FOR40130 Research Project

Academic Year 2023/2024

The research project is a key element in the curriculum. After an initial exploratory phase, during which students investigate potential research topics, information and data sources, and operational practicalities, each student will select an approved topic and is assigned a supervisor. Under the guidance of the supervisor, students work independently on their research project. Where appropriate (and approved by the supervisor), outside advice and assistance can be sought. During all phases of the Research Project, but especially during the experimental design, data analysis and dissertation writing phases, students are encouraged to work closely with their supervisor to ensure that the correct procedures are used and the format and quality of the dissertation are of adequate standard. Students must familiarise themselves with the rules of the laboratory and with health and safety practices.

Students are advised to seek constructive feedback from their supervisor as the work progresses, especially during the write-up phase. To encourage students to engage in this process at an early stage, marks will be awarded for work completed before the final submission date. Students must submit/ complete before the final submission date: (i) an outline plan of the Research Project, including a list containing 10-20 of the most relevant literature references; (ii) a complete full draft version of the Introduction and Literature Review section; and (iii) an oral presentation. Students will be provided with additional information about the module during the trimester, including the deadline dates for completing each work component described above.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Develop an ability to critically review and synthesise information – Understand and develop self-motivation and application skills – Understand the importance of experimental design, data collection and data analysis – Acquire organisational skills – Develop technical competence – Develop problem-solving abilities – Cultivate scientific writing skills.

Indicative Module Content:

Students will investigate potential research topics, information and data sources, and operational practicalities, after which they must select a topic for approval. A supervisor is then assigned. Under the guidance of the supervisor, students work independently on their research project. Students will also present the findings of their work during a seminar.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

20
Specified Learning Activities

300
Total

320
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
A variety of approaches are used to encourage critical evaluation of problem, designing an approach to answer the questions posed. This involves carrying out a literature and design a study approach in an attempt to answer these questions. The student must then analyse and critically interpret the data collected, particularly in relation to what is known from the scientific literature. The student must present the findings in thesis form and in an oral presentation. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Draft Introduction and Literature review Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Project: Research thesis Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

65
Continuous Assessment: Supervisor's report Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Seminar: Oral presentation Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Continuous Assessment: Plan outline and references Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

5

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Some feedback is provided at class level. A considerable amount of individual feedback is also provided, especially during the write-up stage.

Name Role
Professor Aine Ni Dhubhain Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 14:00 - 15:50