Overview

The research project MBiol/Zoology will allow students to develop their scientific skills to a high level and it will enable students to plan, execute and analyse hypothesis-based research in their chosen research area. During the first part of the course, students have to plan the research project in collaboration with the supervisor. The written research plan is expected to cover (i) underlying rationale, (ii) specific objectives of the project, (iii) methodology and approach, (iv) management of the project and resources, (v) programme of research and (vi) justification of resources. Towards the end of the first semester, students are expected to make an oral presentation of the project's progress to explain background and rationale, overall methodology and hypotheses and anticipated outcomes of the project. For the dissertation, data collection in the field or in the laboratory or by in silico methods would generally be done between October and March. The experimental work is generally followed by two months of data analysis and writing up. The final results is presented in a written dissertation, which should follow the format of a research publication, and the final research conference presentation (in the form of a poster).

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - C A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts in the chosen research area. The research proposal, the oral presentation, conference poster and response to comments letter should demonstrate an ability to analyse the literature, to plan, conduct and analyse the research to present it into a coherent argument -good -B A good student should have a thorough factual knowledge of all aspects across of the project and how it relates to the chosen research area. The oral presentation, poster and response to comments letter should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to relate the research undertaken to the wider subject area. -excellent -A An excellent student should have a detailed and conceptual knowledge of the subject and the ability to design and write-up research highly original to the area of chosen study. The oral presentation, poster and response to comments letter should demonstrate an ability to not only think critically about the subject but also a thorough understanding of the novelty of the research undertaken. The whole dissertation or its parts should be at the level of publishable original scientific manuscripts ready to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal after some modifications.

Learning Outcomes

• To analyse the obtained data in the context of the relevant literature.

• To carry out the planned research.

• To communicate orally and in writing the aims, results and conclusions of the research project.

• To plan a research project that explores the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment.