FBMFPR-Research Project

Module Provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FBMRSD Research Skills and Professional Development
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Stephanie Bull
Email: stephanie.bull@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module provides you with the opportunity to undertake a detailed research project on an individual topic, which is usually linked to the current research activities in the department. Projects involve the collection and analysis of data and this can be undertaken in a laboratory, in the pilot plant, in the sensory suite, at a desk or in industry, depending upon the project you have been allocated to. Throughout the project you will work as an independent research scientist, helping to design the project, undertake the research and write up the analysis in the format of a research paper or business case.

Aims:

The aim of the module is to:

• Provide you with a detailed understanding of how food and nutrition research is carried out through the design and execution of an individual project.


• Provide you with an opportunity to reflect upon your personal and professional development throughout the module.  

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Critically evaluate the scientific literature around a research topic


• Analyse research data


• Compose a research manuscript or business case


• Recommend the application of the research for industry


• Explain and justify the research project using written and verbal communication methods


• Develop a reflective portfolio to summarise your personal development journey throughout the course

Additional outcomes:

You will be able to:

• Demonstrate project management skills


• Develop independent and collaborative working skills


• Utilise problem solving skills


• Synthesize and apply knowledge acquired throughout the course to a research question

Outline content:

Each project is unique depending upon the topic being investigated, as such the experimental techniques learnt will vary depending upon the project. However, throughout the module students could cover; statistical techniques used in research, research design, writing for research and experimental techniques, building upon the knowledge and skills developed in FBMRSD.

Global context:

Depending upon the subject of the selected project, it is possible to undertake a project which has wider international significance.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

You will be taught using a variety of techniques including; online lectures, workshops and sessions with your supervisor.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	3	2	3
Seminars	2		7
Project Supervision		5	10
Guided independent study:
Carry-out research project			488
Dissertation writing			80
Total hours by term	5	7	588
Total hours for module	600

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	70
Portfolio	20
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Portfolio of learning (20%)


• Research dissertation (70%)


• Oral viva (10%)

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:

Resubmission of research dissertation within one year (subject to University rules).

Resubmission of coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Dependent on project

Last updated: 23 August 2023