2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL3306 Biological Sciences Research Project

40 Credits Class Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Susan Whittle
Email: S.R.Whittle@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisites

BIOL2110 The Power of Bacterial Genomics
BIOL2111 Genetic Engineering
BIOL2301 Intermediate Skills for Biological Sciences
MICR2120 Cell Biology of Disease

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

To foster a sound approach to biological science research, students should be able to:
1. demonstrate a professional working attitude in biological sciences laboratory;
2. develop a strategy for undertaking a specific research project;
3. demonstrate communication skills;
4. use scientific literature;
5. analyse, process and interpret data.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to:
- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a research topic in biological sciences;
- demonstrate skills in the appropriate and selective use of library resources, including computer based search tools including online databases such as ISI Web of knowledge, Medline and PubMed;;
- demonstrate the ability to read critically a scientific paper to identify the key features of the study, interpret data presented and assess them critically in order to draw appropriate conclusions;
- Write a clear, coherent and detailed report of their project in a scientifically acceptable format;
- prepare a poster that presents their research results, and answer questions on the work;
- conform to ethical and safety standards, and professional boundaries and norms where applicable.

Skills outcomes

Subject Specific Skills :
Managing Knowledge - Assimilation of information; Sourcing/selecting/ interpreting; Data evaluation/problem solving; Data presentation.

Technical Competence - Laboratory techniques (Laboratory Projects); Experimental design; Accuracy; Analysing data; IT skills.
Managing Self - Planning; Time Management.

Managing Inter-relationships - Team work (Laboratory Projects); Decision taking; Learning from others (Laboratory Projects); Sharing (Laboratory Projects); Receiving critique.
Presentation skills - Reports; Poster.

Syllabus

All students attend a unit emphasising the application of good laboratory practice especially with respect to safety and the correct use of laboratory equipment. This should be achieved during an introductory period during which the following tasks will be carried out:
- completion of COSHH forms;
- advising on action to be taken over a range of problems associated with safety;
- reinforcing knowledge on the correct technical procedures to operate a range of capital equipment;
- reinforcing knowledge on the correct technical procedures to undertake general manipulations in the laboratory;
- solving problems of tactics to be used to initiate and complete an experiment.

Students have the option of undertaking research on a laboratory-based project, literature researching a specific topic in detail, presenting a research grant application, research developing or adapting computer software for use in a biological sciences environment.

Non-laboratory projects include a biological sciences-related extension exercise.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 0 180 180
Independent Learning 0 100 100
Lectures 6 1 6
Seminar 14 1 14
Tutorial 20 1 20
Private study hours 80
Total Contact hours 320
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 400

Private study

Students should note that the following information is for guidance only. The actual time required for the various elements will vary between students.

Private study will include report writing, editing and poster preparation up to 80 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Meetings with supervisor (formally, weekly throughout semester 1).
Projects delivered largely in Semester 2.
- Initial report / project plan
- Draft report (critiqued but not formally assessed)
- Final report
- Poster.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course Assessment See Module handbook for details 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

- Formative reports: a) summary of research project b) first draft version - Final report (70%) (failure to complete this work to a pass standard will result in a V code being appended to the final module mark). - Practical Process (20%) (assessment of laboratory or library skills) - Poster (10%)

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 13/11/2020

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