School of Life Sciences  
 
 
LSC-30031 Experimental Research Project - ISP  
Co-ordinator: Dr Michael Evans    Room: Hux165, Tel:33594  
Teaching Team: Prof David Hoole, Mrs Janet  Norton, Mrs Deborah  Goodall, Dr Mirna Maarabouni, Dr Stas  Glazewski, Mrs Lisa  Smith, Dr Srabasti  Chakravorty, Mrs Linda  Flynn, Mrs Susan  Andrews  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 734414
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Year 2 Human Biology

Barred Combinations

Other level 3 projects within Human Biology (e.g. LSC30032, LSC-30033).

Description

The experimental project is done in a laboratory (or possibly elsewhere) under supervision. Students do hands-on experimental work, including planning experiments and analysis, and they research the subject by reading journals, reviews and textbooks. The project is written up as a report. following accurate and clear note-taking and data entry into a lab book or electronic equivalent. Students planning to continue in research are strongly encouraged to choose an experimental project as this will give them the best relevant experience.

By carrying out a project, analysing and reporting their results students will develop all of the graduate attributes.

" An open and questioning approach to ideas, demonstrating curiosity, independence of thought and the ability to appreciate a range of perspectives on the natural worlds" Students will be carrying out your own experiments to generate new knowledge

"An appreciation of the development and value of your chosen subjects of study, awareness of their contexts, the links between them, and awareness of the provisional and dynamic nature of knowledge and
Information literacy: the ability to locate, evaluate and synthesise large amounts of frequently conflicting information, ideas and data" Students have to research and engage with the literature in their chosen field.

"The ability creatively to solve problems using a range of different approaches and techniques, and to determine which techniques are appropriate for the issue at hand" Students may have to revise experimental design.

"An appreciation of the social, environmental and global implications of your studies and other activities, including recognition of any ethical implications" Students will be asked to consider the ethical implications of the research.

"The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal forms for different purposes and to a variety of audiences" Students will have to communicate verbally with their supervisor and any other people working in the lab and will have to keep detailed lab notes and produce a written report.

"The knowledge, skills, self-confidence and self-awareness actively to pursue your future goals" Many students say that their projects were the impetus to follow a research career

"The ability and motivation to participate responsibly and collaboratively as an active citizen in the communities in which you live and work"
and
"A professional and reflective approach, including qualities of leadership, responsibility, personal integrity, empathy, care and respect for others, accountability and self-regulation" Students may be working as part of a larger research group and their actions may impact directly on others

"The flexibility to thrive in rapidly changing and uncertain external environments and to update skills and knowledge as circumstances require." Students will be learning new research skills

Aims

To develop experimental research skills in Human Biology.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Use primary sources to research and critically evaluate the research topic will be achieved by assessments: 1
Develop a hypothesis that can be tested experimentally and then use experimental lab skills to test it will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Design experiments and perform data analysis appropriate to a research question, and keep accurate and concise notes and data entry will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, concepts and data to identify solutions to an experimental research-based problem will be achieved by assessments: 1
Conduct themselves in a laboratory in a manner appropriate to a laboratory researcher (including research ethics, note taking, preparation, asking appropriate questions in a timely manner, time keeping). will be achieved by assessments: 2


Study hours

22 hours personal supervision/tutorial
20 hours data analysis
50 hours design, carry out and log experiments
30 hours report preparation
28 hours private study




Description of Module Assessment

01: Dissertation weighted 80%
5000 word dissertation, including data and analysis
5000 word dissertation, including data and analysis

02: Practical Assessment weighted 20%
Assessment of students lab book
A lab book is kept by students during their project, and results, notes, dates, analysis is entered into the lab book on a daily basis as the project progresses. Markers are looking for clarity, conciseness, accuracy, relevance and note taking ability. A good and well maintained lab book clearly supports a markers confidence in the final report, but also allows focus on certain aspects of "daily" lab skills separate from the more discussive and researched aspects of the report. The lab book documents the data both in terms of its extent, but also how it progresses and develops on a daily basis. It is acceptable to paste in tables of data provided that the date and context are clearly indicated.


Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.