Year 3 Research Project
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE3022 | Life Sciences | 3 | 40 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- LIFE3022
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 40
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
The Project is a year-long level 3 module. The topic of the project will be chosen from a list of suggestions, and will be finalised after consultation with a member of staff, who will act as a supervisor. It involves detailed research on the topic chosen after discussion with the supervisor. Each project will involve collection of data by means such as experiment, questionnaire, observation, and/or literature search as well as the analysis and interpretation of the data in the context of previous work. Reading and collating earlier research by other scientists working in the area is an essential component, as is the writing of a clear and concise final report.
Target Students
Year 3 students registered for Honours Degree in BiologyU6UBOLGY/U7UBOLGY(C100/C101), ZoologyU6UZOLGY/U7UZOLGY(C300/C301), GeneticsU6UGNTCS/U7UGNTCS(C400/C401), Biochemistry and GeneticsU6UBCHMG/U7UBCHMG(CC47/CC4R) and Tropical Biology U6UTRPBY (C190).Available to JYA/Erasmus students. Students from other degree courses need permission in writing from the module convenor to select this module and may be removed from the enrolment without this.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 90% Coursework 1: 6000 words project report. A thesis (6,000 word max) comprising a review of the literature, the methodology, outcomes and discussion.
- 10% Participation: Project supervisor assessment on participation in project work
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module will provide students with an opportunity to use their initiative and knowledge in undertaking an original research study. The practical component if the project will provide an opportunity for the student to carry out original scientific research, and to relate the outcomes to scientific concepts and knowledge of the field. The student will design the study, gain familiarity with the methods/techniques and where appropriate safety procedures relevant to the topic, undertake data collection and appropriate quantitative analysis, and prepare a report. Several different formats are available, including those based on laboratory work, field work, quantitative library work, questionnaire based surveys, or information technology e.g. CAL packages, web-sites or database analysis.Learning Outcomes
- The project will allow students to extend their knowledge and understanding of one or more aspects of the biological sciences by carrying out research and relating their findings to those of others in the field. (A1, A2, A4)
Cognitive skills will be enhanced by developing further the ability to:
- critically analyse and interpret published information and data (B1);
- think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others (B2);
- understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions (B3);
- acquire substantial quantities of information systematically, process it effectively, and draw appropriate conclusions (B4);
- make and record accurate observations and measurements (B5).
A range of practical skills will be acquired including:
- the ability to carry out scientific research and evaluate and make use of the material so acquired (C1);
- write and construct scientific documents (e.g. research reports) using appropriate styles, conventions, and terminology (C2);
- and most but not necessarily all of the ability to: work safely in the laboratory and assess related safety issues (C3);
- undertake appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis (C4);
- undertake practical experimental work using appropriate equipment and instruments (C5);
- apply basic knowledge of practical approaches and techniques (C6).
The project will develop transferable/key skills including the ability to:
- communicate effectively in writing (D1);
- organise and manage their working time, schedule tasks, and meet deadlines (D3);
- use and access information and communication technology (D4);
- reflect on and assess their own progress, strengths and weaknesses (D5);
- manage and manipulate numerical data (D6).