Module BIOL4022: Biochemistry Research Project

Department: Biosciences

BIOL4022: Biochemistry Research Project

Prerequisites

• Satisfactory completion of 60 credits of level 3 Biosciences modules to include Stress and Responses to the Environment (BIOL3491) and Cellular Biochemistry (BIOL3601).

Corequisites

• Bioactive Chemistry Research Project (CHEM4272), Frontiers in Molecular Assembly (CHEM4311), Workshop L4 (BIOL4111).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Research Skills L4 (BIOL4121), Field Course L4 (BIOL4101), Research Project MBiol (BIOL4094).

Aims

• Provide an introduction to research at the biosciences-chemistry interface and impart new experimental, analytical, theoretical and/or problem-solving skills through a capstone project including laboratory or computational work, or both.

Content

• Health and Safety Induction programme.
• Development of Research Skills.
• Independent Research Investigation.
• Preparation and delivery of an oral presentation.
• The writing of a research report containing work of potentially publishable novelty and quality.
• Oral examination.

Learning Outcomes

• Read, appreciate and critically evaluate primary research literature.
• Describe and critically analyse the literature precedent for, and background of, the research project area.
• Use literature results critically and relate them to the research project to propose hypotheses and explanations for results.
• Demonstrate and apply conceptual understanding of science related to the project, built on the foundations from levels 1 to 3.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the specific topic of the research project.

• Construct appropriate risk assessments for proposed research in collaboration with project supervisor.
• Consider the ethical implications of the research.
• Design and deliver an oral presentation that will communicate key aspects of the project clearly and concisely.
• Construct a well-structured report.
• Demonstrate expertise in research by oral examination.

• Develop expertise in relating literature to a specific area of research.
• Apply and develop problem solving skills appropriate to the research project.
• Identify and use suitable techniques, methods and/or equipment.
• Define key problems and the tasks needed for their solution.
• Develop a timetable to undertake and complete tasks.
• Develop and apply appropriate data analysis approaches.
• Develop interpersonal skills through working within a research environment and call on the assistance of others such as service providers.
• Demonstrate written communication skills in an extended research report.
• Demonstrate oral presentation skills.
• Search and use the scientific literature.
• Use appropriate specialist databases and software.

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

• A compulsory general introduction and Health and Safety content.
• Formative content that further develop skills learnt in earlier years, and which are applicable to either the specific project or broadly enhance students' research expertise.
• Project supervisors will arrange appropriate additional formative research training.
• Appropriate ethics and risk assessments must be completed and approved.
• Students will undertake a research project led by a members of the Boards of Studies in Biosciences and Chemistry.
• During the project students will submit and receive formative feedback from their supervisor on their draft thesis chapters. Students will also receive regular research guidance and formative feedback, usually verbal, from their supervisors on the progress of their project.
• Students will normally have opportunities to attend and present at research group meetings and attend departmental seminars to develop their presentation skills
• The CHEM4272 and BIOL4272 modules will be assessed by a single project report, including abstract, literature survey, results and discussion, and research methods; a presentation; a supervisor's review of the student's laboratory work; and an oral examination conducted by two examiners.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formulation of the project's aims and objectives including health and safety aspects.

■ 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.