BIOT1010 Biotechnology Research Project Module Specification

BIOT1010 Module Specifications

BIOT1010 Aims

To develop students with critical skills and capabilities that will enable them to make an innovative contribution to applied research within the broad discipline of science. To assess the candidate’s ability to work independently and as a part of a team in the pursuit of the analysis of a novel problem and develop skills necessary for self-managed and life-long learning (e.g. time management and organisation skills).

BIOT1010 Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

• Develop and plan the execution of a research project that demonstrates suitable time management skills.
• Search, reflect and interpret key information from technical procedures and published works using suitable scientific data management tools.
• Critically evaluate the results obtained and produce a scientific interpretation of the data gathered during the execution of the project
• Take ownership of the project and be able to identify individual learning needs and map and track the progress of the project.
• Critically reflect on their work and engage in discussions with the supervisor and other students to suggest possible progress.
• Apply theoretical principles of various concepts learnt in taught modules to enhance problem-solving in a structured and logical manner
• Develop high-level communication skills, written, oral and visual
• Produce a substantial, well-organised written scientific report and defend it under a poster presentation.

Indicative Content

Various research topics related to Biotechnology.

Learning and Teaching Activities

A project supervisor will be assigned to students when an appropriate topic is chosen. Project topics will be put up in Moodle within three weeks of the start of a term, and students will be required to choose a particular project. Students will be assigned to their chosen topic, with adjustments made when a particular topic is oversubscribed. Supervisor/student meetings or tutorial sessions are arranged by the supervisor and the Module coordinator. The allotted supervisors will be able to clarify theoretical and/or methodological problems and give new input if the student needs it. However, it is the responsibility of the student themselves to define, write and complete the project work. From the fourth week of term, there will be one day a one-day-a-week timetabled session for project work. After May (exams) there will be at least three days a week timetabled for project work. A successful project is the student’s responsibility. However, a supervisor provides some degree of security for working in the right direction on the project.