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MSci Research Project in Natural Sciences with Specialisation in Biology - BIO00064M

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  • Department: Biology
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Pen Holland
  • Credit value: 80 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module represents the climax of the entire MSci Natural Sciences programme. It brings together knowledge that has been accrued and skills that have been developed during the previous three years. The interdisciplinary project is a research investigation that generates new knowledge. (The applied methodology may itself be either mature or less well established.)

Natural Sciences projects have a strong interdisciplinary focus that reflects the students’ individual pathwaysthrough the degree programme.

The aim of this module is to develop and demonstrate the ability to design, plan, carry out and report on an interdisciplinary research project.

Module learning outcomes

  • retrieve, analyse, synthesise and evaluate relevant literature and other information relating to the project topic (journal articles, websites, textbooks, research group seminars)

  • retrieve/devise an appropriate research methodology and develop it into a detailed project plan and timetable

  • investigate an area of the Natural Sciences in a systematic way using appropriate experimental, observational and/or theoretical techniques

  • work independently and organise effectively to achieve the project’s goals

  • apply an agreed methodology to re-test an existing hypothesis or to a new situation/scenario/regime in order to generate new knowledge

  • systematically and legibly record the work as it is carried out in a paper-based or electronic notebook

  • report the project outcome and evaluate its success in a substantial word-processed report and in an oral discussion with the examiners

Module content

Students will be allocated/have the opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary MSci project taking their subject specialism and preferences into account. Projects will involve working in a research group on a topic devised by you and your supervisor. Primary and/or secondary data can be used for the purposes of the research project.

The students write a project report (which includes a literature review) together with delivering and defending a poster.

Project reports should be between 4,000 and 6,000 words (excluding abstract, figure legends & references). The limit for the abstract is 250 words. Projects longer than 6,000 words will be penalised 1 mark for every 200 extra words. The word counts should be clearly stated at the end of the abstract and the project.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Research Project Report		 N/A 80
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Poster presentation		 N/A 20

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Interdisciplinarity will be assessed in an integrated fashion, especially through the poster presentation. 

The submission deadline for the poster is week 3 in the summer term. 

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

MSci research project supervisors provide regular feedback on project progress throughout the academic year.

Indicative reading

Will depend on the project being carried out – research literature.

Others are available in EARL which is accessible through the VLE module site.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.