.manchester.ac.uk/appeals-complaints/fitnesstopractise.
Programme Management
The Programme Committee will be primarily responsible for monitoring the programme and will report directly to the Pharmacy and Vision Sciences Postgraduate Consortium Committee. This committee in turn reports to the School of Health Sciences PGT Committee. Special responsibility for the programme will be taken by the Programme Director, the Consortium Lead for Postgraduate Taught Programmes and the Head of Division. The Programme Committee will, in liaison with the School Postgraduate Committee, take responsibility for programme structure, development and delivery. The Programme Director will be responsible for admissions to the programme.
The Programme Director, in liaison with the Consortium Lead and the Postgraduate Programmes Manager, will be responsible for Quality Assurance for the programme.
Election of a Student Representative
Early in Semester 1, students will be asked to select one or two individuals to represent their interests to the IOVS Programme Committee. The reps will also organise group feedback sessions at the end of each semester for all students to voice opinions on the programme.
Feedback from Students
Students will be asked to complete an online survey at the end of each unit. This feedback is vital to help us improve the programme for future cohorts of students.
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 staff and fellow students;
b) 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;
Role and Responsibilities of Unit Leaders
To develop and update the unit specification in consultation with specialists and programme directors, ensuring a coherent selection of teaching material and assessments to fit with the overall aim of the programme and its specifications
To liaise with a programme administrators and the specialists on their unit to ensure that the information on their unit in the programme handbook is accurate
To liaise with programme administrators and specialists to organise examining, marking and student feedback
To develop and monitor the Blackboard e-Learning site for their unit, in liaison with specialists for the sessions in their unit
To liaise with students concerning queries relating to teaching and assessments for the unit that are not specific to an individual teaching session
To attend programme meetings and the programme exam board in order to liaise with programme directors and student representatives
To consider and act upon student feedback, staff feedback, and external examiner feedback, in order to modify the structure, content and processes within their unit, in discussion with the programme team.
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 relating to this programme will be shared with student representatives at the programme board, where 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.
The External Examiner for this programme is: Professor Keziah Latham
Name of Institution: Anglia Ruskin University
Position at current Institution: Director of Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Group
Please note that it is inappropriate for students to make direct contact with External Examiners under any circumstances, in particular with regards to a student’s individual performance in assessments. Other appropriate mechanisms are available for students, including the University’s appeals or complaints procedures and the UMSU Advice Centre. In cases where a student does contact an External Examiner directly, External Examiners have been requested not to respond to direct queries. Instead, External Examiners should report the matter to their School contact who will then contact the student to remind them of the other methods available for students. If students have any queries concerning this, they should contact their Programme Office (or equivalent).
Important information with regards to this course will usually be emailed to you. If you have any queries or concerns at any time during your period of study in Manchester, there is a range of people you can approach. Your Programme Administrator will be your first port of call for general issues. If your Programme Administrator is unable to help you, your query will be passed onto one of the Programme Directors. If all else fails or you wish to raise a confidential matter at Divisional level, you should approach the PGT Consortium Lead – contact details below.
The Programme Committee will be primarily responsible for monitoring the programme and will report directly to the Pharmacy and Vision Sciences Postgraduate Consortium Committee. This committee in turn reports to the School of Health Sciences PGT Committee. Special responsibility for the programme will be taken by the Programme Director, the Consortium Lead for Postgraduate Taught Programmes and the Head of Division. The Programme Committee will, in liaison with the School Postgraduate Committee, take responsibility for programme structure, development and delivery. The Programme Director will be responsible for admissions to the programme.
The Programme Director, in liaison with the Consortium Lead and the Postgraduate Programmes Manager, will be responsible for Quality Assurance for the programme.
Key Calendar dates
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/key-dates/
| Start Date | End Date | |
| Semester 1 | 19th September 2022 | 27th January 2023 |
| Christmas Vacation | 19th December 2022 | 13th January 2023 |
| Examination period | 16th January 2023 | 27th January 2023 |
| Semester 2 | 30th January 2023 | 9th June 2023 |
| Easter Break | 27th March 2023 | 24th April 2023 |
| Examination period | 15th May 2023 | 2nd June 2023 |
| Dissertation Submission | 8th September 2023 |
Teaching Staff
The MSc course draws upon the expertise of a large number of academic and clinically qualified staff. Each module is led by one or two academic staff, but lectures may be delivered by invited guest speakers with specific expertise in that area. In total there are over 30 staff members contributing to the 6 modules (see syllabus for further details).
| Name of Unit | Unit Lead | |
| Medical Retina | Prof Tariq Aslam | Tariq.aslam@manchester.ac.uk |
| Refractive Management | Dr Hema Radhakrishnan | Hema.Radhakrishnan@manchester.ac.uk |
| Low Vision | Prof Christine Dickinson | Chris.dickinson@manchester.ac.uk |
| Genetics of the Eye | Dr Forbes Manson | Forbes.D.Manson@manchester.ac.uk |
| Glaucoma | Prof Robert Harper | Robert.Harper@mft.nhs.uk |
| Clinical Science of Contact Lenses | Prof Philip Morgan | Philip.morgan@manchester.ac.uk |
| Dissertation | Dr Jake Taylor | j.j.taylor@manchester.ac.uk |
| Evidence Based Practice | Dr Paula Whittaker | paula.whittaker@manchester.ac.uk |
| Fundamentals of Epidemiology | Dr Tracey Farragher | tracey.farragher@manchester.ac.uk. |
| Qualitative Research Methods | Dr Christine Greenhalgh | christine.greenhalgh@manchester.ac.uk |
Programme Information
The course, which can lead to the award of an MSc, PG Diploma or PG Certificate, brings together the research expertise of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and the clinical expertise within Manchester Royal Eye Hospital to provide students with a firm grounding in the knowledge needed to pursue a higher degree and to follow a research/academic career in ocular health/vision sciences. It also gives an opportunity for vision related professionals to advance their knowledge on the scientific foundations of ophthalmology and vision sciences.
A copy of the Programme Specification is available on the IOVS Virtual Common Room on Blackboard.
Section B- Course unit specifications
Information about all course units is given on the following pages. Timetable information for the academic year will be uploaded onto Blackboard. You can access individual unit timetables and week-by-week lecture information on each unit’s Blackboard space. Please note that you must be enrolled on a unit to access its Blackboard site.
GENERAL INFORMATION
OPTO 70301/ OPTO 71301 – Professional Certificate in Medical Retina/ Medical Retina (IOVS Unit)
| Title | Professional Certificate in Medical Retina/ Medical Retina (IOVS Unit) |
| Unit code | OPTO 70301/ OPTO 71301 |
| Programme | Prof Cert compulsory ACOP
Medical Retina compulsory IOVS |
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Level | 7 |
| Contact hours | 20 |
| Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities* | 10 |
| Pre-requisite units | none |
| Co-requisite units | none |
| School responsible | SHS |
| Member of staff responsible | Prof Tariq Aslam
Mr Paul Rogers/Dr Catherine Porter Prof Cert |
| ECTS** | 7.5 |
| Notional hours of Learning*** | 150 |
AIMS
The unit aims to:
Provide students with knowledge of common medical retina conditions including diagnosis and management. This will incorporate areas such as screening, referral and treatment pathways where appropriate. Understanding of the role and importance of modern imaging and interpretation of these images and of clinical signs towards diagnosis will be a key aspect as well as subsequent formulation of a management plan.
This will allow clinicians to understand how to manage patients or community and hospital based optometrists to make accurate and appropriate referral decisions for patients with medical retina conditions
Finally the course aims to provide students with critical appraisal skills to keep knowledge up to date.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
The unit will provide students with a core understanding of the anatomy of the retina with reference to modern imaging technologies. They will learn pathophysiology, clinical presentation and investigation techniques in particular detail . The unit will cover range of management strategies and approaches to treatment including screening.
The unit will cover common medical diseases of the retina in detail including diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions and other vascular diseases and macular degeneration.
Other more rare conditions will also be covered in less detail.
Students should understand latest research findings and apply evidence based care to patients with age related macular degeneration.
Students will learn the principles of critical appraisal and have practical experience of applying these skills .
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
| Category of outcome | Students should (please delete as appropriate) be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding | Explain the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the retina and retinal disease.
Understand the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, imaging findings, and management options for retinal vascular pathologies. They should have an understanding of relevant literature especially with respect to the evidence base supporting the use of current treatments for retinal vascular disease. |
| Intellectual skills | An ability to apply learning to novel situations such as patient presentations
Problem solving, in particular with regards to diagnosis. Critically assess published ophthalmic research and report results both orally and in written format, including critical appraisal of relevant papers and understand the role of research in this field. |
| Practical skills | Interpretation of modern retinal imaging
To review papers submitted for publication and research proposals. Prof Cert Students only: An ability to interpret clinical images An ability to detect and classify diabetic eye disease An ability to detect and classify macular degeneration An ability to recognise and manage acute retinal pathology, including appropriate referral An ability to examine the fundus using appropriate Volk lenses |
| Transferable skills and personal qualities | Communication, an ability to communicate effectively with patients
Critical analysis Reflection Manage time and work to deadlines Use initiative when seeking information Use information technology to a high standard Apply skills for identifying, appraising, synthesising and applying evidence. |
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
Lectures (in the form of online podcasts), Quizzes, Discussion boards, Case studies (all e-learning)
Setting of individual papers for critique and interactive assessment online.
Prof Cert students only:
Practical skills day
OSCE including VRICS
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Examination (short answer and MCQ)
Presentation on research paper Prof Cert Students only OSCE |
2 hours
10 mins 1 hour |
After written examination
Immediately after presentation Within 15 working days |
90% IOVS
100% Prof Cert 10% IOVS Not credit rated but must pass all stations to gain the certificate |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
| Ryan’s Retina, 6th Edition. Authors : Andrew P. Schachat & Charles P. Wilkinson & David R. Hinton & K. Bailey Freund & David Sarraf & Peter Wiedemann & SriniVas R. Sadda
Date of Publication: 06/2017 Gass’ Atlas of Macular Diseases: 2-Volume Set – Expert Consult: Online and Print 5th Edition by Anita Agarwal MD Retina- Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Ophthalmology (Wills Eye Series) Authors Allen Ho, Gary Brown, J. Arch McNamara, and Carl D. Regillo Publisher McGraw-Hill Professional |
For Information and advice on Link2Lists reading list software, see:
| Date of current version | 5th August 2022 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
OPTO70351 – Refractive Management
| Title | Refractive Management |
| Unit code | OPTO70351 |
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Programme | Compulsory IOVS
Optional ACOP |
| Level | 7 |
| Contact hours | 10 hours lectures
10 hours tutorials/workshops |
| Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities* | |
| Pre-requisite units | none |
| Co-requisite units | none |
| School responsible | SHS |
| Member of staff responsible | Dr Hema Radhakrishnan |
| ECTS** | 7.5 |
| Notional hours of Learning*** | 150 |
AIMS
The unit aims to:
To introduce students to refractive management, in particular- cataract and refractive surgery and aspects of myopia management options.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
This unit introduces the students to different types of cataract and refractive surgery and how this impacts on clinical management of the patient. The Unit will also cover myopia management and control.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
| Category of outcome | Students should/will (please delete as appropriate) be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding | Demonstrate a systematic understanding of refractive management options and how to individualise care for patients either considering or having received refractive management options.
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of how refractive management through cataract, refractive surgery and/or myopia control affects vision and application of this knowledge to own (or future) clinical practice. |
| Intellectual skills | An ability to apply learning to novel situations
Problem solving |
| Practical skills | Ability to use a range of resources to collect and select Information about the optimal clinical management of patients. |
| Transferable skills and personal qualities | Communication
Critical analysis Reflection |
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
Online synchronous and asynchronous lectures and workshops
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| MCQ online quiz x 2 | 25 questions | 15 days after assessment | 25% |
| Written examination(essay) | 2 hours | 15 days after assessment | 75% |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
| Presbyopia: Origins, Effects, and Treatment
by Ioannis G. Pallikaris, Sotiris Plainis, W. Neil Charman Refractive Surgery Dimitri T. Azar (Ed) |
For Information and advice on Link2Lists reading list software, see:
| Date of current version | 5th August 2022 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
POPH60041 – Evidence Based Practice
| Title | Evidence Based Practice |
| Unit code | POPH60041 |
| Programme | Compulsory IOVS |
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Level | 7 |
| Contact hours | |
| Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities* | Interactive online course with use of weekly discussion boards |
| Pre-requisite units | None |
| Co-requisite units | None |
| School responsible | SHS |
| Member of staff responsible | Dr Paula Whittaker |
| ECTS** | 7.5 |
| Notional hours of Learning*** | 150 hours |
AIMS
The unit aims to:
To develop practical skills in searching for and appraising different sources of evidence
and a theoretical understanding of perspectives on evidence-based practice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
This course will provide practical skills and theoretical understanding to help you develop evidence-informed practice. The first part of the course will develop your skills in finding research evidence to inform your professional practice. The second part of the course will develop your critical appraisal skills and the practical application of evidence into practice.
This is an interactive online course. Students are expected to progress through the 10 weeks of taught course material at the same pace and engage in weekly discussion boards with their peers and tutors.
10% of the total marks for this course will be awarded for assessed group discussion board activity. You must participate in the weekly group discussions throughout the course to access these marks.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
| Category of outcome | Students should (please delete as appropriate) be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding |
|
| Analytical skills | Students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to search for and analyse the relevance of articles and journals to current evidence based practice. |
| Innovation/creativity | Students will be able to identify new opportunities, generate solutions, make improvements and to think creatively and enterprisingly in order to evaluate previous applications of evidence-based practice. |
| Problem solving | Students will need to evaluate current practice to demonstrate the ability to apply a logical approach to be able to re-assess the hierarchy of evidence and the application of problem-based practice. |
| Written communication | Students will need to be able to communicate their arguments coherently in the assignment questions demonstrating literacy and a strong command of the English language. |
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
This course involves working through the course notes and videos provided online, linked references and other online sources of information. You will be encouraged to use selfreflection to help you think about the ideas discussed, and take part in discussion board activities. You will be required to develop skills in searching for published literature using electronic databases as part of the course. You should work through the unit in a logical sequence. The calendar in Blackboard will guide you as to what you should be doing and when. It is essential you follow this guidance so that you are doing the same topic at the same time as your fellow students. Participation in the discussion boards is greatly encouraged, and generally those students who do participate do better in their written assignments. Participation in the assessed discussion board activity is mandatory and worth 10% of the overall marks for this module.
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
Midterm assignment Written assignment 1,500 words 30% Final assignment Written assignment 2,500 words 60%
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Discussion boards | N/A | 10% | |
| Midterm assignment | 1500 words | Written within 15 working days for mid term assignment | 30% |
| Final assignment | 2500 words | Within 20 working days for final submission | 60% |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
| There is no set text book |
| Date of current version | 5th August 2022 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
POPH63121 – Qualitative Research Methods
| Title | Qualitative Research Methods |
| Unit code | POPH63121 |
| Programme | Optional IOVS |
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Level | 7 |
| Contact hours | |
| Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities* | Interactive online course with use of weekly discussion boards |
| Pre-requisite units | None |
| Co-requisite units | None |
| School responsible | SHS |
| Member of staff responsible | Dr Christine Greenhalgh |
| ECTS** | 7.5 |
| Notional hours of Learning*** | 150 hours |
AIMS
The unit aims to:
To enable students to develop the skills to use qualitative methodology in public health and primary care research.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
This unit is suited to anyone working as a health worker or researcher who is interested in learning about qualitative research methods. Some students take this unit to better understand published research. Others who have previously only studied quantitative research methods take this unit to gain an insight into different ways of thinking about research. For students who are planning a career or research using these methods, this unit is an excellent introduction.
This unit is designed to introduce students to the theory behind qualitative research and a number of qualitative research methods. On completion, students should be able to understand and appreciate qualitative research and undertake basic research.
10% of the total marks for this course will be awarded for assessed online group task. Students are therefore expected to engage with one another.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
| Category of outcome | Students should (please delete as appropriate) be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding |
|
| Analytical skills | At Master’s level, we expect students to be able to apply what they know to other contexts, often their own. In this unit, students will have the opportunity of practically applying the material the unit covers through their assessments. Students will develop their skills in qualitative data collection (e.g. interviews) and data analysis (e.g. thematic analysis). |
| Group/team working | Team working is important for all health professionals and especially Public Health specialists. This unit requires students to work together in small groups to design and plan a qualitative research project. |
| Other | Reflexivity – Given the subjective nature of qualitative data and methodology, there are so many ways in which researcher bias could influence the study. This can range from the study design, to data collection, data analysis and even data interpretation and reporting. Consequently, this unit allows you to examine, judge and reflect on your own practices and to explore the implications of your role in producing certain kinds of knowledge. |
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
This unit introduces students to the theoretical knowledge that underpins qualitative research and also introduces students to a number of well used qualitative methodologies. As well as online and web-based readings, students will also have the opportunity to undertake a number of practical exercises, which will contribute towards the assessment of this unit. This enables students to practically apply what they have learnt to real-life practice.
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Group Assessment | 500 words | Written within 15 working days | 10% |
| Midterm assignment | 1500 words | Written within 15 working days for mid term assignment | 35% |
| Final assignment | 2500 words | Within 20 working days for final submission | 55% |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
Qualitative Methods for Health Research (Recommended reading)
Green J, Thorogood N, ISBN 978-1-4462-5309-0, 2014 (3edition), SAGE Publications Ltd
| Date of current version | 5th August 2022 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
POPH60991 – Fundamentals Of Epidemiology
| Title | Fundamentals of Epidemiology |
| Unit code | POPH60991 |
| Programme | Optional IOVS |
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Level | 7 |
| Contact hours | |
| Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities* | Interactive online course with use of weekly discussion boards |
| Pre-requisite units | None |
| Co-requisite units | None |
| School responsible | SHS |
| Member of staff responsible | Dr Paula Whittaker |
| ECTS** | 7.5 |
| Notional hours of Learning*** | 150 hours |
AIMS
The unit aims to:
The aim of this course is for students to acquire an understanding of basic epidemiological methods for the purpose of participating in the design of epidemiological studies and critically appraising the medical literature
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
Epidemiology is the core scientific skill for the practice of public health, and been adopted by clinicians as the scientific basis on which evidence-based practice is built. This course is therefore relevant to current or future professionals involved with either conducting health-related research or interpreting the findings of research studies.
In this course students will learn about the history of the discipline of epidemiology, and its applications to public health. Students will be introduced to common types of observational study designs including; ecological studies, cross-sectional surveys, case-control studies, cohort studies and intervention studies. The course covers the appropriate methods of measuring and comparing risk in each type of study as well as the limitations of epidemiological studies and how to minimise systematic errors when conducting epidemiological studies.
This is an interactive online course. Students must work through the online course material. Students are expected to engage in weekly exercises via discussion boards with their peers and tutors.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
| Category of outcome | Students should (please delete as appropriate) be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding | A1 Demonstrate an understanding of the key epidemiological studies
A2 Perform and interpret incidence and prevalence rates of diseases within a population A3 Construct and interpret age standardisations A4 Define different measures of risk, how to calculate them and how this relates to understanding disease causation A5 Define the methods used in ecological studies, cross-sectional surveys, case-control studies, cohort studies and intervention studies A6 Demonstrate an understanding of bias, confounding and effect modification A7 Demonstrate an understanding of the uses of routine data, screening and epidemiological surveillance |
| Intellectual skills | B1 Apply epidemiological thinking when conducting or reviewing research in professional practice |
| Practical Skills | C1 Perform calculation of key epidemiological measures |
| Transferable Skills | D1 Manage time and work to deadlines
D2 Develop a critical approach to interpreting epidemiological studies |
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
Online distance learning with course materials provided via the virtual learning environment Blackboard. The course consists of 10 weekly topics with links to external web materials and reference to reading materials. There are also tasks that require students to participate in weekly exercises – these exercises will be discussed and supported on the online discussion boards and moderated by the course unit leader and teaching assistants. These exercises will include practice questions to embed student’s learning and provide examples of the type of question in the assignments. At the end of most topics there is also a self-test which provides a more in-depth test of students’ understanding of the course material and a further guide to the type of question that can be expected in the marked assignment. Automated feedback is provided for the self-tests.
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
Midterm assignment Written assignment 1,500 words 30% Final assignment Written assignment 2,500 words 60%
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Weekly exercises | N/A | Weekly | N/A |
| Final assignment | N/A | Within 20 working days for final submission | 100% |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
| There is no set text book |
| Date of current version | 5th August 2022 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
OPTO70311 – Low Vision
| Title | Low Vision |
| Unit code | OPTO70311 |
| Programme | Compulsory IOVS |
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Level | 7 |
| Contact hours | 20 |
| Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities* | 4 hours (2 x 1.5-hour) journal club discussion
2 hours (2 x 1 hour) Q&A 10.5 hours practical experiments (2 x 2; 2 x 2.5; 1 x 1.5) 4.5 hours Workshop (1 x 1.5; 1 x 3) |
| Pre-requisite units | None |
| Co-requisite units | None |
| School responsible | SHS |
| Member of staff responsible | Prof Christine Dickinson
Dr Ana Hernandez Trillo (Prof Cert Practical Lead) |
| ECTS** | 7.5 |
| Notional hours of Learning*** | 150 hours |
AIMS
The unit aims to:
Provide participants with an understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of low-vision, and with a detailed knowledge of the rehabilitation strategies that are used, and how these are organised. Visual impairment as a disability will also be used to explore issues around equality, discrimination, exclusion and accessibility. Visual impairment as the context in which to evaluate issues around applied, clinical and translational research
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
By the end of the unit, students will have a detailed understanding of the following topics:
What is low vision – impairment, activity limitation, and participation restriction.
Registration and certification; impact on the patient, family and society; equality, accessibility and inclusion.
How Low Vision Services are organised in the UK, and its multi-disciplinary and multi-agency context.
Measuring visual performance; Cortical Visual Impairment.
Incidence and aetiology of VI, from a UK and a global perspective.
Management of central and peripheral field loss
Lighting, contrast and glare; environmental and inclusive design.
Defining Magnification, and how it is used in patient management.
Electronic and Optical magnifying devices; Vision enhancement and Sensory substitution
Patient-reported outcome measures and their use
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
| Category of outcome | Students should/will (please delete as appropriate) be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding | An understanding of the terminology used to describe low vision and visual impairment
An understanding of the epidemiology and demography of low vision in the UK An understanding of low vision certification and registration for individuals An understanding of the impact of low vision, including emotional impact, on an individual and their community An understanding of the different impact that chronic and acute eye conditions have on the individual Understand the different types and degree of visual impairment, how they are measured, and their functional consequences Understand the principles underlying the different methods of vision enhancement, including optical and electronic magnification; and aids for field loss Understand the importance of sensory substitution Understand the organisation of the multidisciplinary care pathways for low vision service provision in the UK, and the certification/registration process Describe how the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation can be evaluated, and to critical appraise the research literature |
| Intellectual skills | an ability to critically analyse and express complex ideas
problem solving |
| Practical skills | to design, plan and report an experiment |
| Transferable skills and personal qualities | a) communication and presentation
b) critical analysis c) reflection |
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
Online asynchronous lectures
Online synchronous discussion groups
Blended learning to include videos, directed reading, quizzes, discussion boards, case studies (all e-learning)
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Critical analysis essay X 2
Report on lighting investigation |
1500 words
1000 words |
Written within 15 days
Written within 15 days |
60%
40% |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
| This list consists mostly of general sources. Papers which relate to specific topics will be available on Blackboard.
Low Vision Rehabilitation Caring for the Whole Person, edited by DC Fletcher, American Academy of Ophthalmology Ophthalmology Monographs. 1999
Primary Low Vision Care, R Nowakowski, Appleton & Lange, 1994 Low Vision: Principles and Practice, CM Dickinson, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998 Optometry A-Z, edited by N Efron, Elsevier, 2006 Low Vision Manual, edited by J Jackson and J Wolffsohn, Elsevier, 2006 Eye Essentials: Low Vision Assessment J Macnaughton, Elsevier, 2005 Low Vision : The Essential Guide for Ophthalmologists A Sinclair, B Ryan, H Robertson. Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, London, 2008. Prescribing magnifiers for those with visual impairment, Chris Dickinson, Optometry Today, 26th Jan 2007 pp. 40-46 Optical Aids for Low Vision, CM Dickinson, Chapter 10 pp. 183-228 In Vision and Visual Dysfunction Vol 1 Visual Optics and Instrumentation, Ed WN Charman, Macmillan, 1991 Managing Low Vision Patients – beyond magnifiers, Chris Dickinson, Optometry Today, 9th March 2007 pp. 56-60 Remediation and Management of Low Vision RG Cole and BP Rosenthal Mosby-YearBook Inc 1996 Functional Assessment of Low Vision, BP Rosenthal and RG Cole, Mosby-Year Book Inc, 1996 The Art and Practice of Low Vision, PB Freeman and RT Jose, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1991. Understanding Low Vision, RT Jose, American Foundation for the Blind, 1983. Framework for a Multidisciplinary Approach to Low Vision College of Optometrists 2001 |
For Information and advice on Link2Lists reading list software, see:
| Date of current version | 5th August 2022 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
OPTO70321 – Genetics of the eye
| Title | Genetics of the eye |
| Unit code | OPTO70321 |
| Programme | Compulsory IOVS Optional ACOP |
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Level | 7 |
| Contact hours | 20 hours of lectures, tutorials and workshops |
| Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities* | E-lectures: 2 hours |
| Pre-requisite units | Video lectures covering the basics of genes and genetics from BIOL67561 Fundamentals of Human Genetics |
| Co-requisite units | None |
| School responsible | Health Sciences |
| Member of staff responsible | Dr Forbes Manson (Biological Sciences (Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences)) |
| ECTS** | 7.5 |
| Notional hours of Learning*** | 150 |
AIMS
To provide an introduction into the genetics and genomics associated with eye development, disease and treatment.
Lectures will introduce the topics of DNA and genes, protein characterization and functional analysis, molecular genetics and diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions.
Students will gain an understanding of: eye development; the importance of understanding tissue types and cell function in relation to genetic disease; several forms of genetic eye disease; an understanding of using genomic technologies for molecular diagnosis, and how to interpret NGS data; the potential for gene and stem cell therapy for retinal and ocular disease.
By the end of this unit the student will be able to:
- Understand the relevance of genetics and genomics to ophthalmology
- Understand the impact and relevance of inherited disease in the context of ophthalmology
- Understand the context of genome architecture and its variation; regulation of gene expression; variation in genome structure and sequence in the context of inherited eye disease
- Correlate genetic variants to phenotype and interpret study data for inherited ophthalmic traits, thereby understanding molecular mechanisms of Mendelian disorders
- Understand the current strategies for molecular diagnosis of genetic ophthalmic diseases using cutting edge technologies
- Understand the science and application of animal models and genomic technologies in relation to ophthalmology
- Be able to understand and interpret scientific papers in the field of genomics pertaining to ophthalmology
- Use a variety of genetic and genomic resources to understand genetic eye disease and genomic technologies for their treatment
- Work individually and as part of a group to understand, interpret and present topics on the genetics, genomics and molecular biology of eye development, disease and treatment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
This unit will provide essential and contemporary knowledge relating to ophthalmology in the context of genetic and genomic science and genetic disease.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
| Category of outcome | Students will be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding | Use advanced knowledge in specialised genomic medicine, and appraise the application of new technologies in the diagnosis and management of genetic diseases, and explain the importance of research systems (e.g. animal models and stem cells) to further research and treatment of genetic eye disease.
Students will be able to understand how human genetics can be applied to clinical care in the context of ophthalmology. |
| Intellectual skills | Illustrate how genomic medicine is applied to routine clinical practice outside of clinical genetics, and describe how genetic conditions are investigated.
Students will also be able to evaluate how new technologies are applied in modern genomic medicine. |
| Practical skills | Interpret next generation sequencing data, access and understand genomic databases |
| Transferable skills and personal qualities | To work as part of a group to understand, interpret and present topics on unfamiliar topics. |
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
The course contains 20 hours face to face lectures, tutorials or workshop type of learning. There are also 2 hours e-lectures before the start of the course to introduce the basics of genetics.
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Analysis, interpretation and review of an original research paper | 1500 words | Written feedback within 15 working days | 70 % |
| Oral group presentation of an original research paper | 15 minutes + 5 min Q&A | Verbal feedback on the day | 30% |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
– https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/education/ – https://www.genome.gov/About-Genomics/Introduction-to-Genomics – https://www.genome.gov/About-Genomics/Educational-Resources |
For Information and advice on Link2Lists reading list software, see:
| Date of current version | 15th January 2021 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
OPTO 70352 – Clinical science of contemporary contact lenses
AIMS
The unit aims to:
Provide ophthalmic professionals with the science underpinning modern contact lens practice. Specifically, the unit will allow students to:
• Acquire new information in the field of contract lenses and related corneal physiology
• Critically evaluate the relevant literature
• Develop articulate verbal and written communication skills around the relevant clinical science
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
This unit consists of 10 sessions which each focus on a specific aspect of contact lenses and/or related corneal physiology. Each session will feature a two hour lecture by the session leader followed by an hour-long seminar of student-led presentations.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
This unit uses a range of different teaching methods including lectures, seminars and self-directed learning. The unit will be delivered online using Zoom or a similar platform.
It is recognised that there may be two distinct groups of students on this unit: an online group (likely to be working optometrists taking the unit as CPD or under the ACOP umbrella) and an on-campus group (likely to be registered for IOVS). These two groups will be managed separately in order that all students feel they are part of the unit’s learning community. This will be achieved as follows:
• Online students will be invited and expected to attend an evening ‘welcome’ session at the start of the unit for the course to be explained and important information about online resources, teaching styles, learning techniques etc. to be explained and discussed in a somewhat informal manner.
• A separate session with the same objectives will be held in person for on-campus students who will also be invited to the online session to promote a sense of cohesion across the whole group.
• All students will have the facility to take part in a weekly ‘office hour’ session; again, this will be online or in person at the choice of the student.
• Engagement will be carefully monitored throughout and any indications of non-engagement will be identified by the unit coordinator and either raised directly with the student or with their academic advisor.
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Formative assessment: MCQs after each session | 5-10 questions | Correct answers with description after each MCQ exercise | None |
| Preparation and delivery of a scientific poster from a list of available papers | One week to prepare and write the poster. Delivered/described to an assessor for 20 minutes. | Written feedback after poster delivery | 67% |
| Preparation and delivery of a presentation which critically evaluates a scientific paper | A 10 minute presentation, delivered to an assessor and peer group. | Verbal feedback after each presentation and written feedback at the end of the unit | 33% |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
| Efron N. Contact Lens Practice. Third edition. ISBN 9780702066603.
Phillips A and Speedwell L. Contact lenses. Sixth edition. ISBN 9780702071683 Special edition of Contact Lens and Anterior Eye: the CLEAR initiative. Publication Spring 2021. |
For Information and advice on Link2Lists reading list software, see:
| Date of current version | 5th August 2022 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
OPTO70362/ OPTO 71362 – Glaucoma/ Prof Cert Glaucoma
| Title | Glaucoma/ Prof Cert Glaucoma |
| Unit code | OPTO70362/ OPTO 71362 |
| Programme | Glaucoma – compulsory for IOVS
Prof Cert Glaucoma – compulsory for ACOP |
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Level | 7 |
| Contact hours | 20 |
| Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities* | 10 |
| Pre-requisite units | None |
| Co-requisite units | None |
| School responsible | SHS |
| Member of staff responsible | Prof Robert Harper, Mr Karl Mercieca – Glaucoma
Dr Catherine Porter and Mr Patrick Gunn – Prof Cert Glaucoma |
| ECTS** | 7.5 |
| Notional hours of Learning*** | 150 |
AIMS
Learning outcomes
An understanding of the relevant anatomy and physiology of the normal eye and the changes that occur in glaucomatous eyes.
A comprehension of the different types of glaucoma and classification systems; a knowledge of the prevalence of, and risk factors for, the glaucomas, including genetics; and an understanding of the associated visual impairment.
An understanding of glaucoma epidemiology, including diagnostic tests, screening and case finding.
To describe and explain the diagnostic techniques utilised in the clinical examination of glaucoma patients
To provide comprehensive knowledge of the technologies used in the diagnosis and management of OHT and COAG and an ability to interpret images of the optic nerve head and visual field test results.
An ability to make appropriate management decisions based upon clinical guidelines, e.g. NICE.
To provide an understanding of the approach to, and the various treatment modalities for, the management of glaucoma.
To prepare healthcare professionals to participate in community or hospital-based schemes involving the detection and management of ocular hypertension (OHT) and chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
| This unit will provide essentials and contemporary knowledge relating to glaucoma and glaucoma related diagnoses in the context of eye care pathways and visual science. The lectures will be delivered by a range of clinical and non-clinical academic staff, largely by MREH clinical academics. The unit will cover the theoretical knowledge needed to detect and manage glaucoma. It will cover the structural and functional losses seen in glaucoma and the therapeutic options currently available. Emphasis will be placed on the instrumentation and techniques used in management and their theoretical basis/mode of operation. |
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
| Category of outcome | Students will be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding | Understand glaucoma as a spectrum of disease, the epidemiology, the mode of operation, clinical use and interpretation of clinical tests for diagnosis and monitoring, and the role of these in wider patient management and disease pathway algorithms. |
| Intellectual skills | To obtain and develop experience in critical appraisal of research and understanding of glaucoma literature and the evidence base within the context of the clinical disease. |
| Practical skills | Students completing the Prof Cert in Glaucoma will have the ability to:
Interpret visual fields Assess the anterior eye for signs of glaucoma Measure central corneal thickness Take intra ocular pressure readings using Goldmann applanation tonometry Take a relevant ocular history from patients suspected of having glaucoma Assess the optic nerve head and recognise glaucomatous defects |
| Transferable skills and personal qualities | To help to prepare healthcare professionals with the theoretical framework to participate in community or hospital-based schemes involving the detection and management of ocular hypertension (OHT) and chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG). |
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
The course contains 20 hours lectures and 6 hours of tutorial or workshop type of learning.
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Written examination (MCQ/SAQ) | 2 hours | After exam board | 80 % IOVS students
100% Prof Cert Students |
| Group Presentation | 15 minutes | Maximum 15 slides | 20% IOVS students |
| Prof Cert Students only | OSCE | Written feedback within 15 working days | None, all 6 stations must be passed |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
| Selected web resources:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng81 https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/RCOphth-The-Way-Forward-Glaucoma-300117.pdf Selected review papers: Harper RA, Gunn PJG, Fenerty CH, Spry PGD and Lawrenson JG. Care pathways for glaucoma detection and monitoring in the UK. Eye 2020, 34: 89-102. Wu Z, Medeiros FA Recent developments in visual field testing for glaucoma. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2018 Mar; 29(2):141-146 Vianna JR, Chauhan BC. How to detect progression in glaucoma. Prog Brain Res. 2015;221:135-58. Hood D. Improving our understanding, and detection, of glaucomatous damage: An approach based upon optical coherence tomography (OCT)Prog Retin Eye Res. 2017 Mar;57:46-75. Malik R, Swanson WH, Garway-Heath DF. ‘Structure-function relationship’ in glaucoma: past thinking and current concepts. |
For Information and advice on Link2Lists reading list software, see:
| Date of current version | 15th January 2021 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
OPTO61262 – Research Dissertation
| Title | Research Dissertation |
| Unit code | OPTO61262 |
| Programme | Compulsory unit for Masters in IOVS/ACOP |
| Credit rating | 60 |
| Level | 7 |
| Contact hours | Direct supervision – 4+ hours |
| Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities* | Self-directed study (including fieldwork, data collection and meetings with project supervisor) – 596 hours |
| Pre-requisite units | Research Methods |
| Co-requisite units | None |
| School responsible | SHS |
| Member of staff responsible | Dr Jake Taylor |
| ECTS** | 30 |
| Notional hours of Learning*** | 600 |
AIMS
The unit aims to:
Develop the knowledge and skills required to plan, undertake and evaluate an optometry research project
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT
This unit consolidates both the general research methods skills and the knowledge about specific optometry topics gained during the taught units of the MSc. It provides the learner with an opportunity to investigate a topic of particular interest. This unit places heavy emphasis on self-directed study with guidance from a research supervisor or other departmental staff member.
Projects can be designed to be:
A traditional Lab based project
A patient focused project
An educational project
A science communication project
A full systemic review or meta-analysis
An extended literature review
All projects involve an initial literature review which will form part of the students final submission
In the case of the lab based or patient focused project: data will be generated, collected, analysed, and discussed in the final report.
In the case of the educational project: an educational resource pertinent to Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science will be generated and trialled with feedback collected, analysed, and discussed in the final report.
In the case of the science communication project: two articles and a creative piece will be generated and trialled with feedback collected, analysed, and discussed in the final report.
In the case of the full systemic review or meta-analysis: the findings of the review itself will be discussed in the final report.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
| Category of outcome | Students should be able to: |
| Intellectual skills | Review and critically evaluate literature relating to an optometric or ophthalmic issue
Reflect on research findings and make recommendations for future research and practice. |
| Practical skills | Identify a clear research question on the basis of a review;
Plan and execute a study to address a research question; Ensure that a study is conducted to ethical and professional standards; Collect and analyse data using suitable method(s). |
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROCESSES (INCLUDING THE USE OF E-LEARNING)
The learners will receive two introductory e-Lectures: one providing an overview of the unit; the other to explain the research governance process.
They will then work towards the following milestones under the guidance of course staff:
1. Agree an outline proposal of the intended project and submit a research proposal
2. Obtain a Research Passport or Ethical Approval for project (where necessary)
2. Present a progress report on your project design
3. Collecting and analysing project data
4. Writing up a project report.
ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT, E-ASSESSMENT, and INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDBACK)
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Submit a research proposal | 1000 words | Written feedback provided by project supervisor | n/a |
| Presenting your updated project design | 15 min presentation
10 mins Q&A |
Oral feedback provided by course leader and peers during the presentation session | n/a |
| Submit a project report | 9,000-11,000 words | Marks and written feedback provided by first marker (project supervisor) and second marker (another member of staff) a maximum of 30 working days after submission | 100% |
INDICATIVE READING LIST
| Core reading:
Robson C, McCartan K. Real World Research (4th edition). John Wiley & Sons, 201 Further reading: As determined by the specific project. |
For Information and advice on Link2Lists reading list software, see:
| Date of current version | 5th August 2022 |
Section C: Information about the University
Divisional Administration Contacts
Head of Division: Prof Jayne Lawrence
Head of Divisional Operations: Victoria O’Reilly
The Division address is:
Division of Pharmacy and Optometry
School of Health Sciences
Jean McFarlane Building
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
* To access some University buildings you will need a swipe card. To obtain your student card, please contact the Student Services Centre (+44 (0)161 275 5000 / ssc@manchester.ac.uk).
Student Centre
The online student support system, MyManchester enables students to register online and have access their personal and academic details.
This means that you will be able to use the system to check and update your address and contact details, view your supervisor and advisor details and check the course units you are enrolled on. To access MyManchester, you will use the same log-in you were provided with at registration and log in to the system from the following page:
www.manchester.ac.uk/selfservice
You should use MyManchester to check we have the correct details for you and that you are on the correct programme. You should also ensure that as soon as your contact details change that you update them on the system as well as informing the Graduate Administrator for your file.
Working with your own computer
You will need your own computer to study on the IOVS programme. If you also intend to use the computers at the university then you should check that your system is compatible with the ones in at UoM. This will help avoid problems when you try to transfer documents from your machine to ours.
IT Services Support Centre online
Details of what IT support is available and how to access it can be found on the FBMH eLearning Support page.
Login to the Support Centre online to log a request, book an appointment for an IT visit, or search the Knowledge Base.
Telephone: +44 (0)161 306 5544 (or extension 65544). Telephone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In person: Walk-up help and support is available at the Joule Library, Main Library or Alan Gilbert Learning Commons.
Use Support Centre online for support with eLearning, from where you may make a request, report a fault, or search the Knowledge Base.
For IT and eLearning support visit: https://elearning.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/student/technical-support/
Blackboard
Blackboard (the University’s virtual learning environment) is the learning platform for the IOVS programme, and is accessed via https://my.manchester.ac.uk/.
All course-related materials will be placed on Blackboard so it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the system as soon as possible. Blackboard also offers discussion forums which you may find a useful resource to share information about assignments and other course-related queries.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is a web-based system that complements and builds upon traditional learning methods used at The University of Manchester. By using Blackboard you can
view course materials and learning resources,
communicate with lectures and other students,
collaborate in groups,
get feedback
submit assignments
monitoring your own progress at a time and place of your own convenience.
Training in the use of software
The Faculty eLearning team have produced a short introduction to Blackboard for new students. The recording is hosted in two places: the VLS and on YouTube:
The recording is just over seven minutes long and covers most of the commonly used tools in Blackboard.
Library facilities
The University of Manchester Library provides resources and support for your Division of Pharmacy and Optometry PGT programme. The Library has an extensive collection of eBooks, databases and journals online, in addition to the print holdings in The Main Library. The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons provides a 24/7 learning environment in addition to study skills workshops.
Off -campus, many resources are available by logging in with your University username and password (this includes individual book chapters digitised as part of a unit’s directed reading); where this option is not available, the material can still be accessed through the University’s VPN service, and this is clearly indicated in the Electronic Journals A-Z list and on the information page for each of the Databases . A small number of titles require a Special username and password . For further details, see Accessing e-journals, e-books and databases .
The My Library tab in My Manchester has quick links to get you started:
- A-Z of subjects includes a library guide for Pharmacy
- Library search enables you to search the Library’s electronic and physical resources – books, journals, articles, images, manuscripts, video – using a single search box
- training sessions listed in the My Learning Essentials Calendar
- online enquiry form
- your Library Account, including PIN
- Document Supply for the DELIVER postal loans service (£5 per item)
Using other libraries has information on both regional (NOWAL) and national (SCONUL) schemes which may be helpful.
Training materials to help you make the most of the Library’s resources will be available via the following link:.
The University Library has produced online resources to help students in avoiding plagiarism and academic malpractice at:
An Introduction to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism is provided by the Student Guidance Service at:
An Introduction to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism (Student Guidance Service)
The Student Support website provides guidance on Good Study Skills at:
https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/study-support/goodstudyskills/
The Student Support website also provides guidance on avoiding academic malpractice:
https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/study-support/academic-support/accessing-online-teaching-and-learning/assessments-and-exams/avoiding-academic-malpractice/
Student Support
There are several options for support. The Student Hub is likely to be able to direct you to the most suitable support. Contact: shs.hub@manchester.ac.uk.
You can talk through issues such as interrupting your studies and progression, financial issues, the submission of details of mitigating circumstances, work and attendance problems and any personal concerns that are affecting your ability to study and engage fully with your course. It is important to point out that this is not a counselling service; it is a practical problem-solving service (a confidential Counselling Service is available for all students – see the following sections for further details).
Further details about student support are available on the following website:
http://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/supporting-students/
Disability Advisory and Support Service
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 staff will be pleased to meet you, by prior arrangement, to discuss your needs. Staff will liaise with your School to make the necessary arrangements for your support during your time in Manchester. The 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.
The Disability Advisory & Support Office is located on University Place, 2nd Floor, Block 2.
Contact details:
E-mail: dass@manchester.ac.uk
Phone 0161 275 7512/8518
Text 07899 658 790
Minicom 0161 275 2794
Fax: 0161 275 7018
Website: http://www.dass.manchester.ac.uk/
In addition, support is available within the School of Health Sciences: shs.dc@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 Service
The Students Union has advisers who can help with any matter ranging from finances to housing and beyond. To contact the UMSU Advice Service please email advice.umsu@manchester.ac.uk
The Students Union website can be accessed here:
http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/
Health and Safety
Section D: University Regulations
Academic Support Policies
A list of University Policies and documents can be found at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/list.aspx
Academic Appeals (Regulation XIX)
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=187
Academic Malpractice Procedure
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=639
Basic Guide to Student Complaints
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=23875
Conduct and Discipline of Students (Regulations XVII)
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=6530
General University information on the Conduct and Discipline of Students can be found at www.tlso.manchester.ac.uk/appeals-complaints/conductanddisciplineofstudents/.
Faculty policies for students on Communication and Dress Code, Social Networking and Drugs & Alcohol can be found at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29038 (Communication and Dress Code)
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29039 (Drugs & Alcohol)
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29040 (Social Networking)
Social Media Policy
http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/guidance-on-social-media-for-students/
Data Protection
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/documents/privacy/
Guidance for the Presentation of Taught Masters Dissertations
Guidance for the presentation of Taught Masters dissertations
Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=24561
Policy on Mitigating Circumstances
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=4271
Mitigating Circumstances Guidance for Students
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=23886
PGT Degree Regulations
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29208
Policy on Feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=6518
Policy on religious observance for students (for UG/PGT and PGR students)
http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/academic/policy-on-religious-observance/
The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has produced guidance for healthcare students on fasting and caring:
Fasting and Caring – Looking after yourself and your patients during Ramadan: guidance for health care students.
Student Complaints Procedure
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=1893
Student Charter
http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/enhancing-my-experience/charter
Work and Attendance of Students (Regulation XX)
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=1895
Student Support Issues
A-Z of Student Services
http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/crucial-guide/
Accommodation
http://www.accommodation.manchester.ac.uk/
Blackboard
Students should access Blackboard via my Manchester at https://my.manchester.ac.uk
Careers Service
http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/
Counselling Service
https://www.counsellingservice.manchester.ac.uk/
Disability Advisory and Support Service
http://www.dass.manchester.ac.uk/
University Language Centre – Study English – Tel: 0161 306 3397
http://www.languagecentre.manchester.ac.uk/study-english/
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Staff and Students
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/equalityanddiversity/
Health & Fitness
http://www.sport.manchester.ac.uk/
Health & Safety Policy
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=654
International Advice Team
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/international/support/advice/
IT and eLearning Support
https://elearning.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/student/technical-support/
Mature Students Guide
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=18122
Occupational Health Services for Students
http://www.occhealth.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduates/
Personal Development Planning
http://www.tlso.manchester.ac.uk/personaldevelopmentplanning/
A Personal Safety Guide for International Students
http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/medialibrary/study/safety-international-student-guide.pdf
Students Union
http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/