MPS5203 · Experimental investigations: Learning from the lab

Overview

This unit gives you direct experience of contemporary laboratory-based research in pharmaceutical science. You will observe and participate in a range of relevant activities sampling the gamut of skills required to be a successful and responsible researcher. These will include the planning, execution and analysis of experiments and other research/laboratory work, as well as the professional skills of record keeping, peer review and effective communication. To assist you with your learning, you will interview a research scientist and participate in a series of laboratory/research sessions and workshops focussed on the modern pharmaceutical science research experience as you devise and plan a research project proposal. During a research intensive at the end of semester you will gain hands-on experience in experimental and/or computational research activities as well as the associated data analyses, visualisation and interpretations. You will create a written and oral portfolio of your laboratory and research experience, which will include a detailed laboratory journal, a comprehensive project proposal outline, and an oral presentation. Upon completing the unit, you will have a working understanding of the factors that facilitate and challenge research progress, which you can use to critically guide your professional behaviour, be it in a research environment or the broader workplace.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Evaluate responsible conduct of research principles and apply these when participating in a range of activities relevant to contemporary pharmaceutical sciences research
2. Demonstrate accurate record-keeping and analysis of laboratory / research activities within a detailed laboratory journal
3. Synthesise and critically evaluate information from a range of sources to demonstrate research project ideation, development and planning skills in an area of contemporary pharmaceutical science
4. Use effective written and oral communication skills to record and critically report on laboratory / research activities
5. Use effective reflective practice to demonstrate the development of professional practices required for working in contemporary research environments
6. Design and conduct research and/or laboratory experiments in an area of contemporary pharmaceutical science in a safe and responsible manner.

Workload

• Eleven 2-hour workshops • 56 hours of laboratory/research work and preparation • 56 hours of project outline preparation • 10 hours of oral presentation preparation and assessment

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.