This course will provide students with the opportunity to carry out an independent research project in the field of biotechnology. Projects can one of 1) a laboratory-based investigative project in which students join a research group and undertake an experimental investigation in the research area of their supervisor, 2) a "dry" investigative project in which students analyse existing data from their supervisor's research group or from online databases or undertake computer modelling, or 3) a systematic style review project, which uses a specific methodology to identify literature and answer a research question.

Full-time, involving regular interaction and meetings with the project supervisor over the summer semester.

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Assessment

The project assessment will consist of the following components:

Supervisor's report (15%)

■ An assessment of the student's overall performance will be provided by the project supervisor using a written form with marking descriptors. Criteria assessed are engagement in planning and development of the project, quality of results/conclusions, independence, communication, organisation and verbal/presentation ability.

Assessment demonstrates: ILOs 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. 

Student's written report (60%)

■ A written report formatted in appropriate scientific style for the project type.

■ Investigative projects indicative length 4500-6500 words (limit 6500 words), systematic style review projects indicative length 6000-8000 words (limit 8000 words).

Assessment demonstrates: ILOs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

Oral presentation to peers and staff (25%)

■ 10-minute presentation followed by 5 minutes of questions from peers and assessors

■ Using PowerPoint or similar software

Assessment demonstrates: ILOs 1,5 and 6.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Supervisor's report cannot be reassessed.

The course aims to allow students to undertake independent research into a topic or problem related to Biotechnology. The project will provide an opportunity for students to critically analyse data, draw conclusions and suggest avenues for future research to expand their findings.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically design, plan and execute an investigation of a problem in Biotechnology.

2. Develop appropriate research designs, including data collection/analytical techniques to aid their research.

3. Critically appraise scientific data in the literature and compare to their own findings.

4. Take responsibility for the research project and associated resources with a degree of autonomy.

5. Communicate research findings in appropriate scientific style.

6. Plan and manage time effectively by prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.