Introductory description

The Y3 research project is a capstone module, in which students bring together all the research and practical skills they have been taught in Y1-3 teaching laboratories and the tutorial program. Students are assigned a project and have to produce a 10,000 word thesis.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. A high quality scientific literature review of their chosen research field.
2. Critical appraisal of source material- (including use of statistical knowledge covered during Year 1, 2 and 3 to
   appraise and evaluate published data)
3. Construction of scientific arguments based on multiple sources
4. Production of a scientific abstract
5. Production of a discussion and conclusion which include evidence of independent thought and reasoning
6. Evidence of reflective practice (in the form of a longitudinal project diary

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• O1: Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic
• LO2: Research and present an oral seminar presentation on the project topic
• LO3: Identify and appraise relevant scientific literature using on-line literature search engines, relate this to appropriate methodologies and draw appropriate conclusions
• LO4: Critically review relevant research papers
• LO5: Demonstrate critical appraisal
• LO6: Effectively construct scientific results and arguments, using multiple sources.

Research element

Critical appraisal of source material- (including use of statistical knowledge covered during Year 1, 2 and 3 to
appraise and evaluate published data)
Construction of scientific arguments based on multiple sources
Production of a scientific abstract
Production of a discussion and conclusion which include evidence of independent thought and reasoning
Evidence of reflective practice (in the form of a longitudinal project diary

Subject specific skills

Critical appraisal of source material- (including use of statistical knowledge covered during Year 1, 2 and 3 to
appraise and evaluate published data)
Construction of scientific arguments based on multiple sources
Production of a scientific abstract
Production of a discussion and conclusion which include evidence of independent thought and reasoning
Evidence of reflective practice (in the form of a longitudinal project diary

Transferable skills

1. Critical appraisal of source material
2. Self directed learning
3. Adult learning