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Research Plan - BIO00072M

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  • Department: Biology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Gareth Evans
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module will focus on planning for the 60 credit independent research project that is undertaken over the summer. It will involve meetings with the project director, workshops to develop ideas and timelines, and independent study. Engagement with current literature will form a core part of the module.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

Planning is key to the success of any project. Therefore the aim of the module is to guide students through the planning process and to help ensure that the project time is effectively utilised. A key step will be the identification and articulation of a research question or hypothesis through discussions with the project director and reading of relevant literature. Students will then research which methods and approaches are most suitable to tackle the question before developing a timeline of activities for the project. The planning process will involve identification of risks to project success and how to mitigate these, and also ethical and health and safety considerations. Guidance in methodology and in setting realistic goals will be given.

Module learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:

Critically evaluate current literature to identify a research question and propose new hypotheses

Identify appropriate methods to tackle a research question

Set realistic goals for a time-limited project

Develop a time-line of project activities, demonstrating understanding of interdependencies and risks

Assess the health and safety and ethical considerations of a project

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Presentation : Presentation of Research Plan		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Presentation : Presentation of Research Plan		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Marks for all summative assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Feedback will be either individual or cohort-level, depending on the assessment format. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.

For coursework summative assessments (eg. reports, essays, presentations) you will receive individual feedback on your work. This will usually be in the form of a feedback sheet that will include suggestions for further improvement.

During the teaching of the module you will receive formative feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Such feedback may include: model answers, individual spoken comments during workshops, peer feedback and individual written comments on formative work.

Indicative reading

These are available 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.