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2020/21 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 2020/21

Pre-requisites

BIOL2110The Power of Bacterial Genomics
BIOL2111Genetic Engineering
BIOL2301Intermediate Skills for Biological Sciences
MICR2120Cell 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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Supervision0180.00180.00
Independent Learning0100.00100.00
Lectures61.006.00
Seminar141.0014.00
Tutorial201.0020.00
Private study hours80.00
Total Contact hours320.00
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).
Projects delivered largely in Semester 2.
- Initial report / project plan
- Draft report (critiqued but not formally assessed)
- Final report
- Poster.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
In-course AssessmentSee Module handbook for details100.00
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 module

Last updated: 13/11/2020 08:18:59

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