BIMBPRO2-Research project

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 70 [35 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Phillip Dash
Email: p.r.dash@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This entirely practical module consists of an in-depth 15 week research project in a specialist area.

Aims:
To enable students to conduct research projects successfully. This module will synthesise all of the skills and knowledge developed over the Autumn and Spring Terms as students apply what they have learned to a novel research question. Students will perform a series of experiments to answer a research question and analyse the results; perform statistical analysis of the data and reach conclusions about the results; write up the results of the research in the form of a scientific paper suitable for publication.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students will have applied the content from the taught modules to the investigation of a relevant biomedical science research question. Students will demonstrate an ability to critically appraise the relevant scientific literature and their own results. They will be able to demonstrate skill in data analysis and interpretation and also demonstrate accurate reporting of scientific methodology and results. Students will be able to demonstrate reasoned discussion of results in the context of the subject area and write a report in the form of a scientific paper.

Additional outcomes:
Time management and problem solving skills.

Outline content:
A topic will be chosen at the end of the Autumn term in collaboration with academic staff. Training in the specific laboratory techniques and methods needed for the project will be provided. Students will work on their own research project with close supervision and regular meetings with the academic supervisor to provide feedback and to discuss results.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Meetings with supervisor and guided research.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Guided independent study:			700
Total hours by term			700
Total hours for module	700

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	70
Project output other than dissertation	15
Oral assessment and presentation	15

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
N/A

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submission of a project report.

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: 30 March 2023