Undergraduate Course: Experimental Design in Infection and Immunity (IMMU10018)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course covers the fundamental principles of experimental design and analysis, focussing on the fields of immunology and infection biology. This course will employ real-world research experiments to enable students learn the principles of asking and answering scientific questions. Students will then apply these principles identify a current research question, and design a series of experiments to address that question. |
| Course description |
The principles of asking and answering questions scientifically (e.g. hypothesis generation, experimental design, and data analysis and interpretation) are fundamental skills that underpin our current scientific knowledge and allow us to make scientific advances. They also provide an important structure for identifying and solving problems in a range of different contexts, both within and outside of biology. In relation to the fields of infection and immunity, knowledge of the key experimental approaches is required to understand and critique current literature and concepts. This course will develop students' understanding of the fundamental principles of experimental design and quantitative analysis, focussing within the fields of immunology and infection biology.The course will build upon the quantitative skills and knowledge of immunology and infection biology that students have gained through Years 1 - 3, with an emphasis on developing a critical appreciation and application of skills.
The course will be divided into two blocks. Block 1 will focus on fundamental experimental design and analysis concepts and skills, whilst block 2 will focus on putting these skills into practice. Block 1 will integrate experimental case studies with taught sessions on fundamental concepts and approaches in experimental design. In the experimental case studies, students will work through experiments in immunity and infection based around the research within the Institute of Immunology and Infection Research. The case studies will be used to emphasise fundamental themes in experimental design and analysis and will be linked to the taught sessions. The taught sessions will comprise a mixture of lectures, workshops, and peer discussion sessions. The skills and concepts learnt in block 1 will be assessed by an exam. In block 2, students will create a research question and hypothesis to follow up on a recent scientific finding, and design a series of interlinked experiments to address their hypothesis. Block 2 will consist of a series of workshops and peer discussion sessions allowing students to develop their experimental and grant ideas, and prepare their grant proposal. The workshops will be used to highlight and encourage students to think about the key aspects of their grant application. In the peer discussion sessions, students will pitch their ideas to their peers who will then give feedback. The aim of these sessions is to help the students develop and explain their own ideas, while improving their critical skills. Together, these sessions will support their ICA in which they will write a grant proposal.
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Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2025/26, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 40,
Summative Assessment Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
154 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
40 %,
Coursework
60 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Grant Proposal 60%«br /»
Exam 40%«br /»
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| Feedback |
Students will receive feedback from staff and peers during the workshops and group discussions. Feedback will be provided for the course assessments. |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | Exp Des Inf Imm Exam | 120 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critically discuss and apply the philosophical principles of experimental design and underpinning tools, and key research methods in immunology and infection biology.
- Create a research question and hypothesis to address a new challenge in the field of infection and immunity. Apply fundamental principles to design and plan a series of interlinked experiments to address the research question.
- Be able to interpret and critique experimental results in relation to the experimental and project aims, in a relation to current knowledge both within and outside the field.
- Be able to explain and present experimental findings and their interpretations clearly, accurately, and concisely, using high quality figures as appropriate.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Knowledge and Understanding: The course will provide a comprehensive understanding of the science and fundamental principles of experimental design and problem solving. It will also provide a critical understanding of key research approaches in the fields of infection and immunity. Students will gain an appreciation for the ethical considerations involved in scientific research.
Research and Enquiry: Students will be able to critically assess complex scientific problems, focussed in the context of infection biology and immunology. Through case studies and real-world examples, they will learn how to identify and define research questions, apply rigorous experimental design principles, and critique existing scientific methodologies. Students will demonstrate a strong capacity for designing experiments, interpreting data, and applying statistical analysis techniques.This includes the ability to develop testable hypotheses, create interlinked experimental designs,and evaluate results with an understanding of the limitations and biases inherent in scientific research. Through engagement with experimental data and the use of statistical tools, graduates will develop advanced quantitative skills. This will enable them to analyse data critically, use appropriate visualisation techniques, and employ coding tools such as Python, enhancing their computational literacy in biological research.
Personal and Intellectual Autonomy: Students will cultivate creative thinking by developing their own research questions and designing novel experiments to address them. This requires students to identify an unanswered question in the field, use their scientific judgement, synthesise their own views and develop reasoned arguments related to wider context.This course encourages independent thought and innovation, providing a foundation for advancing knowledge in infection biology and immunology. Overall, this will increase students' independence and confidence in designing and analysing experiments.
Communication: Students will be able to clearly communicate scientific ideas, findings, and interpretations through presentations and their written grant proposal. They will also enhance their ability to work collaboratively by participating in peer feedback and group discussions, further developing their interpersonal skills and their ability to critique the work of others constructively.
Personal Effectiveness: Students will be equipped with the confidence and self-sufficiency needed to undertake independent research. The course will build their independence in experimental design and analysis, preparing them to take initiative in their future research projects, whether in academic or professional settings. Technical Skills: Students will develop quantitative and problem-solving skills that will contribute to graduate employability. |
| Keywords | Infection,Immunity,Immunology |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Matthew Taylor
Tel: (0131 6)51 3625
Email: Matthew.Taylor@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Janna James
Tel: (0131 6)50 8649
Email: Janna.James@ed.ac.uk |
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