MSc Pre-project: Biotechnology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS4143 | Biosciences | 4 | 20 | Full Year Malaysia |
- Code
- BIOS4143
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year Malaysia
Summary
This module provides students with the information and advice necessary to choose and carry out a project topic. Early in the Autumn Semester, a list of project topics is provided and discussed with the students. This is followed up by individual tutorials with the module convenor to assist project choice. Project areas reflect the current research expertise within the School of Biosciences. All projects involve laboratory work and many involve the research area of industrial-, microbial-, medical-, plant- and environmental biotechnology. Individual tutorials with project supervisors provide the support to allow students to present a completed research plan, which will form the basis of seminar presentations in the Autumn Semester. During the Spring Semester students are required to strengthen the background knowledge of their research topic and write an extensive literature review on the research area guided by the project supervisor.
Target Students
MSc Biotechnology Course
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 18 weeks
Weekly group classes (presentations or information) or individual tutorials in Autumn Semester. Individual tutorials with project supervisor in Spring Semester. Introductory seminar to introduce the project topics & cover safety aspects. Individual tutorials with module convenor to assist project choice. Tutorials with project supervisor throughout the year. Presentation of research project plans to peers & staff.
Assessment
- 70% Coursework 2: A 3000-word (excluding references) literature review on background to project area
- 30% Coursework 1: A project plan presentation (15 minutes)
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to prepare students for their 60 credit research project carried out during the Summer period. Students will gain background knowledge of their research topic and write a review on the area. In consultation with their research project supervisor they will propose a realistic research plan.Learning Outcomes
Describe specialist knowledge of the biotechnology underpinning a laboratory-based project
Identify and understand a range of practical techniques together with appropriate procedures for analysis and presentation of data
Design a series of coordinated practical experimental strategies that collectively deliver pre-identified research milestone(s)
Present a short seminar on the research project plan with clearly defined milestones during the Autumn period
Search for information from a wide range of sources relevant to the chosen project topic and synthesise into a well-structured review during Spring period
Conveners
- Prof Asgar Ali