2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BIOL3306 Biological Sciences Research Project
40 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Dr Susan Whittle
Email: S.R.Whittle@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
Pre-requisites
| BIOL2110 | The Power of Bacterial Genomics |
| BIOL2111 | Genetic Engineering |
| BIOL2301 | Intermediate Skills for Biological Sciences |
| MICR2120 | Cell Biology of Disease |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
To foster a sound approach to biological science research, students should be able to:1. demonstrate a professional working attitude in biological sciences laboratory;
2. develop a strategy for undertaking a specific research project;
3. demonstrate communication skills;
4. use scientific literature;
5. analyse, process and interpret data.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a research topic in biological sciences;
- demonstrate skills in the appropriate and selective use of library resources, including computer based search tools including online databases such as ISI Web of knowledge, Medline and PubMed;;
- demonstrate the ability to read critically a scientific paper to identify the key features of the study, interpret data presented and assess them critically in order to draw appropriate conclusions;
- Write a clear, coherent and detailed report of their project in a scientifically acceptable format;
- prepare a poster that presents their research results, and answer questions on the work;
- conform to ethical and safety standards, and professional boundaries and norms where applicable.
Skills outcomes
Subject Specific Skills :
Managing Knowledge - Assimilation of information; Sourcing/selecting/ interpreting; Data evaluation/problem solving; Data presentation.
Technical Competence - Laboratory techniques (Laboratory Projects); Experimental design; Accuracy; Analysing data; IT skills.
Managing Self - Planning; Time Management.
Managing Inter-relationships - Team work (Laboratory Projects); Decision taking; Learning from others (Laboratory Projects); Sharing (Laboratory Projects); Receiving critique.
Presentation skills - Reports; Poster.
Syllabus
All students attend a unit emphasising the application of good laboratory practice especially with respect to safety and the correct use of laboratory equipment. This should be achieved during an introductory period during which the following tasks will be carried out:
- completion of COSHH forms;
- advising on action to be taken over a range of problems associated with safety;
- reinforcing knowledge on the correct technical procedures to operate a range of capital equipment;
- reinforcing knowledge on the correct technical procedures to undertake general manipulations in the laboratory;
- solving problems of tactics to be used to initiate and complete an experiment.
Students have the option of undertaking research on a laboratory-based project, literature researching a specific topic in detail, presenting a research grant application, research developing or adapting computer software for use in a biological sciences environment.
Non-laboratory projects include a biological sciences-related extension exercise.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Supervision | 0 | 180.00 | 180.00 |
| Independent Learning | 0 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Lectures | 6 | 1.00 | 6.00 |
| Seminar | 14 | 1.00 | 14.00 |
| Tutorial | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Private study hours | 80.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 320.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400.00 | ||
Private study
Students should note that the following information is for guidance only. The actual time required for the various elements will vary between students.Private study will include report writing, editing and poster preparation up to 80 hours.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Meetings with supervisor (formally, weekly throughout semester 1)- Initial report / project plan
- Draft report (critiqued but not formally assessed)
- Final report
- Poster.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course Assessment | See Module handbook for details | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
- Formative reports: a) summary of research project b) first draft version - Final report (70%) (failure to complete this work to a pass standard will result in a V code being appended to the final module mark). - Practical Process (20%) (assessment of laboratory or library skills) - Poster (10%)
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 23/09/2019
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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