Module Directory

This final year research project module is an opportunity for students to carry out an individual scientific investigation on a topic relating to their degree specialisation.

You will use the skills developed in the course to identify, with your supervisor, a suitable question and then design an experimental approach to obtain data addressing this question. Your analysis and presentation of these data in a suitable scientific paper format report forms the main assessed component of this module. The second major component involves researching, understanding and writing critically about the scientific literature relating to your project work.

The aim of this module is:

• To carry out an individual scientific investigation on a topic relating to your degree specialisation.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Update CV, write a job application cover letter, and perform in a mock interview scenario.


2. Develop a project plan, including the experimental, analytical and statistical methods to be used.


3. Demonstrate an understanding of the health and safety and ethical issues related to scientific research and undertake appropriate risk- and required ethics-assessments.


4. Maintain an accurate and up to date record of project work and data collection.


5. Demonstrate responsibility for personal time management and for any necessary amendments to the project plan and reflect on progress and outcome of the project.


6. Use a search engine (e.g. Web of Knowledge) to research the scientific literature relating to their research project area and present this information as an extended introduction to their project report.


7. Carry out a research project and obtain sufficient data of good quality using appropriate experimental, analytical and statistical methods.


8. Analyse and interpret scientific data.


9. Communicate the outcomes of research effectively in a written report in scientific paper format.


10. Describe and critically evaluate data from research articles.


11. Refer appropriately to published work and be competent in the use of bibliographic software (e.g. EndNote).


12. Communicate effectively by an oral presentation of project work.


13. Address scientific questions on the background, methods, data and future direction from expert assessors.


14. Specific employability and transferrable skills are highly dependent on the nature of the chosen project.

This module will be delivered via:

• Four research project seminars.
• Contact with project supervisor.
• Presentation opportunity with formative feedback provided.

Students will work independently with further guidance and assistance as and when required.