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BIOLOGY LABORATORY RESEARCH PROJECT

Module code: BI449
Credits: 15
Semester: Year-Long
Department: BIOLOGY
International:
Coordinator: Dr Jackie Nugent (BIOLOGY), Prof. Bernard Mahon (BIOLOGY)

	Overview
	Students undertake an 8-week research project under the supervision of a member of staff. Laboratory work is scheduled in either semester 1 or 2 depending on constraints on laboratory space and limits on laboratory occupancy. Students may be provided with a reading list but are expected to perform a literature search to familiarize themselves with the assigned research topic. Over the duration of the project students should become proficient in the techniques and equipment relevant to the project. All students provide a 10 minute oral presentation of their research findings, and on completion of the project must submit a thesis outlining their research findings; and a “Lay summary” document summarising the project in terms suitable for the informed general public which includes a visual abstract/diagram (1000 words + 1 page diagram). Restricted entry: Third year grades may be used to allocate the limited number of projects. Biology department will oversee allocation. Laboratory work is scheduled in either semester 1 or 2 depending on constraints on laboratory space and limits on research laboratory occupancy. Students may be required to amend module registration after project allocation to ensure sufficient credit in the year. Quota: 80 Subject to space and capacity (allocation by the Biology department in week 1).

Overview

Students undertake an 8-week research project under the supervision of a member of staff. Laboratory work is scheduled in either semester 1 or 2 depending on constraints on laboratory space and limits on laboratory occupancy. Students may be provided with a reading list but are expected to perform a literature search to familiarize themselves with the assigned research topic. Over the duration of the project students should become proficient in the techniques and equipment relevant to the project. All students provide a 10 minute oral presentation of their research findings, and on completion of the project must submit a thesis outlining their research findings; and a “Lay summary” document summarising the project in terms suitable for the informed general public which includes a visual abstract/diagram (1000 words + 1 page diagram).

Restricted entry: Third year grades may be used to allocate the limited number of projects. Biology department will oversee allocation. Laboratory work is scheduled in either semester 1 or 2 depending on constraints on laboratory space and limits on research laboratory occupancy. Students may be required to amend module registration after project allocation to ensure sufficient credit in the year.

Quota: 80 Subject to space and capacity (allocation by the Biology department in week 1).

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Review the scientific literature pertaining to a specific research question. Design a coherent experimental strategy to critically evaluate a research question. Perform experiments using the technique(s) learned during the project. Analyse and interpret the research findings in the context of existing literature in the field. Compile a research thesis in publication format detailing the background literature, methodology, results and implications of the research findings. Present the research work in the format of a scientific seminar. Communicate research in a manner accessible to the informed public.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? No No. There is no provision for supplemental examination of this module in the same academic year. Students who do not pass the module may take BI423 (literature project) and additional 5 credit lecture modules (or similar) in the following academic year but not a laboratory based research project.

	Pre-Requisites
	BI421

	Additional Reading
	Additional Reading: as provided by department

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Biology Department.