Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- 3L47
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
MSci Research Project
| Unit code | BIOL40010 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 120 |
| Unit level | Level 4 |
| Teaching period(s) | Full year |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Students will complete a seven month laboratory project during which they will comprehensively test the hypothesis described within their research project proposal. This will require multiple experimental approaches using current methods, data analysis, and the interpretation of the results to determine whether the proposed hypothesis is correct. Students will also be expected to present their results in the format of a scientific talk, meeting abstract, poster presentation and a report in the format of a journal appropriate to their degree programme.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSci Project Literature Review and Research Proposal | BIOL33000 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| MSci Experimental Skills Module | BIOL33012 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
Provide students with a thorough training in laboratory or field based research.
Teaching and learning methods
Through the writing of their research project proposal during year 3 students will have identified two members of academic staff whose research interests them. During the final year of the MSci programmes they will complete their research project in one of these two laboratories. Students will receive a comprehensive training in relevant research methods, data analysis and interpretation of results. They will also learn how lines of scientific research are developed and how it can be necessary at times to adapt their initial hypothesis in the light of results. Students will present their project and results as a scientific talk, meeting abstract, poster presentation and a report in the format of an appropriate journal.
Knowledge and understanding
- Analyse complex biological processes at cellular, whole organism or ecosystem levels to generate novel and timely hypotheses
- Design experimental approaches to address these hypotheses.
Intellectual skills
- Design and interpret complex experiments, using diverse experimental approaches.
- Interpret multiple lines of evidence to test a hypothesis.
Practical skills
- Acquire experience of current life science methodologies appropriate to their degree programme.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Work as part of research group.
- Problem solve.
- Present data as a scientific talk, meeting abstract, poster presentation and manuscript.
- Project manage (time management, planning, meeting deadlines and milestones, addressing challenges, producing deliverables)
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 20% |
| Project output (not diss/n) | 50% |
| Oral assessment/presentation | 30% |
| Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting |
| Scientific talk | 10mins+5mins questions | Verbal feedback and comments form after the talk | 10% |
| News and Views Articles | <1000 words | Annotated comments via Grademark | 15% |
| Poster Presentation | A1 poster | Annotated comments via Grademark Verbal Feedback at Poster Seession | 20% |
| Project Report | 25 pages | Annotated comments via Grade | 50% |
| Project Performance | n/a | Verbal feedback from supervisor | 5% |
Feedback methods
Feedback is given throughout project supervision
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Project supervision | 60 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Martin Pool | Unit coordinator |