IOVS Handbook 15
IOVS Handbook 15
IOVS Handbook 15
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Welcome to the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences Graduate School .................................................................... 1
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION................................................................................................... 2
MSc Programme Management and Points of Contact ..................................................................................................... 2
Communication ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2015-16 Programme Information ......................................................................................................................... 4
Key Calendar dates............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Semester Dates: ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
Student Representation and Feedback............................................................................................................................. 4
Teaching Staff.................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Aims................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Objectives.......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Course Structure and Credits ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Teaching & Learning Methods .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Teaching & Learning Resources (access to PCs, library, journals etc) .............................................................................. 7
Personal Tutor Arrangements ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Research Seminars/Tutorials/ Journal clubs ..................................................................................................................... 7
Research Projects, Dissertations and Literature Reviews ................................................................................................. 7
Financial Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students ......................................................................................................... 8
Mitigating Circumstances ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Late Submission ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Word Limits ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Academic Malpractice..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Interruptions and Extensions to Programme.................................................................................................................. 10
Academic Appeals and Complaints ................................................................................................................................. 11
Tier 4 Visa Attendance Monitoring Census..................................................................................................................... 11
Postgraduate Taught Degree Regulations For Students (September 2015) ........................................................... 12
Criteria for Awards .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Exit Awards...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Compensation ................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Reassessment.................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Programme Exemptions to PGT Degree Regulations ..................................................................................................... 14
Exam Board Meetings and Course Progression .............................................................................................................. 14
Assessment ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14
The use of Turnitin .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Extensions for Coursework ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Penalties for Late Submission of coursework ................................................................................................................. 15
Board of Examiners and External Examiner .................................................................................................................... 15
Ratification of Degrees and Awards................................................................................................................................ 16
Publication of Results...................................................................................................................................................... 16
Graduation ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Medical and Human Sciences PGT Graduate School Online Skills Training Resource ............................................. 17
Student Support, Help And Advice...................................................................................................................... 18
Student Representation .................................................................................................................................................. 18
University Student Support Services............................................................................................................................... 19
The Graduate Society ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Dissertation And Literature Reviews ................................................................................................................... 20
Choosing the topic for your Diploma Literature Review ................................................................................................ 20
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Presentation of your Dissertation (MSc) and/or Literature Review (Pathway 2 and PG Diploma) ................................ 20
Processes for submission of Dissertation or Literature Reviews .................................................................................... 20
Course Unit Descriptions And Methods Of Assessment ....................................................................................... 21
Research Methods .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Macular Degeneration: Research, Investigations And Clinical Practice ......................................................................... 27
Retinal Vascular Disease ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Glaucoma ........................................................................................................................................................................ 31
Contact Lenses ................................................................................................................................................................ 34
Cornea: Clinical Practice and Current Research .......................................................................................................... 36
Useful Links To University Policies ...................................................................................................................... 39
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences Graduate School
Welcome to your Postgraduate Taught Programme in the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences Graduate School
at the University of Manchester. The University has a worldwide reputation based on high quality teaching and
research, and I am sure that your taught programme will provide a solid foundation for your future career success.
Within the Graduate School, our goal is to create an environment that allows you to excel and reach your full
potential. Offering access to first-class facilities and strong links with regional health-service providers, our
postgraduate taught programmes are designed to meet the diverse needs of all our students. The curriculum of our
taught programmes provides the knowledge and skills you will need in your subject area and all our Masters
programmes include an opportunity to carry out an independent research project on topics spanning all areas of
biomedical research from molecular to experimental biology and clinical medicine. While subject areas cover a broad
range, all our taught programmes have two common aims:
To enhance your knowledge within the field you have chosen. Whether you are a graduate, professional or
have a clinical background, the programmes have been tailored to meet your specific needs.
As a student in the Graduate School you will be expected to take responsibility for your degree, within a supportive
environment that fosters your development and helps prepare you for your future career. This handbook will be a
useful resource as you progress through your taught programme. It provides programme specific information that I
am sure that you will find helpful throughout your study. If however, you have questions or would like some further
advice, please do not hesitate to contact the people listed in this handbook for further information and assistance.
The Graduate School has a Graduate Society and Postgraduate hubs offering opportunities and venues for social and
professional interactions between students and with staff. As a postgraduate student you are a vital member of the
Graduate School, during the year we will be holding events that will bring together people from different schools,
Institutes and programmes allowing you to meet each other and explore your interests across different disciplines.
Keep up to date with events and activities via the Graduate School* website and be sure to come along and support
your Graduate School.
I wish you every success as you embark upon your taught programme, and in your future career.
Clinical Alliance
Affiliated to Institute of
Human Development
Programme Committee
Points of contact
Programme Directors:
Dr Tariq Aslam
Email: Tariq.Aslam@cmft.nhs.uk
4th Floor, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
Dr Chantal Hillarby
Email: chantal.hillarby@manchester.ac.uk
1st floor, Stopford Building
Clinical Sciences Alliance Lead: Anna Beddow
Email: anna.beddow@manchester.ac.uk
1.96, Simon Building
Associate Dean for Graduate Education: Prof Phil Padfield
Email: philip.v.padfield@manchester.ac.uk
1.810, First Floor, Stopford Building
Programme Administrator: TBC
Email: IOVS@manchester.ac.uk
Tel 0161-306-3411
1.485, First Floor, Stopford Building
School Graduate Manager: Lynsey McVey
Email: lynsey.mcvey@manchester.ac.uk
1.483, First Floor Stopford Building
MSc student rep. To be appointed by students post registration.
Communication
Email communication
Please note that only your official student university email address will be used as official communication by
academic and the School Graduate Administrative staff. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can access and
read email from this source.
Start Date
21st September 2015
End Date
31st January 2016
Christmas Vacation
Second Semester
Start Date
1st February 2016
End Date
15th May 2016
Easter Vacation
Examination Dates
Semester 1 Exams will be held 18th January 2016 29th January 2016*
Semester 2 Exams will be held 16th May 2016 12th June 2016*
* Dates may be subject to change
Dissertation Submission Dates
2nd September 2016
Submission deadline for MSc Dissertations
Graduation
December 2016
July 2017
Date to be confirmed
Date to be confirmed
Teaching Staff
The MSc course draws upon the expertise of a large number of academic and clinically qualified staff. While the
majority have academic appointments within the University of Manchester there are a number of invited guest
lecturers who bring specific expertise which often results in a lively discussion between students, course organisers
and invited guests. In total there are over 30 staff members contributing to the 6 modules (see syllabus for further
details).
Each module on the MSc course is organised by either one or two full time academic staff. These staff and unit coordinators are responsible for the general organisation of each module including its structure, the tutors, setting of
course work and examinations.
Programme Directors
Dr Tariq Aslam
Dr Chantal Hillarby
Tariq.Aslam@cmft.nhs.uk
Chantal.Hillarby@manchester.ac.uk
students;
5. To provide students with academic, career and pastoral support in addition to that provided by the University;
6. To meet a need for researchers who can form a bridge between basic research and applied clinical research.
7. To widen access to eye health and vision sciences research
Objectives
On completion of the course students will have:
1. Obtained the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to follow a research based career;
2. Gained an enhanced and more specialist knowledge in selective areas of ophthalmic research;
3. Experienced interdisciplinary learning and have a wider appreciation of the contributions that different
subjects can make to the discipline;
4. Acquired skills in experimental design, statistics and the use of computers in research;
5. Demonstrated an ability to successfully complete a research project;
6. Learnt how to critically review the literature;
7. Acquired/developed oral and written presentation skills.
Course Structure and Credits
Credits
Course Units
MSc
Pathway 1
MSc
PG Diploma
Pathway 2
(optional units:
choose 2 from 4)
15
15
PG Cert
(optional
units: choose
4 from 6)
15 option
15
Research Methods
15
15
15
15 option
Glaucoma
15
15 option
15
15 option
15
15 option
15
15 option
Contact Lenses
15
15 option
15
15 option
15
15 option
15
15 option
30
30
90
90
180
180
120
60
Financial Information
Financial Registration
Financial registration must be completed as part of the online registration process before students will be able to
access the online training resources.
Debtors
Students who have outstanding debt at the end of their academic programme will not be permitted to graduate and
will not receive their degree certificate. Students are required to sign a declaration on the Notice of Submission
form stating that they do not owe any money to the university at the time of submitting their dissertation.
Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students
The programme director and teaching staff will monitor the work and attendance of students on the programme.
This is for your benefit and helps to ensure you are coping with the work. Regular or a pattern of non-attendance
and/or engagement will result in you being contacted by the School to meet with your programme director.
Following this, further action will be taken if there isnt a significant improvement in attendance.
For further information see: Regulation XX Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=1895
The University offers a range of advice and support to students experiencing problems with attendance. Further
information can be found in the Crucial Guide:
www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/crucial-guide/personal-life/. You can also speak to your Programme Director
and/or Personal Advisor.
Unauthorised Absence
Students are not permitted to be absent from their course without the knowledge or prior agreement of their
Programme Director. Unauthorised absence will be treated very seriously.
Absence Due to Ill-Health
The guidelines for non-attendance due to ill health must be followed as described in this handbook. You must notify
the Programme Administrator no later than the first day of absence if you are absent due to illness. A selfcertification form should be submitted to the Programme Administrator if you are absent for between 1-7 days.
Please ask your programme administrator for details on how to access the self-certification form.
Thereafter a medical note should be obtained from your GP or a hospital consultant.
All medical certificates or other documentary evidence explaining absence from tutorials, lectures and examinations
must be submitted to your Programme Administrator within one week of the illness or as soon as possible due to
other circumstances. A failure to submit a medical certificate or other appropriate documentation to explain
absence may result in loss of any claim that mitigating circumstances be taken into consideration when academic
performance is assessed.
Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigation describes the process by which a student may be compensated for poor assessment performance, or
when they are not able to complete an exam/assessment, as a consequence of unforeseen or unpreventable
circumstances.
A student must submit a request for mitigation to their programme administrator, in advance of their assessment
submission deadline or exam. Retrospective mitigation requests will only be considered, if presented at least 2
weeks prior to the exam board and there are compelling reasons as to why the circumstances could not be made
known or presented prior to the assessment submission deadline/exam. (Exam board dates will be circulated by
your programme administrator once confirmed).
Any requests for mitigation will be considered confidentially by a mitigating circumstances panel. The panel will
normally comprise of the Programme Director, a Programme Administrator and a senior member of School staff.
Where a request for mitigation is supported, a recommendation will be made to the exam board for them to decide
on the best course of action for the student.
Students are advised to consult the following guidance, which directs them to seek advice and support before and
whilst submitting a request for mitigation. The University form and guidance for students, is available at:
www.tlso.manchester.ac.uk/map/teachinglearningassessment/assessment/sectioncreachingdecisionsfromassessment/mitigatingcircumstancesguidanceforstudents/
For further information about the process and acceptable grounds for mitigation see: Mitigating Circumstances
Policy & Procedures: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=4271
A Basic Guide to Mitigating Circumstances can be found here:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=23886
Late Submission
Work submitted after the deadline without prior approval shall be subject to the following penalties:
The mark awarded for the piece of work will be reduced by:
10 marks if up to 24 hours late (1 day)
20 marks if up to 48 hours late (2 days)
30 marks if up to 72 hours late (3 days)
40 marks if up to 96 hours late (4 days)
50 marks if up to 120 hours late (5 days)
A zero mark will be awarded if the piece of work is more than 5 days late.
For further information see: Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
http://www.campus.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/map/teachinglearningassessment/assessment/sectionbthepracticeofassessment/policyonsubmissionofworkforsummativeassessment/
Word Limits Penalty for exceeding word limit
Students must adhere to the specified maximum word limit stated. The Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
penalties for exceeding word limits are:
0-9.9%
10-19.9%
20-29.9%
30-39.9%
40-49.9%
50-59.9%
No penalty
10% penalty
20% penalty
30% penalty
40% penalty
50% penalty
Word limits do not include text in the bibliography/reference list, figure legends and tables and appendices (if
relevant). However, students must ensure that figure legends or text within tables are of an appropriate length and
not used to circumvent the word limit. Students who are found to be doing this will be penalised.
Where these mark reductions result in a fail, the unit will be treated as a failed unit in accordance with the
Universitys Degree Regulations.
Students must state the word length at the top of their assignment and failure to do this will result in the same
penalty as exceeding the word limit being applied.
All coursework should have a word count on the title page.
Academic Malpractice
Academic malpractice is any activity - intentional or otherwise - that is likely to undermine the integrity essential to
scholarship and research. It includes plagiarism, collusion, fabrication or falsification of results, and anything else
that could result in unearned or undeserved credit for those committing it.
Academic malpractice can result from a deliberate act of cheating or may be committed unintentionally. Whether
intended or not, all incidents of academic malpractice will be treated seriously by the University.
The procedures and penalties for dealing with academic malpractice are covered by the same regulation as apply to
Conduct and Discipline of Students (Regulation XVII): http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=6530
You are responsible for ensuring that you understand what academic malpractice is, and how to avoid committing it.
If you are unsure, ask your lecturer or academic adviser.
The Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences training team has developed a module entitled Understanding
Academic Malpractice. This unit should be completed by all postgraduate taught students and will allow you to test
your understanding of what constitutes plagiarism and academic malpractice. The module is part of the PGT
Medical and Human Sciences Graduate School Online Skills Training Resource. You can access the resource via
Blackboard. Log in to My Manchester and click on the Blackboard tab. The online skills training resource will be
listed under the My Communities heading (below your course units). The module should be completed as soon as
possible after you begin your programme, but must be completed before you submit your first piece of academic
writing for assessment.
Guidance for students on plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice can be found at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=2870
Academic Malpractice: Procedure for the Handling of Cases can be found at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=639
Interruptions and Extensions to Programme
It is the expectation of the University that postgraduate taught students pursue their studies on a continuous basis for
the stipulated duration of their programme. However, it is recognised that students may encounter personal
difficulties or situations which may seriously disrupt or delay their studies. In some cases, an interruption or extension
to your programme of study may be the most sensible option.
Students who wish to interrupt the programme or extend to write up the dissertation should initially discuss their plans
and reasons with the Programme Director.
Students should also provide documentary evidence when appropriate, for example, doctors letter, sick note etc.
An application must be submitted to the Programme Director who will either support or reject the request. The form
will then be submitted for consideration to the School of Medicine Degrees Panel who will make the final decision.
The forms required for formal application are available from your Programme Administrator.
Special Permissions
Details of forms regarding special permissions can be found online.
http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/intranet/admingroups/postgraduate/pgt/pgtforms/
Special permissions forms include:
- Change of mode of attendance application form.
- Change of programme application form.
- Extension to programme application form.
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Further information
For more information on Tier 4 visas: https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa
If you have any concerns about the attendance monitoring census points, or your Tier 4 visa status, please contact
visa@manchester.ac.uk
Postgraduate Taught Degree Regulations For Students (September 2015)
Postgraduate Taught degrees at the University of Manchester are based on the National Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ). This framework requires students to achieve credit at masters level in order to get
an award. For a standard postgraduate taught Masters programme this will normally mean passing 180 credits. A
standard postgraduate diploma will normally have 120 credits and a postgraduate certificate 60 credits. The way in
which you study these credits will be defined later in the programme handbook and the programme specification.
The University sets standards relating to your performance on every unit but also on your progression through the
programme. The programme and course unit specifications will set out the requirements for passing the credit on
individual units.
Postgraduate Taught Degree Regulations
Please find below the link to the degree regulations:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=13148
The following guidance should be read in conjunction with the regulations policy document.
Criteria for Awards
Award of Masters Degree
The award of Master degree is based upon credit accumulation using a pass mark of 50%.
Distinction
Exceptional achievements over the course of the Programme according to the taught masters marking scheme
will be rewarded with the degree of MSc with Distinction.
To obtain a Distinction, students must have:
accrued 180 credits;
have passed all units with no compensations or referrals;
have achieved an overall weighted average of 70% or more across the programme.
Students who have compensated or have been referred in any course units are not eligible for the award of
Distinction. In addition, the dissertation must be submitted by the end of the period of programme, unless there
are significant mitigating circumstances, approved in advance for missing the end of programme deadline.
Merit
To obtain a Merit, students must have accrued 180 credits AND have achieved an overall weighted average of
60% or more across the programme, including any provision made for compensated or referred units.
Pass
To obtain a pass, students must have accrued 180 credits including any provision made for compensated or referred
units.
Award Postgraduate Diploma
To obtain a Postgraduate Diploma award, students must have accrued 120 credits (as specified by the programme)
including any provision made for compensated or referred units.
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compensation zone, in which case the original mark will stand with a suffix R. This mark is used in the weighted
average/total mark for the final award. The capped mark is applied to the whole unit and not the failed component.
Referrals may also be compensated providing the number of quota of compensations has not been exceeded. When
a students referral mark is in the compensation zone (and the student/unit is eligible for compensation), the
students mark will be capped at the lowest compensatable fail mark (i.e. 40R for Masters and 30R for Postgraduate
Diploma/Certificate).
Programme Exemptions to PGT Degree Regulations
The programme does not have any exemptions.
Exam Board Meetings and Course Progression
An examination board will be held to consider your Semester 1 results. If you have scored below 50% on any course
units in Semester 1, then you may be required to meet with the programme director to discuss your progress and
whether you require any additional support.
An examination board will be held in Semester 2, to consider all of your taught unit marks. To remain on the Masters
pathway students must have passed all taught units at Masters level (including any units passed by compensation or
referral, within the referral/compensation allowance defined in the Postgraduate taught degree regulations).
Students who are not eligible to continue on the Masters pathway may be transferred to the Postgraduate Diploma
pathway and will complete a 30 credit literature review.
An exam board will be held in November to consider the dissertations and to approve the final degree
recommendations.
Assessment
Students will be assessed within the framework of the University regulations according to the requirements and
criteria laid out in this handbook. All coursework must be submitted to the appropriate Unit Co-ordinator in the
format requested.
The University Ordinances and Regulations for postgraduate taught degrees can be found at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=13148
The following are regulations relating specifically to the assessment and progression of Investigative Ophthalmology
and Vision Science students:
Marking of Examination Scripts
Examination scripts will be marked by two members of staff.
Dissertations/Projects (MSc) and Literature Reviews (PG Dip)
Dissertations/projects (MSc) and Literature reviews (PG Dip) will be examined by two internal examiners, with the
External Examiner acting as moderator.
Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
A copy of the policy on submission of work for summative assessment on Taught Programmes is available online.
This includes guidance on penalties applied for late submission of coursework and the final dissertation.
http://www.campus.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/map/teachinglearningassessment/assessment/sectionbthepracticeofassessment/policyonsubmissionofworkforsummativeassessment/
Policy on feedback to Postgraduate students
A copy of the policy on feedback to postgraduate taught students is available online.
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=6518
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Graduation
If you have no corrections to your dissertation, you can normally expect to graduate in December following the final
examination board results. However, it is important to remember that you will need to submit your corrected and
bound dissertations to the School Graduate Office before your result can be published. Occasionally, the
examination process can be delayed for one reason or another. In certain cases, December graduation may not be
possible, in which case students may have to graduate at the next ceremony in July.
Degree ceremonies are held in December and July each year and these are organised by the Student Services Centre.
You will receive information about the graduation ceremony at the time that your degree result is notified to you.
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When students receive written confirmation of their results, this is confirmation that they have been awarded the
degree and that they are eligible to attend the ceremony.
Degree Certificates
Degree certificates are issued at the degree ceremony.
You should inform the Student Services Centre if you choose not to attend the graduation ceremony, in which case
your degree certificate will be posted to you.
Please keep the School Graduate Office informed of any change to the contact details that you provided on your
Notice of Submission form. You can also update your address via Campus Solutions self service function.
Medical and Human Sciences PGT Graduate School Online Skills Training Resource
Skills units and other teaching resources developed for the Faculty Graduate School
The Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences Graduate School has developed a skills training resource to support you
through your postgraduate taught programme. This online material should supplement the assessed learning
material and activities undertaken in your taught programme.
Accessing the online skills resource
You can access Blackboard through the My Manchester portal (http://my.manchester.ac.uk). The skills training
resource is available in an academic community space available to all registered PGT students in the Faculty through
Blackboard.
If you cannot see these units in your Blackboard please contact your Programme Administrator.
A short introduction to Blackboard for new students. The recording is hosted in two places: the VLS and on
YouTube:
https://stream.manchester.ac.uk/Play.aspx?VideoId=30453
https://youtu.be/47pA877MKJg
The recording is just over seven minutes long and covers most of the commonly used tools in Blackboard.
Content
Full details of all these resources can be found in the introduction to each unit. These resources have been designed
to give you formative feedback on your progress through them. If you experience any problems and would like to
talk to someone please contact your Programme Director. If you have questions about referencing and how it
applies to your own work, please contact your Programme Director or dissertation supervisor/module lead.
Academic Writing
Understanding Academic
Malpractice
Research Methods*
17
Statistics*
Presentation Skills
* NOTE: the material in this online resource is for reference and formative learning purposes only. In some of your
taught programme you may be required to undertake assessed course units for Research Methods, Qualitative
Research or Statistics. If your programme involves taught units then you should refer to the Blackboard material
relating to that course unit. Please contact your Programme Administrator if you are unsure which material relates
to your assessed work. You will still be able to refer to the online skills resource in later years.
University Health and Safety Unit MEDN67810
As part of the Universitys responsibility to help keep you safe and well during your studies, you will need complete a
short online health and safety course.
This short course provides you with basic information about how health and safety is managed on campus, and also
includes some simple tests to assess your learning outcomes. It will take you approximately 1 hour to complete.
You will be enrolled automatically on the Health and Safety course unit, which is delivered through Blackboard (the
University e-learning system). You must complete the course and obtain a pass by 31 October 2015.
Student Support, Help And Advice
Student Representation
A postgraduate representative is elected for each cohort to attend the Programme Committee. Student
representation on this panel is extremely important as it helps to inform direction of future developments that will
benefit all the students on the programme/in the School. Feedback on any aspect of your experience as a
postgraduate student is also welcome, either as an individual or as a group.
The following provides a guide for sources of help and contact points for advice should you have any academic or
personal concerns during your course of study.
Programme Director: If you have any concerns regarding your course, your Programme Director should be your first
point of contact.
Deputy Senior Tutor: If you wish to raise a confidential or non-academic matter, you should contact the Deputy
Senior Tutor who will act independently to offer advice, in confidence, or direct you to the most appropriate person
for help. Anything that you wish to discuss will always be treated in STRICTEST CONFIDENCE and will NOT be
discussed with any other individuals without your permission.
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Confidential advice can also be obtained via the University Student Support and Services Office
(http://www.campus.manchester.ac.uk/studentsupportandservices/
Programme Administrators Office: This should be your first port of call for any general information. The Programme
Administrator is based in Room1.485, First Floor, Stopford Building.
University Student Support Services
Listed below are some of the key central support numbers you might need during your time at the University of
Manchester:
Accommodation Office
Careers Service
Student Services Centre
International Students Welfare Officer
International Office (General Enquiries)
The University of Manchester Library
Student Health Service
Students Union
The University Language Centre
275 2888
275 2828
275 5000
275 5000
275 2196
275 3751
275 2858
275 2930
275 3426
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Dissertation/review marks are combined with the marks for the taught elements of the course to provide a final
weighted average percentage score.
Course Unit Descriptions And Methods Of Assessment
The timetable information contained within this handbook is provisional and subject to change. Please also refer
to individual course units in Blackboard for updated timetables throughout the academic year.
Research Methods
(MEDN 69910)
Course Unit Coordinator: Rachel Cowen rachel.cowen@manchester.ac.uk
Course Unit Administrator: Christie Finegan christie.finegan@manchester.ac.uk
Introduction to the Course Unit
The Research Methods Course Unit is either a 0 or 15 credit, (please refer to programme summary), interactive
blended learning unit which will give you a comprehensive introduction to key information and skills required
for the design, execution, interpretation and dissemination of medical, scientific and clinically-related research.
The research methods course is an integral part of your research experience whilst undertaking your degree. It
will help you produce a high quality dissertation and provide you with the strongest grounding possible to carry
out successful research, whether in academia, industry or a medically-aligned profession.
The unit is a blended combination of lectures, workshops and on-line material designed to cover topics relating
to critical analysis of scientific/medical research literature, information management, study design, basic
statistical analysis, research integrity, research presentation skills, scientific writing and publishing skills.
Aims of the Course Unit
This unit aims to prepare you for postgraduate research. Specifically it will:
This unit aims to prepare you for postgraduate research. Specifically it will:
Introduce you to the skills and knowledge required to critically design, effectively implement, ethically
conduct and knowledgeably interpret research in medical, scientific and clinically related sciences.
Provide you with life-long critical appraisal skills that you will be able to apply to any research evidence that
comes before you.
Develop your competence in key transferable skills, particularly written and oral communication of research
and time and project management in the research setting.
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Introduction to Statistics
ILOs:
To be able to appropriately describe and present quantitative data.
To understand the principles underlying hypothesis testing, sampling, estimation and confidence intervals.
To be able to carry out statistical analyses using statistical software.
Research Study Design
ILOs:
To understand the basic principles of project and time management.
To be able to apply project planning tools to establish and execute a successful research study with
maximum research impact.
Dissertation Skills
ILOs:
To be able to critically analyse a research paper and prepare a well-structured research abstract.
To understand the principles of effective academic writing.
To be able to produce a high quality dissertation.
Research Communication Skills
ILOs:
To understand how to effectively communicate your research ideas and findings to a wide audience.
To be able to produce an effective research poster with high visual impact.
To be able to confidently deliver a research presentation and defend/field questions.
Timetable - Taught Introductory Sessions. All sessions will run from 9.30am-1pm
Session
Date
Delivered by
Room allocated
Unit Overview and
Research
Ethics/Integrity
Dissertation Skills
Judy Williams
Rachel Cowen
Research
Communication Skills
Rachel Cowen
Introduction to
Statistics
Judy Williams
Sackville K003
Sackville K003
Sackville Entrance Hall
The unit will then run on-line in Blackboard. All of the face to face material including session slides will be
available through blackboard. There will be a blackboard discussion board to support the summative
assessment aspects of the unit and there may also be some in-programme taught consolidation sessions.
Information will remain available in Blackboard for the whole academic year.
The Research Methods Online blackboard material is structured into 3 sections and includes multiple choice
questions (MCQs) to formatively assess your learning from the face to face training and online research
methods resources:
22
Length
250 words
Submission/
completion Weighting within
date
unit
nd
4pm on Thursday 22 Oct Summative (34%)
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Formative
Formative
Ethics assignment
1000 words
Summative (33%)
On-line MCQ
under exam
conditions
Summative (33%)
Statistical assignment
Credit rating
The total credit rating for this module is 15 credits
Abstract Writing Assignment - Detailed guidelines and assessment
You are required to write a maximum 250 word abstract based on the manuscript you have been given. The
abstract should introduce the topic, present the aims of the project, indicate the nature and scope of the
experiments performed and point out the major findings and conclusions. The abstract should be selfexplanatory, without the need to refer to the main paper. It should not contain references or Figures and Tables
and should avoid abbreviations. It may contain sub-headings i.e. Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results,
and Conclusions.
Your student ID number should be at the top of the page and word count should be at the bottom of the page.
Deadline for submitting assignment
Abstracts should be submitted as a word or pdf document with your ID number in the file name via the
Blackboard assignment post box by 4pm on Thursday 22nd October. The Programme Administrator will
distribute the assignments to the assessors for marking and second marking against the marking criteria. The
marks and feedback shall be returned to you in blackboard within 15 working days from submission.
Ethics Assignment - detailed guidelines and assessment
The ethics written assignment should be based on your general understanding of ethics and also analysis of a
case study you will have been provided with by your programme. The assignment should be no longer than
1000 words and should not contain Figures or Tables. References should be used but will not be included within
the word count. It is important that it comprises of a logical series of arguments and statements, describing the
importance and relevance of ethics in a broader context. The assignment should initially address the following 2
questions:
1) What does ethics mean in a broad context? (No more than 250 words)
2) Why do people require ethical approval to undertake research? (No more than 250 words)
The second part of the reflective piece should focus on the case study and address the following 2 questions (in
no more than 500 words):
3) From examination of the case study, analyse what has gone wrong and why?
4) What may be the consequences of the violation including how it may affect progress in the field and possible
changes in policy?
The assignment should indicate at the top of the page your student ID number and a word count at the end.
Deadline for Submitting Assignment
The assignment should be submitted as a word or pdf document attachment with your ID number in the file
name via the Blackboard assignment post box by 4pm Thursday 29th October The Programme Administrator
will distribute the assignments to the assessors for marking and second marking against the marking criteria.
The marks and feedback will be returned to you within 15 working days.
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25
FEEDBACK
1. It is important to justify marks with written comments in the space below.
2. When both assessors have completed their individual assessments they should confer to agree a final mark.
The final mark should be an average of marks from assessor 1 and 2. If there is a discrepancy of greater than 5
marks, assessors should discuss the marks and agree a final mark with written comments for justification. If a
final mark cant be agreed a 3rd marker may be requested.
3. The agreed mark should be entered in the box below and both assessors sign the form.
AGREED MARK:
Date ..
Date .
26
Intellectual skills
Practical skills
Course Organisers:
Mr Sajjad Mahmood
Dr Tariq Aslam
Basic Structure:
Credit rating:
15
Unit Code
MEDN 70341
When:
Where:
27
Macular
Degeneration
Time
Session
Where
Room
Speaker
Fri
02/10/2015
AV Hill
4.005
Prof Paul
Bishop
Simon Clark
Tue
06/10/2015
Stopford
1.063
Prof Paulo
Stanga
Tue
13/10/2015
Stopford
1.064
Prof Tariq
Aslam
Thu
TBC 22/10/2015
Clinic E
MREH
Jane Gray
Mon
19/10/2015
Meeting
Room C
Carys
Bannister
4.010
Ian Murray
Fri
06/11/2015
Stopford
G.050A
Sajjad
Mahmood
Wed
11/11/2015
Stopford
Keith
Morgan
Seminar
Room
Sajjad
Mahmood
Wed
25/11/2015
Stopford
G.054
Jeremy Parkes
Rosalind Creer
Thu
17/12/2015
Stopford
G.054
Konstantinos
Balaskas
Assessment:
2 hour written exam
40% - MCQs set by lecturers
60% - Short answer questions set by lecturers
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Dr Konstantinos Balaskas
Email: Konstantinos.Balaskas@cmft.nhs.uk
Basic Structure:
Credit rating:
Unit Code
When:
Where:
Category of
outcome
Knowledge and
understanding
Intellectual skills
Practical skills
Transferable
skills and
personal qualities
Wednesdays Time
13/10/2015 9.3013.00
21/10/2015 9.3013.00
28/10/2015
04/11/2015
9.3013.00
9.30-
29
Where
Stopford
Building
Stopford
Building
Room
G.057
Clinic E
MREH
Stopford
G.054
G.054
Speaker
Prof Paulo
Stanga
Konstantinos
Balaskas
Prof Paul
Bishop
Mrs Jane
Gray (TBA)
Mrs Amy
13.00
11/11/2015
18/11/2015
9.3013.00
9.3013.00
25/11/2015
9.3013.00
02/12/2015
9.3013.00
09/12/2015
9.3013.00
Assessment:
1 hour written exam:
40% - MCQs set by lecturers (20 questions) 60%
Short answer questions set by lecturers (5 questions)
30
Building
Stone
Stopford
Building
Stopford
Building
G.054
Stopford
Building
G.054
Konstantinos
Balaskas
Stopford
Building
G.054
Sajjad
Mahmood
Stopford
Building
G.054
Mr Felipe
Scala
G.054
Mrs Yvonne
D'Souza
Prof Tariq
Aslam
Glaucoma
Aims:
To provide an understanding of changes that occur in the glaucomatous eye.
To prepare healthcare professionals to participate in community or hospital-based schemes
involving the detection and management of ocular hypertension (OHT) and chronic open
angle glaucoma (COAG).
To provide a comprehensive knowledge of the technologies used in the diagnosis and management
of OHT and COAG.
To provide an understanding of the approach to, and the various treatment modalities for,
the management of glaucoma.
Learning Outcomes:
An understanding of the relevant anatomy and physiology of the normal eye and the changes that
occur in glaucoma.
A comprehension of the different types of glaucoma; a knowledge of the prevalence of, and risk
factors for, the glaucomas and an understanding of the associated visual impairment.
An ability to interpret images of the optic nerve head and visual field charts.
An ability to make appropriate management decisions based upon clinical guidelines e.g. NICE.
An understanding of the principles and application of the techniques used in the diagnosis
and management of COAG.
A comprehensive knowledge of the rationale for, and mechanism of, the current therapeutic
options in the management of COAG.
Course Organisers:
Basic Structure:
Credit rating:
15
Unit Code
Glaucoma
03/02/2016
10/02/2016
Session
Introduction to the course
Accessing Blackboard
Classification of the
glaucomas
Definition of Glaucoma
Epidemiology of primary
open angle glaucoma and
Risk Factors
Pathophysiology of the optic
nerve head and nerve fibre
layer
e-learning evaluation of
optic nerve head-GONE
Pathophysiology of anterior
chamber and aqueous
circulation
31
Wednesdays
9.00-13.00
Simon
Building
Location
Lecture Room 2A 2.60
9.00-13.00
Simon
Building
17/02/2016
24/02/2016
02/03/2016
9.00-13.00
Simon
Building
9.00-13.00
Simon
Building
9.00-1.00
Simon
Building
12.00-17.00
MREH
Seminar
Room
11.00-13.00
Simon
Building
13.00-17.00
MREH
Seminar
Room
Simon
Building
Distance
Learning
Distance
Learning
Reliability indices
09/03/2016
16/03/2016
13/04/2016
20/04/2016
27/04/2016
04/05/2016
Visual electrodiagnosis in
glaucoma screening
Co-management HES based
schemes
32
10.00-13.00
33
Contact Lenses
Aims and Objectives:
The aims of these sessions are:
To acquire important new information in the field of corneal physiology and contact lenses
To encourage critical evaluation of the literature
To foster the development of articulate scientific communication
Content:
This unit consists of 10 sessions which each focus on a specific aspect of corneal physiology and contact
lenses. The first hour of each session an overview lecture of the topic under discussion by the session
leader to provide a background to the paper presentations which comprise the second hour.
The paper presentations are 15 minute presentations given by a student who is expected to critically
analyse a paper which is assigned at the start of the module. This presentation should provide an
overview of the work and then a critical assessment of the methods and results of the work, in addition to
the style of the paper and the validity of any conclusions. The presentation will be given using Microsoft
PowerPoint (or other, similar presentational software) delivered through a data projector. After
completion, there will be a discussion and questions from the other students and the session leader.
The remainder of each session will be devoted to a practical session. This will be directly related to the
lecture and paper reviews and will either feature a demonstration or hands-on experience in a clinic or
laboratory.
Students will be required to prepare a critical appraisal and a summary handout of their assigned papers.
The presentation should give a brief background, present the aim, methods, results and your view on the
meaning and/or clinical relevance of the work. You must also offer a critical appraisal of the paper. It is
important to practice your presentation and ensure that it is tailored to the allocated time.
To aid your presentation you are expected to construct a PowerPoint presentation (Microsoft software)
and present this from your own laptop computer via a computer/data projector, which will be available
during the seminars. If you do not have a laptop computer one will be available for you to use, but you
must of course bring your presentation on a CD-ROM or USB memory stick.
You are required to prepare a printed handout to supplement your formal presentation. This should be a
printout of the PowerPoint captions, formatted for six frames per page. Twelve handout copies should be
prepared. If you give a hard-copy to Optometry secretary Joanne Cohen by 10.00 am on the Wednesday
prior to your seminar, Joanne will print off the handouts for you. You must then collect the handouts from
Joanne at an agreed time. If you miss the Wednesday 10.00 am deadline, you are responsible for
producing the copies yourself. Distribute these handouts immediately prior to your presentation.
It is advisable for all candidates to read the papers to be presented (a full list will be provided in due
course) prior to each seminar. This will enable you to critically evaluate the reports and to play a more
active role in the discussions.
Course Organisers: Dr. Philip Morgan (philip.morgan@manchester.ac.uk , x64441)
Basic Structure:
Lecture presentation:
14.00 15.15
Paper reviews:
15.15 16.15
Practical/demonstration:16.30 18.00
34
Credit rating:
Unit Code
Location
15
MEDN70352
Cary Bannister Building, Room 1.010
04/02/2016
11/02/2016
18/02/2016
25/02/2016
03/03/2016
Mr. Ioannis
Petropoulos
Dr. Philip Morgan
10/03/2016
17/03/2016
14/03/2016
Keratoconus
Paper reviews Mannion et al 2011: Kymionis et al 2009: Zadnik et al
2005:
21/03/2016
28/03/2016
Dr. Hema
Radhakrishnan
Ms. Ithar Beshtawi
Assessment
2 hr Written Examination (60%) (May 2014) and scores from seminar presentations (40%)
The written examination will be based on information presented during the seminars. The seminar
presentations will be assessed in terms of evidence of preparation, grasp of the material reviewed and
the quality of the your presentations (including timing).The marks for the seminar presentations will be
apportioned as follows:
Understanding 10; quality of slides 10; delivery 10
35
36
Organiser:
Structure:
Credit rating:
Unit Code:
When:
Where:
TIMETABLE
Week 1- 04/02/2016
9-10
10-11
11.30-12.30
Week 2 - 11/02/2016
9-10
10-10.30
10.30.11
11.30-12.30
Week 3 - 18/02/2016
9-10
10-10.30
10.30.11
11.30-12.30
Week 4 - 25/02/2016
9-10
10-10.30
10.30.11
11.30-12.30
Week 5 - 03/03/2016
9-10
10-11
11.30-1.00
Week 6 - 10/03/2016
9-10
10-10.30
10.30.11
11.30-12.30
Week 7 - 17/03/2016
9-10
10-10.30
10.30.11
11.30-12.30
Week 8 - 14/03/2016
9-10
10-10.30
10.30.11
11.30-12.30
Week 9 - 21/03/2016
9-10
10-10.30
10.30.11
11.30-12.30
Week 10 - 28/03/2016
9-10
Corneal Transplantation
An Introduction to Immunity in the Eye (Dr Chantal Hillarby)
Keratoplasty (Corneal Fellow)
Corneal Transplant Rejection (Dr Chantal Hillarby)
Autoimmunity in the Anterior Chamber
An Introduction to Autoimmunity in the Eye (Dr Chantal Hillarby)
Student presentation
Student presentation
Dry Eye (Mrs Fiona Carley)
Diabetic Cornea
The Diabetic Cornea (Dr Clare ODonnell)
Student presentation
Student presentation
Corneal Nerves in Diabetic Neuropathy (Dr Mitra Tavakoli)
Corneal Maintenance and Repair
An introduction to stem cells (Dr Steve Richardson)
Student presentation
Student presentation
The Limbus and Corneal Repair and Regeneration (Dr Chantal Hillarby)
Eye Banking Workshop
Why we need Eye Banks (Dr Isaac Zambrano)
Eye Retrieval (Dr Isaac Zambrano)
Corneal Processing for Transplantation (Manchester Eye Bank Staff)
Keratoconus
Keratoconus the Basics (Dr Evripidis Sykaki)
Student presentation
Student presentation
UV cross linking (Dr Hema Radhakrishnan)
Corneal Structure
Extracellular Matrix in the Eye (Prof Paul Bishop)
Student presentation
Student presentation
Pathology of the Cornea (Dr Luciane Irion)
Pediatric Cornea
Anterior Segment Developmental Disorders (Mr Susmito Biswas)
Student presentation
Student presentation
Corneal dystrophy and other corneal clouding (Dr Jane Ashworth)
Refractive Surgery
Corneal Imaging (Mr Khaled Alzahrani)
Student presentation
Student presentation
Refractive Surgery (Mr Arun Brahma)
Genetics of Corneal Disease
Genetic Counselling (Ms Georgina Hall)
37
10-10.30
10.30.11
11.30-12.30
Student presentation
Student presentation
Genetics of Corneal Dystrophies (Dr Forbes Manson)
Assessment
1 x 2 hr written examination (80%) in May 2016- choice of (3 from 5) questions
1 x paper presentation (20%)
38
39