BI3PROB-Research Project - Biomolecular 40 Credit (B)

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Summer / Autumn / Spring module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Part 2 Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology or Biological Sciences programmes
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: BI3PROA Research Project - Ecology and Evolution 40 Credit (A) and BI3PROC Research Project - Ecology and Evolution 20 Credit (C) and BI3PROD Research Project - Biomolecular 20 Credit (D)
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Renee Lee
Email: r.b.y.lee@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of project work is to provide the student with an experience of biological research through the design and execution of an individual project.

Aims:

The aim of project work is to provide the student with an experience of biological research through the design and execution of an individual project.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• formulate and critically assess a scientific argument based on data


• design a scientific project in consultation with others and carry out a programme of research, responding to the changing circumstances as they arise


• draw on knowledge and data to set the research in context and to evaluate its contribution to biology


• prepare a full report of the project in the form of a scientific paper.

Additional outcomes:
Students will better appreciate the structure of scientific research and its possible career opportunities by taking part.

Outline content:
A handbook with details of research areas within the Biomedical Sciences section of the School and an outline of the projects available in each area will be made available to students in the Spring Term of Part 2. There will be an opportunity for students to discuss research areas of interest with academic staff. Students will nominate 3 research topics and every effort will be made to allocate one of these to each student.

Details of Phase 1 of the project and timing of the proje ct will be made available when the student meets their supervisor. As part of this, students will plan their project work, including identifying the hypothesis to be tested and completing a written assignment. Phase 1 normally begins in the Summer Term of Part 2, after exams with submission of a report in the first week of Autumn Term. The research and data collection (Phase 2) will normally be carried out for 200 hours over ten weeks, in most cases in the Autumn Term. Data analysis and prepara tion of the written report (Phase 3) continues in the Spring Term. In the Spring Term, an interim assignment involves presentation of results and ensures progress with analysis and interpretation. A full report of the project is submitted at the end of the Spring Term.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures will provide general guidance to each Phase of doing a research project. Specific guidance is provided by supervisors. Much of the learning will be self-directed whether this is commitment to laboratory based practical work, bioinformatic analysis or in depth analysis of literature and data analysis. Where necessary, students will be taught specific procedures required for their project. They will need to keep a lab book and have tutorial sessions with supervisors who will monitor and facilitate satisfactory progress.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	2	1	1
Project Supervision	30	20
Guided independent study:	168	139	39
Total hours by term	200	160	40
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	5
Dissertation	75
Project output other than dissertation	10
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Phase 1 - 5%; Performance mark - 10%; Dissertation - 75%; Poster 10%

Formative assessment methods:
Students will have regular contact and discussions with their supervisor and they will be required to maintain a laboratory book which will be commented upon at regular intervals by the supervisor.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submission of a project report, together with other work, not earlier than September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 6 July 2022