2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL3397 Biotechnology Research Project

20 Credits Class Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Chi Trinh
Email: C.H.Trinh@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2026/27

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of Year Two (level 5) of the appropriate programme of study

Co-requisites

BIOL3305 Advanced Skills in the Biosciences
BLGY3110 Applied Genetics
LUBS3013 Enterprise Consultancy
LUBS3306 Critical Perspective in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Mutually Exclusive

BIOL3396 Molecular & Cellular Biology Research Projects

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The purpose of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to consolidate and extend your prior learning to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a final year research project. With guidance from an academic supervisor, you will undertake a research, educational/outreach or science communication project in which you will apply and develop competencies (knowledge, skills, and behaviours) to a problem relevant to your discipline. Through this, you will work with active researchers or practitioners in the field to contribute and produce insights and potential new ideas.

Objectives

The aim of this module is for learners to participate in current practice and research linked with their discipline, to develop and deliver on a research project. This will allow students to apply and build on many of the skills and knowledge gained earlier in their programme. Working with their supervisor, students will enhance and gain new experiences and competencies (knowledge, skills and behaviours), which will be showcased in the final assessments. The final project output will be communicated to different audiences (academic staff members, students and an industrial sponsor for the poster presentation prize), highlighting potential application of their research findings.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

1 - Apply experiences, knowledge, skills and behaviours gained earlier in their programme to a problem relevant to their discipline, producing insights and developing knowledge in the area.
2 - Critically evaluate scientific literature to identify the key features of the study, interpret data presented in order to draw appropriate conclusions.
3 - Recognise and apply health and safety, ethical, and regulatory issues to their projects as appropriate.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

4 - Communicate through, written, graphical and verbal means, to different audiences or stakeholders.
5 - Apply appropriate digital capabilities in creating the final written and oral outputs.
6 - Author a scientific article that demonstrates clarity, knowledge, feasibility and impact to address a research question relevant to your discipline.

Skills outcomes

- 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;
- competence to read critically a scientific paper and to identify the key features of the study;
- competence to interpret data presented in scientific papers and to assess them critically in order to draw appropriate conclusions

Syllabus

Students have the option of undertaking research on a laboratory-based project, literature researching a specific topic in detail through systematic review, research developing or adapting computer software for use in a molecular and cellular biology environment, or alternative projects as available.
Depending on the type of project, an appropriate combination of practical work in advanced molecular and cellular research, designing experimental protocols, carrying out research investigations and interpreting experimental data; literature searching, reading and reviewing; report writing; computer work; developing oral and written presentational skills.
Non-laboratory projects include a biological sciences-related extension exercise in the form of a research grant proposal.
As part of this module, students are expected to attend School research seminars to develop their knowledge and understanding of research in fields related to their degree programme.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 5 0.5 2.5
Supervised Practice 120 1 120
Practicals 2 2 4
Lecture 4 1 4
Private study hours 69.5
Total Contact hours 130.5
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

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 planning and implementation, analysis, writing, and presentation preparation up to 69.5 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Preparation for projects delivered in Semester 1.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Poster Presentation Poster Presentation and Project Execution 20
Report Report 80
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Failure to complete the final Report to a pass standard will result in a V code being appended to the final module mark.

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

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