BI4ARP: Advanced Research Project

Module code: BI4ARP

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 80

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Alice Pollitt , email: a.pollitt@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Renee Lee, email: r.b.y.lee@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module serves as a cornerstone for students, providing them with advanced tools and methodologies essential for conducting high-quality research and developing the skills that they need to become leaders and innovators in research and development. Throughout this module, students will engage with advanced concepts and work on an extensive piece of research in a research-active laboratory, thus allowing them to delve into various research paradigms, methodologies and techniques. They will critically evaluate existing research literature, identify gaps in knowledge and formulate research questions that contribute to the advancement of knowledge within their discipline. Throughout the module, students will receive guidance and support from experienced academics, who will serve as their supervisor throughout the research process. They will also experience what it is like to be a member of a vibrant research environment. By the end of the module, students will have developed the expertise and confidence to undertake independent research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in their field of study. They will be well-prepared to pursue careers in academia or industry, where they can apply their advanced research skills to address complex challenges.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Design and engage in an independent and sustained investigation of a chosen research topic in a fully integrated research environment
2. Work effectively, safely and ethically on a research project
3. Demonstrate the ability to use techniques to address a particular research question, at a standard consistent with current published research in the field
4. Critically analyse results and place them in the context of the existing literature
5. Communicate project background, aims and findings to specialist and non-specialist audience through a written report (dissertation) and oral presentations
6. Demonstrate enhanced skills in organisation, time management, record keeping and carrying out independent research

Module content

This module will build on the knowledge and skills gained from BI3RP3 (Research Project) and BIMAPS1 (Critical Analysis and Problem Solving). Students would have worked on their Research Proposal in Semester 1 (as part of BIMAPS1) and will be assigned to a Supervisor (and Research Project). Students are expected to manage their own time and work on their research project (data collection and analysis). They will be supported by their supervisor (regular meetings), workshops/lectures (where applicable) and drop-in sessions. All students will be expected to present their work in a mini-symposium (Week 8, Semester 2). The oral presentation (10%) will be assessed and the students will also receive additional feedback from their peers. These will all feed forward to the preparation of their Dissertation. Students will be required to submit a dissertation draft (Materials and Methods and Results) on Week 8 (Semester 2), allowing their supervisor to provide them with further (formative) feedback. Students will submit their Dissertation (70%) in Week 11 (Semester 2). This will be assessed by their supervisor and another academic (double-blind marked). Upon submission of the Dissertation, the students’ understanding will be further examined by viva voce (20%).Ìý

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