RESEARCH PROJECT - 2019/0
Module code: MMVM011
Module Overview
The practical research project is an important component of the MSc course curriculum and makes a substantial contribution towards the final assessment. Failure to obtain the minimum required mark (50%) may result in failing the course (following reassessment), or being asked to submit a revised dissertation.
The project should embody the experimental findings of approximately 10 weeks full-time practical work in the laboratory and 2 weeks for write up. Its aim is to offer the student experience of research work with emphasis on the planning of experiments, and interpretation of the laboratory findings. The subject of research may be primarily analytical in nature, e.g. development of a novel assay or a substantial improvement of an existing one. Alternatively, it may consist of basic research or a laboratory investigation related to a specific clinical situation.
The project work will be carried out at the University or, by arrangement, at one of our partner institutes. A list of possible topics for research projects is normally available near the end of the first semester. Students are advised to contact the staff associated with the project titles that interest them. Projects are allocated at the beginning of Semester 2, largely based on student preferences.
Module provider
School of Veterinary Medicine
Module Leader
LA RAGIONE Roberto (Biosc & Med)
Number of Credits: 30
ECTS Credits: 15
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 70
Laboratory Hours: 230
Module Availability
Year long
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
Practical laboratory based project over a 12 week period. Approximately 10 weeks in the laboratory and 2 weeks for the write up.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 12,000 WORD RESEARCH PROJECT | 100 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy for this module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of their chosen subject area and specifically scientific writing, interpretation of data and working independently and as part of a team.
Completion of the MSc project enables the students to demonstrate key transferable skills including independence, scientific writing, time management data interpretation and analysis, organisation skills, critical thinking and subject-specific knowledge.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
12,000 word written dissertation – 100%
Formative assessment and feedback
Students will receive regular verbal feedback on their performance from their project supervisor. Furthermore, students will be able to submit draft versions of their dissertation to their respective supervisors for comment prior to submission of the final dissertation.
Module aims
- Its aim is to offer the student experience of research work with emphasis on the planning of experiments, and interpretation of the laboratory findings. The subject of research may be primarily analytical in nature, e.g. development of a novel assay or a substantial improvement of an existing one.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 1 | Understand how to plan and undertake independent research | K |
| 2 | Understand how to analyse and present data | K |
| 3 | Develop scientific writing skills | K |
| 4 | Understand the safety, quality and biosecurity implications of working in a laboratory with animal and or pathogens | K |
| 5 | Evaluate scientific data relating to the research project | C |
| 6 | Evaluate considerations relating to the project outcomes | C |
| 7 | Work independently demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management | T |
| 8 | Communicate effectively orally and in written work | T |
| 9 | Work as part of a team | T |
| 10 | Investigate and analyse problems | T |
| 11 | Time management | T |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
Practical laboratory training, lectures and small group teaching.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MMVM011
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.