BSc Zoology with Industrial/Professional Experience

The final year project is an opportunity to undertake a research project in an area of interest, whilst potentially contributing to cutting-edge scientific research. There are a wide range of project types available, depending on supervisor availability and previous academic performance.

During the final year students will be allocated to one of the project types described above, and will undertake project work in a topic and manner agreed by their supervisor. The Projects aim to develop research skills, both bioscience and generic, promote independent learning, enhance the employability of students, and enrich the student experience.

Outcomes for students are that they should: 

• learn to work independently or as part of a group/team as required (research group, for example) to address a particular bioscience question or topic 
• be able to search for and critically review the literature in a particular field and relate your own research to that in the existing literature 
• develop critical and creative thinking skills (develop ideas, data analysis and evaluation skills, be able to form judgements) 
• gain experience in the scientific method and develop problem solving skills; for example, how to design experiments or develop strategies to test hypotheses and/or evaluate your output 
• develop communication skills write a project report (or equivalent) 
• develop oral presentation skills (tutorial talk and/or to supervisor) 
• liaise with supervisor, other staff and students, as appropriate 
• acquire additional project-specific skills as appropriate (such as various lab or IT skills)

Projects are worth 40 credits. Students will be allocated a supervisor in the first semester of the final year. Students are advised to contact their allocated supervisor as soon as possible; supervisors will discuss the type of project with the student and the bioscience topic on which it is based.  

 

Semester 5: students research a bioscience topic area as directed by the supervisor to a recorded oral presentation explaining the science. The students are examined on their understanding of the bioscience based on a viva/Q&A session. There may be supporting seminars to attend in this semester for some of the project types.

 

Semester 6: project work  

Project work takes place within this semester weeks 1-9. Students should aim to finish project work by the Easter break to leave time to analyse results and write up the report. 
 

15 % of unit mark: Understanding of bioscience research (Semester 5; recorded oral presentation followed by a short viva; Supervisor and moderator)

• Written ability to communicate science accurately/in depth  
• Oral ability to communicate science accurately/in depth  
• Ability to answer questions about the science  

Final report and separate resource if appropriate (Semester 6; Supervisor and moderator)

Report (short paper) consisting of e.g.

75% of unit mark. Standard Report (17 pages): Abstract(0.5 page); Introduction to the bioscience ie from the semester 5 work and aims (4 pages); methods (3 pages); results (4 pages) and discussion (4 pages); Personal reflection (1 page)

OR

55% of unit mark Science Communication Output Report Type A (17 pages): Abstract (0.5 page); Introduction to the bioscience which could be taken from the semester 1 work, and include an introduction to science communication and aims (4 pages) ; methods (3 pages); results (4 pages) and discussion (4 pages); personal reflection (1 page) PLUS 20% of unit mark for the creative resource output

OR

55% of unit mark Science Communication Output Report Type B  (17 pages): Abstract (0.5 page); Introduction to the bioscience which could be taken from the semester 1 work, and include an introduction to science communication and aims (4 pages); A Level Review article OR NS piece (3 pages); methods (2 pages); results (3 pages) and discussion (3 pages); personal reflection (1 page) PLUS 20% of unit mark for the creative resource output

 

10% of unit mark: Project performance (Semester 6; Supervisor only)

• Use of initiative  
• Student input to planning & design of the project
• Mastery of skills (if appropriate)
• Organisation of work  
• Communication with supervisor, team, other staff etc 
• Reliability, effort & persistence
• Completion of Ethics Survey
• Reflection (in report) 

Students will receive feedback on the Semester 5 work - Understanding the Bioscience.  

Students can expect to receive formative feedback on the introduction, 1 page of methods and 1 page results prior to submission of the Semester 6 report. Supervisors can comment on the Introduction to Science Communication and the New Scientist or ALR piece prior to submission where offered.

Feedback will only be forthcoming if dates for obtaining feedback are agreed with supervisors and are met.