2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL5352M Research Project: Genomics and Analytics

60 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Mark Iles
Email: m.m.Iles@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Apr to 31 Aug View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

As per programme specification:

BSc 1st class or 2i, or equivalent (for example a pass in MBChB, BDS), in a relevant scientific discipline which would normally be one of the biological sciences but a natural sciences graduate will be considered. Subject to University regulations MBChB or BDS students who had completed 3 years of study would be eligible to intercalate.

A-level mathematics (or equivalent level of numeracy demonstrated through undergraduate degree or other relevant experience) will also be required.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

The objectives of the module are to:
- Provide students with the opportunity to undertake a practical (computational) research project in data analytics in an area aligned to medical genomics;
- Expose students to the methodology and philosophy of scientific research;
- Provide experience of working in a research group and in approaching the research project in an interdisciplinary and collaborative way;
- Provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in in-depth literature searching and analysis of the scientific literature;
- Provide the opportunity for scientific writing and oral communication of the research findings.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. Design, plan and execute a research project to test a hypothesis from research question to completion in an area of medical genomics and analytics;
2. Provide a justification for conducting the research within the context of research governance and ethical frameworks and collect and store scientific data securely and ethically;
3. Analyse the data using appropriate methods and statistical techniques, and interpret, critically discuss and draw conclusions from these data.
4. Prepare a written report of the research undertaken;
5. Defend their work orally in a viva-style setting, answering questions on the subject of the project work.

Skills outcomes
Computational and data analysis skills.

Syllabus

Students will use both the theoretical knowledge gained and the analytical skills developed during the course of the year to tackle a research question in the area of medical genomics and analytics. Students will initially formulate a research proposal outlining the question being investigated and the research protocol that will be utilised to address this. They will then go on to execute these plans, acquiring and analysing the data. The findings will be presented in the form of a dissertation. Students will also be expected to present and defend their work at an oral presentation session. The project will be carried out under the supervision of an academic member of staff from within one of three Faculties, Biological Sciences, Medicine & Health and Mathematics & Physical Sciences. Students will meet with their supervisors normally weekly to discuss progress and set objectives for the next phase of the work. Data analytic “clinics” will also be available for students to support them in the analyses of their data sets.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	2	1.00	2.00
Tutorial	12	0.30	6.00
Independent online learning hours			592.00
Private study hours			0.00
Total Contact hours			8.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			600.00

Private study

This includes preparation of the research proposal (first two weeks of the project module starting) and preparation of the final research report, and presentation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will meet with their project supervisor normally weekly to discuss progress and set objectives for the next phase of their project work and therefore there will be ongoing monitoring of student progress and opportunity for providing feedback. Supervisors will also provide written formative feedback on one draft of each of the proposal, report and presentation.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Project	Up to 7,000 words	60.00
Viva	Up to one hour viva (including 10-15 minute presentation)	20.00
Practical	Execution, originality, diligence	10.00
Research Proposal	project proposal	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

All resit components to be discussed with module manager and agreed.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 31/07/2024

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