Students will find, and critically interpret, appropriate primary published literature on a focused research topic to form an evidence-based argument that is used for one or more of the following purposes:

1. Answer a question/hypothesis that motivated the dissertation from the start;

2. Answer a question/hypothesis that emerges during the literature review phase;

3. Propose new research questions and hypothesis/hypotheses based on the literature review phase;

4. Inform policy or funding bodies.

Individual projects may require travel outwith Glasgow.

As arranged individually.

BIOL4246P Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project

BIOL4248P Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project

BIOL4249P Life Sciences Internship Honours Project

BIOL5287P Life Sciences Investigative MSci Project

BIOL5288P Life Sciences Dissertation MSci Project

BIOL5289PLife Sciences Outreach MSci Project

Project dissertation (70%), supervisor's assessment of overall performance (10%) and project oral presentation (20%). 

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. 

The aims of the course are to provide experience in the planning and composition of a short research-led dissertation, encompassing critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data obtained from sources identified from a focused search strategy, and in presenting and discussing research findings orally.

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

■ Design and complete an investigation of a focused research question using relevant literature

■ Develop a strategic approach to selecting evidence sources in a focused topic area

■ Apply a methodical approach to searching relevant bibliographic databases and other sources of relevant information

■ Integrate, critically analyse and evaluate data from multiple sources

■ Formulate reasoned judgements based on available evidence

■ Write a clear and coherent report in an appropriate format

■ Design and deliver a clear, well-constructed oral presentation describing their research to their peers.

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