This course develops advanced skills in critically evaluating biomedical research evidence, with a focus on evidence-based practice, statistical analysis, and ethical research design. Students will learn to interpret and apply statistical methods, assess the quality of published literature, and design ethically sound research proposals. These skills are essential for progressing in biomedical programmes and for engaging with complex clinical and research questions

Blended learning approach. Taught material available through Moodle. Lectures and weekly tutorial/workshop sessions face to face.

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1. Statistics assignment (30%) (ILO4-6)

2. An evidence-based research proposal/grant writing exercise, up to 4000 words (70%) (ILO1-3, ILO7).

The course aims to develop and extend core skills in critical analysis of research evidence, communications, statistical analysis and data interpretation, ethics and the principles of evidenced-based practice in research in order to equip students for their programmes, by enabling them to critically evaluate evidence, cite appropriate references, and understand the principles by which research is undertaken and evaluated.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically review papers in the peer reviewed literature based upon the principles of evidence-based practice,

2. Critically review, summarise and communicate the literature, drawing conclusions based on the available evidence

3. Critically appraise the research process and apply this in the design of a research study

4. Explain and illustrate commonly used concepts and terms in statistics

5. Select and apply appropriate methods of statistical analysis to simple datasets, with the help of appropriate computer packages.

6. Evaluate and critically analyse the use of simple statistical methods in the published biomedical literature.

7. Critically appraise the ethical framework within which biomedical research is conducted and apply this in the context of the design of a research study.