Plant Biotechnology MSc Pre-Project
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS4119 | Biosciences | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- BIOS4119
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
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 Plant and Crop Sciences Division. All projects involve laboratory work and many involve the introduction and expression of agronomically important genes into crop species using tissue culture and molecular techniques. 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 at the end of the Autumn Semester. Students are required to select a recent plant biotechnology research paper for oral presentation. This allows students to develop the skills of summarising a primary research paper and developing a group discussion.
Target Students
Only available for students studying MSc Biotechnology who selected the plant option.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: Presentation and handout
- 60% Coursework 2: Abstract and project plan presentation
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to prepare students for their 60-credit research project D24PRO 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 plant biology 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 Summer period.
- Search for information from a wide range of sources relevant to the chosen project topic and synthesise into a well-structured review.