2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL5390M Bioscience MSc Research Project

60 Credits Class Size: 5

Module manager: Dr Andrew Tuplin
Email: A.K.Tuplin@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2025/26

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

A 60-credit research project carried out across semesters 1 and 2.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, you should have:
- completed an introductory literature search and produced a short project proposal;
- completed a laboratory research project in an area of science appropriate to your chosen course options;
- gained experience in experimental planning, execution and analysis including presentation of scientific data using appropriate computer programs;
- prepared and submitted a dissertation (up to 10,000 words) in a scientifically acceptable format. This dissertation should include an appropriate summary of relevant literature, an outline of aims of the project, descriptions of the methods used, details of the results obtained, conclusions drawn from these results and indications for future studies that might be undertaken;
- developed skills in the appropriate and selective use of library resources, including computer based search tools including databases such as Web of Science, Medline and the Internet.



Syllabus

The module provides students with the opportunity to enhance their professional skills in the Biosciences through individual research projects.

It exposes them to the methodology and philosophy of scientific research, it provides experience of working in a research group and interacting with research scientists, it gives them the opportunity to develop their library skills, in-depth literature searching and analysis of the scientific literature, it provides experience of analysis and presentation of scientific data and it gives the opportunity for thesis preparation and scientific writing.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Tutorial 3 1 3
Private study hours 597
Total Contact hours 3
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 600

Private study

- Private Study Time which includes reading and preparation of short project proposal and dissertation: 177 hours;
- Research work: 420 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Regular contact with supervisor
- Formal weekly meetings with supervisor
- Tutorials
- Oral presentation.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course Assessment execution of practical work (assessed by supervisor) 20
Project Short Project Proposal 10
Project Report 65
Project Oral Presentation 5
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2025

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