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STRUCTURE OF THE TAUGHT TERMS

Throughout the first two taught terms there are nine weeks of face-to-face teaching, one week for revision and one week for examination. All teaching activities are compulsory for all students on the course. Per week there are typically 7-8 lectures along with a small group workshop and/or problem-based learning session and/or CPD or a special seminar. 

Lectures

You will be taught by a diverse group of academics, clinicians and research scientists.  Lectures in Unit 1 are delivered by field experts from across the University, particularly from the Oxford Immunology Network, as well as invited external specialists.  Many of the speakers in Unit 2 are drawn from the NHS Trust including clinician-academics or medical consultants in the specialist area, clinical immunologists or applied researchers.  The range and expertise of our speakers is an unrivalled resource for our students.  

Workshops and Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

Small group workshops provide opportunity to work through set activities in the presence of a tutor, gaining immediate guidance and feedback on your ideas.  Problem-based learning sessions typically involve disease case studies or extended applications of immunology.  For these, the class will be split into groups to work together on problems before or during the session. Workshops and PBL encourage development of data-handling, analysis and presentation skills, complementing continuing professional development (CPD) sessions which take place throughout the year.

Additional learning activities 

CPD sessions aim to enhance your knowledge, understanding and skills in academic science.  These cover topics such as presentation and IT skills, clinical trial methodologies, research ethics and may also include special seminars in novel research topics. In addition to the timetabled teaching sessions, you will be expected to spend time studying independently and around half of each week is set aside for this. Self-directed learning includes pre-reading for sessions, preparation for formative and summative assessments and revision of lecture content.

THE RESEARCH PROJECT

In the third term, you will be embedded within research groups across the University and will receive one-to-one guidance from a supervisor and other members of the group. Students are expected to take ownership of their project and manage their time appropriately throughout the sixteen-week project period (14 weeks of active research plus 2 weeks for writing up).