BMS1042

Biomedical science and society

6 points · 2 lectures and one 4-hour tutorial session or equivalent self-directed learning exercise per week · Second semester · Clayton

Objectives On completion of this subject, students should have a sound understanding of why statistics are used, understand the different forms of biomedical data and be able to present biomedical data as summary statistics and in a graphical form. Students should understand basic statistical methods, when to apply them, understand how these relate to more complex statistical methods and be able to interpret statistical results from biomedical literature. They should understand the strengths and weaknesses of different epidemiological study designs, which form the building blocks of human research methodology, and be able to critically appraise biomedical literature. Students should understand what is meant by an ethical judgement or value, understand the place of ethics in medicine and biology and how this is shaped by society and the media. They should understand how research ethics applies to humans and animals and how this is translated into legislation.

Synopsis Statistical methods will be taught by presentation of typical examples from biomedical literature. Once students are presented with the problems, the methods to solve them will be given. This will be through interactive, tutorial work and self-directed learning. The emphasis will be on problem solving and providing the necessary statistical and epidemiological tools to perform critical appraisal of biomedical literature and information. All teaching will be based on examples from the literature. Ethical and legal issues will be presented in lecture and tutorial format with emphasis on how biomedical endeavour must be carried out within the terms set out by society. Critical appraisal work will also include the ethical issues presented by different biomedical work, how these were addressed, the validity of these and the ethical implication of study outcomes.

Assessment Written examination: 50% · Critical appraisal of biomedical literature: 30% · Tutorial assessment: 20%

Prescribed texts

To be advised

Back to the 1999 Medicine Handbook