Course unit details:
Research Project 2
Unit code | BIOL65622 |
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Credit rating | 90 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Full year |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
A practical nanomedicine-focussed 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 and oral presentation and an assessment of research performance.
Aims
The unit aims to:
- 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 poster presentation of new research.
Learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate the theoretical and practical basis of research methods and techniques.
2. Practically develop research questions, and use research methods to answer these questions.
3. Have a detailed and systematic understanding of a chosen area relevant to the MSc programme.
4. Present scientific research as an oral and poster presentation.
5. Demonstrate the scientific methods together with the philosophical contexts within which research is conducted in the field of the MSc programme;
6. Perform the theoretical and practical basis of the research methods and techniques used in the major sciences basic to medicine;
7. Explain the theory and practise of research methods and techniques;
8. Outline 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;
9. Have a detailed and systematic understanding of a chosen area of medical science.
10. Explain the theory behind different techniques so they can be applied and altered as required.
11. Adopt a reflective and inquisitive attitude to the analysis and evaluation of research in the field of the MSc programme
12. Recognise, define, formulate and prioritise research questions that are pertinent to the field of the MSc programme
13. Analyse, interpret, objectively evaluate and prioritise information, recognising its limitations
14. Critically appreciate methodology, including the appropriate selection of quantitative or qualitative methods
15. Recognise the importance of rigour in collecting, analysing and interpreting data
16. Exhibit creativity and resourcefulness in their professional learning, scientific endeavour and research formulations 17. Apply appropriate methodologies to specific research questions
18. Demonstrate competence in practical laboratory or clinical skills to enable sound and reproducible collection of data
19. Present information clearly in written, poster, electronic and oral forms, and communicate ideas and arguments effectively
20. Retrieve, manage and manipulate information by all means, including electronically
21. Effectively manage time resources and set priorities
22. Monitor and realistically evaluate their own performance and personal capability 23. Be aware of career opportunities and begin to plan a career path
24. Demonstrate scholarship in research
25. Demonstrate a capacity for self-directed, independent learning and adopt the principles of reflective practice and lifelong learning
26. Deal with uncertainty and work within a changing environment
27. Analytical skills- Ability to interpret experimental data and devise follow up experiments
28. Group/team working- Being able to work as part of a team
29. Leadership- Being able to work independently
30. Project management- Good time management and ability to prioritise work objectives
31. Problem solving- Ability to seek and act upon advice
Teaching and learning methods
The Research Project 2 is the largest component of the course and aims to give students the specialist knowledge and practical skills to pursue a research career in nanomedicine, as well as develop practical research expertise in a chosen area and enhance the ability to analyse and interpret data and summarise findings in the form of written reports, poster and an oral presentation.
During 25 weeks students will be integrated in the research team and obtain hands-on practical experience in a laboratory. The project is assessed by a poster (mid-April) and oral presentation at the end of year, research performance and by submission of a dissertation.
Students will choose from a list of nanomedicine focused research projects and supervisors. Close interaction with the project supervisor at the start of the project and regular monitoring will enable students to take responsibility for their own research development.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
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Other | 10% |
Dissertation | 60% |
Project output (not diss/n) | 15% |
Oral assessment/presentation | 15% |
Submission of a dissertation (summative, end of the year, moderated, 60% weight), oral presentation and examination (summative, end of the year, 15% weight), an assessment of research performance (summative, end of the year, 10% weight), poster presentation (formative, mid-April, 15%).
Dissertation: 10,000 words
Feedback methods
Students will have a series of timetabled meetings with the project supervisor to discuss progress. In addition the student is expected to take an active part in their research group’s lab meetings.
Final mark will be communicated to the student upon submission of dissertation and oral presentation. Dissertation will be marked by project supervisor and moderated by another member of academic staff. Posters and oral presentations will be assessed by a panel composed of 3 – 5 academic staff members, including external examiner.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Work based learning | 30 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 870 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Sandra Vranic | Unit coordinator |