BMS5001 - Research training: Critical thinking and communication skills - 2019

This is one of two complementary core units in research training in the Masters in Biomedical and Health Sciences.

It provides students the opportunity to build skills in critical thinking and evaluation of biomedical research and how to communicate research.

It will be taught through two intertwined streams (modules) of study:

1. Communications skills module for written and oral communications and
2. Critical thinking module using analyses and evaluation in seminars of world-class cutting-edge research.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Effectively communicate the basis of the scientific method from building a hypothesis, to testing the ideas through experimental methods;
2. Interpret and summarise the purpose and outcomes of current biomedical research papers on studies at the level of tissues, organs and systems;
3. Evaluate the different types of research designs used in the biomedical sciences at the level of tissues, organs and systems, and justify the use of particular research designs to address specific research questions;
4. Analyse current, cutting-edge research in biomedical sciences, and effectively communicate these complex ideas to a diverse audience.
5. Analyse the range of different biomedical science techniques used at the level of tissues, organs and systems, to create models pertinent to human health and disease
6. Critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of different biomedical science techniques in providing information pertinent to human health and disease;

Assessment Handbook entry:

• 4 written critiques of BDI Scientific seminars (each approx. 1000 words) (40%) (hurdle)
• Written report on a scientific hot topic (1,500 words) (30%)
• Mid-semester abstract writing test (1 hour writing time) (15%)
• End of semester abstract exam (1 hour writing time) (15%)

• 6 hours teacher-directed learning / week on campus (seminars & workshops)
• 6 hours student-directed learning

See also Unit timetable information

Biomedical science