Module Code - Title:
FT6003
-
RESEARCH PROJECT
Year Last Offered:
2024/5
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To develop the skills of independent academic research and critical thinking, data analysis, academic writing, literature review and self-expression in a technical domain. To develop the professional skills required when managing a project. To enable development of a specialist understanding of a chosen topic.
Syllabus:
The project is of one semester duration through the summer. Normally the student will select a single project subject, which may require practical laboratory work where feasible or may be a computer-based design project related to biomolecular science involving one or more of the following topics: 'big' data generation and analysis, bioinformatics, in silico analysis, metanalysis, Omics, cell biology, molecular biology, protein chemistry, microbiology. The project will be used as the mechanism for the students to put into practice ideas put forward in the lectures and seminars and also ideas generated within their own project brief. The main part of the project will be a student centered activity with individual guidance from the project supervisor and any project sponsor (industrial) or associated research group.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, graduates should construct a project plan with sub-project components broken into work packages and identify resources required to complete work package tasks. Graduates should prepare a clear motivation and set of objectives for the project and produce a critical review of previous work in the field. In addition, graduates should develop a theoretical foundation and coherent justification for the methodology taken in the project, perform the designed research and develop specialist knowledge in the topic of the project
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, graduates will be able to defend conclusions reached in research project thesis to peer groups, academics and external examiners using structured scientific arguments.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The learning strategy is based around the concept of students embedding the knowledge, understanding and skills attained throughout their programme by means of self-directed research and development in order that techniques, methodologies and principles learned may be applied to a given problem theme. The student will meet with project supervisor and team once per week online and spend the remaining time working on the project in team and solo settings. Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant): By definition, research performed under the supervision of a research active supervisor will be at the forefront of knowledge in this area. Project development, in conjunction with the supervisor and their team will incorporate use of research findings appropriate to the development of the specific project. This can be through a combination of literature reviews, project discussions, attending conferences, and attending group meetings.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Hammond, Michael ; Wellington, Jerry (2020)
Research Methods: The Key Concepts
, Taylor and Francis
Balnaves, Mark.; Caputi, Peter. (2001)
Introduction to quantitative research methods an investigative approach
, London : SAGE
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Summer
Module Leader:
farhad.garavand@ul.ie