MBiol Research Project

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Undertake an independent research investigation as a credible test of one or more stated scientific hypotheses.
2. Present results with a rigorous quantitative analysis of the data using appropriate statistical methods
3. Compose a discussion with an effective synthesis of results, critically appraise published studies to recognize when the results corroborate or contradict earlier data and determine whether the evidence supports or refutes the stated scientific hypotheses
4. Prepare an account of the research investigation in the form of a scientific research paper and as other media to enable communication and dissemination to a wider audience
5. Demonstrate skills in personal organization, management and initiative to effectively complete the research investigation and write up within an agreed timetable
6. Recognise opportunities to integrate and apply knowledge from taught modules of the scheme

The strength of the MBiol is the greater opportunity to apply theory to a research investigation over a protracted period. Students will be best placed to identify gaps in current knowledge and understanding and to formulate hypotheses and develop a detailed project proposal culminating in the empirical data collection and analysis of the BRM2860 MBiol Research Project. This will be written up in the style of a peer-reviewed research paper, rather than a dissertation, in order to practice and develop writing skills relevant to a professional research scientist. Consistent with such professional training, students will be required to maintain a written record of activities associated with the duration of the research project (research notebook), produce a poster and press release to communicate the main objective and results of the research (all assessed). The research project will normally be analytical in nature, investigating a subject of the student's choice and subject to a supervisor's approval, representing an opportunity for the student to pursue independent research.

To provide the student with the opportunity to pursue an in-depth investigation of an appropriate topic. It is intended that the skills and discipline required to write a scholarly paper on a specified subject will be developed to an advanced level.

The module will provide the opportunity to specialise in a particular aspect of the discipline. It will achieve this by considering the following areas:
* Introductory session detailing the requirements of a dissertation
* Tutorials to give guidance and arrange appropriate dissertation research work, culminating in the production of a research proposal
* A period of approximately 9 months experimental work/data gathering under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor
* The written submission will be as a research paper in the style described in the 'Instructions to Authors' of an appropriate scientific journal, by subject specialism and under the guidance of the project supervisor.

This module is at CQFW Level 7