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LSC-30048 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2021/22 Last Updated: 16 February 2022

LSC-30048 - Life Sciences Single Experimental Project (with research skills assessment) - ISP
Coordinator: Glenn D Hussey Room: HUX102A Tel: +44 1782 7 33880
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

This experimental research project represents the culmination of your learning experience across the programme. This is an excellent opportunity for you to undertake an authentic research project. This could include: lab- or field-based work, or, systematic reviews, bioinformatic, pedagogic or outreach activities.
Through engagement with this module you will be introduced to the concept, philosophy and approach to performing scientific research, enabling you to conduct a substantial experimental project. This will develop key skills that are routinely utilised by the scientific community such as: development of appropriate methods to test specified hypotheses, in-depth literature review and analysis of experimental data.
In addition to 1:1 support offered to you by your project supervisor, the module manager will also offer optional workshops and drop-in sessions throughout the year.

Aims
To provide students with the experience of working safely in a research environment, enhance their evidence-based approach to solving problems and further develop both their analytical skills in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating scientific problems and ability to independently gather and analyse experimental data.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically review current literature to provide up-to-date, scientific context to a research problem: 1,2
Design a robust methodological approach to investigate a scientific problem: 1,2
Identify potential ethical challenges and devise appropriate justification for scientific pursuit within an appropriate framework: 1,2
Identify risks and hazards and apply fundamental principles of health and safety legislation to devise appropriate risk assessments: 1,2
Generate and analyse appropriate data set(s) and present to a scientific audience: 1
Interpret complex scientific data and relate that to current literature: 1
Appraise own work to identify strengths, limitations and ways to improve: 1,2
Conduct themselves in the research environment in a professional manner (for example, technical competence, note taking, record-keeping, time keeping etc): 2

Study hours

2x 1 hour in-situ seminars
4x 1 hour online drop-ins
9 hours: meetings with supervisor
35 hours: private study
60 hours: practical work and data analysis
40 hours: preparation of report


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Dissertation weighted 75%
5,000 word (maximum) dissertation
The dissertation should comprise: a critical review of the background literature, contextualising your problem and bringing the subject up-to-date; accurate methodologies demonstrating understanding of underlying principles, ensuring quality assurance, recognising and limiting potential risks and hazards and justifying ethical concerns and statistical approach where appropriate; accurate and concise data presentation and a frank analysis of all findings linked to current literature and potential for future work.

2: Competence weighted 25%
Professional Skills Assessment
Marks are awarded to each student based on a range of professional skills that the student is able to demonstrate across the project. Skills include: awareness of and compliance with health and safety; ethics; time keeping; organisation; independence; preparation; technical competence; problem solving and communication skills.

Please note that for the 2021/22 Academic Year all programmes will be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there will be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 16 February 2022