2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

BMSC5395M MRes Research Project

120 Credits Class Size: 35

Module manager: Dr Samit Chakrabarty
Email: s.chakrabarty@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

BSc in relevant STEM subject

Pre-requisites

BMSC5125M Advanced Data Analysis Techniques
BMSC5301M Advanced Research Topics

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Students will use both the theoretical knowledge gained and the analytical skills developed during the year to tackle a research question in an area aligned to their specialist area of training.

Objectives

The objectives of the module are to:
- Provide students with the opportunity to undertake a practical (Neuroscience) research project in an area aligned to their specialist training;
- Expose students to the methodology and philosophy of scientific research and rigour;
- Provide experience of working in a research group and in approaching the research project in an interdisciplinary and collaborative way;
- Provide students with the opportunity to develop research skills like in-depth literature search and critical analysis of the scientific literature;
- Provide the opportunity for scientific writing and oral communication of the research findings.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1.Design, plan and execute a research project to test a hypothesis from research question to completion in an area aligned to their specialist training;
2.Provide justification for conducting the research within the context of research governance and ethical frameworks and collect and store scientific data securely and ethically;
3.Analyse the data using appropriate methods and statistical techniques, and interpret, critically discuss and draw conclusions from these data.
4.Prepare a written report of the research undertaken;
5.Defend their work orally, answering questions about the project work.

Syllabus

Students will use both the theoretical knowledge gained and the analytical skills developed to tackle a research question in an area aligned to their degree specialism. Students will initially formulate a research proposal outlining the question being investigated and the research protocol/s that will be utilised to address this. They will then go on to execute these plans, acquiring and analysing the data under the guidance of the respective group leaders. The findings will be presented in the form of a dissertation. Students will also be expected to present and defend their work at an oral presentation session. The project will be carried out under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Students will meet with their supervisor/s normally weekly to discuss progress and set objectives for the next phase of the work. Experimental and data analysis courses and assistance via the library or ODPL will also be available for students to support them through this project, along with the techniques having been introduced at the start of the year.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Oral Class 1 1 1
Tutorial 18 1 18
Private study hours 1181
Total Contact hours 19
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 1200

Private study

This includes preparation of the research proposal (first week of the project module starting) and preparation of the final research report, and for the viva examination

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will meet with their project supervisor/s weekly to discuss progress and set objectives for the next phase of their project work and therefore there will be ongoing mentoring and monitoring of student progress and opportunity for providing feedback. Supervisors will also provide written formative feedback on at least one draft of each of the proposal and report.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Group Project/Project/Dissertation In the form of a manuscript 60
Practical Execution, originality, diligence 10
Viva . 15
Research Proposal . 15
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Resit will be through resubmission of the dissertation

Reading List

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 4/29/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team