Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module BIOL4031: BIOCHEMISTRY RESEARCH PROJECT (S)

Department: Biosciences

BIOL4031: BIOCHEMISTRY RESEARCH PROJECT (S)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2016/17 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to FGC0

Prerequisites

  • Satisfactory completion of level 3 biological sciences modules.

Corequisites

  • Bioactive Chemistry Research Project (CHEM4272), Research Skills (CHEM4081), Bioactive Chemistry (CHEM4211).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Core Chemistry 4 (CHEM4311) Contemporary Chemistry (CHEM4321).

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to bioactive chemistry research and to impart new experimental, analytical and theoretical skills.
  • The project includes laboratory work and the writing of a research report.

Content

  • A supervised research investigation of an area within biochemistry where knowledge obtained by laboratory experimentation is important.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Develop expertise in the use of modern research engines for literature searching.
  • apply and develop problem solving skills appropriate to the particular research project identifying suitable techniques, methods and equipment.
Key Skills:
  • define key problems and the tasks needed for their solution and develop a timetable to undertake and complete these tasks developing and applying appropriate data analysis methods.
  • demonstrate and apply written communication skills in writing an extended research report.
  • demonstrate expertise in research by oral presentation and viva voce examination.

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

  • Continuous assessment will help to develop the problem solving skills necessary for the research project and demonstrate knowledge acquisition.
  • The written report will show the communication skills learnt as well as the ability to interpret data.
  • Oral examination will test the knowledge of the undergraduate and demonstrate the level of understanding of expertise.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 2 in first two weeks 1 hour 2 ■
Seminars 2 per term 1 hour 2
Practicals 18 6 hours 108 ■
Preparation and Reading 88
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assessment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
supervisors continuous assessment 100%
Component: Project Report Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
content of project report 100%
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
oral examination of project report 100%

Formative Assessment:

Formulation of the project's aims and objectives including health and 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