Neuroimaging: Study Design (P01862)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : MED-P-P01862

This course aims to introduce students to key issues in the design of observational studies, use of imaging as a surrogate outcome in treatment trials, evaluating response to treatment using imaging parameters and distinguishing between associations and causality. Issues such as refining the research question and hypotheses, blinding of assessments, use of randomisation, sample size estimates and feasibility will be covered

Entry Requirements

? Special Arrangements for Entry : All courses will be delivered taught by distance learning, using WebCT as the delivery platform. Registered students are provided with a user name and password that allows them to access a protected course web site. The website houses a number of interactive tutorials that allow students to work with information in a self-paced manner to test their understanding of important concepts and principles. Online delivery will be supported through online discussions with peers and tutors. The website provides a variety of educational material and supports a range of approaches by the students to the material provided.

Study guides with lecture notes are available, either to be read on screen or printed by the students for private use. Selected readings from relevant journals and textbooks are also provided.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Neuroscience (Medicine), (Medicine, Schedule R)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Additional Class Information : All courses will be delivered taught by distance learning using WebCT as the delivery platform.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The programme aims to contribute to improved understanding of the use of neuroimaging in research by users from a wide range of different disciplines, including understanding the principals of study design to avoid bias, practicalities and limitations of different imaging techniques, and image analysis processes. This will improve the design, quality and interpretation of neuroimaging as used in research and help advance knowledge faster.

Assessment Information

Large written submissions are not very suitable to the assessment of a student's appreciation of the finer points of imaging. There will be short questions embedded in the end of the teaching session using a variety of question types:- multiple choice, drag and drop, short written answer, etc. The questions embedded in this course will be worth 2.5% of the overall final mark.

There will be a short written asignment (1000words) worth 25% of the overall mark. This will be on a fixed topic.

A number of bespoke technologies and the University’s online assessment tool QuestionMark Perception will be used to deliver the more interactive and visually driven elements of assessment. The principle of constructive alignment will underpin all assessments. This will ensure the assessment tasks are aligned with the specific course objectives