You must produce a 2000-word laboratory book which is a suitable record of your activities in the laboratory, data analysis, critical analysis and reflections made over four laboratory sessions.
Due to the nature of the assessment, and the Learning Outcomes that are linked to this, it is a requirement that you attend on site laboratory classes in order to complete this assessment.
The assessment requires you to plan, conduct, record and reflect on the results obtained from a series of laboratory practical sessions.
If circumstances are going to prevent the onsite collection of data during semester 2, you must contact the module leader as soon as possible before the laboratory sessions to discuss the option of deferring both the laboratory work and coursework submission.
Failure to attend any of the laboratory sessions without a suitable reason may mean you will not be permitted to submit the report and the coursework will be recorded as Absent (ABS). In these cases, it is at the discretion of the Progression and Awards Board as to whether you will be permitted a resit attempt.
By attending the laboratories and submitting this assessment, you are declaring yourself fit to do so. If you are not fit to submit at this time you may apply for extension to the deadline or deferral to the next assessment period (see Extension and Deferral request instructions). Please note that if an extension to the deadline is granted, the 24 hour grace period DOES NOT apply.
Overall aim
Given what is known about the macrophage-derived exosomes and their potential effects on cancer cells, outline what you think the overall aim(s) of the project was (i.e., can you suggest a hypothesis and/or scientific questions being tested). Findings from relevant related published studies should be used to introduce the project and support your statements.
Session 1
Objective(s): summarise what the goal of each procedure was this session (i.e., say what you did and why).
Procedures: Critically analyse the techniques/schedule/plan. Discuss if there are any modifications or additions you would make to the protocols and approaches to improve the experiment and potentially increase the likelihood of achieving the aims. Explain your reasoning. Do not waste words repeating the text from the lab schedule.
Reflection and planning for the next session: For example, you could discuss: which aspects of the session went well for you and why; if any aspects did not go well and what you would you do differently next time if had to repeat the same session; if what happened this week altered your plans for the following week; etc. Do not simply repeat the procedures you did in the lab.
Session 2
Objective(s): summarise what the goal of each procedure was this session (i.e., say what you did and why).
Procedures: Critically analyse the techniques/schedule/plan. Discuss if there are any modifications or additions you would make to the protocols and approaches to improve the experiment and potentially increase the likelihood of achieving the aims. Explain your reasoning. Do not waste words repeating the text from the lab schedule.
Reflection and planning for the next session: For example, you could discuss: which aspects of the session went well for you and why; if any aspects did not go well and what you would you do differently next time if had to repeat the same session; if what happened this week altered your plans for the following week; etc. Do not simply repeat the procedures you did in the lab.
Session 3
Objective(s): summarise what the goal of each procedure was this session (i.e., say what you did and why).
Procedures: Critically analyse the techniques/schedule/plan. Discuss if there are any modifications or additions you would make to the protocols and approaches to improve the experiment and potentially increase the likelihood of achieving the aims. Explain your reasoning. Do not waste words repeating the text from the lab schedule.
Reflection and planning for the next session: For example, you could discuss: which aspects of the session went well for you and why; if any aspects did not go well and what you would you do differently next time if had to repeat the same session; if what happened this week altered your plans for the following week; etc. Do not simply repeat the procedures you did in the lab.
Results: present your data in an appropriate format and provide accompanying text throughout briefly introducing the figures and describing the data (i.e. provide a narrative to follow).
Data analysis: discuss what your data indicates and whether each of your goals were achieved. Offer possible explanations for any deviation from predicted results.
Note- you will not be assessed on whether your experiments worked or not, you will be assessed on your critical analysis of what was expected and what the data indicates.
Session 4
Objective(s): summarise what the goal of each procedure was this session (i.e., say what you did and why).
Procedures: Critically analyse the techniques/schedule/plan. Discuss if there are any modifications or additions you would make to the protocols and approaches to improve the experiment and potentially increase the likelihood of achieving the aims. Explain your reasoning. Do not waste words repeating the text from the lab schedule.
Reflection and planning for the next session: For example, you could discuss: which aspects of the session went well for you and why; if any aspects did not go well and what you would you do differently next time if had to repeat the same session; if what happened this week altered your plans for the following week; etc. Do not simply repeat the procedures you did in the lab.
Results: present your data in an appropriate format and provide accompanying text throughout briefly introducing the figures and describing the data (i.e. provide a narrative to follow).
Data analysis: discuss what your data indicates and whether each of your goals were achieved. Offer possible explanations for any deviation from predicted results.
Note- you will not be assessed on whether your experiments worked or not, you will be assessed on your critical analysis of what was expected and what the data indicates.
Overall discussion
Discuss if the findings have helped address the overall aim/hypothesis/scientific question. Elaborate on how the findings fit (or not) with previously published studies and whether they could advance knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of liver cancer progression. Also comment on future experiments that could be performed to further confirm findings and/or move the project forward (to confirm already tested phenotypes using further assays and/or further experiments to test for additional phenotypes/effects) – think about what other experiments may need to be performed if this project was being prepared for publication.
Section 4: Learning Outcomes and Marking Rubric
Mapping to module Learning outcomes This assessment is designed to assess Learning Outcomes 1 and 3 of the module:
1. Critically review current knowledge and understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of tissue regeneration, selected inherited diseases and cancer.
3. Conduct, analyse, report and critically reflect on a series of laboratory experiments in the field of stem cell biology and intercellular communication.
Mapping to course Learning Outcomes This assessment relates to the following Course Learning Outcomes:
MSc Biomedical Science:
1. Demonstrate in depth and advanced knowledge and understanding of specialist areas of biomedical science practice.
2. Critically evaluate scientific literature and current research outcomes.
3. Apply knowledge of technological advances to critically appraise the current challenges and future opportunities for biomedical science on a global stage.
5. Evaluate problems from diverse perspectives, propose creative solutions and reflect on personal learning experiences developed through such challenges.
6. Utilise a diversity of formats to effectively communicate with professional colleagues in a global community
8. Recognise and demonstrate key professional skills and practices including independence, initiative, team working, professional integrity and ethical awareness.
Task type/scheduling rationale This assessment task allows you to continue to further develop your laboratory and critical analysis skills following on from the 7033BMS skills module. The nature of the required critical analysis approach promotes independence and provides other skills often utilised in the research lab environment, adding further authenticity to the activities undertaken.
This assessment deadline will provide the maximum possible time after the final session to complete the write-up and attend coursework support sessions.
