BYF601 - RESEARCH METHODS IN BIOPHYSICS

Course Name Code Semester Theory
(hours/week)		 Application
(hours/week)		 Credit ECTS
RESEARCH METHODS IN BIOPHYSICS BYF601 Fall 3 0 3 8
PrequisitesTo be a graduate student in Biophysics Program.
Course languageTurkish
Course typeElective 
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-Face 
Learning and teaching strategiesLecture
Other: homework  
Instructor (s)Prof. Dr. Nuhan Puralı 
Course objectiveMajor aim is to equip graduate students with the fundemental information about the present laws, regulations and ethical issues which are the esentials for conducting research in an ideal and safe laboratory environment. The student will also take some corses and gain experience about constructing a research plan and conducting a database search in library and data banks to have an access to an article, thesis, book, protein or nücleic acid squence.  
Learning outcomes
  1. Students of the course can ideally design a research plan for a study.
  2. Students of the course can create proper conditions for a study to be conducted in legal and ethical conditions.
  3. Can perform a database search in library or data banks.
  4. Can evaluate the acquired data and stores it safely as legally indicated.
  5. Can write a report of his/her research.
  6. Knows the conditions included in GLP well.
  7. Students has the essential information related to waste management and biological safety.
Course ContentMajor part of the course is consisted of theoretical courses. However, students would be asked to prepare homeworks whenver subjects suitable for practical applications are hanled. Some of those would be in the form of problem solving while some would be in the form of presentation. 
References1. TC Kanunları, İyi Laboratuar Uygulamaları Klavuzu
2. TC Kanunları Atık Yönetim Klavuzu
3. "On fact and Fraud" by D. Goodstein, 2010
4. "Medical Writing" by Robert B Taylor
 

Course outline weekly

WeeksTopics
Week 1Biophysics Department as a research environment.
Week 2Laboratory safety
Week 3Waste management
Week 4Ethics for Scientific Research
Week 5Ethics for Scientific Research
Week 6Storage of the scientific data and material
Week 7Designing a research plan
Week 8Designing a research plan
Week 9Homework
Week 10Midterm
Week 11How to conduct search library and data bank
Week 12Report writing
Week 13Good presentation principles.
Week 14Homework
Week 15Preparation for the final
Week 16Final

Assesment methods

Course activitiesNumberPercentage
Attendance1410
Laboratory00
Application00
Field activities00
Specific practical training00
Assignments220
Presentation00
Project00
Seminar00
Midterms120
Final exam150
Total100
Percentage of semester activities contributing grade succes1750
Percentage of final exam contributing grade succes150
Total100

WORKLOAD AND ECTS CALCULATION

Activities Number Duration (hour) Total Work Load
Course Duration (x14) 14 3 42
Laboratory 0 0 0
Application000
Specific practical training000
Field activities000
Study Hours Out of Class (Preliminary work, reinforcement, ect)14684
Presentation / Seminar Preparation000
Project000
Homework assignment23060
Midterms (Study duration)11212
Final Exam (Study duration) 11212
Total Workload3263210

Matrix Of The Course Learning Outcomes Versus Program Outcomes

D.9. Key Learning OutcomesContrubition level*
12345
1. Graduates have knowledge related to the biophysical principles underlying all processes of life at the level of cell/tissue/organ/system    X
2. Has an ability use his/her higher intellectual processes such as critical thinking, problem solving decision development during his/her education period     
3. Can take part in some research activities to contribute to the solution of a problem in the field of biophysics    X
4. Awaring of the fact that biophysics is a multidisciplinary field, follows the developments in other branches of the Medical&Basic Sciences    X
5. Can use computer software and laboratory equipment to produce appropriate stimulus, acquire the biological signals under the ideal conditions, quantitatively analyse the raw data     
6. Acquired knowledge at an expertise level in statistical methods. Can choose the most suitable method for his/her research     
7. Is aware of the importance of the ethical rules and regulations and perform laboratory research as defined by the GLP, Bio-Safety principles    X
8. Has the capacity of successfully preparing and presenting the report of the research work he/she takes part in, publishing at least one manuscript    X
9. Follows the activities of the national&international organizations related to his/her expertise and takes part in them    X
10. Shares the knowledge he/she acquired from biophysics with partners from all parts of the society; contributes to the formation of the knowledge-based society    X

*1 Lowest, 2 Low, 3 Average, 4 High, 5 Highest