Research Skills (Lab-based Research Project)

BIOL60770 Research Skills (Lab-based Research Project) 90 Full year Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Jordi Bella Unit coordinator School of Biological Sciences 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 45.0 Students will choose a topic and research project supervisor from a list. The project should be relevant to a student’s interests and long term career goals. Once a project is chosen and in discussion with the supervisor who will have supplied the basic idea and structure of a proposed project the student will research the topic to get an up-to-date understanding of the research area chosen. The student should understand the analytical and practical approaches used and write a literature review. Students will then carry out the research, collect data and analyse the results. The student will give a presentation on their research project to colleagues and staff and then write a report in the format of a full research article suitable for an appropriate scientific journal. Students will choose a topic and research project from a list provided. The project should be relevant to a student’s interests and/or long term career goals. Once a project is chosen and in discussion with the supervisor who will have supplied the basic idea and structure of a proposed project the student will research the area to get an up-to-date understanding of the research area chosen. The student should understand the analytical and practical approaches used in the area and write a literature review. Students will then carry out the research, collect data and analyse the results. The student will give a presentation on the area to colleagues and staff and then write a report in the format of a full research article suitable for an appropriate scientific journal. An example of the requirements for a research journal follows below. The choice of scientific journal should be discussed with the supervisor of the research project and the course director.This module will be assessed on the basis of the literature review, seminar, students’ performance in the laboratory and on the final research report. The emphasis will be on students’ accuracy in obtaining and analysing results, understanding of principles and scientific process, and clarity of expression. Students will be encouraged to discuss and learn from each other, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students working in the research team. <ul> <li> To provide students with the experience and training in carrying out a research project</li> <li> To be able to review the scientific literature</li> <li> To enable students to present their ideas clearly and succinctly</li> <li> To gain experience in writing clear and concise reports</li> <li> To identify potential applications of a research project</li></ul> Understand the background science of the research area Understand how the planned research will test scientific ideas Carry out and analyse experiments Transfer knowledge between areas and to identify potential applications of their research. Speak and write clearly and concisely. 0 Other 100% Literature Review – 20%<o:p></o:p>Dissertation – 55%<o:p></o:p>Presentation – 10%<o:p></o:p>Performance – 15%<o:p></o:p> Formative feedback will be provided by the PI and research team for the following:<ul> <li> outline and draft of literature review</li> <li> research performance including specific details required to ensure the success of experimental procedures</li> <li> oral presentations at group meeting or practise talks</li> <li> outline and draft of the research report</li></ul> MSc Biotechnology Enterprise MSc Biotechnology Enterprise PGDT Taught Component Mandatory N <div>          Facilities</div><ul> <li> Access to databases containing the Scientific literature relevant to the project</li> <li> Lab staff with expertise in the experimental procedures to be used</li> <li> Writing up area with access to advanced knowledge and software required for recording and analysing results</li> <li> Work space to carry out research with relevant experimental materials and equipment</li> <li> Audience and Seminar rooms to present results to the research team</li> <li> PI with advanced knowledge in area of study</li></ul>  Recommended reading1) Specific to each project and will be provided by the project supervisor.2) Jennifer. Peat Elizabeth Elliott; Louise Baur; Victoria Keena  (2008) Scientific Writing Easy When You Know How. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 0 0 900