Module manager: Dr Claire Hills
Email: C.L.Hills@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
See Programme Entry Requirements
REPR5260M
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module requires you to create an original research proposal, that addresses a key research question in the field of reproductive science. It encompasses a critical literature review, hypothesis formulation, and a detailed research plan, including methodology and resource allocation. As the research proposal is not lab-based, it offers you the freedom to explore innovative and compelling research ideas without any practical constraints. Students will have Synchronous (online, live) seminars.
The primary aim of this module is to provide you with significant experience in conceiving and planning a research proposal in the field of reproductive science. It focuses on enhancing student-driven initiatives, building upon the foundational knowledge acquired in preceding modules.
Research Methods:
Hypothesis-Based Research: You will identify novel areas in clinical embryology for research, develop a hypothesis, and draft an experimental plan.
Oral Presentation: You will present your research proposals to both tutors and peers.
Written Research Proposal: You will submit a structured research proposal, adhering to a prescribed format.
Communication Skills: You will write summaries targeting both scientific and lay audiences.
Literature Review: You will conduct an in-depth review of existing literature to justify their research proposal.
Experimental Design: You will detail an experimental plan, including methods of data analysis and ethical considerations.
Proposal Outcomes: You will outline expected results and potential future developments.
Resource Justification: You will list and justify the required resources for the proposal.
Bibliography: You will compile an accurate bibliography.
Teaching Methods and Learning Activities:
Online learning material: You will access the online learning resources for this module using Minerva which is the University’s portal and virtual learning environment.
Online Support Sessions: To guide you on your identified research topic across the breadth of the module. Tutors will give you feedback, facilitating any necessary amendments.
Peer Reviews: During the oral presentation, you will have the opportunity to present your work to peers, getting feedback that can be incorporated into the final proposal.
Presentation Sessions: You will formally present your research proposals, honing your oral communication skills and receiving constructive criticism from tutors and peers.
Instruction on Proposal Writing: These will focus on how to write effective research proposals and summaries for varied audiences.
Literature Review Assignments: You will be tasked with finding and critically evaluating existing research papers.
Methodology Seminars: Experts in the field will conduct seminars on experimental design, data analysis, and ethical considerations, assisting you in crafting comprehensive experimental plans.
Resource Planning Activity: You will list the necessary experimental materials and justify their choices, receiving feedback from tutors on the feasibility and scope.
Instruction on Citation and Referencing: To ensure you understand how to compile accurate and appropriate bibliographies.
Support: You will be assigned a research proposal tutor who will support your learning journey on this module. There will be additional support from the module manager in addition to the programme leader.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Research and Analytical Skills: Conduct systematic literature reviews to synthesise existing research, identify knowledge gaps, and support the development of an original research proposal in reproductive science and ART.
2. Independent Critical Thinking and Statistical Application: Formulate and present evidence-based research proposals, evaluate appropriate statistical methods to test novel hypotheses in reproductive science.
3. Effective Communication of Research: Communicate complex research ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral formats, tailoring outputs to meet the expectations of specialist academic and clinical audiences.
Skills Learning Outcomes
1. Research Skills: Demonstrate use of research methods to address focused hypotheses in reproductive science and ART. Demonstrate proficiency in gathering, analysing, and synthesising literature to produce evidence-based research proposals and effectively communicate findings.
2. Work-Ready Skills: Demonstrate independent working abilities by managing time and resources effectively to meet deadlines and deepen understanding. Maintain composure and efficiency when leading complex investigations under high-pressure.
3. Academic Skills: Develop critical thinking skills to integrate and use knowledge for solving complex problems in ART. Produce structured, clear, and evidence-supported academic writing in reproductive science and clinical embryology.
The research proposal involves formulating and presenting an original research idea, encompassing critical literature review, hypothesis development, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
Teaching is delivered online via Minerva and covers research methods, experimental design, and ethics.
Assessments include a framework for the experimental strategy, a comprehensive research proposal, and an oral presentation, allowing students to demonstrate technical, analytical, and communication skills required for professional success in reproductive science and ART.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 7 | 3.5 | 24.5 |
| Presentation | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Supervision | 2 | 0.5 | 1 |
| Supervision | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Drop-in Session | 4 | 1.5 | 6 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 104 | ||
| Private study hours | 454.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 41.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
The feedback process is structured in multiple stages to help you to evolve your initial ideas for the proposal into the final, comprehensive research proposal. This incremental approach allows you to develop your research proposal step-by-step, each time benefiting from targeted guidance. Early-stage drop-in sessions allow staff the opportunity to assess your progress, determine the feasibility, and provide timely support for students.
Formative Paper Criticism Session: At the start of the module, you will be given a formative group task with supporting tutorials that will assist you to develop skills in critical analysis of the literature, together with group work and presentation skills.
Concept Note Stage: Initial evaluations of research ideas are conducted by the academic personal tutor, who will vet and identify which proposal concepts are feasible. Your academic personal tutor will maintain regular and frequent email communication with you as you start to define the research proposal.
During the concept note development, individualised online synchronous drop-in sessions will be scheduled for you to help refine and direct the research idea. You will receive written feedback on the concept note that identifies the strengths in your proposal and highlights areas for further development.
Presentation Stage: Before the presentation, a synchronous online drop-in session will be arranged with the module leader and another member of the academic team to ensure the presentation meets the required criteria.
Verbal feedback from staff and peers is provided in real-time following the research presentation. This feedback focuses on the clarity, structure, and effectiveness of the presentation and the content of the research proposal, helping to improve communication skills and delivery of complex research ideas and to make adjustments/improvements in the proposal where required. Additionally, written feedback from academic staff will be collected and compiled for your benefit.
Framework for Overall Experimental Strategy: A research proposal tutor, best matched to the proposal's subject matter, will be assigned to you. This tutor will offer in-depth guidance on the experimental strategy.
Near-Final Draft of Research Proposal Stage: You will receive written feedback on a draft section of the research proposal. The feedback aims to help you to enhance written skills, argument development, and overall adherence to academic standards, covering the strengths and highlighting any areas for improvement. Collectively, this structured feedback helps students address learning outcomes related to independent research, project management, and the integration of scientific knowledge into their proposal.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Concept Note - Formative task for the preparation of coursework. | 0 |
| Coursework | Presentation - To present and outline the research proposal to an audience for guidance and feedback. | 20 |
| Coursework | Framework for Overall Experimental Strategy - To generate an original evidence-based research hypothesis and the framework for an experimental strategy to address the hypothesis. | 20 |
| Coursework | Final Proposal - The final submitted proposal represents the culmination of all feedback and guidance and the submission of a fully justified research proposal. | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The coursework is designed to assess your knowledge, research abilities, understanding and communication. The research project portfolio is comprised of the following assessed elements: Oral Presentation (20%): You will deliver a presentation of your research ideas, hypothesis, experimental plan. This presentation will develop your ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and research outcomes. Framework For Experimental Strategy (20%): Based on your hypothesis you will outline the framework for your experimental strategy identifying the aims and objectives of the plan with the help of a flow diagram. Original Research Proposal (~10,000 words) (60%): You will conduct a critical literature review on a chosen topic, identifying a key technical or research question. You will design a comprehensive experimental plan to address your hypothesis, solving a real-world technical challenge or a clinical or research need. Other information about coursework: Compensation will be applied across the module.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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