Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module CHEM40260: Biophysical Science Research Project

Department: Chemistry

CHEM40260: Biophysical Science Research Project

Type Open Level 4 Credits 60 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None.
Tied to

Prerequisites

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Corequisites

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Excluded Combination of Modules

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Aims

  • To conduct a piece of original research in biophysical science.
  • To develop skills and techniques relevant to the chosen field of study.
  • To review the literature in the chosen field of study.

Content

  • An extended research project in an area of experimental, computational or theoretical biophysical science.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Develop an in depth understanding of biophysical science built on leading edge research.
  • Ability to evaluate current research critically.
  • Ability to assess the relevance of their own research project.
  • Ability to propose hypotheses and to explain their results.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Critically analyse the literature relevant to the research project.
Key Skills:
  • Framing a research question.
  • Developing an hypothesis.
  • Problem solving.
  • Developing interpersonal skills through working in a research group.
  • Demonstrate and apply written communication skills in writing an extended research report.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning will occur through conducting the research project under supervision of members of academic staff (each student will be assigned two supervisors) and through day-to-day instruction from PhD students and research workers in the hosting research group.
  • Student performance will be assessed summatively through examination of the project report, oral examination and through continuous assessment by the supervisors.
  • Formative assessment will involve production of a draft literature review and formulation of the project’s aims and objectives, as well as safety aspects.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Research work 600
Total 600

Summative Assessment

Component: Project report Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Project report 100% Y
Component: Oral examination Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral examination 0.5 100% Y
Component: Supervisors' continuous assessment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Supervisors' continuous assessment 100% Y

Formative Assessment:

Production of a draft literature review and formulation of the project’s aims and objectives, as well as safety aspects.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University