Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module BIOL3571: RESEARCH PROJECT

Department: Biosciences

BIOL3571: RESEARCH PROJECT

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to C103
Tied to C105
Tied to C108

Prerequisites

  • • Satisfactory completion of Level 2 course in Biological Sciences.

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • • Level 3 Biology Enterprise (BIOL3441), Level 3 Research Proposal (BIOL3631), Contemporary Issues in the Biosciences (BIOL3641), Level 3 Public Engagement in Biosciences (BIOL3661).

Aims

  • To carry out a research project in a specific topic on biological sciences.
  • To present the results of the research project in the form of a project report and an oral presentation.

Content

  • Supervised research project and self-directed study.
  • Workshops and tutorials in experimental design, data analysis and presentation techniques.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • In depth knowledge and understanding of a selected topic in biological sciences.
  • Knowledge of communication of scientific information in both written and oral forms.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To be able to carry out an independent research-led piece of work in the area of biological sciences, in which qualities such as time management, problem solving and independence are evident.
  • To be able to present the results of research in a form accessible to an audience of peers, in the form of an oral presentation.
Key Skills:
  • Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
  • Numeracy, in data analysis, statistics and calculation.
  • Communication skills, in presenting report and oral presentation.
  • IT skills, in use of online data bases.
  • Self-motivation, in self-guided learning, independent work on report and presentation.
  • Time-management, in planning project work.

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

  • Research Project: an extended piece of research, based on academic research being carried out in the department. The student has the opportunity to carry out research in a self-directed manner, based on training in generic areas, and on a framework supplied by the project supervisor. The project is assessed by means of an extended report, based on appropriate templates, and an oral presentation.
  • Workshops and tutorials; large and small group teaching on background generic topics for project

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Project work 5 weeks 187.5
Tutorials and Workshops 8 1 hour 8
Preparation & Reading 4.5
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Project Report 60% No
Project Performance 30% No
Oral Presentation 10% No

Formative Assessment:

None


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