module specification

This module provides an opportunity for student-lead problem solving applying knowledge acquired to a specific research question.

BM7115DL

Competence to undertake independent research on a contemporary problem will be developed as follows:
Theoretical research:
Advanced information searching, interpretation and abstraction skills will be applied in the production of a theoretical framework.                                                                                                         
Practical work:
Experimental skills will be applied in the design and execution of a laboratory, or survey based research programme.  Analytical and evaluative skills will be applied to data appraisal and contextualisation.
Communication of results:
Written presentation skills will be applied in the production of the project report. Oral presentation skills will be applied in the defence of the work undertaken. (LO1-4)

This module will require the student to self-direct and manage their own independent learning experience. The area of research will be matched, as far as is possible with the research interest, expertise and existing research projects of the supervisor.  Research topics will be identified during the Bioethics Research & Grant Proposal module and in conjunction with the module leader and a supervisor who has suitable research interests. The supervisor can be a member of academic staff or a work-based individual.
If the supervisor is not a member of staff, then an academic advisor who is a member of staff will be assigned to the student.

Topics will be chosen that give the opportunity for high-level research that advances the boundaries of current knowledge but gives the student a realistic opportunity of completion.

Upon arrangement by the student, the project supervisor will initially assist in the following processes:
1. clarifying the terms of the research project
2. establishing a timetable for the research and dates for subsequent student/supervisor   meetings
3. directed background reading
4. study design, methodology, health and safety, ethical and genetically modified organism approval (where appropriate) and statistical analysis

Supervisory support will form a key part of the teaching method, but ultimately, most of the learning will be student-centred. Supervisor meetings will continue periodically through the project.  A typical amount of contact time the student can expect is up to 10 hours with the supervisor. Comments on the draft of the dissertation can be expected.

Students will work as individuals on the design and execution of their projects. They will be encouraged to think critically about their findings and, where appropriate, to provide solutions through the design of related experiments or alternative approaches to research.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1.    establish an original hypothesis within a biomedical sciences context, based on a thorough understanding of current primary literature, that is realistic and testable within the constraints of resources available;
2.    design and execute within the time constraints of the project, a series of related scientific experiments to test the hypothesis and work safely with due regard to the appropriate Codes of Practice;
3.    analyse, evaluate and appraise the results obtained, where appropriate using statistical tests at an advanced level of competency and contextualise the discussion and conclusions of the project within the wider context of biomedical sciences research and write a detailed report in an appropriate scientific form with the correct use of English and defend it during an oral defence.
4.    demonstrate knowledge of and critical understanding of the role of research in the academic and professional development of the discipline and the function of professional bodies through the module assessments;
 

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