Research Project

Code

LIFE4039

School

Life Sciences

Level

4

Credits

60

Semesters

Summer UK

Summary

This module enables students to experience contemporary research methods by engaging them to design a research programme and perform experiments, surveys, or other research activities aimed at solving a specific biomedical problem. Research projects for part-time students will typically be carried out at their usual place of work, while full-time students will carry out their projects on campus.  Each student will have a supervisor with whom they will discuss the research project prior to commencement. Students will first collect, analyse data, read and collate previous results relevant to their project, then embark on a period of research before preparing, writing and submitting a scientific paper. They will write a clear and concise report and will discuss their work with academic members during a viva voce examination. This module is reserved for students registered on a School of Life Sciences MSc course in Immunology & Allergy, Microbiology & Immunology, Clinical & Molecular Microbiology or Molecular Genetics & Diagnostics. The form of a project may vary and it will be based on laboratory work, bioinformatics or an extended literature review. The principal activities will be completion of the practical work and submission of a final report in the form of a dissertation and oral examination.

Target Students

Students of the School of Life Sciences MSc courses in Immunology and Immunotherapeutics, Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical and Molecular Microbiology andMolecular Genetics and Diagnostics.

Classes

This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc.

Assessment

• 65% Dissertation: Scientific paper (Maximum 10,000 words)
• 35% Viva voce: Discussion to determine depth of understanding of the project and related issues.

Assessed by end of summer vacation

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

A) Knowledge and Understanding:

• Of how established methods of research are used to interpret knowledge in the biomedical sciences
• Of the techniques applicable to their research field
• Ethical constraints for research and procedures for gaining ethical approval for research projects
• Appropriate use and interpretation of statistical data
• Explain and discuss critically the background, approach and outcomes of the project
• Knowledge of contemporary research and theory in the chosen areas of biomedical sciences.

B) Intellectual skills:

• Development of critical, analytical skills, creative thinking, literature analysis
• Design and conduct an extended research, or educational project
• Demonstrate competence in technical, laboratory, recording, organisation, data handling, research appraisal or other skills appropriate to the project.

C) Practical skills:

• Systematically assemble and reference relevant published material related to specific biomedical issues
• Synthesise the material, identifying key points for evidence-based actions
• Describe and evaluate research and theory in chosen areas of biomedical science
• Produce a coherent written report of the project which includes: concise scientific abstract, a critical review of background literature; a clear account of the approach, rationale and methods used; appropriate analysis and interpretation of the results or outcomes; and conclusions drawn from the results or outcomes
• Make critically informed judgements about the merits of evidence

D) Transferable skills:

• Research methods
• Communication skills: writing, presentation, discussion
• Development of the ability to assimilate information that will be of value for future clinical practice, where appropriate.

E) Attitudes and behaviour:

• Application to self-directed learning, time management and rigor in record/data keeping.

Conveners

• Dr Stephan Heeb
• Dr Steven Atkinson