MRes Advanced Biological Sciences Research Project

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to collect, record and critically evaluate laboratory/field data and to apply findings in ongoing development and execution of an independent research project
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific and technological principles underlying the chosen research specialisation;
• Plan and complete a research project within a fixed time period.
• Produce a dissertation on an agreed research-based project;
• Demonstrate skills in critical evaluation of primary and review scientific literature and the ability to develop this knowledge and understanding in relation to the chosen area of research;
• Have a knowledge of the latest advances in general IT methodology to perform project specific data processing and analysis.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of how to design and test scientific hypotheses;
• Independently address and develop strategies to resolve a research problem in the chosen specialist area;
• Show experience in presenting advanced scientific information;

This contributes to the research-based component of the MRes in Advanced Biological Sciences. You will carry out an extensive laboratory-based project on a topic related to the specialised area. You will plan the project with the support of your academic research supervisor. Initially you will carry out a preliminary review of the literature in the area of research to help you plan the overall objectives and build on the current level of knowledge in the area of research. This will give you the opportunity of producing results that would be of a standard to publish in peer reviewed journals. You will present an overview containing these elements at an early stage to your project supervisor and then have regular contact throughout the remainder of the project. This will include providing a regular summary of research finding to the supervisor. A detailed plan of the final dissertation will be presented to the supervisor three quarters of the way through the project and feedback provided by the supervisor in how to structure the final dissertation.

Practical work and individual study

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.