BF0616 - Biological and Food Sciences Project

This will vary according to the topic under investigation and rely on an appropriate range of current research led sources drawn from relevant peer reviewed journals via the use of appropriate bibliographic databases such as Web Of Knowledge, PUBMED and medline

Background sources dealing with appropriate study, data handling and communication skills:

[latest editions of]:

Barrass, R. Scientists must Write: a Guide to Better Writing for Scientists and Engineers. London: Routledge.

Cadogan, A and Sutton, R. Maths for advanced biology. Nelson.

Day, R.A. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper; CUP

Dytham, C. Choosing and using statistics. A biologists guide. Blackwell Science.

Reed, R H, Holmes D, Weyers J D B, Jones A - Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences Addison Wesley Longman.

The detailed content of each project will vary according to the specific research topic. However the following common stages can be recognised:

Planning and preparation:
initial discussions with appointed supervisor and selection of appropriate project (which may encompass laboratory- based, computer-based, questionnaire/ survey- based or 'dry' theoretically-based, approaches), production of an action plan with anticipation of time-scales etc. discussion of resourcing and logistics of managing the project with academic supervisor and laboratory technician.

Literature survey and evaluation:
search literature for relevant sources using modern information systems. eg Web of Knowledge; Medline databases; reading of and assessment of the relevance and value of articles; effective recording of information (laboratory/ log book); planning of the structure and content of the final report. Assess relevance and value of information gathered and prepare a critical literature review of findings and develop strategy and a plan of action for proposed work.

Research and data collection:
implementation of research plan, collection of data, collation, analysis, [effective recording of information in eg laboratory/ log book];

Interpretation and evaluation of results.
Composition of Final report: submission of a 4000-7000 word written report, in the style and format of an academic paper.

1. To enable students to define a research topic (which may encompass laboratory- based, computer-based, questionnaire/ survey- based or 'dry' theoretically-based, approaches), and, in conjunction with a supervisor, to develop an appropriate programme for its investigation.

2. To engender a spirit of enquiry in both practical and theoretical aspects of the research.

3. To encourage the student to apply the knowledge gained in the academic programme to a research study.

4. To enable the student to develop the ability to evaluate experimental methods and data.

The student will be able to:

1. Conduct a literature survey on a proposed research topic, prepare a critical review and identify the experimental approach required to carry out the proposed research project.(written report- student)

2. Conduct appropriate experiments and/or evaluate experimental protocols in a safe and effective manner.(supervisors report and written report- student).

3. Demonstrate understanding of methods, effectively collate and analyse data and discuss the validity and significance of results.(supervisors report and written report- student).

4. Present the project work in the form of a scientific paper, written in clear and concise English.(written report- student)

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None

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The principal focus is on the self-directed study of a topic with the support and guidance, where appropriate, of an appointed academic supervisor. Students will develop their research and personal transferable skills as they take responsibility for the safe and effective execution of the planned project.

An introductory group tutorial with the module tutor will explain the approach that should be taken to the management of the project; and a final group tutorial, again with the module tutor, will provide guidance on the production of the final report.

The supervisor will initially discuss suitable areas of research, help plan and develop a research strategy, and safety and/ or ethical implications. This will progress to helping to identify appropriate research and/ or analytical methods and train students in their safe and effective implementation. Students will carry out their research topic under supervision and directed learning will support the choice of methodology, data analysis and the writing up of the report. Independent study will be a substantial part of the module, and will enable students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the field under investigation.

Additional supporting information will be provided in the module guide and on the module Blackboard site.

Assessment is by coursework, which will have two components; component A will be 75% of the module total and component B will be 25% of the module total.

Component A: Written Report [75% module]

The research project will require students to develop an investigative approach to formulate and understand the topic of interest. Therefore the main focus of the assessment is in the presentation of a written report that conforms to conventional academic standards and a prescribed format. The report would vary with subject area but would typically be within the range of 4000 - 7000 words.

The student's skills in reviewing the literature, in planning their work, evaluation of research results, discussion of validity and significance of the data provided and in communicating the significance of the results obtained from the research project in the wider context will be assessed via the report (learning outcomes 1- 4).

Component B: Supervisors Report [25% module]

Attitude, initiative, planning, time management, organisation, recording and/or data collection and/or practical skills in the laboratory/ ICT laboratory will be assessed via the supervisors report and evidenced through laboratory / log books and appendices containing e.g. on-going reference to supporting literature, hazard and risk assessments/ safety considerations and/or ethical considerations etc. (learning outcomes 2 & 3).

Formative assessment and feedback opportunities are provided progressively through meetings between the student and supervisor and may include guidance in relation to project design, data analysis, communication of results, etc.

a Summative assessment and rationale for tasks

Assessment is by coursework, which will have two components; component A will be 75% of the module total and component B will be 25% of the module total.

Component A: Written Report [75% module]

The research project will require students to develop an investigative approach to formulate and understand the topic of interest. Therefore the main focus of the assessment is in the presentation of a written report that conforms to conventional academic standards and a prescribed format. The report would vary with subject area but would typically be within the range of 4000 - 7000 words.

The student’s skills in reviewing the literature, in planning their work, evaluation of research results, discussion of validity and significance of the data provided and in communicating the significance of the results obtained from the research project in the wider context will be assessed via the report (learning outcomes 1- 4).

Component B: Supervisors Report [25% module]

Attitude, initiative, planning, time management, organisation, recording and/or data collection and/or practical skills in the laboratory/ ICT laboratory will be assessed via the supervisor’s report and evidenced through laboratory / log books and appendices containing e.g. ongoing reference to supporting literature, hazard and risk assessments/ safety considerations and/or ethical considerations etc. (learning outcomes 2 & 3).
b. Additional formative assessment – detail of process and rationale

Formative assessment and feedback opportunities are provided progressively through meetings between the student and supervisor and may include guidance in relation to project design, data analysis, communication of results, etc.

c. Indication of how students will get feedback and how this will support their learning

N/A