Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
This experimental research project represents the culmination of your learning experience across the programme. This is an excellent opportunity for you to undertake an authentic research project. This could include: lab- or field-based work, or, systematic reviews, bioinformatic, pedagogic or outreach activities. Through engagement with this module you will be introduced to the concept, philosophy and approach to performing scientific research, enabling you to conduct a substantial experimental project. This will develop key skills that are routinely utilised by the scientific community such as: development of appropriate methods to test specified hypotheses, in-depth literature review and analysis of experimental data.In addition to 1:1 support offered to you by your project supervisor, the module manager will also offer optional workshops and drop-in sessions throughout the year.
Aims
To provide students with the experience of working safely in a research environment, enhance their evidence-based approach to solving problems and further develop both their analytical skills in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating scientific problems and ability to independently gather and analyse experimental data.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Critically review current literature to provide up-to-date, scientific context to a research problem: 1Design a robust methodological approach to investigate a scientific problem: 1Identify potential ethical challenges and devise appropriate justification for scientific pursuit within an appropriate framework: 1Identify risks and hazards and apply fundamental principles of health and safety legislation to devise appropriate risk assessments: 2Generate and analyse appropriate data set(s) and present to a scientific audience: 1Interpret complex scientific data and relate that to current literature: 1Appraise own work to identify strengths, limitations and ways to improve: 1Conduct themselves in the research environment in a professional manner (for example, technical competence, note taking, record-keeping, time keeping etc): 2
IN-SITU LEARNING ACTIVITIES2x 1 hour in-situ seminars4x 1 hour online drop-ins9 hours: meetings with supervisorDIRECTED LEARNING:60 hours: practical work and data analysisINDEPENDENT STUDY AND ASSESSMENT35 hours: private study40 hours: preparation of report
Description of Module Assessment
1: Dissertation weighted 80%5,000 word (maximum) dissertation
2: Competence weighted 20%Professional Skills Assessment