This is a core module in the Biosciences field for a number of BSc (Honours) programmes. The project module forms a very important part of the degree programme and probably constitutes the largest piece of independent work a student is likely to undertake during his/her undergraduate studies. There are several types of projects that may be offered to students: a laboratory or field-based project, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, questionnaires, computer simulations or bioinformatics, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, comparison and original presentation of reported research data. The end point is the same in all cases; review and critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information and data to address a hypothesis or research question, and the production of a written report.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Taught sessions in teaching block one will introduce the work to be carried out and the timetable for the module. They will also review essential aspects of research skills developed at level five, such as literature searches, planning the project, survey and questionnaire design, data analysis, and systematic reviews. Sessions will also ensure that all students are familiar with laboratory health and safety and research ethics legislation, requirements and procedures. Finally, all students undertaking a systematic review will be instructed on how to critically compare and evaluate published data. Students will receive training in writing and editing their report. Additional guidance specific to the project will be provided by the supervisor; supervision will involve no fewer than five 30 minute one-to-one meetings with the supervisor. Planning of these meetings will be student-led. Supervisors will keep a brief written record of all meetings, agreed with the student.
The student will undertake independent work, under the supervision and guidance of a member of staff that will develop a range of intellectual, practical and key skills (independent learning, numeracy, problem-solving, time management and ICT skills). The project will culminate in the preparation of a written project report and a presentation (oral or poster presentation or viva) demonstrating communication, numeracy, ICT and independent learning skills.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, induction sessions and supervision meetings | 25 |
| Guided independent study | 275 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Assessment will be entirely by course work. The preparation of a written project report and a presentation (oral or poster presentation or viva) will measure the achievement of the learning outcomes.
There will be continuous opportunity for formative feedback via meetings with the supervisor during the course of the project.
In addition, students must submit an interim report at a time agreed with the supervisor (consisting, at least, of a draft of the project introduction and methods sections, or equivalent sections for projects using a different format). This will form a compulsory formative feedback event - failure to submit an interim report will result in students forfeiting one of their supervision meetings.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Devise, develop and implement a plan of research; | Interim report (F); Oral or poster presentation or viva (S); Written project report (S) |
| 2) Critically evaluate, analyse and present qualitative and quantitative information and data that addresses a hypothesis or research question; | Interim report (F); Oral or poster presentation or viva (S); Written project report (S) |
| 3) Prepare a structured, critical evaluation of a research topic in the form of a written report; | Written project report (S) |
| 4) Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of a selected research topic both orally and in writing; | Supervision meetings (F); Oral or poster presentation or viva (S); Written project report (S) |
| 5) Demonstrate key communication (written and oral), problem-solving, time management and appropriate ICT skills. Students will be expected to demonstrate independent learning skills throughout the course of the module. Numeracy skills will also be required to successfully acquire, manipulate and analyse data. | Supervision meetings (F); Oral or poster presentation or viva (S); Written project report (S) |
| 6) Evaluate risk, ethics and health and safety in relation to research projects | Supervision meetings (F) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Exam | Oral or poster presentation or viva | 20% |
| Coursework | Written report | 80% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Reading will be advised by the supervisor; this would be expected to include previous project reports, review articles, original research papers, and text books, as appropriate.