2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
BIOL5382M Extended Research Project
90 creditsClass Size: 40
Module manager: Dr Kenneth McDowall
Email: k.j.mcdowall@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
Continued progression on MBIOL from Level 3 to Level 5 (achieve an average of at least 65%, in the level 3 project components and an overall credit weighted year average, normally of at least 65%)Pre-requisites
| BIOL3398 | Research Tools and Applications |
| BIOL3399 | Extended Research Project Preparation |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
The broad aim of this module is to provide students with an extended research opportunity that requires them to plan the work undertaken and defend as well as report the findings and conclusions.Learning outcomes
At the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Knowledge of the process of project management including project preparation, organisation and implementation;
2. Proficiency in the appropriate and selective use of electronic literature search tools such as Web of Science and PubMed;
3. Ability to prepare a grant proposal and justify the broad objectives and specific aims prior to commencing research;
4. Aptitude in conducting an individual extended research project typically as part of a research group;
5. Competence in a range of bench- or computer-based research techniques appropriate to the subject of study;
6. Ability to planning and execution experiments, and analysis and present research data including, as appropriate, suitable statistical tests;
7. Competence in presenting the nature of a project and its findings through the writing of a final dissertation and the design of a research poster in scientifically acceptable formats; and
8. Proficiency in discussing and defending scientific research at the proposal as well as report stage.
Syllabus
Students will undertake an extended, independent research project with a focus appropriate to their programme for a period of 5 to 6 months. The research will be conducted within one of the research groups within or associated with the Faculty, sometimes in combination with outside agencies.
The experimental project will be based on a researched grant proposal on a topic agreed with a named supervisor(s). The proposal, which will be assessed, will be written by the student. The proposal will be written early in Semester 1, and will normally be within an area that formed part of the literature review undertaken as part of BIOL3399 (Extended Research Project Preparation).
There will be regular meetings with a project supervisor(s), normally on a weekly basis, with students encouraged to maintain a record of the outcome of meetings.
Guidance on the writing of the final dissertation will be provided. Marks will be awarded for a research proposal, the dissertation, an oral examination (combined with a poster presentation) and practical execution.
Students will also attend a range of research seminars delivered by external speakers in the Faculty of Biological Sciences that are relevant to their programme of study. They will also meet with external speakers to discuss science and career options. This aspect of the module leads on from attendance at research seminars as part of BIOL3399 (Extended Research Project Preparation). Marks will be awarded for the thoroughness of notetaking.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Supervision Meetings | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Seminars | 1 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
| Practical | 100 | 7.00 | 700.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 140.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 740.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 900.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Regular meetings with supervisor(s), group meetings, preparation of grant proposal and research report.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Report | Project Report in the style of a scientific paper | 60.00 |
| Practical | Execution of project work | 15.00 |
| Research Proposal | Project proposal in style of grant application | 5.00 |
| Viva | Defence of Project | 10.00 |
| Lab Notebook | Seminar Notebook | 10.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
No resits available.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 05/09/2023
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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