Advanced Research Methods
Code
1091001
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
Credits
5
Teacher in charge
Duarte Custal Ferreira Barral
Teaching language
English
Objectives
The students should learn to define the scope and reach of a scientifically relevant question and know the capabilities and limitations of modern science to answer complex scientific issues. The students should learn to formulate a valid question and find a testable hypothesis, as well as learn how to design an experimental approach to test the hypothesis, identifying potential limitations and proposing alternative strategies. Within the technical seminars, students should learn the main methods, techniques and model organisms commonly used in biomedical research. Students should learn to identify and select the techniques and experimental approaches best suited to answer specific scientific questions. Furthermore, they should also understand the limitations of current methods and techniques and interpret the experimental results given these limitations.
Prerequisites
Subject matter
This course involves technical seminars and a theoretical/practical component, where students should use the knowledge acquired in the technical seminars to develop the experimental approach of a research project that answers a specific and relevant scientific question. Under the scope of the technical seminars (ST), students should acquire general about: Bioinformatics; Immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry
Bibliography
The main bibliography or other relevant learning resources will be provided by the various scientists that participate in the teaching activities. Whenever applicable, the bibliography should consist in scientific papers that are available as open access or in dedicated repositories accessible by the students. In each edition of the course the most updated and current bibliography will be provided. Students are encouraged to share notes and other relevant information concerning the UC in virtual fora or virtual blackboards.
Teaching method
The course includes technical seminars and theoretical /practical classes. Seminars are intended to convey knowledge about different state-of-the-art the methods and newer or more conventional techniques used in biomedical research, illustrated by examples of their practical application. The seminars are presented by researchers or other specialists responsible for infrastructure or technology platforms. The theoretical/practical classes will serve to apply the knowledge acquired in the seminars in planning the experimental approach of a hypothetical research grant proposal, but one that should aim to investigate a real problem. The students will propose the scientific question and the research project.
Evaluation method
The assessment will involve two components: a written grant proposal, detailing the experimental approach to be used and its presentation and discussion (50%); and a peer review report, detailing the experimental shortcomings and its presentation and discussion (50%).