Overview

Genomic instability, either inherited or acquired, drives many human disorders. But how do we know about this?

This module introduces students to the concepts of scientific work and communication by critical analysis of one of the two break-through publications which deepened our understanding of genetic aberrations and their link with disease development. Each paper will be introduced in lectures and the content will be further analysed in the context of the recent advances presented by experts in the field.

Students will present critical analysis and broad implications of the content of one of the papers in a NATURE-style News & Views summary. They will also write a critical analysis of an external seminar, focusing on the latest development in an important area in genome stability research.

Students will get guidance on how to write the News & Views summary and the critical essay.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Category D: (40%-49%)a) News & Views summary: basic understanding of the scientific content, limited ability to explain the key points & impact; text fails to tell a story consisting mainly of loosely connected paragraphs or bullet points. Figures & tables taken from publications, incomplete figure/table legends; errors in the reference list. Far too scientific, not suitable for a lay readership.b) Critical essay based on a SMS seminar; background and discussion are missing or incomplete; Content of the seminar is not accurately described. Accompanying figure(s) and/or Table(s) are missing or incomplete.

-good -Category: B (60%-69%)a) News & Views summary: the scientific content & background is thoroughly understood, the key points & impact is clearly explained; text tells a story which is easy to follow for a lay audience; technical terms are explained and embedded in context. Figures & tables are of own design and stand-alone pieces of information with complete legends; no errors in the reference list.b) Critical essay based on a SMS seminar; background and discussion are of good standard allowing the reader to understanding the context of the research presented. Content of the seminar is accurately described.. Accompanying figure(s) and/or Table(s) are informative and incorporates well with the essay.

-excellent -Category A (70%-100%):a) News & Views summary: the scientific content & background are thoroughly understood, and embedded in personal interpretation and conclusions. The impact is clearly explained and work inspired by the findings has been included. The historic data on which the break-through paper is based is included. The text tells a story which is easy to follow; all technical terms are explained and embedded in context. Figures & tables are of own design and stand-alone pieces of information with complete legends; no errors in the reference list. Could be published.b) Critical essay based on a SMS seminar; Very good command of the work presented; background and discussion are of high standard allowing the reader to understanding the context in which the research was conducted. Content of the seminar is accurate described and is presented in context of relevant literature. Accompanying figure(s) and/or Table(s) are informative and incorporates well with the essay.

-another level-Category C: (50%-59%)a) News & Views summary: correct understanding of the scientific content, limited ability to explain the key points & impact; text fails to tell a story consisting mainly of loosely connected paragraphs or bullet points. Text contains mainly statements without explanation or context. Figures & tables taken from publications, incomplete figure/table legends; errors in the reference list. Far too scientific, not suitable for a lay readership.b) Critical essay based on a SMS seminar: correct understanding of the key points. Background and discussion are very brief not giving the reader the full context. Content of the seminar is not explained well. Accompanying figure(s) and/or table(s) are missing or incomplete.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate how genome instability contributes to human diseases at a molecular level.

• Critically evaluate primary research articles and demonstrate an ability to synthesise research findings in a broader context.

• Critique the various methodologies utilised in investigating genome instability.