BI3PROB-Research Project - Biomolecular 40 Credit (B)

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Summer / Autumn / Spring module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Pre-requisites: Part 2 Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology or Biological Sciences programmes
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: BI3PROA Research Project - Ecology and Evolution 40 Credit (A) and BI3PROC Research Project - Ecology and Evolution 20 Credit (C) and BI3PROD Research Project - Biomolecular 20 Credit (D)
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Renee Lee
Email: r.b.y.lee@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of project work is to provide the student with an experience of biological research through the design and execution of an individual project.

Aims:

The aim of project work is to provide the student with an experience of biological research through the design and execution of an individual project.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of this module students will be able to:

- formulate and critically assess a scientific argument based on data
- design a scientific project in consultation with others and carry out a programme of research, responding to the changing circumstances as they arise
- draw on knowledge and data to set the research in context and to evaluate its contribution to biology
- prepare a full report of the project in the form of a scientific paper.

Additional outcomes:
Students will better appreciate the structure of scientific research and its possible career opportunities by taking part.

Outline content:
A handbook with details of research areas within the Biomedical Sciences section of the School and an outline of the projects available in each area will be made available to students in the Spring Term of Part 2. There will be an opportunity for students to discuss research areas of interest with academic staff. Students will nominate 3 research topics and every effort will be made to allocate one of these to each student.

Details of Phase 1 of the project and timing of the proje ct will be made available when the student meets their supervisor. As part of this, students will plan their project work, including identifying the hypothesis to be tested and completing a written assignment. Phase 1 normally begins in the Summer Term of Part 2, after exams with submission of a report in the first week of Autumn Term. The research and data collection (Phase 2) will normally be carried out for 200 hours over ten weeks, in most cases in the Autumn Term. Data analysis and prepara tion of the written report (Phase 3) continues in the Spring Term. In the Spring Term, an interim assignment involves presentation of results and ensures progress with analysis and interpretation. A full report of the project is submitted at the end of the Spring Term.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures will provide general guidance to each Phase of doing a research project. Specific guidance is provided by supervisors. Much of the learning will be self-directed whether this is commitment to laboratory based practical work, bioinformatic analysis or in depth analysis of literature and data analysis. Where necessary, students will be taught specific procedures required for their project. They will need to keep a lab book and have tutorial sessions with supervisors who will monitor and facilitate satisfactory progress.