Module Details

Module Code: BIOT8019
Title: Biosciences Research Project
Long Title: Biosciences Research Project
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 2 Semesters
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module develops within the learner the knowledge, know-how and skills, and competencies required to successfully complete a project in accordance with an approved plan. The module requires the learner either individually or as part of a team to develop, implement and critically assess a detailed methodology to address a defined problem within a prescribed time-frame. The learner is expected to be self motivated whilst working under direction of a project supervisor and to communicate the process and outcomes of their work in a style and manner appropriate for professional practitioners in the discipline.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Display initiative, analysis and problem solving skills in developing a detailed, viable methodology for addressing an open-ended problem.
LO2 Develop a project plan and consider health and safety requirements where relevant to implement the proposed methodology.
LO3 Systematically review and adapt the design during implementation in response to practical, real-world constraints.
LO4 Critically assess the outcome against, inter alia, appropriate design, safety, commercial and ethical criteria where relevant.
LO5 Demonstrate the appropriate written and oral communication skills required of the professional practitioner.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
General
Supervised self-directed learning that addresses the learning outcomes specified for the module and which draws on the curriculum content as a whole.
Health & Safety
Risk Assessment of chemicals, biological materials, occupational hazards and associated procedures. MSDS sheets. Correct disposal methods for experimental material.
Scientific Enquiry
Experimental design. Research and selection of appropriate experimental protocols. Problem-solving and troubleshooting. Interpretation of resulting data and findings.
Project Management
Time management. Maintenance of experimental/project notebook. Organisational skills.
Thesis Structure & Communication
Components of a complete thesis. Writing skills. Poster design. Communication of project findings.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Delivery Period 1
Assessment Description
Marks associated with initiative, decision making, application and demonstration/performance of project outcomes over the duration of the project
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Delivery Period 2
Assessment Description
Comprehensive Professional Report reflecting on the outcomes of the project
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Delivery Period 2
Assessment Description
Oral and/or written presentation on the project
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Instructional Lecture Every Second Week 0.25 0.5
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Interaction with project supervisor Every Week 0.25 0.25
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent work Every Week 13.50 13.5
Total Hours 14.25
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Instructional Lecture Every Second Week 0.25 0.5
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Interaction with project supervisor Every Week 0.25 0.25
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent learning Every Week 13.50 13.5
Total Hours 14.25
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brown Urban, Jennifer, Van Eeden-Moorefield, Brad.. (2018), Designing and proposing your Research Project, American Psychological Association, [ISBN: 9781433827426].
  • Schneider, Zevia, Fuller, Jeffrey. (2018), Writing Research Proposals in the Health Sciences, Sage, [ISBN: 9781526448439].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SAGBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Biosciences 7 Mandatory