2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

FOOD5335M MSci Capstone Project: Research and Discovery

60 Credits Class Size: 15

Module manager: Jo Brown
Email: j.h.brown@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2026/27

Module replaces

FOOD5071M

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this project module, students will undertake a real-life, independent research study, with the support of experienced academics. The choice of topics available may vary depending on interests and will include field-based, experimental, or computational research. During a discovery phase, students will be given the opportunity to investigate current research and will be given a choice of topics relevant to the research activity of the school and in some cases suggested by industrial companies.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will: - Have experience to self-evaluate, reflect, and identify training needs through completion of research plans to ensure successful engagement and completion of research study. - Be able to Integrate, combine, and develop knowledge and relevant academic, research and professional skills to solve problems within a field of interest. - Be able to develop lines of questioning following the organisation, critique and analysis of scientific literature and data within the framework of their area of study. - Be able to apply fundamental scientific principles to complete research in Food Science and Nutrition. - Have developed the ability to critically analyse, interpret and discuss relevant scientific literature and data to draw appropriate conclusions. - Be able to disseminate findings using difference scientistic communication methods.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to: SSLO1: Retrieve and critically review relevant scientific literature and articulate a researchable question. SSLO2: Plan and design an appropriate investigation. SSLO3: Competently conduct scientific research. SSLO4: Critically analyse and interpret findings in a concise manner using relevant statistical analysis to be able to draw appropriate conclusions. SSLO5: Ability to scientifically communicate research using a report or dissertation. SSLO6: Deliver a poster presentation of the research and respond to questions.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Poster session 1 2 2
Supervision 12 1 12
Lecture 1 1.5 1.5
Lecture 1 2 2
Lecture 4 1 4
Seminar 1 2 2
Seminar 4 1 4
Private study hours 572.5
Total Contact hours 27.5
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 600

Private study

572.5

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Meetings with your supervisor Meeting your module managers on request Academic writing support Literature review This includes (i) research back-ground of the project, (ii) carry out a literature review on the topic, and (iii) summarise the research question of the project. Poster feedback and draft feedback prior to writing final dissertation Formative task: Literature review

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Coursework 20
Coursework Coursework 10
Coursework Coursework 70
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: 30/04/2026

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