Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027
Module BIOL3571: Research Project
Department: Biosciences
BIOL3571: Research Project
| Type | Tied | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2026/2027 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
| Tied to | C103 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | C105 |
| Tied to | C108 |
Prerequisites
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- BIOL3441 Biological Enterprise, BIOL3641 Contemporary Issues in the Biosciences, BIOL3431 Biology into Schools
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 | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratories | 5 weeks | 187 | Yes ■ | ||
| Workshops | 8 | 1 hour | 8 | Yes ■ | |
| Preparation and Reading | 5 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Continuous Assessment | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Report | 60% | ||
| Teacher-Supervisor Review | 30% | ||
| Presentation | 10% | ||
Formative Assessment:
None
■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.