MRes Handbook 2015-2016 FINAL 12aug15

MRes
in Clinical Sciences

Programme Handbook
2015-2016

Organised by the Institutes of Ageing & Chronic
Disease and Infection & Global Health

Information in this Handbook can be made available
in alternative formats on request.
Please contact Sue Jones (clinmres@liv.ac.uk)

MRes in Clinical Sciences, Programme Handbook 2015-16

The MRes in Clinical Sciences has the following research
Programme Pathways:

Clinical Infection & Global Health

Emerging & Zoonotic Infections
Eye & Vision Science
Infection Immunology
Microbial Pathogenesis
Musculoskeletal Biology
Neurological Infections
Obesity & Endocrinology
One Health
Translational Bacteriology
Veterinary Science

2

Emergency Information

In cases of emergency, call 2222 on any University phone. If you are unable to
locate a University phone, call 0151 794 3252.

Familiarise yourself with the fire procedures in buildings, including what to do
if you discover a fire, what to do if the alarm sounds and where to assemble
should you have to evacuate the building

Never wedge open fire doors or obstruct escape routes

Always report accidents, near misses or dangerous conditions to a responsible
member of the Department

Always follow any health and safety instructions you are given

3

Contents Page
Welcome from Programme Director......6
University of Liverpool Student Charter.........7
General Information......9
Induction Timetable...10
Introduction to the Handbook and Degree Programme.....12
Aims of the Programme.....13
Degree Programme Organisation and Content..14
Brief Overview of Programme Structure....15
Viva Voce Examination....15
Module Convener Details.....16
Feedback Policy....16
Student Support......16
Overview of Submission of assignments, Student Appeals and Complaints..17
Module Details........18
General Overview of Course Timetables and Deadlines.....21
Summary of Module Timetables.....23
Overview of Assessment......26
Role of the External Examiner...28
Criteria for Modules Assessment and Example Marks Sheets for Assignments....29
Submission of MRes Assignments for Assessment..44
Instructions for Submission of MRes Assignments via VITAL...45
Attendance, Examinations and Progress in Studies.46
Student Representation and Feedback/Evalution...46
Other information...47

My Liverpool - a guide to enhance your student experience at the University...49
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion...49
Registration....49
Student Services Centre....50
Student Smart Card...50
Medical Registration.51
Bank Accounts..51
Police Registration....51
Sport Liverpool.51
Faith Express and Chaplaincy.52
Staying Safe....53
Library and Computing Services ..58
Liverpool Life..60
Support Services..60
Careers and Employability Service..66
Liverpool Guild of Students..67
Code of Practice on Assessment..68
Late Submission of Assessed Work.69
Disability and Alternative examination Arrangements.69
Poor Attendance.69
Sickness and Absence Policy..70
4
Mitigating Circumstances72
Academic Integrity..72
Non-Payment of Fees...73
Changes to your Registration..74
Jury Service..76
Misconduct..76
Criminal Offences...78
Assessment Appeals..79
Complaints...80

A Guide to Completion of Specific MRes Assignments.............................................. 81
Basic Laboratory Skills Assignments............................................................................ 81
Preparation of Project Report... 81
Short Reviews... 82
Journal Club... 83
Referees report...83
Writing a Research Grant Proposal.84
Business Proposal...85
Structured Reflection...86
MRes Portfolio.....87
Examples of Individual Assessments. 88

Copies of important forms you may require during the course....89-94

5
Welcome from MRes Programme Director

A warm welcome is extended to you as a student on the MRes in Clinical Sciences Programme, and
to the University and City of Liverpool. We hope you find the programme to be enlightening,
challenging, and enjoyable, and encourage regular interaction both with your peers on the course
and with the staff involved in the delivery of the programme. The staff of both the Institute of
Ageing & Chronic Disease, and Institute of Infection & Global Health, look forward to engaging
with you throughout the programme, and during seminars and other events throughout the year.

Enjoy the course and good luck with your studies,

Dr Neil Blake

6
University of Liverpool Student Charter

OUR PARTNERSHIP IN LEARNING

Life changing, world shaping
The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading research institutions in the
UK, and is ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide.

To maintain our status as a global frontrunner, leading excellence in research, learning and
teaching, we must work together. All members of the University community students, alumni
and staff share responsibility for the continued success of the institution and its students.

The purpose of the Student Charter is to set out our partnership in learning. Jointly created by the
University and the Liverpool Guild of Students, it represents our shared commitment to the values
of the University and to develop and maintain a stimulating, diverse and supportive environment
that is conducive to learning.

This Charter encourages the commitment of all staff and students to their rights and
responsibilities, and lays out the basis on which our partnership works. By undertaking the
responsibilities within the Student Charter we can all contribute to, and take pride in, the ongoing
development of a vibrant university community.

University of Liverpool will provide:
A supportive and stimulating research-led learning environment that empowers students

to reach their full potential;
High quality learning experiences that are informed by good practice in learning and
teaching and the research excellence and professional practice of our staff;
Access to activities that will enhance employability, professional excellence and personal
intellectual development;
Support for student participation in programme management and the life of the University
including election of representatives;
Access to advice on health and welfare; accommodation, finance and careers;
Clearly defined access to the learning environment, including facilities and services that will
enable students to succeed in their studies.
University of Liverpool will provide students with the following information:
Details of their programme and module content;

Clear deadlines for all assessments and timeframes for feedback on submitted work;
The name of their Academic Adviser, who is their first point of contact for support;
Policies and procedures including programme and assessment regulations, appeals and
complaints procedures;
7
Appropriate notice of changes to content, rescheduling and changes to timetable;

Programme fees, payment deadlines and estimates of necessary additional costs.
Students undertake to:
Take responsibility for managing their own learning and development, seeking advice and
support as required; spending sufficient, regular time in private study and participating in
timetabled sessions and in group learning activities;
Maintain and protect an environment conducive to learning and in keeping with the values
of the University of Liverpool;
Engage with the educational, social and cultural life of the University;
Obtain agreement from their Department or School for any essential absences as far in
advance as possible;
Maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in all aspects of work and assessment;
Provide constructive feedback on their experience and participate in mechanisms that will
lead to improvements in the quality of learning and teaching;
Treat all University property and facilities with care and respect;
Make prompt payment of charges made by the University.

The GUILD OF STUDENTS Undertakes to:
Provide an inclusive environment and be membership led with the interests of students at
the core of all decisions;
Maintain a constructive relationship with the University of Liverpool, inputting into
decisions that affect students;
Further the interests of University of Liverpool students at both a local and national level
through lobbying, campaigning, representation and policy formation;
Make available support and advice for the election and training of student representatives;
Provide individual, independent advice and representation on University procedures and
issues relating to the student experience, as well as an efficient signposting service;
Work in partnership with external individuals and organisations for the benefit of its
members;
Provide and support a range of activities, including student led societies and volunteering
opportunities, to enhance personal and professional development;
Support and encourage a positive relationship between students and the local community;
Operate in a socially, ethically and environmentally responsible manner.
8
General Information

Programme Director Dr Neil Blake
Dr Blake is based in the Institute of Infection and Global Health, City Centre Campus, Room 216f, 2nd
Floor, Ronald Ross Building. His contact details are: nwblake@liv.ac.uk/ Tel: 0151 795 9628/ Mobile
07866 664292

Deputy Director - Dr Simon Tew
Dr Tew is based in the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease at the Leahurst Campus. His contact
details are: tew@liverpool.ac.uk / Tel: 0151 795 6235

Programme Administrator - Mrs Sue Jones
Sue Jones is based in the PGR Student and Administrative Hub, Room LG40, Sherrington Building. Her
contact details are: susan.jones@liv.ac.uk / Tel: 0151 794 4225

Mail and Messages
It is important that students check their University emails on a daily basis as this will be the main
method of contact by the Programme Director, Programme Administrator, module conveners and
project supervisors. The University VITAL system will also be used regularly to convey information
about the course.

Communal Areas, Desk Space, Computing Facilities and Photocopying
During your research projects suitable desk (writing up) space and computing facilities will be
made available within the Departments you are working for your research projects. There are also
a large number of communal computers available for students in the Harold Cohen Library and
other University computer areas (the location of these is available on the University Computer
Services Department, CSD, web site).

Photocopying facilities are available in The University libraries, and will also be available in the
departments you will carry out your research projects. For further advice on access to
photocopying please contact the course administrator.

Safety in the Institutes
You must have a safety induction in each Institute where you undertake a project. Dr Sheila Ryan
is the Safety Officer for Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease and will provide guidelines on safety
within this Institute [Email: sryan@liv.ac.uk; Tel: 0151 706 4088]. Mrs Debbie Sales is the Safety
Officer for Institute of Infection & Global Health and will provide guidelines for safety in this
Institute [Email: debbys@liv.ac.uk; Tel: 0151 795 9614].

Seminars and Review Lectures
Both Institutes run their own programmes of external seminars/lectures. Invited speakers from
throughout the UK (and further afield) contribute to these seminar series. It is considered
important that MRes students attend these lectures and any review lectures to broaden their
knowledge and range of learning experiences. In addition each Department within the Institutes run
their own internal seminar series, where members of staff/students will present details of their
ongoing research work. There may also be additional University-wide seminars that are of interest to
MRes students. Students will be notified of seminars via email and noticeboards.
9
Induction Timetable
All sessions will take place in the IACD Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor, Duncan Building unless
indicated otherwise.

Week 1: 14- 18 September 2015
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
14/09/2015 15/09/2015 16/09/2015 17/09/2015 18/09/2015
Seminar Room 1 09:00 -11:30 09:00 10:00 10:00 - 11:00 09:00 -11:30
Sherrington Project Talks: Health & Safety Introduction to Project Talks:
Building IGH Pathways I Talk Research Frontiers IGH Pathways II
All Day [Debby Sales] Module
[Victoria Kearns]
10:00 10:15 10:00 11:00
Arrival & Coffee Research Ethics
[Steve Christmas] 11:00-12:30
10:15 10:30 12:00 Project Talks: IACD 11:30 15:00
Welcome UoL Orientation/ 11:00-12:30 Pathways II Project Planning
Neil Blake Meet with previous Project Talks: IACD Time
ST/KH/VK/JR MRes students Pathways I
meet at IACD
10:30 11:30 Lecture Theatre
Overview of [Jessica Eyre/Alice
MRes Clinical Law/Luke
Sciences Johnston]
[Neil Blake]
14:00 17:00
11:30 12:30 Project Planning 15:00 16:00
Complete 14:00 - 15:00 14:00 17:00 Time Question &
registration IT and Overview of Project Planning Answer Session
process Assessment time [Neil Blake]
[Neil Blake]

15:00 16:00
14:00 15:00 Assessment and
Research Projects Academic Integrity 16:00 17:00
& Selection Policy Cheese & Wine
Process [Luminita Paraoan] Reception
[Simon Tew] (Location: Ronald
16:00 17:00 Ross Building)
Coffee & Cakes Library Drop-In
session Wolfson
Training Room,
Harold Cohen
Library
[Ken Linkman]

10
Week 2: 21 25 September 2015

21/09/2015 22/09/2015 23/09/2015 24/09/2015 25/09/2015
10:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 12:00
Lab Skills Module Lab Skills Module Lab Skills Module Lab Skills Module Lab Skills Module
ALL STUDENTS ALL STUDENTS ALL STUDENTS ALL STUDENTS ALL STUDENTS

12.00-17.00
Project Planning
Time

Week 3: 28 Sep 02 October 2015

28/09/2015 29/09/2015 30/09/2015 01/10/2015 02/10/2015
09:00 10:00 09:00 16:00 09:00 16:00 09:00 16:00 09:00 14:00
Labs Skill Module Lab Skills Module Lab Skills Module Lab Skills Module Project Planning
ALL STUDENTS Group 2 Only Group 3 Only Group 4 Only Time.
(Ronald Ross (Ronald Ross (Ronald Ross
10:00 17:00 Building) Building) Building)
Lab Skills Module 14:00 15:00
Group 1 Only Lab Skills Module
(Ronald Ross ALL STUDENTS
Building)

Groups 2, 3 & 4 Groups 1, 3 & 4 Groups 1, 2 & 4 Groups 1, 2 & 3 15:00 16:00
Project Planning Project Planning Project Planning Project Planning Induction Round
Time Time Time Time Up/Further
opportunity for
Q&A
[Neil Blake]

Important Dates:

Friday 18 September, 4pm Cheese & Wine Reception
Tony Hart Room, Ground Floor, Ronald Ross Building

Friday 02 October, 5pm Submit Project Selection Sheets
(to Neil Blake at Q&A, or by email to tew@liv.ac.uk)

A separate timetable will be provided with full details of the Laboratory Skills Module, including
locations of sessions.

11
Introduction to the Handbook and MRes Clinical Sciences Degree

Programme

This handbook is to be used in conjunction with other information you may be given about
different aspects of the MRes Clinical Sciences, and compulsory programmes organized by the
University of Liverpool. It provides essential information required for the MRes Clinical Sciences;
you should read it carefully and keep it in a safe place. It also presents information on how the
student charter is implemented in this programme. It includes details of:

the broader aims and objectives of the MRes
the modules available
the means by which the MRes Clinical Sciences will be assessed overall
the assessment criteria that will be used
the aims and objectives of each individual module or similar unit of study and what you
should be able to achieve by the end of it
the teaching and learning methods that will be used and the means by which more general
skills (such as working in teams and making oral presentations) will be developed and
assessed
the computing, library and other academic services which exist and the levels of service
they will provide
the staff responsible for programme of study overall and for individual modules
the means by which your views on individual modules or units on programmes of study
overall and on other aspects of your experience will be sought both individually and
collectively and how information on the responses to those views will be fed back to you
how you will be provided with systematic information on your individual progress, on your
areas of strength and weakness, and on the means by which you can improve your
performance

12
The Aim of the Programme

The aim of the MRes Clinical Sciences Programme is to provide training at Masters level for
medical, veterinary, dental and science graduates and career academics-in-training, so meeting
regional and national demands for research-oriented skills in these disciplines. A key element of
the programme design is the development of relevant, appropriate research skills, in addition to a
systematic understanding and critical awareness of the research process, which prepares the
student for doctoral research training and satisfies the criteria of the Research Councils for Master
of Research training.

Objectives:
To provide training in transferable skills, techniques, and knowledge appropriate to
postgraduate research students at Masters level

To develop the capacity for individual work and teamwork in an interdisciplinary research
environment

To conduct independent research through practical experience in formulating appropriate
research strategies, methods, data collection and analysis via three 12 week research projects

To develop communication skills both oral and written to enable research debate (with
scientific and lay audiences) and peer reviewed journal publications

To equip the student to take the first postgraduate steps leading to future roles in biomedical
research in the clinical, academic, industrial, and public sectors

To prepare the student for entry into a PhD programme

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme students will have:

Received specialist training in the collection, analysis and critically evaluation of qualitative
and/or quantitative research data

A systematic and comprehensive understanding of, and an ability to appraise critically, current
issues in clinical sciences

Developed technical/practical research skills together with an in-depth and systematic
understanding of current specialist (discipline-based) knowledge

Developed professional transferable skills appropriate for research in a patient-centered,
knowledge-intensive health care service

The ability for independent learning required for continuing professional development

Knowledge and understanding of up to date research advances and techniques in Clinical
Sciences developed by detailed investigations of selected areas of current clinical sciences
research
13
Degree Programme Organisation and Content

The MRes in Clinical Sciences Programme is delivered by staff from the Institutes of Ageing &
Chronic Disease and Infection & Global Health, with contributions from staff from other
Institutes/Departments at the University. Students will be registered in the Faculty of Health &
Life Sciences

The MRes in Clinical Sciences course is organised around Programme (Research) Pathways. These
are:
Clinical Infection & Global Health,
Emerging & Zoonotic Infections,
Eye & Vision Science,
Infection Immunology,
Microbial Pathogenesis,
Musculoskeletal Biology,
Neurological Infections,
Obesity & Endocrinology,
One Health,
Translational Bacteriology
Veterinary Sciences.

Students can specialise in a specific programme pathway. To follow a specific pathway, students
need to select three research project modules linked to that pathway, e.g. three projects in the
Clinical Infection and Global Health Pathway. This will allow you to be awarded the degree of
MRes with the specialisation indicated e.g. MRes in Clinical Sciences (Clinical Infection and Global
Health). This applies to all the programme pathways.

If you do not wish to specialise, you can undertake three projects across a range of pathways and
the degree awarded will be an MRes in Clinical Sciences

(NOTE: both awards carry similar weighting).

The programme pathways highlight the research strengths of the Institutes of Ageing & Chronic
Disease, and Infection & Global Health (see http://www.liv.ac.uk/ageing-and-chronic-
disease/research-departments/ and http://www.liv.ac.uk/infection-and-global-health/research/).

The Programme

The programme has a modular framework and is based around 4 sessions. It is delivered through
lectures, tutorials, seminars, short programmes and research projects with individual tuition. The
MRes is designed to be delivered over 1 year of full-time study. The Programme structure also
allows completion of modules part time in defined blocks over a 2-year part-time period.

All modules on the programme are assessed by continual assessment (further details are provided
with module descriptions).

14
Brief Overview of Programme Structure

The Programme consists of seven modules, which contribute the 180 credits required for a Master
programme. The following modules, showing their credit value, are completed by all students:

Basic Laboratory Skills Module [15 credits]
Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 1 [15 credits]
Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 2 [15 credits]
Research Project 1 [40 credits]
Science and Transferable Skills [15 credits]

Details of each module can be found on subsequent pages.

The modules are completed over four sessions as follows:

SESSION 1 SESSION 2 SESSION 3 SESSION 4
14 Sep 9 Oct 12 Oct 15 Jan 18 Jan 15 April 18 April 09 Sep
Induction Week Research Project Research Project Research Project

(40 credits) (40 credits) (40 credits)
Basic Lab Skills

(15 credits)
Research Frontiers in Research Frontiers in

Clinical Sciences 1 Clinical Sciences 2
(15 credits) (15 credits)
Science & Transferable Science & Transferable Science & Transferable Science & Transferable
skills skills skills skills
(15 credits total)

VIVA VOCE EXAMINATION

A viva voce examination will take place at the end of the programme. Students need to be
available at the end of the programme between the dates of 09 Sep - 23 Sep 2016 for viva (the
exact date is dependent on external examiner availability). You will be notified as early as possible
as to the exact date of the viva after discussion with the External Examiners. All students are
required to attend the viva examination.

15
Module Coordinators

Module Co-ordinator
Transferable Skills Dr Neil Blake
nwblake@liv.ac.uk
Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 1 Dr Victoria Kearns
vkearns@liv.ac.uk
Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 2 Prof Nicola Williams
Njwillms@liverpool.ac.uk
Research Project 1 Dr Simon Tew
tew@liv.ac.uk
tew@liv.ac.uk
tew@liv.ac.uk
Basic Laboratory Skills Dr Kevin Hamill
khamill@liv.ac.uk

Feedback and Provisional Assessment Marks
In accordance with university policy, students will receive feedback on submitted work within two
to three working weeks wherever possible. Where it is impossible to adhere to the timescale, the
Programme will ensure that feedback is provided in time for students to be able to improve on
their performance in subsequent assessments.
The Programme cannot return assignments to students. However, an opportunity will be provided
for all students to discuss their performance with the relevant module organisers.
All students are notified of the arrangements for obtaining such feedback from modules and it is
the responsibility of students to take advantage of such opportunities.
Students should note that all assessment marks provided throughout the course are provisional
until they are approved by the Programmes Board of Examiners meeting, which will be held after
viva voce examinations during September at the end of the Academic Year.

Student support
All students will be allocated an Academic Advisor who will meet with you three times during the
academic year to review progress and provide an opportunity to discuss any issues arising during the
year. The Academic Advisor will be a member of staff involved in the MRes Programme.

The Programme Director will hold scheduled open sessions where he is happy to meet with any
student to discuss your time on the course. In addition, he is happy to speak to you at anytime during
the year, to help you if you are having any difficulties, whether academic or personal, including
disabilities. Please contact him directly. All members of academic staff contributing on the
programme are available for advice and help throughout the year.

Specific queries related to individual MRes modules should in the first instance be directed to the
module co-ordinator (as indicated above). Should this not address the issue then the query should be
brought to the attention of the Programme Director.
16

We aim to respond to any queries or questions related to your time on the MRes Programme
within 2 working days. If you have not had a reply to any specific enquiry within this time, please
contact the Programme Director (nwblake@liv.ac.uk) and Programme Administrator
(jones@liv.ac.uk).

The Disability Support Officer is Dr Lesley Iwanejko (lwanejko@liv.ac.uk; 0151 794 4242).

Further information on Central University Student Support Systems can be found on pages 60.

Submission of MRes Assignments
If you have any difficulties with submission of any assignments by the given deadlines, you should
contact the module convenor, in the first instance, or programme director to discuss extensions to
your deadline.

If you would like to request an extension to the submission date of any assignment you need to
complete a Request for Extension to MRes Assignment Submission Deadline form (see page 95).

If you believe there are issues that are affecting your ability to complete the assignments you
should complete an Application for Mitigating Circumstances form (see page 70)

Student appeals and complaints
If you wish to appeal against the assessment of your course work, there is a standard University
proceedure which is outlined on page 79. In the first instance you should discuss this with the
Programme Director.

If you wish to raise a complaint against any aspect of your participation on the MRes course there is a
formal process for this procedure (see page 80). In the first instance, you should raise this issue with
either the Programme Director or Programme Administrator, who will make every effort to deal with
the issue in fair, amicable manner.

See the following links for full University regulations on appeals and complaints:

www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/student-administration-centre/policies-
procedures/appeals.

www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/policies-procedures/code-of-practice-assessment.

procedures/complaints.

All forms required during your MRes course will be available on VITAL or by requesting these from
Sue Jones (clinmre@liv.ac.uk)

17
Module Details

MCMR008 Basic Laboratory Skills
This training will provide the basic skills and knowledge associated with working in a laboratory,
enabling the student to feel confident in a laboratory environment. Full details of this module will
be provided in a separate handbook.

Basic Outline of the Module Content:

1. Introduction, Health and Safety and Experimental Design. Health and safety, risk
assessments, keeping a laboratory book, presentation of lab reports, design of
experiments.
2. Tissue culture, flow cytometry and microscopy. Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear
cells (PBMCs), cell counting, flow cytometry, tissue culture, microscopy.
3. Protein analysis. Protein isolation, quantification, protein electrophoresis, western
blotting, ELISA.
4. Basic molecular biology. mRNA and DNA isolation and quantification, polymerase chain
reaction, electrophoresis of nucleic acids.

The module assessment will be based on:

Writing a Lab Report [contributes 60% of module assessment]
Multiple Choice Exam [contributes 40% of module assessment]

MCMR002 Science and Transferable skills
This training will provide generic and transferable skills required for undertaking research in both
the clinical and academic environment.

The syllabus covers:

1. Biostatistics
2. Science Skills
3. Research Ethics
4. Public Understanding of Science
5. Communication and Presentation Skills
6. The Use of Social Media as a Researcher
7. Writing a grant application
8. Business Proposals, IP and Commercialisation


Writing a grant application [contributes 50% of module assessment]
Writing a business proposal [contributes 50% of module assessment]
A reflection exercise [Pass/Fail]
Completion of a Portfolio of Activity
18
MCMR003 Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 1

The aim of this series is to provide an overview and understanding of research techniques in
clinical and biomedical sciences, based in research areas from the programme pathways listed
below. The module will consist of lectures, student-led Journal Clubs on a research article(s)
(selected by an academic member of staff) and tutorials.

Clinical Infection & Global Health Neurological Infections
Emerging & Zoonotic Infections Obesity & Endocrinology
Eye & Vision Science One Health
Infection Immunology Translational Bacteriology
Microbial Pathogenesis Veterinary Science

The timetable for these sessions will be provided separately, and will be available on the Research
Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 1 page in VITAL.

A review of one of the above lectures/research areas (word limit 4000 +/-10%).
[contributes 80% of module assessment]

A referee reports on an article presented at a journal club (word limit 1000 +/-10%)

MCMR004 Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 2
The aim of this series is to provide an overview and understanding of recent research advances in
the programme pathways indicated below. The module will consist lectures and student-led
Journal Clubs on a research article(s) selected by an academic member of staff.

Clinical Infection & Global Health Neurological Infections
Emerging & Zoonotic Infections Obesity & Endocrinology
Eye & Vision Science One Health
Infection Immunology Translational Bacteriology
Microbial Pathogenesis Veterinary Science

The timetable for these sessions will be provided separately, and will be available on the Research
Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 2 page in VITAL.

A review of one of the above lectures/research areas (word limit 4000 +/-10%).

A referee reports on an article presented at a journal club (word limit 1000 +/-10%)

19
Research Projects 1-3

Modules MCMR 005-007, 105-107, 205-207, 305-307, 405-407, 505-507, 605-607, 705-707, 805-
807, 905-907, 015, 016, 017, 025, 026, 027

The aim of these modules are to provide the student with the experience of independent research
through practical experience, formulating appropriate research strategies, methods, data
collection and analysis, via three 10 week research projects (plus 2 weeks writing up a project
report).

These research project modules are linked with the individual programme pathways. When you
select your research projects in the first weeks of the course, this will determine with modules you
are registered for.

MCMR005-007 Clinical Sciences Research Projects [General Projects, no specialization]
MCMR105-107 Clinical Infection & Global Health Research Projects
MCMR015-017 Emerging & Zoonotic Infections Research Projects
MCMR205-207 Eye & Vision Science Research Projects
MCMR305-307 Infection Immunology Research Projects
MCMR405-407 Microbial Pathogenesis Research Projects
MCMR505-507 Musculoskeletal Biology Research Projects
MCMR605-607 Neurological Infections Research Projects
MCMR705-707 Obesity & Endocrinology Research Projects
MCMR025-027 One-Health Research Projects
MCMR805-807 Translational Bacteriology Research Projects
MCMR905-907 Veterinary Sciences Research Projects

On completion of this module students will be able to:
Plan and manage a research project within a specified time frame

Demonstrate practical skills utilising modern techniques to perform a series of experiments
or research review
Collect and analyse data with appropriate statistical techniques to achieve specified
research goals
Present and discuss scientific data both verbally and in writing
Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the experimental foundation of a specific area of
clinical research
The module assessment will be based on (per project):

Project report (word limit 4,000 +/-10%). [contributes 70% of module assessment]
Continual Assessment [contributes 10% of module assessment]
(assessment of the students performance and conduct during the project)
Project presentation [contributes 20% of module assessment]
[Project 1 a poster; Project 2 and 3 either a poster or oral presentation]

After completion of each research project, a Research Project Completion Certificate you must be
filled in and get this signed by the project supervisor. This should be handed in with the project
report. The project report will not be assessed unless accompanied by this certificate.
20
General Overview of Timetable and Deadlines

SESSION 1 (14 SEP 09 OCT)*

Days Basic Lab Skills Research Research Transferable Research
(21 Sep-02 Oct) Frontiers 1 Frontiers 2 Skills Projects*
** (05 09 Oct)
Monday 09:00 17:00 Biostatistics
Tuesday 09:00 17:00 All week
Wednesday 09:00 17:00
Thursday 09:00 17:00
Friday 09:00 17:00
*During this session students should think about which research projects they would like to undertake,
contact Project Supervisors to discuss projects and obtain further information.
** The basic lab skills module takes place at select times during the indicated period, a separate handbook
and timetable will be provided.

DEADLINES:
Project Selection Forms: Friday 02 October 2015
MCQ Examination Monday 19 October 2015 09.00 10.30 am
Lab Skills Assignments See lab Skills Handbook various deadlines

SESSION 2 (12 OCT 2015 15 JAN 2016)

Frontiers 1 Frontiers 2 Skills Projects
Monday All Day

Tuesday All Day
Wednesday Lecture and Lecture pm
Journal Club
Thursday All Day
Friday All Day

DEADLINES:

Poster Presentations Friday 15 January 2016
Project Report Submission Monday 18 January 2016
Research Frontiers Assignments Literature Review: to be confirmed
Referees Report: 2 weeks from date of journal club.

21
SESSION 3 (18 JAN 2016 15 APRIL 2016)

Frontiers 1 Frontiers 2 Skills* Projects

Monday All Day

Tuesday All Day
Wednesday Lecture and Lecture and Lecture pm
Journal Club Journal Club
Thursday All Day
Friday All Day

DEADLINES:
Poster/Oral Presentations Friday 15th April 2016
Project Report Submission Monday 18th April 2016
Research Frontiers Assignments Literature Review: 18 Feb 2016
Referees Report: 2 weeks from date of lecture.

SESSION 4 (18 APRIL 2016 09 SEP 2016)
Frontiers 1 Frontiers 2
Skills* Projects**
Monday Lecture All Day

Tuesday Lecture All Day

Wednesday Lecture and Lecture pm
Journal Club
Thursday All Day

Friday All Day
*Transferable Skills Sessions take place on selected days during this session (see separate timetable)

DEADLINES:
Poster/Oral Presentations Friday 08 July 2016
Project Report Submission Monday 11 July 2016
Research Frontiers 2 Assignments Literature Review: 29 June 2016
Referees Report: 2 weeks from date of lecture.
Transferable Skills Assignments Business Proposal 25 July 2016; Grant Application 09 Aug
2016
Reflection Exercise Friday 07 September 2016
Submission of MRes Portfolio Friday 09 September 2016

Viva voce examinations will be help during the period of 09-25 Sep 2016 (students will be notified
as early as possible of the exact date)

Timetabled holidays:
21 December 2015 03 January 2016
25 March 2016 03 April 2016
10 August 2016 - 26 August 2016
Bank Holidays and other University Closed Days
22
Summary of Module Timetables

Basic Laboratory Skills

(see Lab Skills handbook for further details, locations and times)

Topic Date
Introduction, Health and Safety, Risk Assessment Monday, 21 September 2015
and Basic Lab skills
mRNA and DNA isolation and quantification, PCR Tuesday 22 September 2015
and electrophoresis of nucleic acids
PCR and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Protein Isolation, quantification, protein Wednesday 23 September 2015
electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blotting
Western Blotting Thursday, 24 September 2015
Tissue Culture and Microscopy Friday, 25 September 2015
Immunohistochemistry/Immunocytochemistry
Open Session
Experimental Design
PBMC Isolation and Flow Cytometry Monday 28 September 2015 and
Group1: Monday 28 Sept
Group 2: Tuesday, 29 Sept
Group 3: Wednesday, 30 Sept
Group 4: Thursday, 01 Oct
Practical Session Round Up and Discussion Friday, 02 Oct 2015
MCQ Exam Monday, 19 October 2015
MCQ Feedback Session Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Research Projects

Research Project 1 : Lab Work/Data Collection 12 Oct - 18 Dec 2015
Write up period 04 15 Jan 2016
Presentations 15 Jan 2016
Report Hand-In 18 Jan 2016

Research Project 2: Lab Work/Data Collection 18 Jan 24 March 2016
Write up period 04 15 April 2016
Presentations 15 April 2016
Report Hand-In 18 April 2016

Research Project 3: Lab Work/Data Collection 18 April 24 June 2016
Write up period 27 June 08 July 2016
Presentations 08 July 2016
Report Hand-In 11 July 2016
23
Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 1

All sessions are on Wednesdays between 10:00 13:00 as indicated.

Session 1 (10:00-11:00) Session 2 (11:00-13:00)
Wednesday 14 October 2015
Wednesday 21 October 2015 Wednesday 21 October 2015
Wednesday 28 October 2015 Wednesday 28 October 2015
Wednesday 04 November 2015 Wednesday 04 November 2015
Wednesday 02 December 2015 Wednesday 02 December 2015
Wednesday 20 January 2016

Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 2
All sessions are on Wednesdays between 10:00 13:00 as indicated.

Session 1 (10:00-11:00) Session 2 (11:00-13:00)
Wednesday 17 February 2016
Wednesday 24 February 2016 Wednesday 24 February 2016
Wednesday 02 March 2016 Wednesday 02 March 2016
Wednesday 27 April 2016 Wednesday 27 April 2016
Wednesday 04 May 2016 Wednesday 04 May 2016
Wednesday 11 May 2016 Wednesday 11May 2016
Wednesday 18 May 2016 Wednesday 18 May 2016
Wednesday 25 May 2016
Note 1: The venue for these sessions up to Dec 2016 with be the IACD lecture theatre, Duncan Building.
The location of session in 2017 will be confirmed at a later time.
Note 2: Session 1 will be a lecture; Session 2 will either be a lecture, journal club or tutorial. Further details
will be provided with individual module timetables.
Note 3: The times indicated for each session are the provision times. They may be subject to change.
Please note times in the full module timetables and note any announcements regarding any alternations.
24

Transferable Skills
Locations for all sessions will be provided in a separate timetable. All sessions are 09:00-10:00
unless indicated.

Topic Date
Research Ethics Wednesday 16 Sep 2015 (10:00-11:00)
Biostatistics Monday 06 Friday 06 October 2015 (all
day see separate timetable)
Literature & Database Searching/Referencing Wednesday 14 Oct 2015 (11:00-12:00)
How to review a scientific paper/Journal Club Wednesday 14 Oct 2015 (14:00-16:00)
Demonstration
How to write a good Project Report Wednesday 11 Nov 2015
What makes a good figure Wednesday 25 Nov 2015
Preparing and Presenting a Good Poster Wednesday 02 Dec 2015
Public Understanding of Science Wednesday 10 Feb 2016
Communication and Presentation Skills Wednesday 09 March 2016
An Introduction to Social Media for Wednesday 11 May 2016
Researchers
Writing a business proposal; IP and Monday 11 July 2016 (09:00-11:00)
Commercialisation workshop.
Business Plan Presentations Wednesday 13 July 2016 (09:00-11:00)
Writing a grant application Monday 25 July 2016 (09:00-11:00)

25
Overview of Assessment
The accreditation for the Masters of Research Degree is regulated by The University of Liverpool
Ordinances and Regulations
(Code of Practice on Assessment Appendix C, University Framework for Postgraduate Modular Provision
[http://www.liv.ac.uk/media/livacuk/tqsd/code-of-practice-on-assessment/appendix_C_2014-15_cop_assess.pdf]).

The award of MRes requires that a minimum of 180 credits be obtained, of which 120 or more are
from research project modules.

In order to be eligible for the award of an MRes, candidates must achieve a mark of 50% or more
in all modules. However, where the overall average mark in the Research Frontiers in Clinical
Sciences, Basic Laboratory Skills and Transferable Skills modules is 50% or above, a mark in the
range 40-49% for a single 15 credit module shall be deemed compensatable.

Please note a penalty for late submission of written work applies according to the standard
University penalty; 5% of the total marks available for the assessment shall be deducted from the
assessment mark for each working day after the submission date, up to a maximum of five
working days (e.g. for work marked out of 100, five marks per day will be deducted; for work
marked out of 20, one mark per day will be deducted); however, the mark will not be reduced
below the pass mark for the assessment. Work assessed below the pass mark will not be penalised
for late submission of up to five days.

Work received more than five working days after the submission deadline will receive a mark of
zero. In such circumstances, where a student is required to re-sit/re-take the assessment, the re-
assessment task must be different from the original assessment. Re- submission of the original
piece of work is not permissible, except in the case of project work or dissertations.
[A working day is defined as a day when the University is open and staff would normally be
available for work and thus also be available for contact by students.]
Where possible written work will be assessed, and feedback provided, within two to three working
weeks after being handed in.

Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners in a module assessment shall be permitted to re-
present the failed work on one further occasion only at a time specified by the examiners.

Marks achieved through re-assessment (re-sit) will be capped at 50% for the purposes of
calculating the overall average mark; the actual mark achieved through re-assessment will be the
mark recorded on the transcriptand this will be recorded on the transcript.

When awarding degrees, the Board of Examiners will take into consideration any mitigating
circumstances that may have adversely affected a candidates performance providing there have
been notified in writing to the Chair of the Mitigating Circumstance Committee. Where illness is
involved a medical certificate should be supplied. The rules and regulations can be downloaded
from the University website. Please note that the appropriate Mitigating Circumstances
application form needs to be filled out to be eligible for consideration.
(a copy is available at the back of this handbook and on the University web site
[http://www.liv.ac.uk/students/exams/mitigating-circumstances.htm]).
26

The External Examiner(s) will oversee programme assessment procedures and assess annually the
quality and relevance of the subjects taught. The External Examiner(s) will conduct a viva voce
examination on the research elements (Research Project Modules) for all candidates.

A DISTINCTION will be awarded to MRes candidates who achieve:

an overall average mark of at least 70% in the research project modules; and
an overall average mark of at least 70% in Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences, Basic
Laboratory Skills and Transferable Skills modules.

A MERIT will be awarded to MRes candidates who achieve:

an overall average mark of at least 60% in the research project modules; and
an overall average mark of at least 60% in Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences, Basic
Laboratory Skills and Transferable Skills modules.
27
Role of the External Examiner

The external examiner(s) has the important job of checking and validating the marks and degree
recommendations of the Board of Examiners for the MRes. This process is carried out at several
levels.

The external examiner(s) views all marks from modules

The external examiner(s) will also assess the students portfolio.

The external examiner(s) is sent a list of all marks for each module.

The external examiner(s) shall viva all students for approximately 20 minutes. The focus of
the viva will be the students research projects and their assessment, details of which will be
present in the student portfolio. The Programme Director or a Deputy will also be present
throughout the viva process.

The external examiner(s) performs a significant role at the final Examiners Board meeting.
The external examiner(s) might comment at this meeting on each students performance and
on the programme in general.

The external examiner writes an annual report on the programme and on the assessment
process.

The external examiners represent research expertise in the different programme pathways of the
Degree Programme. The external examiners for 2015-2016 are Professor Mark Wilcox, University of
Leeds; Prof Gavin Wilkinson, University of Cardiff; Dr Harpal Randeva, University of Warwick and Dr
John Tarlton, University of Bristol. The location for the vivas will be announced one week prior to the
examination.

Please note the date of viva is dependant on availability of external examiners

28
Criteria for Assessment and Example Marks Sheets for Assignments:

All modules are assessed by continual assessment.

Basic Laboratory Skills

Further details of the assessment process for the Basic Laboratory Skills module scan be found in the
specific module handbook, which will be provided at the start of the module.

Research Project Modules

Each Research Project module will be examined by assessment of three components of your work

(i) Research Project Report,
(ii) Continual Assessment during the undertaking of your project
(iii) Either a poster or oral presentation.

The research project report should be 4,000 words (+/- 10%). Further information on project
reports is given on page 45. The project report will be double marked by the project supervisor,
and an independent second marker. Further details on poster presentation and giving good talks
will be given during the Transferable Skills module

Research Project reports contribute 70% of the module mark, continual assessment contributes
10% and the presentation (poster or talk) contributes 20%.

Each Research Project module contributes 40 credits towards the 180 credit total.

Please note penalty for late submission of written work applies (see under overview of the
assessment).

29
Specific criteria for assessment of the research projects

Distinction Level 100% - 90% Outstanding. No better result conceivable at Masters level.
Factually correct and complete, with extensive evidence of
critical thinking. Evidence of extensive research of relevant
literature. Very logical structure, very well written and
presented. Clear evidence of original thought and cogent
scientific argument.
90% - 80% Excellent. Clear evidence of achievement on a scale
reserved for exceptionally high quality work at Masters
level. Essentially correct and complete, with evidence of
critical thinking and excellent use of relevant literature.
Logical structure, well written and presented, displaying
varying degrees of original thought and cogent scientific
argument.
80% - 70% Very Good. Content essentially without any major flaws,
very well explained with clear evidence of a high level of
scientific competence, and mature, critical scientific
judgment in discussing the extent to which the objectives of
the research have been achieved.
Merit Level 69% - 65% Good. Well explained, showing good evidence of critical
scientific judgment.
64% - 60% Quite Good. Well explained, with good understanding and
some evidence of critical scientific judgment
Pass Level 59% - 55% Fairly Good. A generally sound project with a good or quite
good level of understanding, evidence of sound scientific
competence and judgment.
54% - 50% Adequate. Showing some progress but with some
deficiencies in one or more aspects of theoretical and/or
experimental approach, knowledge of the literature,
scientific competence and judgment.
Fail Level 49% - 45% Quite Poor. A poor dissertation with an overall superficial
approach. Essentially an incomplete report with major
omissions in several areas and evidence of a poor
understanding of the projects aims, methods and
outcomes.
44% - 40% Poor. A poor project with superficial approach and more
errors and/or omissions and/or evidence of a deficiency of
effort and/or poor understanding.
39% - 35% A marked deficiency in content of understanding and
application.
34% - 10% Even more marked deficiencies in content (on a variable
scale) of understanding and application and presentation.
0% A complete absence of relevant content.

30
Marking sheet for assessment of the research projects

INDICATION OF POTENTIAL DEGREE CLASS BY MARK ATTAINED (Distinction 70-100); (Merit 60-69);
(Pass 50-59); (Fail <50).

STRUCTURE AND PRESENTATION: 90- 80-89 70-79 60-69 50-59 40-49 0-39 0-19
100
Clarity and content of abstract
Introduction/rationale
Literature review appropriate
Aim(s) clearly stated
Clear identification of
materials/equipment used
Clear description of methods
Appropriate experimental
procedures used
Clear presentation of results
Discussion of results in context of
previous work
Discussion of results in context of
meeting original aim(s)
Discussion of results in the context of
other published works
Clear justification and statement of
conclusions

FOCUS AND CLARITY OF
ARGUMENT:
Understanding of subject
Clarity of expression
Critical use of information
Innovative showing originality

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
Appropriate analysis

PRESENTATION:
Grammar and spelling
Writing style
Style of references/citations
Word processing skills
Appropriate use of Figures and
Tables
Not all headings may be relevant to all projects

31
Specific criteria for continual assessment during research projects

Distinction Level 100% - 90% Outstanding. Student highly motivated and capable of
working independently on all aspects of project. As good as
can be expected at Masters level. No room for
improvement in project design, execution and motivation.
90% - 80% Excellent. Student able to design and execute project work
independently with the minimum of assistance. Varying
degrees of competence depending on task (use scaling).
Very Good. Student able to generate high quality data
80% - 70% and/or identify and answer important questions, mostly at
the first attempt.
Merit Level 69% - 65% Good. Student able to design and execute project work
with initial help, showing good evidence of scientific
judgment. Occasionally requiring additional assistance.
64% - 60% Quite Good. Student able to design and execute project
work with initial help, showing some evidence independent
of critical scientific judgment. Student requiring additional
assistance more frequently, but still able to work
independently
Pass Level 59% - 55% Fairly Good. Well-motivated student able to design and
execute project work only with significant help.
54% - 50% Adequate. Student needing considerable initial help and
has encountered a few deficiencies in
motivation/application and in reporting and analysing data.
Fail Level 49% - 45% Quite Poor. Student requiring constant help to design and
execute project work and analyze data. Student less
inclined to seek necessary help.
44% - 40% Poor. Student requiring constant help to design and
execute project work and analyze data and produces
results/questions of variable quality.
39% - 35% Student requires considerable help to design and execute
project work. Produces data/work of poor quality and is
unable to analyze data. Poor motivation
34% - 10% Student displays inability to carry out project work and low
or no motivation (use scaling)
0% Complete inability or willingness to do project work and no
motivation.

32
Poster and Oral Presentation Assessments Schemes:

Research projects will also be assessed by both poster and oral presentations. Supervisors will
practice the talk with you and will assist with preparation of the poster. Below are the general
marking schemes used for these assignments.

Oral Presentation
Excellent Good Satisfactory Poor Very Poor
70-100% 60-70% 50-60% 30-50% 0-30%
Clarity of content
Presentation quality
Audibility
Answers to questions

General Comments

Poster Presentation
Excellent Good Satisfactory Poor Very Poor
70-100% 60-70% 50-60% 30-50% 0-30%
Clarity of content
Presentation quality
Use of fonts & colours
Answers to questions

General Comments

33
Overall Summary of Marking Scheme for Research Projects

Supervisor, Internal Assessor & Moderator (Module Convener)

Mark 1: Awarded for the final version of the project report; this will reflect scientific quality of the
dissertation, its originality, structure and presentation, clarity and thoroughness

Supervisor

Mark 2: This will be a continual assessment mark awarded for assessment of the students conduct
during the project taking into account organization, initiative, effort and performance in the lab.

Two Internal Assessors & Moderator (Module Convener)

Mark 3: Awarded for oral/ poster presentation (see above).

Distribution of Project Marks

Supervisor, Internal Assessor & Moderator Mark 1 - Project report, 70%

Supervisor Mark 2 - Continual Assessment, 10%

Internal Assessors Mark 3 - Oral/poster Presentation, 20%

Total = 100%

Each project contributes 40 credits of the 180 credit total for the MRes.

assessment).

34
Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 1 and 2

These modules will be examined by two short reviews from each part of the lecture programme,
and producing a referees report on two presented Journal Club papers. Students will be consulted
on which specific programme pathways (research areas) they would like to complete short reviews
on. An attempt will be made by the module convenor to allocate students to selected pathways,
although this cannot be guaranteed. The specific title of the short review you write should be
discussed with the presenter (lecturer) giving the talk. The short review should be 4,000 words
(+/-10%). The short review will be double marked by the lecturer presenting the lecture and a
selected second marker. The referees report will be double marked by the lecturer allocating the
paper for Journal Club and a selected second marker.

The short review contributes 80% of the module mark, and the referees report 20%.

Each Research Frontiers module contributes 15 credits towards the 180 credit total.

assessment).
35
Specific marking criteria for assessments of short reviews

Distinction Level 100% - 90% Outstanding. No, or virtually no, better result conceivable
at Masters level. Comprehensive. Factually correct, with
extensive evidence of critical thinking. Evidence of
extensive research of relevant literature. Very logical
structure, very well written and presented. Clear evidence
of original thought and cogent scientific argument.
90% - 80% Excellent. Clear evidence of achievement on a scale
reserved for exceptionally high quality work at Masters
level. Essentially correct and complete, with evidence of
critical thinking and excellent use of relevant literature.
Logical structure, well written and presented, displaying
varying degrees of original thought and cogent scientific
argument.
judgment.
64% - 60% Quite Good. A well explained report, with good
understanding and some evidence of critical scientific
judgment
Pass Level 59% - 55% Fairly Good. A generally sound report with a good or quite
deficiencies in one or more aspects of knowledge of the
literature and scientific judgment.
Fail Level 49% - 45% Quite Poor. A poor report with an overall superficial
understanding.
44% - 40% Poor. A poor report with an overall superficial approach and
more errors and/or omissions and/or evidence of a
deficiency of effort and/or poor understanding.
39% - 35% A marked deficiency in content of understanding and
application.
34% - 10% Even more marked deficiencies in content (on a variable
scale) of understanding and application and presentation.

0% A complete absence of relevant content.

36
Marking sheet for assessment of the short reviews

(Pass 50-59); (Fail <50).
STRUCTURE AND 90- 80- 70- 60- 50- 40- 30- 20- 10-19 0-9
PRESENTATION: 100 89 79 69 59 49 39 29
Introduction/rationale
Literature review
appropriate
Aim(s) clearly stated
Discussion of topic in the
context of other published
works
Clear justification and
statement of conclusions

ARGUMENT:
Clarity of expression
Critical use of information

PRESENTATION:
Writing style
Style of references/citations
Appropriate use of Figures
and Tables

Overall mark (note: overall marks will not be the mean of all Mark
indicative mark grades)

37
Specific marking criteria for assessments of referees report

Distinction Level 100% - 90% Outstanding. No better result conceivable at Masters level.
Extensive evidence of critical thinking and cogent scientific
argument. Evidence of reading around the subject of the
paper reviewed
90% - 80% Excellent. Essentially correct and complete, with evidence
of critical thinking and excellent use of the paper reviewed.
Logical structure, well written and presented, displaying a
cogent scientific argument.
judgment.
64% - 60% Quite Good. A well explained review, with good
understanding and some evidence of critical scientific
judgment.
Pass Level 59% - 55% Fairly Good. A generally sound review with a good or quite
deficiencies in one or more aspects of understanding of the
paper and scientific judgment.
Fail Level 49% - 45% Quite Poor. A poor report with an overall superficial
understanding.
44% - 40% Poor. A poor report with an overall superficial approach and
more errors, omissions and evidence of a deficiency of
effort and poor understanding.
39% - 35% A marked deficiency in content of understanding the paper
and the task set.
34% - 10% Even more marked deficiencies in content of understanding
and application.
0% A complete absence of relevant work presented.

38
Marking sheet for assessment of the referees reports

(Pass 50-59); (Fail <50).

STRUCTURE AND 90- 80- 70- 60- 50- 40- 30- 20- 10- 0-9
PRESENTATION: 100 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19
Summary accuracy
Discussion of topic
Comments on Figures and
Tables
Identification of review
points
Suggested improvements

REVIEW:
Aim(s) of paper clearly
understood
Critical appraisal
Clear statement of
conclusions drawn

PRESENTATION:
Writing style


39
Transferable Skills

The transferable skills module will be examined on the basis of the Research Grant Application,
Business proposal, structure reflection exercise and compilation of Portfolio of MRes Activity
(Assessments)

The assessment criteria for these are shown below:

The Research Grant Application and the Business proposal each contribute 50% of this module.
The structured self-reflection exercise is assessed as either a Pass or Fail.

Please note that completion of the self-reflection exercise and compilation of Portfolio of MRes
Activity are obligatory for completion of the programme.

This module contributes 15 credits towards the 180 credit total.

The Research Grant Applications are assessed by two members of academic staff from within the
Institutes.

The Business Proposals will be assessed by the academic member of staff delivering this lecture,
and a representative from Research & Business Services.

Structure reflections will be evaluated by the programme director and/or deputy director.

assessment).

40
Specific marking criteria for assessments of Transferable Skills

The descriptors below are designed to help you fill in the mark sheet.

Distinction Level 100% - 90% Outstanding. No better result conceivable at
Masters level. Extensive evidence of critical
thinking and cogent commercial argument.
Evidence of reading around the subject of the
proposal
90% - 80% Excellent. Essentially correct and complete, with
evidence of critical thinking and excellent use of
the literature. Logical structure, well written and
presented, displaying a cogent scientific argument.
80% - 70% Very Good. Content essentially without any major
flaws, very well explained with clear evidence of a
high level of scientific competence, and mature,
critical scientific judgment.
Merit Level 69% - 65% Good. Well explained, showing good evidence of
critical scientific judgment.
64% - 60% Quite Good. Well explained, with good
understanding and some evidence of critical
Pass Level 59% - 55% Fairly Good. A generally sound proposal with a
good or quite good level of understanding,
evidence of sound scientific competence and
judgment.
deficiencies in one or more aspects of the basis of
grant applications and scientific judgment.
Fail Level 49% - 45% A poor application with an overall superficial
approach. Essentially an incomplete proposal with
major omissions in several areas and evidence of a
poor understanding.
44% - 40% A poor application with an overall superficial
approach and more errors, omissions and evidence
of a deficiency of effort and poor understanding.
39% - 35% A marked deficiency in content of understanding
the task set.
34% - 10% Even more marked deficiencies in content of
understanding and application.
0% A complete absence of relevant work presented.

41
Marking sheet for assessment of the Writing a Business Proposal assignment

(Pass 50-59); (Fail <50).

Considerations 90- 80- 70- 60- 50- 40- 30- 20- 10- 0-9
100 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19
Quality of business
proposal
Clarity of lay summary
Good outline
Detailed plan of resources
required
Financial commitments
detailed
Quality of exit strategy

Practical issues
Feasibility of business
proposal
Good justification for
support
Appropriate referencing
Word limit adhered to

PRESENTATION:
Writing style

Overall mark by assessor (note: overall marks will not be the mean Mark
of all indicative mark grades)

42
Marking sheet for assessment of the Writing a Grant Application assignment

(Pass 50-59); (Fail <50).
Considerations 90- 80- 70- 60- 50- 40- 30- 20- 10- 0-9
100 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19
Quality of scientific
abstract
Clarity of lay summary
Good hypothesis outline
Detailed plan of
investigation
Clinical/laboratory
methods detailed
Ethical considerations
discussed

Practical issues
Statistical considerations
inc. power calculation
Feasibility of study
proposed
Good justification for
support
Appropriate referencing
Word limit adhered to

PRESENTATION:
Writing style


43
Submission of MRes Assignments for Assessment.

An Academic Integrity Declaration form completed at the start of the course covers all submitted
MRes work for summative assessment.

All work for assessment should be submitted electronically. The process for submission of all
assignments is as follows

1. Each assignment should be submitted as a PDF document.

2. The PDF document should be named as follows:

SURNAME, Forename Assignment

(for example SMITH, John MRes Short Review 1).

3. Each assignment should have a FIRST PAGE that contains the following information:

(i) MRes Clinical Sciences
(ii) Assignment details [e.g. Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences Short Review]
(iii) Student Name
(iv) Title of Assignment [e.g. Short Review Title]
(v) Date of submission
(vi) Word count for the assignment.

4. All documents should use page numbering.

5. You are required to submit one electronic copy of your assignments. No paper copies are
required [Although you will need a hard/paper copy for completion of your MRes Portfolio
at the end of the year].

6. This (assignment) should be submitted through Turnitin. A link to submit assignment
through Turnitin will be available in the Assignments section of the relevant module pages
on VITAL.

44
Instructions for Submission of MRes Assignments via VITAL

:using Research Frontiers in Clinical Science 2 module (MCMR004) as an example

Submission of assignment to Turnitin:

1. Log onto VITAL

2. Choose appropriate module from right hand column e.g. MCMR004 2015-16 Research
Frontiers Clin Sci

3. Click on Assignments in left hand column

4. Click on the Turnitin link [e.g. Short Review 1 Turnitin]

5. Follow the instructions for a Single file upload:

6. Complete the sections with your name and submission title

7. Click on choose file and Browse your computer to select your assignment to be submitted
(a PDF document, named correctly e.g. SMITH, John MRes Short Review 1)

8. Click on Upload

9. Complete the submission following the prompts.

For each assignment you will be allowed multiple submissions to turnitin upto the assignment
submission deadline. You should use your initial submissions as a learning process to monitor your
work for levels of similarity with published literature. The last submission available at the
assignment deadline will be used for assessment of the module assignment.

You will be given further information on these processes, and instructions will be available on
VITAL module pages.

45
Attendance, Examinations and Progress in Studies

1. Students are expected to attend all sessions where possible and will be required to sign in
to confirm attendance.
2. Absence due to sickness, or other reasons, should be reported to the Programme
Administrator, and your Research Project Supervisor.
3. Students are permitted to proceed with their approved programme of study only if they
maintain acceptable progress as evidenced by attendance satisfactory to the Programme
Director, satisfactory results in relevant degree, professional, terminal and test
examinations, and the proper completion of such other work as may be allotted to them.
4. At the end of each session or at such other times as may be considered appropriate, each
Faculty and Board of Studies shall review the progress of its students.

5. In the event that a student has not made satisfactory progress in their studies, such a
student shall be required to terminate their studies from the date on which this decision is
recorded, and shall not thereafter be admitted to any lectures, classes or examinations
unless the Faculty concerned shall so permit.

6. With regard to programmes of study and examinations, permission to repeat or change
that departs from the Ordinances and Regulations for the degree, diploma or certificate
may be given by the Senate alone, normally on the recommendation of the Board of the
Faculty or Board of Studies.
7. On the recommendation of the Faculty concerned, and with the approval of the Senate,
any student may be required to modify or prolong a programme of study.
8. The Senate acting on expert medical advice may require a student to suspend or withdraw
from their studies until such time as expert medical advice indicates that the student is fit
to return to study.

Student Representation

Board of Studies
The Board of Studies oversees the management of the programme. Students will be requested to
nominate two representatives who will attend the Board of Studies meetings, which take place at
various intervals during the year. The representatives will be able to represent the views of all of
you, and raise relevant issues of concern or that require clarification.

Constitution
Chair of Board of Studies (Programme Director)
Two or Three elected MRes students
Two MRes students from the previous year
Programme Deputy Director
Module Convenors
Representative from Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Programme
Programme Administrator
Institute Directors of Postgraduate Research
46

Module and Programme Evaluations
Formal module and programme evaluations will take place during and at the end of the
programme. These will be anonymous and we hope you will be constructive in highlighting and
providing suggestions of areas that need improvement.

Ad hoc
Please feel free to give feedback and comments to your supervisors, the module coordinators, or
the programme director directly. If you feel uncomfortable doing this then Mrs. Sue Jones will be
happy to hear your comments and to pass them on anonymously.

Other information

Laboratory work
You are normally expected to work between 09.00am-5.30pm, Monday to Fridays, although
flexibility is required depending on the type of experiments undertaken after discussion with your
supervisor. You are also expected to attend timetabled Research Frontiers and Transferable Skills
sessions during research projects. A supervisor who is frequently away from the laboratory is
expected to allocate a post doc or a experienced PhD student to help with your day to day
supervision. Note, the total amount of time you should spend on the project is 400 hrs.

Safety in the laboratory
You need to read carefully and obey all the instructions regarding safety that are given to you
before commencing experimental work in the laboratory.

Please Note: Work outside working hours including weekends is only permitted if either your
supervisor or a post-doc approved by your supervisor is present, and the Insitute Safgety Officer
has been informed.

If for any reason you need to be absent (e.g. other meetings, programmes, illness, etc) you should
inform your supervisor as soon as possible, at the latest by 9.30am on the day that you will be
away from the lab, by calling or emailing them with the information when and why you will be
absent, and ask him/her to make arrangements for any ongoing experiments that you cannot
complete that day.

You should also call or email the Module Convenor and the Programme Administrator, Mrs Sue
Jones (clinmres@liv.ac.uk / tel: 0151 794 4225) to formally report your absence.

Laboratory Work Time Scale
You should not work in the lab longer than the 10 weeks allocated on your project. You then have
two weeks complete your writing and prepare your talk or poster by the end of your project
placement.

Working with human subjects and/or human material
Supervisors have a responsibility to ensure that all work involving human subjects is covered by
appropriate Ethics Comittee Permission. They should also ensure that students conducting
research projects involving human subjects and/or material understand the permission given for
47
their work, and in writing their dissertation, they make a clear statement of the Ethics Committee
Approval for the work.

Working with animals
Supervisors have a responsibility to ensure that the appropriate Home Office Authority (both
personal and project licence) are in place before commencing work with experimental animal.
They should also ensure that students conducting research projects involving experimental
animals understand the permission given for their work, and in writing their dissertation, they
make a clear statement of the Home Office Approval for the work.

Submission of Research Project Abstracts to Scientific Conferences and Publication of MRes Short
Review Articles.

An important part of academic research is the presentation of your data to colleagues and peers at
national and international scientific conferences. Where data is obtained during your research
projects that would be suitable for submission of an abstract for presentation at such meetings,
you must first discuss this with your research project supervisor and obtain their permission that
the data (abstract) can be submitted.

It is also an important part of an academic career to publish review articles. If you think your short
review, written during the MRes course, is appropriate for publication you must contact the
member of academic staff linked with the lecture/topic reviewed, to obtain their approval and
permission for submission of the review for publication. They will also be able to advise on its
suitability, and suggest areas for improvement.

48
My Liverpool
My Liverpool has been designed to promote the full extent of the student experience, including
co- and extra-curricular activities, offered within or facilitated by the University. These activities
include volunteering, community engagement work, widening participation activities, mentoring,
being trained as a student representative, participation in Guild societies, discipline-specific or
generic seminars, and voluntary accredited modules such as Continuing Education language
courses and IT training.

A web portal, available at www.liv.ac.uk/liverpool-life/, enables you to access information about
these co- and extra-curricular activities via links to existing web pages, where you are able to find
out more and, in some cases, to book a place at relevant events or opportunities.

Plans are already underway to develop the site further to include a facility which will allow you to
record your experiences and map your learning. It is anticipated that you will be able to search for
particular activities (e.g. volunteering opportunities) and locate where such activities are offered
and what skills you could be expected to achieve from engaging in this activity. Conversely if you
are able to identify a particular skill that you would wish to develop, then you will be able to
search for activities that can help you to achieve this.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University aims to create an inclusive learning, working and living environment where all
members of the University community are treated with dignity and respect.

The University recognises its responsibility to promote equality and eliminate discrimination
against students. This commitment is irrespective of your age, disability, gender reassignment,
pregnancy or maternity status, marriage or civil partnership status, race and nationality, religious
belief or non-belief, your sex, or your sexual orientation (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual). This commitment
applies to all areas of your academic and social life at the University. If you feel that you are being
bullied or harassed or being discriminated against by other students or the University, you should
not hesitate to seek advice.

Equally, you have a responsibility not to engage in any bullying or harassment of others, such as
homophobia, sexism or racism, or to engage in other discriminatory conduct. Further information
about the Universitys commitment can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/hr/diversity_equality.

Registration

Academic and Financial Registration
You should by now have completed the process of submitting your personal details, your module
choices and your arrival on campus (academic registration), as well as made arrangements to pay
your tuition fees (financial registration). It is essential that these processes are completed; for
example, for overseas students, failure to complete these processes will result in the University
reporting their non-attendance to the UK Home Office.

The booklet Your Registration 2015/15 describes these processes in more detail. If you have not
already been provided with this booklet, it is available online at www.liv.ac.uk/student-
49
administration/student-administration-centre/student-record/academic-registration. Hard copies

are available on request from the Student Administration Centre.

Student Administration Centre
The Student Administration Centre, located on the Ground Floor of the Foundation Building
(Building no. 501; Ref D7; www.liv.ac.uk/maps/), deals with matters relating to your student
record, student fees (assessments, payments and enquiries), and with other financial matters
including scholarships, bursaries and queries about debt to the University. Assessment appeals,
complaints, examination matters, graduation arrangements, and documentation requests such as
status letters for visa purposes, certificates and transcripts are also dealt with here. You can call
into the Centre at any time between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively you can
contact the Centre on +44(0)151 794 6777 or feesenq@liv.ac.uk (fees, scholarships and bursaries
enquiries), or +44(0)151 794 6759 or studentenq@liv.ac.uk (student record and academic
registration enquiries).

Web: www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/student-administration-centre/

Student Services Centre
The Student Services Centre, located at 150 Mount Pleasant (Building no. 502; Ref D6;
www.liv.ac.uk/maps/), is the hub for all of our specialist support and welfare services. Our staff
are friendly, very experienced, and they are here to help. If you are not sure who you should talk
to about any issue or problem ask at the Student Services Centre. At the Centre we have a
reception service that acts as a general point of referral to other services, both within and outside
the University. Staff with specialist knowledge and experience are available to see students by
appointment, or on a drop-in basis.

More information on the range of student services available can be found in Chapter Six.

Web: www.liv.ac.uk/student-support/

Student Smart Card
You should have been issued your student smart card with this Handbook. It is important that
your name is correctly shown on the card. If you have any concerns over this you should visit the
Student Administration Centre bringing your passport or, for home students, your birth certificate.
Please bear in mind that, for examination and graduation purposes, the name used will be as you
have provided it during academic registration.

Your card serves as proof of your membership of the University and allows you to gain access to
and borrow books from the Library, access printing facilities, and access the Sports & Fitness
Centre (additional charges apply). Do not lose your card or lend it to others. Carry it at all times;
you may be asked to produce it to obtain various services or to establish your right to be in certain
places. Some departments have local rules that identity cards must be displayed in certain areas.

Replacement smart cards can either be obtained from the Student Administration Centre (in the
case of damaged, stolen or expired cards) or requested online (in the case of lost cards). Please be
aware that replacements for lost cards will incur a charge. Further information can be found at
www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/student-administration-centre/documents-id-
cards/student-id-cards.
50

Medical Registration
If you are living away from home, you should register with a local General Practitioner (GP). This
ensures you have access to full medical care including 24 hour medical cover. The choice of doctor
is entirely your own. You may if you wish register with the University Medical practice based in the
Student Health Centre if you live within the practice area. Your home GP can still be consulted
during vacations: he/she will probably ask you to fill in a temporary resident form if you live in
University residences. If you are living in University residences, you are asked to inform your Hall
Warden of the name of the doctor with whom you register in Liverpool.

Details of medical practices in the area are available from Patient Services at Central Liverpool
Primary Care Trust (Tel: +44(0)151 296 7000; Web: www.liverpoolpct.nhs.uk).

Bank Accounts
There are five main banks on campus; Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds TSB, NatWest and
HSBC. If you don't already have a student account it is advisable to look at the accounts and
facilities that each bank offers and choose the one that you think suits you best. All of the banks
will offer interest free overdraft facilities for students but they are not automatic and you should
apply when making your account application. You will need to provide some documentation to
open an account which may vary depending on the bank. You will normally need the following:

Identification: passport or birth certificate
Confirmation of address and student status: an official letter confirming your permanent address,
term time address and student status is available on request from the Student Administration
Centre

Police Registration
Entry regulations for non-European Union nationals coming to study in the United Kingdom
require students from certain countries to register with the local police. The University is not
responsible for such registration, and the onus to register lies with the student. If the words 'The
holder is required to register at once with the police' are stamped in your passport when you
arrive in the United Kingdom then you should do so within seven days. Failure to register is a
criminal offence and could result in your removal from the United Kingdom. Information on where
to register with the police in Liverpool is available on the International Support Teams website:
www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ist/.

Sport Liverpool
Sport Liverpool provides a wide ranging sporting experience for all students at the University of
Liverpool. All abilities are catered for through a gamut of opportunities.

Completed in September 2012, the Sports & Fitness Centre has recently undergone a 4.5 million
refurbishment. Many exercise and fitness classes are offered in the Sports & Fitness Centre and
also at Halls of Residence. 45 Sports Clubs are run by student officers with professional support
ranging from Rugby Union to Sky Diving. Internal sports leagues are offered through our Campus
Sport programme and a Sports Scholarship programme is provided to assist talented athletes.

51
Further information is contained within the Sport Liverpool Handbook available at

www.liv.ac.uk/sports. For further information and membership details contact the Sports
Development Office on 0151 794 4126 or email sfc@liv.ac.uk.

Faith Express and Chaplaincy
Faith Express, located at the rear of the Foundation Building, is open each weekday during term
time between 11:00am and 3:00pm for you to call in for a cuppa, find out information about Faith
centres or groups in Liverpool, or to talk to a chaplain. The centre is a partnership project between
the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Methodist Chaplaincies. Faith Express has a faith contact list for
other faith communities and seeks to help staff and students of any faith background find the
worship activities appropriate to their needs.

Chaplains to the University are appointed by the major Christian denominations. The role of the
Chaplains includes supporting the University in its pastoral care of students as well as staff. The
support of the Chaplains is not limited to Christians but is available to all without distinction or
obligation. Some denominations have their own student groups, based either in the University or
at local churches.

There is also a Moslem Prayer Room in the Sydney Jones Library that is available to University of
Liverpool staff and students.

Useful websites

www.faithexpress.net
www.liverpool-anglican-chaplaincy.org
www.cathchap.org.uk

Useful contacts

Faith Express
Email: faithexpress@liverpool.ac.uk
Tel: 0151 795 2227

Anglican Chaplains
Rev Dr James Harding (Chaplain to students): james@liverpool-anglican-chaplaincy.org
Rev Canon Bob Lewis (Chaplain to staff): bob@liverpool-anglican-chaplaincy.org

Catholic Chaplain
Fr Ian McParland: imcp@cathchap.org.uk

Methodist Chaplain
Rev John Lansley: john.lansley@methodist.org.uk

Elim Pentecostal Chaplain
Rev Carol Canter: c.canter@liv.ac.uk

52
Staying Safe
The University is constantly working to make all its buildings and grounds a safe place to be. It is,
however, in a busy urban area and, like any major city, Liverpool suffers from its share of crime.
There is no reason why this should affect your enjoyment of life here, but you should be aware of
it and take care to ensure you do not become one of the victims of crime.

Staying Safe
You should be aware of your own safety. This is relevant to men as well as women; while women
may sometimes be physically more vulnerable, most violent crime is directed against men.

All students should take care to avoid walking or cycling after dark in poorly lit areas, especially if
alone, even if it means taking a longer route. Here are some points to consider:

If walking at night, carry a torch
Walk on the lit walkways on campus
Dont walk alone, get a friend to go with you, especially at night
Make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to be back
Unless you have pre-booked a taxi do not get into a mini cab for whatever reason. Only
licensed Hackney cabs should be used unless your journey has been booked through a
reputable mini cab firm
Women should be extra cautious keep your handbag tucked closely under your arm and
dont overload yourself with bundles
If you are being followed, change direction and head for a public place
Have your keys ready when you approach your car, room or apartment, and enter immediately
Always check inside your car before you drive off - someone could be hiding there
Dont accept lifts from strangers
Keep a 1 coin in your pocket this will be useful if your purse or wallet is stolen
Take particular care when withdrawing money from bank cash points. Be aware that you are
vulnerable when handling your cash and card. Do not use cash points at night think ahead
and draw out any cash during the day

At Home
You should take just as much care at home. Wherever you live, in a University Residence or in
private accommodation, it is important that you are aware of security, and that you secure your
home. Having your accommodation burgled can be distressing, and is certainly inconvenient, so
make it more difficult for a thief to get in. Here are some useful tips:

Lock doors when you are at home to keep out unwanted guests
Close and lock your doors and windows when you leave your room even to go to the bathroom
or kitchen
Ensure that you lock doors and windows whenever you go out, even if it is only for a few
minutes. When you are sharing a house or flat with others, it is easy to assume that someone
else has closed the windows and locked the door when you go out. Dont assume!
Ensure windows and doors are secured before going to sleep
Do not leave valuable portable items within easy reach of the windows
Never leave notes on your door stating you are away or what time you will be back
53
If you see a stranger near your room, ask if you can help him or her. If your suspicions are
aroused, ring Security or the Police.

When you are looking for private rented accommodation it is worth taking into account the level
of security at the property: are there window locks, for example, and good locks on the front and
back doors?

Everyone in a University Residence should be aware of the need for attention to security. Dont let
anyone into a block unless you know they are residents, or bona fide guests of a resident.
Investigate politely, and if you are suspicious report them to the Porters Lodge or to a senior
resident.

The outside doors of all buildings should be kept locked. Do not leave them propped open - we
have learnt from bitter experience that this is a clear invitation to intending thieves.

Personal Property
If you leave bags or coats unattended you make it very easy for thieves. You do need to take care
with your possessions, especially wallets, purses and cheque books. If possible leave things at
home, or otherwise take advantage of somewhere secure to leave them. The University cannot
take responsibility for any losses of your property please take care of your possessions.

If you own a car of bicycle, you need to take care to secure it in the same way as you would any
other possession, on the campus and elsewhere. Following these points can help to secure your
vehicle:

Cars
When you leave your car, ensure it is locked, and all windows are closed
Always remove the ignition key
Dont make it easier for a thief by leaving driving documents in the car; these could help to sell
it
Dont leave valuables on view in your car
You may wish to consider buying a lock to fit on the steering wheel, or having an alarm fitted,
which might deter a thief
If possible, leave the car in an open area, where regularly overlooked; at night, try and choose
a well lit area

Bicycles
The University provides the use of bike pods. Your student smart card can be uploaded free of
charge to gain entry into the pods. This is done by the Vehicle Parking Department on the 1st
floor of Bedford House (Building no. 505; Ref D4; www.liv.ac.uk/maps/).
Lock your bike securely within the bike pod, preferably with a metal D lock. Even if the bike is
in the pod, it still needs to be securely locked inside.
Get your bike registered and security stamped with your postcode.

Insurance
It is important that you have adequate insurance for any possessions you bring to Liverpool. If you
live in a University Residence you will automatically be charged for insurance of your possessions
up to a certain level, under the Block Hall Scheme arranged with Endsleigh Insurance. You will
54
receive details of what is covered by this scheme, and you should read these carefully, and take
out additional cover if necessary.

If you are living in private rented accommodation you will need to make your own arrangements
to insure your belongings.

Reporting a Crime and Getting Help
Any theft or incident should be reported immediately to the Police, and to the Universitys
Security Office at 30 Oxford Street (Building no. 444; Ref C4; www.liv.ac.uk/maps/). The Security
Office can also be contacted on +44(0)151 794 3252. If your call is an emergency (from an internal
phone) you should ring 2222. Further information is available at www.liv.ac.uk/facilities.

The Security Office is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is designed to provide a central
control point to deal with enquiries and to control the Universitys security arrangements. A two
way radio system between the Office and the outside security staff is in operation whereby
immediate assistance can be organised in an emergency.

With the aim of preventing unauthorised persons from entering buildings, the building
management staff and security staff have been instructed to ask strangers to produce evidence of
identity, and students should therefore be prepared to show their smart cards on request.
Naturally, the University regrets the need for such measures, but we hope that our members will
accept them as a means of safeguarding their own personal property as well as that of the
University.

If you lose property anywhere within the campus, other than in the Guild of Students, you should
enquire as to whether it has been found, either from the building management staff of the
building in which it was lost, or from the Security Office. A register of property that has been found
and has been handed in to the building management staff or to Security is maintained by the
Security Manager. Found property is normally held for a period of a week at the reception desk in
the building in which it is handed in, before being transferred to the Security Office.

Separate arrangements apply to lost property recovered within the Guild of Students building, and
you should enquire at the reception desk.

Fire
You should read the fire procedure notices and familiarise yourself with the fire procedures in
buildings you use, including what to do if you discover a fire, what to do if an alarm sounds or
flashes and where to assemble should you have to evacuate the building. The normal way into a
building may not be available to you in a fire situation so ensure that you know the alternative fire
exits in the buildings you use regularly. The following is a general guide to procedures in the event
of fire.

On discovery or suspicion of fire
Sound the fire alarm by breaking the glass on the nearest fire alarm point
Telephone the fire brigade from a safe place (for internal telephones the emergency number is
2222) and give a clear address
Evacuate the building and go to the assembly point. Assembly points are indicated on the Fire
Notices in each building.
55

If you hear the fire alarm (continuous sounding)
Leave the building quickly and calmly by the nearest exit
Do not use the lifts. If the exit is blocked, use an alternative route.
Do not stop for personal belongings
When clear of the building, go to the assembly point
Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by the building Fire Officer

At your Residence or Room

The following can help cut down the risk of fire:
Do not smoke in bed (smoking is not permitted in Halls of Residence)
Do not use candles or oil burners in study bedrooms
Do not leave cooking unattended in the kitchen. Please take care not to burn toast or do
anything to activate smoke detectors, which will cause a fire alarm and evacuation of the
building
Do not overload electrical sockets.
Do not wedge open fire door

Accidents and Safety
Students safety is one of the Universitys highest priorities. We are committed to providing you
with a safe learning and living environment but we can only achieve this if we have your full
support.

It is the duty of every employee and every student of the University to take reasonable care for
the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or
omissions; and to act in accordance with the University Safety Policy and with the Health and
Safety arrangements made by the University and its departments.

Every building has at least one first-aid kit, and most have qualified first-aiders. However, if an
injury or illness appears to require treatment, either an ambulance should be summoned (dial
2222 on an internal phone) or the patient should be taken to the nearest casualty department. All
accidents (including near miss incidents) or dangerous conditions should be reported to a
responsible member of University Staff. This is so the situation can be investigated with the aim of
reducing the chances of repetition.

Safety Adviser
The Safety Adviser is responsible for the establishment and development of an advisory service to
all academic and non-academic departments of the University on matters of safety and
occupational hygiene. The Safety Adviser acts as the principal executive officer of the Universitys
Safety Committee, and advises that Committee on the application of legislation relevant to the
University together with the steps required to comply with such legislation.

Departmental Safety Coordinators
Every area has a Departmental Safety Coordinator who advises on health and safety, carries out
inspections, and investigates any accidents. If you see something which appears unsafe, you
should report it to the Departmental Safety Coordinator or other responsible member of staff.

56
Further information, including current safety codes of practice and guidance, can be found at
www.liv.ac.uk/safety.

HIV, Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking
Guidance and advice is available to all students on avoiding the health risks associated with sexual
activity, alcohol, drugs and smoking in a series of leaflets at the Student Health Service and the
Counselling Service (more information on these services can be found in Chapter Six). Students are
advised to read these leaflets, and both the above services will give further help as necessary.
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the possession and supply of certain drugs is a criminal
offence and the University strictly upholds its legal obligation to prevent such activities taking
place on its premises. It is important to remember that all drug use (including alcohol and tobacco)
involves some risk to health and the University provides information, advice and support to those
experiencing problems, whether through their own use or that of someone close to them.

To avoid HIV infection it is wise to assume that any sexual partner may be infected and to take the
precaution of using a condom. Injecting drug users who share equipment (needles, syringes,
spoons, water, filters, etc...) are at highrisk of HIV infection. The risk is minimised by never sharing
injection equipment and always using a condom during sex. The Student Health Service will advise
and support any student who is concerned to change their habits in respect of any of the above
activities.

Because of their clinical involvement during their course of study, students in Medicine, Dentistry
and Health Sciences have a special obligation in respect of HIV. They are required to confirm that
they have read and understood the statements of their ethical responsibilities towards their
patients issued by the General Medical Council, the General Dental Council, the UK Nursing and
Midwifery Council and the Health Professions Council.

Meningitis
Meningitis can be caused by a variety of organisms, only some of which are potentially fatal. For
example, viral meningitis can cause flu-like symptoms which are sometimes quite severe but
which are not life threatening.

There is no connection between this illness and the more serious ones caused by the
meningococcal bacteria. The meningococcal bacteria can cause two types of illness: meningitis and
septicaemia (blood poisoning). Of these, septicaemia is the more dangerous and the more likely to
be fatal. The bacteria live in the nose and throat and are only passed on by prolonged, close
contact. It has been estimated that between 10% and 20% of the population are carrying the
bacteria at any given time and the great majority of people carry it without ever developing the
disease. The important thing to know is that the disease can develop rapidly, sometimes within a
matter of hours.

Am I at Risk?
Meningitis is a relatively rare disease but because it is a deadly disease you should be alert to the
dangers. Next to children, teenagers and young adults are the group most at risk from meningitis.
The vast majority of cases are isolated ones and the bacteria can only be passed on by prolonged,
close contact.

57
What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms may be similar to those you get with flu or a hangover:
Feeling feverish
Vomiting
Severe headache
Stiff neck, back and joint pains.

Developed symptoms will include:
Rash of tiny red bruises that dont fade under pressure
Severe dislike of light
Disorientation or coma

If you are feeling ill, make sure that your friends and/or Hall Tutor/Warden/Manager know this
having someone check on you could save your life. If you are concerned about any symptoms,
contact a doctor.

REMEMBER EARLY TREATMENT SAVES LIVES

How can I get further information?

By contacting any of the following:

Student Health: +44(0)151 794 4720
Meningitis Merseyside: +44(0)151 424 4402
Student Health Advice Centre: +44(0)151 794 6213
Meningitis Trust: +44(0)800 028 1828 (24 hour free helpline)

Library and Computing Services

The University Library
The University Library contains an impressive collection of approximately 1.9 million books and
periodicals including extensive and important special collections of rare books and archives. The
Library provides access to around 520,000 electronic books, 40,000 electronic journals and online
access to most major databases.

The Library is located on two main sites, the Sydney Jones Library and the Harold Cohen Library.
The libraries provide about 1,830 computer and study spaces, zoned areas for group and quiet
study and staffed helpdesks. The entire stock of the Library is included in its online catalogue and
all electronic resources can be accessed in the library or via the web.

The two main libraries are open 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday, throughout the academic year
and there is a 24/7 renewal line for loans.

The Sydney Jones currently has seating for 615 readers and approximately 400 PCs. Bookable
study rooms are available for your use. The Sydney Jones also has a walk-in short loan collection
and a cafe. The Special Collections and Archives Department is located in the Sydney Jones Library
and includes rare books, manuscripts and the library of the Science Fiction Foundation.
58

The Harold Cohen Library, with 295 PCs and seating for 500 readers, contains the main collections
in Dentistry, Engineering, Science, Medicine, Veterinary Science and Mathematics. Facilities for
both group and quiet study are available. There is also a branch library at the Veterinary Teaching
Hospital on the Wirral.

Your student smart card will give you access to the libraries and enable you to self-issue and
return books. There are introductory talks and tours available for new students and staff will help
you find your way around and show you how to use the online catalogue. Printed and web guides
to the various libraries and services are available and staff at the Information Support Desks or
Computing Helpdesks will be happy to help if you have a problem or a question.

Further information can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/library.

Computing Services
The Computing Services Department provides central computing and information technology
services to assist the University in carrying out its learning, teaching, research and administration.

There are a number of PC Teaching Centres which are primarily used for teaching but, when not
booked for classes, they are available for individual student use. These are located in centres
across the campus and at the Leahurst Veterinary Centre. There are also a number of Learning
Centres on the campus and in some Halls of Residence that are not bookable by tutors for classes
and are therefore available for individual student use.

The Teaching and Learning Centres each contain PCs linked together by a network. To use the PCs,
you first need to self-register by following the information on the screen of a PC Teaching or
Learning Centre, or at www.liv.ac.uk/register on any computer connected to the internet.

The PC Teaching Service is based on Microsoft Windows and provides access to a wide range of
services, including electronic mail, the internet, VITAL (the Universitys Virtual Learning
Environment), word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

There are a number of locations within the precinct where students may use either WiFi (wireless)
or a wired connection to connect their own laptop computer (or other mobile device) to the
University's network.

The main CSD Helpdesk is located in the Brownlow Hill Building (Building no. 224; Ref F7;
www.liv.ac.uk/maps/), with satellites available in the two main libraries. The Helpdesk provides a
full range of support services including problem solving, software sales and registration queries.
More information about the support offered by the Helpdesk can be found at
www.liv.ac.uk/csd/helpdesk/.

Further information on all the Universitys computing services can be found at
www.liverpool.ac.uk/csd/.

59
Liverpool Life
This is one of the most important facilities you will need to use. Liverpool Life is your portal to all
of your essential personal and academic information. It provides PIN protected access to the
following information, activities and services:

Academically register for your studies
Re-register for each year of study
Register for modules in advance of each year of study
Access the online module catalogue
Check your programme and module registration status
Check and update your term-time, permanent and graduation correspondence addresses,
telephone numbers and emergency contact details
Check notes, guidance and regulations relating to examinations
View your assessment details
View your examination timetables (dates, times and venues)
View your provisional marks following the Semester 1 examinations
View your approved module marks and overall year results
View your degree classification at the end of your programme
View an ongoing transcript of studies (your modules and marks)
View your University financial account
Apply for University accommodation
Request documentation such as Council Tax Student Certificates and Student Status Letters

Liverpool Life can be accessed by entering the URL liverpool-life.liv.ac.uk into your browser or by
following the Liverpool Life link on the Digital University (student.liv.ac.uk). You will need your
student ID (displayed on your student smart card) and PIN.

The welcome booklet Your Registration 2015/15 (available from www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/student-administration-centre/student-record/academic-registration) provides
more information about accessing Liverpool Life, including how to find out your PIN and what to
do if you have forgotten your PIN. If, having followed the instructions in this booklet, you are still
having difficulties accessing the system then you can email the Liverpool Life Enquiry Team at
spipin@liv.ac.uk.

You should familiarise yourself with Liverpool Life as a matter of priority. Further information
about Liverpool Life, including user guides, can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/liverpool-life/.

Support Services

Learning and Student Skills Support
Throughout your University career, you will have opportunities to build and develop your skills for
learning, such as study skills, time management and information literacy, as well as a range of
employability skills. Your tutors may identify areas that you need to develop and also highlight a
range of resources for you to use.

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You should also visit iLearn (www.liv.ac.uk/ilearn), the Universitys interactive learning website
which provides coaching in the development of academic, digital learning and study skills. On
entry to the University you can complete iLearns online skills diagnostic which will identify your
individual skills profile and link to further self-study resources. iLearns bank of resources is
continually being extended and you will see an increase in subject specific materials over the
coming year. Through iLearn you can also book on a range of learning skills workshops that are
delivered across the academic year.

Another useful resource is the LearnHigher website (www.learnhigher.ac.uk), particularly its pages
designed especially for higher education students. The University of Liverpool has been a partner
in building this resource bank.

You can also visit the Library (www.liv.ac.uk/library/) where you will find help available from
Library staff and access to their extensive resources and expertise.

Institute Support and Advice
All students on programmes at the University of Liverpool are allocated an Academic Advisor who
is responsible for providing appropriate support to help you to fulfil your academic potential in
your studies. S/he will usually meet with you at the beginning of your studies and normally at the
start of each academic year (if applicable). S/he can also meet with you following exam results to
discuss academic performance and provide advice on improving your performance. Your Academic
Advisor is the first port of call if you are having problems with your academic studies.

Within the Institutes Professional Services support team there will also be a named person to act
as a first point of contact if you are experiencing difficulties with any aspect of University life. This
named contact within the School will provide both advice on School level procedures and
signposting to central and specialised support services for students.

Central Support and Advice
The University has a well established network of advice, guidance and support services for all
students. Specialist teams and experienced advisers are available to support students on a whole
range of issues.

The Student Services Centre, located at 150 Mount Pleasant (Building no. 502; Ref D6;
www.liv.ac.uk/maps/) is the hub for all of the Universitys specialist support and welfare services.
The role of the service is to provide students with advice, support and information. They have very
experienced specialist advisors who are available for you to come and talk through any issues you
may have. They provide a confidential and quiet space for you to come and talk to them about any
issues affecting your well being. They can also offer a range of practical advice or will be able to
direct you to the appropriate source of the information you may need.

The rest of this chapter details the range of support services offered by the University, both as part
of the Student Services Centre and across the wider University community.

Student Health Service
All students are advised to register with a local GP to ensure access to full medical care.

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To complement the service offered by your local GP, the Student Health Service is a valuable and
important amenity provided by the University. The service is provided by Brownlow Health (a local
GP Practice) and offers a range of health services. Access includes a walk-in service (no
appointment necessary), email consultations, telephone consultations and booked appointments.

Student Health is based on campus in the Student Services Centre and is open from 8:30am
5:00pm Monday to Friday. The service is closed each Wednesday between 11:30am and 2:00pm.
The service can be contacted by telephone on +44(0)151 794 4720 or +44(0)151 794 5820.

Student Health Advice Centre (SHAC)
SHAC is situated at the Carnatic Halls of Residence site. It offers a wide range of nursing services
including contraception. These services are available to all undergraduate students whether living
in the residences or outside. Nurses can be seen on a drop-in basis available between 4:00pm and
7:00pm on term-time weekdays, except Wednesday when the centre opens at 3:00pm or on
Friday when it closes at 6:00pm. SHAC can be contected during these times on +44(0) 151 794
6213. SHAC will be open during Welcome Week. Both Student Health and SHAC are closed every
4th Wednesday of the month for staff training.

Out of Hours Service
This is a service for patients registered with Brownlow Health and is provided by an organisation
called UC24. They can be contacted on +44(0)151 220 3685 and are available during the week
from 6:30pm to 8:00am and throughout the weekend. For further information visit
www.brownlowgrouppractice.org.

Additional information
For confidential advice on any health question or for information about where to find services in
the area, 24 hours a day, visit www.nhs.uk. To receive 3 free texts with the name, address and
telephone number of the 3 nearest chemists to your current location, text pharmacy to 64746.

Support for Care Leavers
There is individual support for any students who have come to the University from a care
background or have been looked after by their local authority.

Students who feel they would benefit from this type of support should contact Student Support
Services for advice on +44(0)151 794 5861 or by email at cls@liv.ac.uk. Further Information can be
found at www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/Care_Leavers.

Disability Support Team
The University encourages a supportive and accessible environment for students with a wide
range of disabilities, health conditions, mental health issues or specific learning difficulties (e.g.
dyslexia, dyspraxia). Disabled students are advised to discuss their individual needs with their
academic School/Department and with the Disability Support Team in the Student Services Centre
in order that appropriate support arrangements can be made.

The University actively encourages students to contact the Disability Support Team as soon as
possible, to discuss their support needs in a friendly and confidential environment. Working to a
person-centred approach, the Team, with your consent, can create an individual support plan. This
details specific support requirements and recommends reasonable adjustments, where
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appropriate, and is used to inform University Academic Departments, services and contacts of
your support needs.

With consent, the Team can assist students in all areas of disability-related support needs within
their academic environment, including:

Liaising with your academic School /Department to plan support
Liaising with the Professional Services Departments; e.g. in relation to support for
examinations, library support, accessibility software installation, physical accessibility
Guidance in applying for appropriate funding; e.g. Disabled Student Allowance, Charitable
Trusts, Blue Badge Scheme
Support in arranging and accessing specialist equipment or assessments including those for
specific learning difficulties; i.e. Educational Psychologists assessment and Study Needs
Assessment
Referral to a wide range of internal and external contacts for specialist advice including the
Universitys Mental Health Advisory Service and Action for Blind People
Support in arranging and managing non-medical study assistance; e.g. note taker, study
mentor, personal assistant

The Guide to Support and Services for Disabled Students sets out further information about the
Team and its work. The booklet can be obtained from the Student Services Centre or online at
www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/disability/.

The Team also facilitates the Disabled Student Network (DSN). The DSN is an informal group,
comprising a number of disabled students and members of the Disability Support Team which
meets several times a year to discuss issues which may be relevant to disabled students. This
provides an opportunity for you to give direct input into the service offered to disabled students at
the University.

The Disability Support Team can be contacted on +44(0)151 794 5117 or by email at
disteam@liv.ac.uk. Further information can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/disability/.

Financial Support Team
The Financial Support Team (FST) is available to offer you help and guidance on a range of financial
matters. Based in the Student Services Centre, the team can advise you on your entitlement to
statutory funding and liaise with funding bodies if you experience problems receiving your
funding. Students considering withdrawing, suspending or transferring their studies are
encouraged to contact the team for advice on their current and future funding.

FST is part of the national Money Doctors programme, which provides advice to students on how
to improve financial capability. Throughout the year, the team organises a variety of interactive
workshops and one to one sessions aimed at improving budgeting and money management. The
team also offers a specialist debt advice service for students experiencing problems with debt. The
teams Money Adviser can discuss any options you may have and negotiate with creditors a
repayment plan that you can afford.

The team also offers the following:

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Discretionary financial help through the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) for students
experiencing financial hardship
Calculation of student support funding
Calculation of welfare benefits and help with appeals if necessary
Advice on alternative sources of funding

The Financial Support Team can be contacted on +44(0)151 794 6673 or by email at fst@liv.ac.uk.
Further information can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/finance/.

International Support Team
The International Support Team (IST) is a specialist advisory service for international students. The
IST is there to support and advise international students both on arrival and throughout their
studies.

Based in the Student Services Centre, the IST provides specialist advice on student immigration
matters (including advice on visa extensions) and other topics including personal and cultural
issues. If the IST cannot help directly, they have a wide range of contacts and can refer you to
another service that can assist.

The IST website (www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ist/) contains lots of useful information on living
and studying in Liverpool. This includes information on safety, health, finance and advice
specifically aimed at those international students who have their family with them in the UK while
they study here.

The IST also produces a newsletter and bulletins, both of which are automatically sent to
international students University email accounts. These often include important notes and
changes to immigration rules and procedures so it is essential that international students read this
information to keep up-to-date. The newsletter also contains features on interesting events taking
place and information about UK life.

If the required information cannot be found on the IST website, then you are welcome to email for
advice on ist@liv.ac.uk or contact the IST on +44 (0)151 794 5863 in order to make an
appointment.

English Language Centre
The English Language Centre (ELC) offers language support for registered international students,
visiting fellows and international staff members. It also supports the School of English in teaching
MA programmes in TESOL and Applied Linguistics.

The key services provided are:
Summer courses in English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Year-round courses in EAP
English language classes for international students/staff members
English language classes for Erasmus exchange students
Discipline-specific English language support programmes for University departments
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Testing
IELTS practice and preparation courses
Cambridge ESOL CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
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Bespoke English language programmes for external organisations

The English Language Centre is based in the Cypress Building (Building no. 108; Ref E2;
www.liv.ac.uk/maps/). They can be contacted on +44 (0)151 794 2722 or by email at
elc@liv.ac.uk. Further information can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/english-language-centre/.

Student Counselling Service
Based at 14 Oxford Street (Building no. 436; Ref C4; www.liv.ac.uk/maps/), the Counselling Service
helps students deal with a wide range of personal and emotional difficulties or worries that may
be affecting their capacity to study effectively or indeed their lives in general. The counsellors are
professionally qualified and experienced and enable students to talk over their difficulties in
confidence.

You can contact the Counselling Service for support with a variety of issues such as home and
family relationships, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bereavement and loss, sex, sexuality,
relationship difficulties and loneliness. Support is available either through drop-in sessions, one-to-
one counselling sessions or through a programme of themed workshops and groups on topics
including building confidence and self-esteem, making presentations, stress management,
assertiveness, as well as sessions aimed at particular groups of students (e.g. postgraduates,
international students, first year and final undergraduates).

The Drop-In service runs each weekday between 1.00pm and 2.30pm and on Monday mornings
between 8:30am and 9:30am (no pre-booking necessary). This walk-in service gives you the
opportunity to meet for up to twenty minutes with a counsellor to talk over any difficulties you are
having, or for you to obtain advice about managing difficult situations; e.g. when supporting a
friend in distress. Drop-In is the main point of access to one-to-one counselling and you can
register for individual counselling after attending a Drop-In session. There is also a weekly Mens
Space Drop-In run by the male counsellors for male students, every Wednesday between 3.00pm
and
4.00pm. Men are sometimes reluctant to seek out support for themselves when they are
experiencing difficulties, however, when men do talk to others and access help, they often find it
to be invaluable.

The Counselling Service also has an informative website with lots of self help information on a
wide range of topics as well as links to other useful sites. There is also an online relaxation
programme that offers a series of relaxation recordings that can be downloaded to manage stress
or just for pleasure!

The Counselling Service can be contacted on +44(0)151 794 3304 or by email at
counserv@liv.ac.uk. Further information can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/counserv.

Mental Health Advisory Service
Based in the Student Services Centre, the main function of the Mental Health Adviser (MHA) is to
provide support to students with any mental health difficulties by facilitating their access to study
successfully in the University.

The MHA works with individual students who have declared mental health needs during their
application process to the University, or who develop mental health problems whilst at University.
65
The role of the MHA is to offer support, advice and liaison between the student and the
appropriate University departments to ensure that the students mental health needs are
adequately and appropriately responded to. Additionally, the MHA is able to offer consultation to
students and staff regarding concerns about themselves or their concerns for others. The MHA
works closely with the Disability Support Team and other Student Services, including the Student
Health Service, Counselling Service, University Residences and academic departments.

The Mental Health Adviser can be contacted on +44(0)151 794 2320 or by email at
mentalhealthadviser@liv.ac.uk. Further information can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/mhealth.

Childcare
Our purpose-built Childrens Centre provides 68 full day care places for babies and pre-school
children. Holiday play schemes are also available for 32 school age youngsters and 16 places are
available for after school care. The Childrens Centre operates within an equal opportunities
framework and offers students the freedom to study, knowing their children are in a safe, caring
and stimulating environment. There is currently a waiting list for children of all ages.

Certain home and EU students using childcare may be eligible to apply for assistance with
childcare fees through their Local Authority or the NHS Grants Unit, who will pay up to 85% of the
cost (up to a limit). Additional help may also be provided by the Access to Learning Fund and/or
the Universitys Childcare Bursary. For more information, contact the Financial Support Team
+44(0)151 794 6673 or by email at fst@liv.ac.uk.

Further details about the Childrens Centre and application forms for places are available from the
Student Administration Centre while details are also available on the website at
www.liv.ac.uk/admin/students/childcare/.

More information about other childcare provision in Liverpool can be found at
www.childcarelink.gov.uk.

Careers and Employability Service
The Careers and Employability Service provides information, advice and guidance on all you need
to know about planning your career - be it working for a big firm, supporting a community
organisation, studying for a higher degree, or taking time out to travel the world.

Located on the first floor of the Student Services Centre, the service is aimed at all students,
regardless of what stage in the career planning process they are at. Whether you are clued up or
clueless about your future, we can provide you with all you need to take the next step. We can put
you in touch with leading employers, introduce you to lots of new and exciting career ideas, and
even help you write winning CVs and applications. All you have to do is take the first step and visit
the team either in person or online.

The Careers and Employability Service offers you:

Access to part time, term-time job vacancies
Internships and work experience opportunities
Graduate job vacancies with leading national and local employers
Opportunities to meet organisations that want to recruit Liverpool graduates
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Volunteering opportunities in Liverpool, across the UK and overseas

Specialist help with CVs, applications and interviews
Information on further study options
Advice and information on taking a year out
Skills development opportunities
Holiday jobs and work experience opportunities across the world (and in Liverpool)
Impartial advice about options with your degree

You can contact the Careers and Employability Service on +44(0)151 794 4647 or by email at
careers@liv.ac.uk. Further information can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/careers. You can also
follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCareersandEmployabilityService.

Liverpool Guild of Students
Liverpool Guild of Students

Liverpool Guild of Students (LGoS) is a student-led charity and every student at the University of
Liverpool is a member. It actively listens to its members and students contributions guide and
shape its policies. The Guild lobbies and encourages students to take a lead in their University
experience.

The main duty of LGoS is to ensure that the University delivers an excellent student experience.
Keeping in contact with its members is one of the Guilds top priorities, and it does this in a variety
of different ways face to face, on Facebook and Twitter, within lecture theatres and online at
www.lgos.org.

LGoS exists to support and represent you, as well as ensuring that you make the most of your time
in Liverpool. In short, the Guild supports student life at Liverpool through representation,
encouraging participation and ensuring a positive experience.

Representation
LGoS is student-led and student-focused and there are many opportunities for you to take an
active role in its leadership and development. Four students are elected each year to take on the
full-time roles of Student Representative Officer; these are student representatives to the
University. They plan and implement lobbying activity, attend and chair meetings, develop policy,
encourage engagement and ensure that they are accountable to students.

The Guild also has a staff team to support the elected students, including those elected onto
Student Council. They also facilitate the forums that give you the opportunity to put your ideas
forward and enhance your University experience.

The Guild supports the system of course reps - students elected by their peers to attend staff-
student liaison meetings and work with staff to improve students academic experience. So if
there are insufficient books in the library, deadlines are too close to exams, there are not enough
resources on VITAL, or anything else is adversely affecting your academic experience, you should
talk to your course rep. If you are interested in becoming a course rep then you should ask a
member of staff in your department or contact the Representation and Democracy Co-ordinator,
Emily Spurrell, at Spurrell@liv.ac.uk within the first few weeks of term.
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Advice
We hope that your time at the University of Liverpool will be completely positive and trouble free,
but when things do go wrong the Guild is available to help. They offer free, confidential, non-
judgemental advice or representation regarding academic issues, University procedures such as
discipline, and University accommodation.

For more information, visit www.lgos.org/advice. You can also book an appointment with the
Guilds Academic Advisor by calling +44(0)151 794 6868 or by visiting the Guild reception. The
Advisor is able to offer guidance and support in the event that you:

Wish to submit an academic appeal to challenge a grade or mark
Have been accused of a breach of academic integrity, such as plagiarism, collusion or
fabrication of data
Have been withdrawn from your course and wish to know your options
Wish to complain about some aspect of University life, such as Halls of Residence, teaching, or
the level of support offered by your department
Have been affected by illness or unexpected circumstances in your personal life, or by some
other mitigating factor which you feel has affected your studies

Activity Groups
There are lots of opportunities for you to get involved in LGoS, whether to volunteer time to work
on a community-based project or to join one of the many activity groups. The Guild has over 160
groups representing a range of interests and activities, from darts to theatre. If your interests are
not met you can start up your own activity group.

Remember, many graduate employers will ask about the extracurricular activities you were
involved in at University, so apart from being a fantastic opportunity to make friends with people
with shared interests, becoming involved in an activity group is also a chance to gain valuable
experience. More details can be found at www.lgos.org/activities.

Code of Practice on Assessment
The University has formulated a Code of Practice on Assessment which brings together in a single
document the main institutional policies and rules on assessment. The Code is an authoritative
statement of the philosophy and principles underlying all assessment activities and of the
University's expectations in relation to how academic subjects design, implement and review
assessment strategies for all taught programmes of study.

It is intended to inform staff and students, as well as individuals from outside the University such
as external examiners and external reviewers. The Code is an important document and applies
institution-wide. It also reflects the external reference points that the University has to be in
accordance with such as the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education's UK Quality Code for
Higher Education, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and individual subject benchmark statements.

The Code and its appendices can be accessed at www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/exams/policies-procedures/code-of-practice-assessment.

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Late Submission of Assessed Work

The University has standard penalties for the late submission of assessed work. These are:

5% of the total marks available for the assessment shall be deducted from the assessment
mark for each working day after the submission date, up to a maximum of five working days
(e.g. for work marked out of 100, five marks per day will be deducted; for work marked out of
20, one mark per day will be deducted); however, the mark will not be reduced below the pass
mark for the assessment. Work assessed below the pass mark will not be penalised for late
submission of up to five days.

Work received more than five working days after the submission deadline will receive a mark
of zero. In such circumstances, where a student is required to re-take the assessment, the
reassessment task must be different from the original assessment. Re-submission of the
original piece of work is not permissible, except in the case of project work or dissertations. (A
working day is defined as a day when the University is open and staff would normally be
available for work and thus also be available for contact by students).

Full information about the penalties for late submission of assessed work, including information
about special circumstances and School/Departmental responsibilities, are available in section 6 of
the Universitys Code of Practice on Assessment (www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/exams/policies-procedures/code-of-practice-assessment).

Disability and Alternative examination Arrangements
The Universitys policy and procedures for making adjustments to examination arrangements for
disabled students are contained in Appendix K of the Universitys Code of Practice on Assessment
(www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/policies-procedures/code-of-practice-assessment).

It is extremely important that you consult with the Disability Support Team as far as possible in
advance of the start of the examination in order to allow time for the arrangements to be put in
place. The Disability Support Team can be contacted on +44(0)151 794 5117 or by email at
disteam@liv.ac.uk. Further information can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/disability/.

Poor Attendance
Students who attend regularly are generally successful in their studies. You are permitted to
proceed with your approved programme of study if you maintain acceptable progress as
evidenced by your regular attendance, satisfactory results in relevant formative and summative
assessments and the proper completion of any other work given to you.

Programme Directors, or their nominated representatives, will review your attendance on a
regular basis. If you fail to maintain satisfactory levels of attendance you will be interviewed by the
Head of School/Department (or their designated representative) and warnings will be given if you
do not take appropriate action.

In more serious cases students who fail to attend classes may be referred to Progress Panels acting
on behalf of Boards of Examiners. Further information about progress and attendance can be
found in the Guide on the Progress of Students on Taught Programmes of Study which can be
found at www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/results/progression.

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International students who, under Tier 4 of the points-based immigration system, require a visa to
study in the UK should be aware that the University is registered as a UK Home Office Immigration
Sponsor. In this regard the University has statutory responsibilities to monitor and report to the
UK Home Office any international student who fails to attend regularly and within normal
expected attendance levels within the University.

Non-attendance or poor attendance is likely to lead to a decision of termination of studies by a
Board of Examiners. The consequence of this for a Tier 4 international student is that the
University would cease its immigration sponsorship of the student and this would mean that they
would have to immediately leave the UK.

Students should be aware that, in all cases, fee liability continues to accrue, even where students
are not attending regularly, unless arrangements are made to change your registration status.
Further information about changing your registration status is given later in this chapter.

Sickness and Absence Policy
You are able to certify your absence through illness from lectures or other classes during a
semester through the submission of a self-certified Certificate of Illness. Such a certificate will be
valid for absence of up to five consecutive days. The Certificate of Illness does not need to be
signed by a medical practitioner.

The Certificate of Illness will not be valid for:

Absence through illness for more than five consecutive days;
Absence from examinations;
Absence from class tests of other forms of assessment which count for 10% or more of the
module mark.

Certificate of Illness forms can be obtained from and should be returned to your School Student
Support Office. The Certificate cannot be accepted if it is submitted more than two weeks
following the date of illness. A maximum of two Certificates is permitted in any semester.

Absence through illness for periods longer than five consecutive days must be supported by a
medical certificate provided and signed by a medical practitioner and should be submitted to your
School Student Support Office. A medical certificate provided and signed by a medical practitioner
will also be required if you are absent for more than two periods of illness in one semester.

Absence for reasons other than illness can only be allowed after a request has been approved by
your Head of School.

You should always inform your School Student Support Office if you are unable to attend for any
reason.

Mitigating Circumstances
Students sometimes perform more poorly in assessments (whether examinations or other types of
assessments) than their previous performance or achievements would have predicted. Sometimes
this poor performance can be attributed, or partially attributed, to particular circumstances
70
beyond the control of the student. These circumstances are described as mitigating
circumstances if they are accepted in mitigation of the poorer than expected performance.

When a Board of Examiners accepts that there have been mitigating circumstances, it will usually
not regard the students poorer than expected performance at its face value in making decisions
about the students progress in studies or final degree classification. Where circumstances are
accepted in mitigation of poorer than expected performance students may be allowed (where
practicable) to retake the assessment as if it were a first attempt.

Mitigating circumstances may, for example, include:

Illness affecting the student
Bereavement
Serious illness affecting a close family member
Unforeseeable or unpreventable events

Independent documentary evidence, such as medical certificates, must be provided in all cases to
verify mitigating circumstances. If mitigating circumstances affect your studies then it is your
responsibility to report all circumstances which you wish to be taken into consideration to the
nominated person in your School/Department.

You should report such mitigating circumstances as soon as possible (normally within five working
days) after the events under consideration occur, and no later than one week before the meeting
of the Board of Examiners at which the assessment concerned will be considered.

If you are unable to attend an examination or assessment which counts towards the final mark of
a module owing to illness or other unavoidable circumstances, you must inform your School or
Department, preferably in writing or by email, before the examination or assessment deadline, in
order for the absence to be regarded as authorised.

Provided that acceptable evidence of good cause for such absence (e.g. a medical note) is
presented for consideration by the Mitigating Circumstances Committee in accordance with the
procedures set out in the Mitigating Circumstances Policy, you would be granted a right to re-sit as
a first attempt (unless the examination missed was not a first attempt examination). Only in
exceptional circumstances, where a Board of Examiners, on the advice of the Mitigating
Circumstances Committee, judges that it was not feasible for a student to have provided prior
notification, will a student who is absent from an examination or fails to submit an assessment
without informing their School/Department in advance, be granted a first attempt re-sit.

Boards of Examiners may determine that a student who is absent from an examination or fails to
submit an assessment without good cause (even when they have informed their
School/Department in advance) should not be granted a re-sit attempt without repeating the year
of study.

Students are encouraged to speak to their Academic Adviser before submitting a claim for
mitigating circumstances and, in all cases, students who wish to submit claim must do so using the
official form supplied by their School or Department, which is also available online.

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Further information regarding mitigating circumstances, including links to student guidance, the
full University Policy, and the official application form can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/exams/mitigating-circumstances.

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is concerned with the ethical code that applies to the standards by which the
academic community operates. It represents the values of honesty, fairness and respect for
others. While this encompasses the expectation that students will not cheat in assessments nor
deliberately try to mislead examiners and assessors, it is just as important to emphasise the
positive role that academic integrity plays in each students intellectual and professional
development and in their successful transition to graduate employment and future careers.
Students who embrace academic integrity understand that they must produce their own work,
acknowledging explicitly any material that has been included from other sources or legitimate
collaboration, and to present their own findings, conclusions or data based on appropriate and
ethical practice.

There are conventions of academic practice, such as established referencing and citation
protocols, which both display and ensure academic integrity. The acquisition of relevant study
skills such as effective note-taking, the ability to critically evaluate other writers theories and
concepts, and presentation skills, will help students to understand these conventions. Failure to
adhere to these conventions can result in poor academic practice or, if there is a clear intention to
deceive examiners and assessors, to unfair and/or dishonest academic practice.

The following definitions of academic misconduct are contained within the Universitys Code of
Practice on Assessment and apply to all types of work submitted by students, including, for
example, written work, diagrams, designs, charts, musical compositions, computer programmes
and pictures.

Plagiarism occurs when a student misrepresents, as his/her own work, work in the public domain,
written or otherwise, of any other person (including another student) or of any institution.
Examples of forms of plagiarism include:

the verbatim (word for word) copying of anothers work without appropriate and correctly
presented acknowledgement and citation of the source;
the close paraphrasing of anothers work by simply changing a few words or altering the order
of presentation, without appropriate and correctly presented acknowledgement and citation
of the source;
failure to reference appropriately or to adequately identify the source of material used;
unacknowledged quotation of phrases from anothers work;
the deliberate and detailed presentation of anothers concept as ones own.

Collusion occurs when, unless with official approval (e.g. in the case of group projects), two or
more students consciously collaborate in the preparation and production of work which is
ultimately submitted by each in an identical, or substantially similar, form and/or is represented by
each to be the product of his or her individual efforts. Collusion also occurs where there is
unauthorised co-operation between a student and another person in the preparation and
production of work which is presented as the students own.

72
Copying occurs when a student consciously presents as their own work material copied directly
from a fellow student or other person without their knowledge. It includes the passing off of
anothers intellectual property, not in the public domain, as ones own. It differs from collusion in
that the originator of the copied work is not aware of or party to the copying. Copying of work
from published sources would be dealt with as plagiarism.

Submission of commissioned or procured coursework is a dishonest practice which occurs when a
student presents as their own work coursework assessment tasks (or parts thereof) which have
been intentionally procured (by financial or other inducement means) for this purpose. The
definition includes the practice of requesting another party to prepare all or part of a course
assignment (with or without payment) on the students behalf.

Embellishment or Fabrication of Data occurs when a proportion of the total data is altered,
enhanced or exaggerated in order to emphasise data which has been obtained by legitimate
means.

Falsification of Data occurs when a student creates and presents an extensive amount or
significant piece of data in order to conceal a paucity of legitimate data; or wholly fabricates a set
of data in the absence of legitimate data.

Students found to have committed academic misconduct are liable to be severely penalised. They
may be given a mark of zero for the assessment concerned, for the module concerned or, in the
most serious cases, may even be required to suspend or terminate their studies.

The Universitys Policy on Academic Integrity, and the Guidelines for Students and Staff, forms
Appendix L to the Universitys Code of Practice on Assessment which can be found at
www.liv.ac.uk/students/exams/policies-procedures/code-of-practice-assessment.

A single Academic Integrity Form for all your written assignments during the course must be
completed and signed at the start of the year

Non-Payment of Fees
Arrangements to pay your student programme fees must be in place for the start of each
academic year. The University offers a range of online payment options for those students who
are self-funding their studies. More information about the payment of fees can be found in the
Your Registration 2013/14 booklet, available at www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/student-
administration-centre/student-record/academic-registration.

Whichever way you choose to pay your student programme fees, it is your responsibility to ensure
that the proper arrangements are in place and that the University is notified correctly of the
means by which you are paying your fees. Where a suitable arrangement to pay student fees has
not been made, or where a student defaults on any payment arrangement that has been made,
students access to the libraries and to the Liverpool Life and VITAL computing services will be
restricted until such time that a suitable arrangement is in place.

Where a student fails to make a suitable payment arrangement or to settle an outstanding balance
after a further 30 calendar days, they will be restricted from accessing all University computing
73
services, including their email and MWS account until the whole of any outstanding amount has
been paid.

Students in debt to the University will not be notified of the marks of any completed assessments
until such time that the outstanding debt has been paid.

Students in debt to the University will not be permitted to register for a new session of study until
such time that the outstanding debt has been paid.

Students in debt to the University one calendar month before the date of the award of a degree,
diploma or certificate shall not be eligible to be presented for such an award.

Further details, including the Payment Policy 2015/15, can be found at
www.liv.ac.uk/feespayment. Additional advice and guidance may be obtained by contacting the
Student Fees Office where specialist advisors are available to discuss the payment of fees. They
can be contacted on +44(0)151 794 6777 or by email at feesenq@liverpool.ac.uk or
studpay@liverpool.ac.uk.

Changes to your Registration

Suspension and Withdrawal
Circumstances, often relating to ill-health but also relating to other personal reasons, occasionally
lead a student to consider withdrawing from their studies or suspending their studies for a period
of time. Such action may also be appropriate if it becomes clear that you have insufficient financial
means to complete the year of study. Suspending studies on the grounds of ill health, financial
difficulties or other personal reasons suspends your fee liability and your requirement to
undertake assessments. This allows you to take time out of your studies in order that you can
regain your health or sort out other problems without financial or academic penalty before you
return and re-start your studies.
In the first instance you should discuss your circumstances with your Academic Adviser or seek
advice from your School Student Support Office. Where students do suspend this is frequently
with a view to returning in the next academic session. In all cases of withdrawal or suspension
there are financial consequences arising from such decisions and it is therefore essential that you
ensure that the University receives formal notice of such action. Schools have appropriate forms
which you must complete. These are also available online at www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/student-administration-centre/student-record. Failure to inform the University of
your withdrawal or suspension of studies by completing the correct form means that your
registration remains active and your tuition fee liability continues to accrue. Fees will not be
refunded in the event of you failing to complete the proper form, even if you claim you did not
attend during the period for which you are charged.

All requests for a suspension of studies must be approved by your School/Department and will not
normally be granted retrospectively.

If you do suspend your studies, it is important that you contact your School/Department one
month prior to your expected return date to confirm that you will be returning to study. This will
enable your School/Department to ensure that your academic registration is updated.
74

All students should familiarise themselves with the Tuition Fees Refund Policy which describes
how the University will recalculate your tuition fee liability in the event of you withdrawing from
or suspending your studies. This can be found in the Payment Policy 2013/14, available at
www.liv.ac.uk/feespayment. Those in receipt of bursaries and/or scholarships should also consult
the Scholarship and Bursary Regulations 2013/14 (www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/money/scholarship-bursary-regulations) for details on how your funding will be
affected by your withdrawal/suspension.

As well as completing the official withdrawal or suspension form, you will also need to take care of
the arrangements to leave your accommodation. If you are in a University Hall of Residence, your
contract is for a specified number of weeks. Similarly, if you are in the private sector, you will have
probably signed a contract to remain for a certain length of time. There is no automatic right to be
released from a residence contract.

Programme Transfers
If you decide that your programme of study is unsuitable for your needs and you wish to consider
transferring to another programme in the University, you should first discuss your wish with your
Academic Adviser or Programme Director in your current School. If having done this you still wish
to seek a transfer, you should then contact the Admissions Tutor for the School in which you wish
to study (via the School Student Support Office). If your transfer is acceptable to the Admissions
Tutor, you should obtain a transfer form, either from your School or online
(www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/student-administration-centre/student-record/transfers),
and complete this. The form must be signed as approved by the School that you wish to transfer to
before you return it to your current School.

Implications of Registration Changes
Advice on the financial implications of withdrawing from or suspending study can be sought from
the Financial Support Team, based in the Student Services Centre. The team can be contacted on
+44(0)151 794 6673/5860/5861, or by email at fst@liverpool.ac.uk.

International students (i.e. those who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK) should be aware
that, as your immigration sponsor, the University is required by law to inform the UK Home Office
of any changes to your registration. In the case of both withdrawal and suspension, your current
visa will be curtailed (cease to be valid) and you will need to leave the UK immediately. If you are
suspending your studies for a time, you will need to return to your home country for the entire
period of your suspension. You will also need to make a request for a new CAS from the
University between three and six months before you wish to recommence your studies in order to
allow sufficient time for you to apply for and be issued with a new Tier 4 visa which will allow you
to re-enter the UK to resume your studies. You will only be able to make this application from
outside of the UK. Further information on how to request a new CAS can be found at
www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ist/CAS.

Advice regarding all visa issues can be sought from the International Support Team, based in the
Student Services Centre. Instructions about making an appointment with the team and contact
details are available at www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ist/.

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Jury Service
From time to time students are called for jury service. Jurors are selected at random by Her
Majestys Courts Service from the electoral register and everyone on the electoral register
between the ages of 18 to 70 may be selected.

Where jury service is likely to interfere with your study or assessment, you may seek deferral of
the service. The Jury Central Summoning Bureau evaluates any requests for deferral, which is
usually no more than for 12 months. A letter can be obtained from the Director of Student
Administration and Support to assist you in any request for a deferral. To do this you should
complete the jury summons, including Section 3, and take the completed form to the
Student Administration Centre on the Ground Floor of the Foundation Building (Building no. 501;
Ref D7; www.liv.ac.uk/maps/), any time between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

When a jury summons is received by the Student Administration Centre, the Director of Student
Administration and Support will write on your behalf to Her Majestys Courts Service enclosing the
summons and explaining that it would be detrimental to your studies to experience disruption due
to undertaking jury service.
It should be noted that the University can only make a request for deferral: the decision to allow a
deferral rests with Her Majestys Courts Service.

Her Majestys Courts Service will reply directly to you. Where no reply is received in a reasonable
time you should contact Her Majestys Courts Service to enquire about the progress of your
application for deferral.

The University cannot request an excusal on behalf of a student. Excusal requests should be sent
directly by a student to the Summoning Bureau.

Misconduct
As a student you are expected to conduct yourself, both on and off the campus, in a manner which
demonstrates respect for the University, its staff, fellow students and property, and for other
members of the local community in general. The University places great emphasis on the good
behaviour of its students and has a formal procedure for dealing with serious cases of misconduct.
For this purpose the University has developed some rules regulating the conduct of students and
the following provides a substantive but not exhaustive list of activities which the University
regards as constituting misconduct. These are:

Any breach of University Ordinances or Regulations or Codes of Practice, including the
Regulations for the Conduct of Examinations;
Substantial obstruction or interference with the functions, duties or legitimate activities of any
student or member of staff of the University, or any visitor to the University;
Violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening, intimidating or offensive behaviour or language
(whether expressed orally, in writing or electronically, including blogs, social networking
websites and other electronic means);
Distribution or publication of a poster, notice, sign or any publication which is offensive,
intimidating, threatening, indecent or illegal, including the broadcasting and electronic
distribution of such material.
76
Harassment of any student or member of staff of the University or any visitor to the
University;
Fraud, deceit, deception or dishonesty in relation to the University or its staff, students or
visitors;
Theft, misappropriation or misuse of University property, or the property of its students, staff
or visitors;
Misuse or unauthorised use of University premises or items of property, including the misuse
of computers and the communications network or any breach of the Universitys policy on the
use of its information systems;
Damage or defacement to University property or the property of other members of the
University caused intentionally or recklessly, including misappropriation of such property;
Action which may cause injury or jeopardise safety on University premises, including
occupation of premises of which the University is owner or occupier after being required to
leave by an authorised member of the staff of the University;
Failure to provide identity such as name and student ID number to a member of staff of the
University in circumstances where a request to do so is reasonable;
Any conduct, whether on or off campus, which results in a student receiving a formal police
caution, irrespective of whether or not such a caution leads to the student being charged or
convicted of an offence;
Any failure on behalf of the student to inform the University of any Police Caution, charge or
conviction. (Convictions for a motoring offence for which a fine and a maximum penalty of
three points are imposed are excluded. Offences which are spent under the provisions of the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 should also be reported as they may affect the right to
practise for students following programmes leading to a professional qualification);
Any conduct which may be discreditable to the University or detrimental to the discharge of its
duties or which may more widely bring the University into disrepute;
Failure to comply with any punishment imposed as a result of the Universitys disciplinary
procedures or contempt of those procedures;
The possession or sale or the use or misuse of any controlled drug on University premises.

Summary Jurisdiction
Various officers of the University such as Heads of School, Wardens of Halls, the Librarian and the
Director of Computing Services have delegated powers to deal with less serious instances of
misconduct within their area of responsibility. They may apply summary jurisdiction if they
determine that you have committed an act of misconduct. Their power of summary jurisdiction
enables them:

to impose a fine not exceeding 200;
to withdraw privileges (understood to mean particularly any privileges abused by you) for up
to one month;
to deliver a reprimand;
to require, if you are responsible for loss or damage to property (NB: not specifically University
property), to pay for that loss or damage, in whole or in part, but not in excess of the actual
cost.

77
The powers of summary jurisdiction are most frequently used by Wardens of Halls of Residence. If
you believe that you have been unfairly judged in such a case then you may appeal for your case
to be considered by the Universitys Board of Discipline.

Formal Disciplinary Procedures
Should you commit a particularly serious instance of misconduct (e.g. allegedly cheating in an
examination), your case will be considered and investigated by the University and you will have
the opportunity of contributing to the consideration of your case and the collection of evidence by
the Universitys Investigating Officer, who has the ultimate responsibility of deciding whether or
not there is a sufficient case for consideration by the Board of Discipline, or whether or not the
case should be referred for summary jurisdiction by an appropriate University Officer. In such
cases you will be informed by the Investigating Officer of both the charges being made and the
Officers final decision with regard to how the case is to be considered.

You should be aware that the Board of Discipline has very significant powers to deal with cases of
misconduct. For example, if it is satisfied that a charge has been proved and that a breach of
discipline has occurred, it may impose a fine or other penalty, it may suspend a student from the
University for a period, or it may expel a student from the University. In the event of loss or
damage to property, the Board may also require that such loss or damage be made good, either in
whole or in part. In particular, you should note that in cases where cheating in examinations is
proven, the Board has frequently applied a penalty of a mark of zero for the module concerned
together with a suspension from studies for at least an academic session. In some cases, students
have had their studies terminated.

The full Student Disciplinary Procedure can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/student-administration-centre/policies-procedures/conduct-discipline.

Criminal Offences
The University has a duty of care to its staff and students and it therefore needs to be informed of
any alleged criminal activity by its staff or students. If at any time during your registration on a
programme of study at the University you are arrested by the police and charged with a criminal
offence, you are required to report this immediately to the Director of Student Administration and
Support. If you are sent for trial, the Director must also be kept informed at all stages either by you
or your solicitor. If you are convicted, then this must also be reported along with details of any
sentence imposed. A conviction includes being put on probation, being given absolute or
conditional discharge, being bound over, or being given a formal caution. Students need not
declare parking or speeding offences which are subject to fixed penalties.

Students on some professional programmes may also be required by their respective Schools to
report annually on any current criminal records. This requirement is in addition to the Universitys
requirement to report such matters to the Director of Student Administration and Support.

To declare a charge, formal caution or criminal record to the Director of Student Administration
and Support, you should complete and return the pro forma available at www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/student-administration-centre/policies-procedures/conduct-discipline.

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Assessment Appeals
The Assessment Appeals Procedure is available for use by students on undergraduate and taught
postgraduate programmes of study. The Procedure is divided into two sections:

Section 1: Appeals against individual module marks, assessments in non-modular programmes and
decisions made by a Clinical Assessment Panel

An appeal can be made under this Section by students who have not yet completed their
programme of study and who wish to appeal against a module mark, an assessment mark in non-
modular programmes or a decision made by a Clinical Assessment Panel which has been
determined by a Board of Examiners. This includes an appeal against a mark of zero awarded
following a finding that major plagiarism, collusion or fabrication of data has occurred. For
campus-based programmes, marks are designated as provisional following the semester one
examination period, until confirmed by the Board of Examiners at the end of semester two.

Section 2: Appeals against the decision of the Board of Examiners on completion of a programme
of study

An appeal can be submitted under this section under the following circumstances:

i. To appeal against the non-award of a degree, diploma or certificate, whether that award
was the final award for the course concerned or an intermediate award for the stage of the
course the student has just completed;
ii. To appeal against the classification or other mark of differentiation of a degree, diploma or
certificate which has been awarded;
iii. To appeal against a decision to make a different award from that which the student was
attempting to qualify for at that point of the course.

Under both sections, students can only have an appeal heard where there are clear grounds, as
prescribed in the Assessment Appeals Procedure. Further information can be found at
procedures/appeals. The Procedure forms Appendix F of the Code of Practice on Assessment
which can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/policies-procedures/code-of-
practice-assessment.

Students cannot appeal on any grounds which:

have already been considered by the Board of Examiners
could have been considered had notice of the students wish to have them so considered been
given prior to the meeting of the Board of Examiners and the student has no valid reason for
having failed to give such notice
dispute the academic judgement of the Board of Examiners

Students who wish to appeal against the decision of the Board of Examiners to terminate their
studies or to deem them withdrawn prior to the normal expected date of completion of their
programme, should refer to the Guide on the Progress of Students on Taught Programmes of
Study (Appendix E of the Code of Practice on Assessment) which describe the Universitys
79
Progress Procedures. This can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/student-

administration/exams/results/progression.

Advice on all appeals procedures can be obtained from the Academic Compliance Team based in
Student Administration and Support (appeals@liv.ac.uk). Students are also encouraged to book
and advisory appointment with the Guild of Students Academic Advisor by calling +44(0)151 794
6868 or by visiting the Guild reception. More information is also available at www.lgos.org/advice.

Complaints
The Student Charter, outlined earlier in the handbook, sets out the general entitlements and
responsibilities of students. If you believe you have a legitimate complaint, you should refer in the
first instance to the Student Charter to clarify what is reasonable for you to expect from the
University in the relevant area and whether you have discharged your corresponding liabilities, if
applicable. If you do not know who is responsible for a particular area or how to contact them,
your School Support Office or the Guild of Students will help you.

If, having consulted the Student Charter, you wish to proceed with a complaint you may invoke
the Student Complaints Procedure. The Student Complaints Procedure sets out how students may
seek to have their complaints addressed. It should be recognised that the vast majority of student
complaints can be handled fairly, amicably and to the satisfaction of all concerned on an informal
basis. Only when informal means have been exhausted should a formal complaint be pursued.

The Student Complaints Procedure does not cover the following matters for which separate
procedures exist:

Appeals against academic assessment and progress decisions (see www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/student-administration-centre/policies-procedures/appeals and
www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/results/progression)
Disciplinary issues (see www.liv.ac.uk/student-administration/student-administration-
centre/policies-procedures/conduct-discipline)
Complaints relating to the Guild of Students (visit the Guild reception for advice)

The Student Complaints Procedure can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/student-
administration/student-administration-centre/policies-procedures/complaints.

80
A guide to completion of specific MRes assignments

A single Academic Integrity Form for all your written assignments during the course must be
completed and signed at the start of the year. This form is applicable to all the assignments below.

Basic Laboratory Skills Assignments see individual handbook.

Preparation of Project Report
These notes are intended to help you in the preparation of the report describing your project. As
a general guide your project should be pepared in the format of a research paper. It is expected
that your report will be produced to publication quality, which means that you should pay
attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar, as well as scientific content. You should also take
care with the quality of figures, clarity of legends, and citation of references. Your text should be
1.5 spaced, in font size 12, and 4000 words (+/-10%), figures and tables should be embedded in
the text. It should be produced on a PC using word processing and graphic packages.

Remember to include a cover page.

The paper must conform to the following style:

1. Abstract. This should take the form of a series of points dealing, in turn, with the reasons
why the work was performed, the methods used, the results obtained, and the major
conclusions reached. This should not exceed one page in length. (500 word limit, not
included in the Project Report word count)

2. Introduction. This should describe the background to the relevant scientific literature and
the work performed. The hypothesis to be tested should be explained, and the major
questions posed should be specified. The length of this section generally should not
exceed 3 pages.

3. Methods. The description of methods should be adequate for a competent worker in the
area to follow and repeat your experiments. You should however be concise; again recent
papers in your field of study should provide a guide for you.

4. Results. This section should consist of text which describes the experimental data
obtained and where appropriate describes the rationale that links one experiment to the
next. The text should be cross-referenced to the relevant figure or table. It is not
necessary to reproduce the same material in tables and figures. This section must not take
the form of a diary of your experimental observations in the laboratory, nor need every
single experimental observation be recorded. Instead, you must take responsibility for
collating the data, and whatever statistical analysis are appropriate, and presenting your
findings in a way that makes it possible for the reader to understand your major
conclusions. Each figure should have an explanatory legend. Figures and tables should be
inserted into the main body of the text as close as possible to the relevant section. If your
report contains half tones, i.e. photomicrographs, Northern/Western, Southern blots, etc,
the original scans or prints, not photocopies, must be presented.

81
5. Discussion. This section should discuss the results, and set them in the context of current
knowledge in the field. It should not be necessary to repeat your description of the
experimental data, but you will want to summarise your main findings and explain how
they are meaningful.

6. References. References should be cited in the text using the HARVARD style of referencing
[e.g. ....using a transgenic rat model ecpressing vasopression (Wells et al., 2003)]. An
example of the correct format (Harvard style) for the citation of references in the refence
list at the end of the report is given below. It is not expected that you cite more than 40
references.

Journals
Wells, S.E., Flavell, D.M., Bisset, G.W., Houston, P.A., Christian, H., Fairhall, K. M., and Robinson,
C.A.F. (2003) Transgenesis and neuroendocrine physiology: a transgenic rat model expressing
growth hormone in vasopressin neurones. J. Physiol 551: 323 336.

Chapters in books
Dockray, G.J., Bate, G., Hormi, K., Wang, T., Varro, A.. and Dimaline, R. (2003). Title of the chapter
In, Mechanisms and Consequences of Proton Transport. Eds.: T. Urushidani. J.G. Forte, and G.
Sachs, Kluwer, Massachusetts, p59-167.

You should submit one copy of your Research Project Reports via the turnitin link in the
Assignments section of the Research Frontiers module page on VITAL.

Your supervisor can comment on your initial draft, but they should not comment on multiple
drafts.

Laboratory books are the property of Liverpool University and are to be handed to the supervisor
at the end of the project placement.

You must also complete a Project Completion Form, and get this signed by your supervisor.
Projects will not be assessed unless both this forms is submitted with the report.

Short Reviews
The short reviews 1 and 2 should be written in the style of an article discussing the importance of
the subject, its topicality, and why or how recent progress has been made.

For both Short Reviews, students should make every effort to ensure that their work is presented
in good English, and is clearly written. The sources used to prepare the review should be listed at
the end, in full, and cited at the appropriate point in the text; citations and bibliography should
appear in the Harvard style. Any material, text or, figures, that is taken verbatim from other
sources must be fully identified. In the case of text, it is essential to use quotation marks (....) to
identify such material in order to avoid accusations of plagiarism (which is a serious academic
offence). The University policy with regard to plagiarism (academic integrity) is explained in this
handbook. It is not generally good practive to use/copy figures and tables directly from other
sources, but if you do it is very important to reference the source of the figure/table.

82
A good review should include: (a) an opening statement that introduces the subject, sets it in the
context of other physiological work - both present and past, and attracts the attention of the
reader. (b) In the main part of the review, the major theme, should be developed and critically
discussed. Points should be made systematically using paragraph headings if appropriate and
avoiding repetition. The text should include citations to the relevant literature, which should be
described and discussed in sufficient detail for the review to stand on its own as a piece of
scientific writing. (c) A final concluding statement may take the form of an overview, summary or
outline of prospects for future work (or all three).

The short reviews should be 4000 words (+/-10%) and typically should include up to 30-40
citations to peer-review papers. It will often be the case that many more papers have been
consulted; the process of selecting the most appropriate literature citations is therefore a matter
of judgement and this will be reflected in the quality of the final product.

You should submit one copy of your Short Review Review via the turnitin link in the Assignments
section of the Research Frontiers module page on VITAL.

Journal Club
The idea behind a journal club is to provide insights into how to critically analyse papers and allow
an appreciation of recent advances. The journal club will be organised as follows:

Following each Research Frontiers lecture, the lecturer will provide one or two research papers
related to the topic of the lecture. Two or three students will be allocated to present these papers
to their fellow studnets in the form of a journal club. The paper will be chosen to illustrate some
important technical aspects or novel biological findings, but there may also be weakness in the
paper. A copy of the paper will be available on VITAL and all students will be expected to read the
paper and be prepared to join in the general discussion of the paper.

The presentation should highlight the importance of the paper, explaining why this paper is
worthy of attention and briefly describe the techniques used and the key results. These should be
explained by reference to specific figures. The major conclusions of the paper should then be
summarised and a judgement made on how convincing are the data and conclusions.

Referees report
The paper presented and discussed at a Journal Club should provide the basis for this submission.
After the Journal Club you should produce a written account in the style of an extended referees
report. The final paragraph in the Guidelines for Journal Club presentations summarises the main
points that will have been considered in the presentation and ensuing discussion, and these can be
used to provide the basis for the written account. Length should be 1000 words (+/-10%), the
word count should be indicated.

You should submit one copy of your Referees Report via the Turnitin link in the Assignments
section of the Research Frontiers module page on VITAL:

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Writing a Research Grant Proposal

Almost all scientific activity that occurs in the outside world (and almost all new scientific activity
in Universities) is based on written research grant proposals that justify the work to be done, and
request funding to be able to do this work. In some cases, your future salary (or that of your
colleagues) may even depend on the ability to write a convincing proposal describing what you
intend to do.

Deciding what experiments are worth doing, how to design them to produce useful data, and then
how to explain these processes to other people, is central to all modern scientific activity. The
same generic approach is used at many different levels, including the Ph.D. project proposals and
proposals for grants that provide the salary for a post-doctoral researcher or a research fellow.
The same general principles apply to the different types of grant funding available..

This assignment is to write a grant application based on a 1 year project (for example, a pilot
project to generate data leading to a larger study), with a maximum budget of 75,000. [We
suggest that it is based on one of the projects you have carried out during the year]

The application should be divided into the following sections:
1. DETAILS OF APPLICANT, LOCATION, TITLE OF RESEARCH PROJECT
2. ABSTRACT (200 words)
3. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSAL (200 words)
4. LAY SUMMARY (100 words)
5. RESEARCH PROJECT (2000 words)
6. RESOURCES REQUIRED (200 words)
7. JUSTIFICATION FOR RESOURCES REQUESTED (200 words)
8. POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PROJECT (200 words)

You should also provide a 2 page CV
[this gives evidence of your suitability for undertaking the project i.e. background & track record].

The word numbers in brackets are the maximum number and must not be exceeded.

You should consider the following when writing the application

Abstract A scientific overview of the project, with background, approach and aims.

Objectives What are the main objectives of the proposal? (list, in order of priority)

Lay Summary A summary of the project in laymans terms

Research Project This should include the following:

Background - A succinct detailed background providing the reviewer with enough
information to understand where the project stands with respect to current
understanding/literature in the field.
Purpose of proposed investigation & aims What is the purpose of the project, why is it
important and what do you hope to achieve?
84
Environment and people Why are you the right team to undertake and delivery this
project, and why you facilities/location is appropriate.
Detailed plan of investigation Experimental/Methodological details to allow the reviewer
to understand what you intend to do.

Resources Required Provide details of the cost of the project overall and on specific items (How
much money are you requesting). This would breakdown into consumables,
equipment, staff, travel etc. It does not have to be 100% accurate but you
should try to reflect reality e.g. how much does it cost to employ someone
at a particular level think about how much a Post-doc would cost? Do not
include overheads but make sure you understand what this term means.
Justification You need to justify why you have requested the amount of money you have
e.g. for salaries, equipment and consumables. For example, why do you
need a post-doc?, why do you need three research nurses? On project
grants it is not normal to ask for your salary (thats what Fellowships are for).
For equipment, it is important to justify why you want this specific piece,
especially for larger items generally anything over 1000.
Potential Impact What will be the impact of your results? For example, will it affect clinical
practice, will it define new drug targets, will it prove a drug works, will add
to the general scientific knowledge? Who will benefit? Value for money?

You should submit one copy of your Grant Application via the Turnitin link in the Assignments
section of the Transferable Skills module page on VITAL:

Business Proposal
Exploiting your novel research or clinical findings is becoming an increasing important part of
academic research. During the Transferable Skills module, you will receive a lecture focusing on
this area, namely writing a Business Proposal and IP & Commercialisation.

This will be assessed by asking you to write a Business Proposal (number of words 2000 +/-10%).

When doing this below are some of the things you need to consider.

Who are your customers?
How will you reach these customers?
What is it that your customers want and how do you know this?
How does your business provide customer wants?
Do you know your business and how it should operate?
Do you know your industry and the current trends in the market?
How are you qualified to do what you want to accomplish?
Do your assumptions make sense to someone unfamiliar with your business?
Are your financial projections believable and do they make sense?
How will you measure your progress financially and in other ways?
What will you do to make it easy for people to do business with you?
What differentiates your business from all the others in your industry?

You should submit one copy of your Business Proposal via the turnitin link in the Assignments
section of the Transferable Skills module page on VITAL:
85

You will also be asked to work in groups to develop a business proposal, and subsequently present
your proposal to fellow students and members of staff.

Structured Reflection
Reflection is widely considered to be the core of higher education; structured reflection requires
students to step back from their immediate experience to make sense of it in new ways. Making
experiences into objects of reflection means simultaneously heightening their impact while
attempting to understand them in connection with any number of other thing: concepts, issues, or
experiences arising from other programme components; ones past academic learning or personal
history, ones values, assumptions, and convictions; theoretical or other conceptual or analytic
lenses, and the like. In the process, students observe, analyze, examine, and consider their
scientific experiences from multiple points of view.
You have to produce a 1000 word (max) structure reflection of your experience on the course.

Constructive reflection is what you should be doing as part of your normal personal career
development; the aim of this exercise is to:

1) Make sure you do it.
2) Follow some form of structured thought process and describe your reflection in a clear and
constructive manner.
3) Demonstrate that you have learned something if you havent why not.
4) Demonstrate how you will take something forward or some constructive attribute.

The following are some suggestions to help get you started with you reflection you do not have
to answer any/all of them.

Why did you do the programme (what were your drives)?
What have you learned from the programme (in its widest context)?
How does the programme fit into the wider sphere of academic learning (from your
perspective)?
How has this programme changed your direction (career, personal)?
How will you conduct your learning or scientific career differently because of the programme?

You could also think about critically evaluating your achievements and assess your individual
assignments (what your learned from carrying them out, and how these improved you
academically and personally).

Remember, bear in mind that someone else will be reading it.

Further information can be found here:
1. http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/reflect2.html
2. Reflectiona neglected art in health promotion; 2006 Paul Fleming
http://her.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/22/5/658
3. Reflective practice: writing and professional development By Gillie Bolton
http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=e5wEERUFQtgC&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&ots=QKZO8s_
aEW&sig=PLab4lp-hQNDlNP7NAKhryCb6BY#
86

You should submit your Structure Reflection by email to clinmres@liv.ac.uk .

MRes Portfolio
You are required to produce a MRes Portfolio, which should be a comprehensive representation of
all the work you have undertaken during the year. This will be available for the external examiners
to review and will be kept by the MRes course. The portfolio should be handed in to Sue Jones (in
the PGR Hub) at the end of the course.

Your portfolio should include copies of the following:

1. Project reports
2. Project presentations (poster presentations should be printed on an A4 paper, slides
should be printed 3 to a page)
3. Short reviews
4. Referees reports
5. Research Grant proposal
6. Business Proposal
7. Basic Laboratory Skills Assignments
8. Self-reflection exercise
9. Additional information such as abstracts presented, papers submitted or published, prizes
won etc.

As guidance as to what we expect:
(i) There should be a list of contents at the beginning
(ii) A copy of all your written work (e.g. Project reports, RF assignments etc.).
(iii) In addition to the copy of the written work, there should also be a single page before
each assessment which outlines what the assessment was.
i.e. Description of the module assignment (e.g. Research Project Report 1; Written report
of 10 week research project)
(iv) For your posters please include a printed A4 copy.
(v) For your oral presentation, please include copies of your slides (i.e. your presentation
printed as no more than three slides per page)
(vi) Details of any other information relevant to your MRes course, e.g. attendance at
nation or international meetings, abstracts submitted/accepted, talks given, courses
attended etc.

87
Examples of Individual Assessments

Good examples of the individual assessments that you have to undertake will be available on the
MRes Clinical Sciences VITAL page, within the appropriate Learning Resources section of the
individual module pages.

These include

Good examples of a Short Review

Good examples of a Referees Report

Good examples of Research Project Reports

Good examples of a Grant Proposal

Good examples of a Business Proposal

You will need to sign in with your username and password. If you have any problems accessing
these contact either Neil Blake or Sue Jones.

Please treat these as confidential.

88
Copies of important forms you may require during the course:

Mitigating circumstances form
Completion Certificate for Research Projects
Declaration of Academic Integrity
Confidentiality Statement
Request For Extension to MRes Assignment Submission Deadline

These are also available on VITAL or from Sue Jones (clinmres@liv.ac.uk)

89

APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION OF MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES

FULL NAME

STUDENT ID

PROGRAMME OF STUDY
SEMESTER 1 2
YEAR OF STUDY Please tick

MODULES AFFECTED BY MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES
Please list each assessment separately and indicate if the work has been missed or affected
Date of Exam
Coursework
Module Type/Name of Assessment Coursework Exam Deadline
Code (e.g. Essay 1, Project, Dissertation)
(dd/mm)
Missed Affected Missed Affected

Details of mitigating circumstances
Please provide a detailed description of the mitigating circumstances that may have affected your
performance in the above modules, including the time-period over which these circumstances
occurred. It is important to provide as much information as possible for the Mitigating
Circumstances Committee to consider your application. Simply stating `I was ill is not enough.

...............................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................

...................
(Continue on next page)
90

Details of mitigating circumstances/contd

.............................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................

Supporting documentation
Please list all the supporting documentation of your claim and all documentation should be
stapled to this form. Medical claims should be supported by a GPs medical note or Consultants
report, other claims should be supported by appropriate documentation (for example, police
reports, insurance reports). It is important to be specific with your evidence. For example, a
general claim of illness in Semester 1 will not be accepted as evidence for under performance in
Semester 2.

...............................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................

Student declaration
I confirm that all the information contained in this statement is accurate and complete to the best
of my knowledge. I consent to the information being used by the Mitigating Circumstances
Committee, and understand that the information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Signature of student: ................................................. Date: ......................

FOR USE BY THE CHAIR OF THE MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES COMMITTEE ONLY

I recommend that the following action be taken in respect of this claim:

.........................................................................................................................................................

Signature of Chair: ...................................................................... Date: .
91
COMPLETION CERTIFICATE FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS
Completion must be certified by your project supervisor or their deputy before the research
project report can be assessed.
PART A: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE STUDENT
Name ID Number
Research Project Module:
I confirm that I have completed my research project work by clearing my working space
and material stored frozen or at room temperature and leaving all research materials
stored in accordance with departmental requirements and University health and safety
codes of practice (www.liv.ac.uk/intranet/codes_of_practice). I have given electronic files
containing all data generated during the project, and all relevant information supporting
the results generated, to the project supervisor.
Signed Date
PART B: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE SUPERVISOR OR DEPUTY
I confirm that the above named student has completed their laboratory work by clearing
their working space and material stored frozen or at room temperature and leaving all
research materials stored in accordance with departmental requirements and University
health and safety codes of practice (www.liv.ac.uk/intranet/codes_of_practice). I have
received electronic files containing all data generated during the project, and all relevant
information supporting the results.
I also confirm that I have taken responsibility for all the above materials on behalf of the
Department.
Signed _________________________________ Date ______________________
Name/BLOCK LETTERS______________________________________________
Status______________________________________________________________
COMPLETION CERTIFICATE FOR LABORATORY W ORK
92
DECLARATION OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

NAME (Print)
STUDENT NUMBER
MODULE TITLE/CODE MRes in Clinical Sciences (CNCS), All MCMR Modules
All MRes in Clinical Science course assignments for summative
TITLE OF WORK
assessment
This form should be completed at the start of the MRes Programme, and the declaration applies
to all MRes assignments submitted for summative assessment.

By submitting this form by electronic means, I confirm the declaration below.

Failure to complete this form will result in work not being marked/considered late, standard
University penalties will apply until the form has been completed and submitted.

Students should familiarise themselves with Section 9 of the Code of Practice on Assessment and
Appendix L of the Universitys Code of Practice on Assessment (see
http://www.liv.ac.uk/tqsd/code-of-practice-on-assessment/); these provide definitions of
academic malpractice and the policies and procedures that apply to the investigation of alleged
incidents.
STUDENT DECLARATION
I confirm that I have:
read and understood the Universitys Academic Integrity Policy;
acted honestly, ethically, and professionally in conduct leading to assessment for this programme;
neither copied material from another source, nor committed plagiarism, nor fabricated data
when completing the attached piece of work;
not previously presented the work, or part thereof, for assessment for any University of
Liverpool module (unless explicitly told that I may do so);
not copied material from another source, nor colluded with any other student in the
preparation and production of this work;
not incorporated into this assignment material that has been submitted by me or any other
person in support of a successful application for a degree of this or any other University or
degree awarding body.

SIGNATURE.

DATE..
93
MRes in Clinical Sciences

2015-16

Confidentiality and Research Ownership Statement

This confidentiality statement applies to all Research Projects carried out during the MRes in
Clinical Sciences Programme 2015-16:

Name:

Student ID Number:.

I understand, accept and agree to be bound by the principle of confidentiality of patient
records and patient data. I will therefore take all reasonable precautions to ensure that any
personal data relating to patients will be kept confidential. I will not discuss patients with
other students or professionals outside the clinical setting, except anonymously. When
reporting and recording data or discussing cases outside the clinical setting I will endeavour
to ensure that patients cannot be identified by others. I will respect all hospital and practice
patient records.

I understand, accept and agree that all research data generated remains the property of the
University of Liverpool and the Principle Investigator associated with each research project,
whose permission must be sought, and agreement obtained, for submission of research data
as an abstract for a conference or as a research paper.

DECLARATION

I [name]________________________________________________________________________
(PRINT NAME IN CAPITALS)

a student registered at the University of Liverpool studying for the degree of MRes in Clinical
Sciences have read, agreed and undertake to observe the conditions of confidentiality of patient
records, patient data and research data ownership.

Signature:
Date:
94

MRes in Clinical Sciences

Request For Extension to MRes Assignment Submission Deadline

Full Name

Student ID

Module Name and Code

Assignment

Assignment Deadline

Extension Requested

Please outline the factors that have lead to this request:

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

Has an Application for Mitigating Circumstance been submitted Yes/No (delete as
appropriate)

Signature of student: .......................................... Date: .................

EXTENSION AGREEDYes/No (delete as appropriate)

Details of Extension Given..

....................................................................................................................................................

Signature of Module Co-ordinator: ............................................................. Date: .....

Name (Block Capitals): ..

95

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MRes

Clinical Infection & Global Health

Welcome from MRes Programme Director

University of Liverpool Student Charter

A supportive and stimulating research-led learning environment that empowers students

University of Liverpool will provide students with the following information:

Details of their programme and module content;

Appropriate notice of changes to content, rescheduling and changes to timetable;

Students undertake to:

Week 2: 21 25 September 2015

Introduction to the Handbook and MRes Clinical Sciences Degree

The Aim of the Programme

Degree Programme Organisation and Content

Brief Overview of Programme Structure

14 Sep 9 Oct 12 Oct 15 Jan 18 Jan 15 April 18 April 09 Sep

Induction Week Research Project Research Project Research Project

Basic Lab Skills

Research Frontiers in Research Frontiers in

MCMR003 Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 1

Research Projects 1-3

Plan and manage a research project within a specified time frame

The module assessment will be based on (per project):

General Overview of Timetable and Deadlines

SESSION 3 (18 JAN 2016 15 APRIL 2016)

Summary of Module Timetables

Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 1

Role of the External Examiner

Criteria for Assessment and Example Marks Sheets for Assignments:

Specific criteria for assessment of the research projects

Marking sheet for assessment of the research projects

Not all headings may be relevant to all projects

Specific criteria for continual assessment during research projects

Poster and Oral Presentation Assessments Schemes:

Overall Summary of Marking Scheme for Research Projects

Research Frontiers in Clinical Sciences 1 and 2

Specific marking criteria for assessments of short reviews

Marking sheet for assessment of the short reviews

Specific marking criteria for assessments of referees report

Marking sheet for assessment of the referees reports

Specific marking criteria for assessments of Transferable Skills

Marking sheet for assessment of the Writing a Business Proposal assignment

Marking sheet for assessment of the Writing a Grant Application assignment

Submission of MRes Assignments for Assessment.

Instructions for Submission of MRes Assignments via VITAL

Attendance, Examinations and Progress in Studies

administration/student-administration-centre/student-record/academic-registration. Hard copies

Further information is contained within the Sport Liverpool Handbook available at

What are the symptoms?

Bespoke English language programmes for external organisations

Volunteering opportunities in Liverpool, across the UK and overseas

Liverpool Guild of Students

Liverpool Guild of Students

Late Submission of Assessed Work

Changes to your Registration

Progress Procedures. This can be found at www.liv.ac.uk/student-

A guide to completion of specific MRes assignments

Writing a Research Grant Proposal

Examples of Individual Assessments

Copies of important forms you may require during the course:

COMPLETION CERTIFICATE FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS

PART A: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE STUDENT

PART B: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE SUPERVISOR OR DEPUTY

Signed ___________ Date