MSc Biochemistry

A practical research project in a laboratory where the student is fully integrated within a research team. The project is assessed by submission of a dissertation, poster or oral presentation, and an assessment of research performance.

• pass the Research Project 1 (with referral if required) and;
• pass the Research Methods unit (with compensation or referral if required) OR
• pass the Clinical Masterclass unit (with compensation or referral if required and;
• pass the Practical Skills unit (with compensation or referral if required), and;
• pass the Tutorial unit (with compensation or referral if required), and;
• pass the programme-specific unit (with compensation or referral if required), and;
• satisfactorily attend and complete all compulsory elements (Understanding academic malpractice) and appropriate components of the Faculty Regulatory courses (as agreed with their Programme Director).

• Equip students with knowledge and practical skills to pursue a research career relevant to the MSc programme.
• Develop practical research expertise in chosen areas of the MSc programme.
• Develop presentation skills for oral and/or poster presentation of new research.

• Be familiar with the theoretical and practical basis of research methods and techniques.
• Have acquired practical experience of developing research questions, and using research methods to answer these questions.
• Have a detailed and systematic understanding of a chosen area relevant to the chosen MSc programme. 
• Have practical experience of presenting scientific research either as an oral or poster presentation.

Gain knowledge, practical skills and research experience to pursue a research career focussed on the field of the chosen MSc programme:

• Understand scientific method together with the philosophical contexts within which research is conducted in the field of the chosen MSc programme.
• Be familiar with the theoretical and practical basis of the research methods and techniques used in the major sciences basic to medicine.
• Have acquired an understanding of the theory and practise of research methods and techniques.
• Be aware of the practical issues and problems associated with conducting high quality research in medicine, including ethical issues; informed consent; storage of patient information both summative and formative
• Have a detailed and systematic understanding of a chosen area of medical science

Understand the theory behind different techniques so they can be applied and altered as required.

• Adopt a reflective and inquisitive attitude to the analysis and evaluation of research in the field of the chosen MSc programme
• Recognise, define, formulate and prioritise research questions that are pertinent to the field of the chosen MSc programme
• Analyse, interpret, objectively evaluate and prioritise information, recognising its limitations
• Understand and be able to critically appreciate methodology, including the appropriate selection of quantitative or qualitative methods
• Recognise the importance of rigour in collecting, analysing and interpreting data
• Exhibit creativity and resourcefulness in their professional learning, scientific endeavour and research formulations

• Apply appropriate methodologies to specific research questions
• Demonstrate competence in practical laboratory or clinical skills to enable sound and reproducible collection of data
• Present information clearly in written, electronic and oral forms, and communicate ideas and arguments effectively
• Retrieve, manage and manipulate information by all means, including electronically

• Effectively manage time resources and set priorities
• Monitor and realistically evaluate their own performance and personal capability
• Be aware of career opportunities and begin to plan a career path
• Demonstrate scholarship in research
• Demonstrate a capacity for self-directed, independent learning and adopt the principles of reflective practice and lifelong learning
• Deal with uncertainty and work within a changing environment

•    Research performance (execution, analysis and documentation of your own project) (5%)
•    Poster submission and presentation on public session (15%)
•    Written project report (80%)

There are a series of timetabled meetings with the Programme Director and Project Supervisor to discuss progress. The meetings are recorded on a form (signed by all present) and are held by the Programme Administrator.

In addition the student is expected to take an active part in all their research group’s lab meetings, which would normally be held weekly.