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The primary aim of BIOL0044 is to enable students to undertake anÌýindividual project under supervision. Projects usually involve an extensive literature review component.ÌýDepending on the agreed format with the supervisor they could also include activities such as data analysis (e.g. statistical, bioinformatics, modelling). The module will prepare 3rd year MSci students for their subsequent final year research project, in particular the necessary skills in reviewing the scientific literature, evaluating published data and scientific writing.ÌýThese projects will not involve day-by-day working in a laboratory environment but you may attend group meetings and visit the laboratory. This can help provide a context for the research literature that you will be reviewing. This module does not have lectures beyond an introductory lecture, and a ‘how to write up your project’ lecture.

Learning Objectives

Guided by your supervisor, you will learn how to:

• Identify a scientific research topic that is suitable for review or further analysis
• Search databases for scholarly articles relevant to your project
• Critically evaluate research findings from the primary research literature and reviews
• Understand the principles of experimental design and the different research techniques/methodologies
• Present a structured written report following a specified format
• Convey findings via an oral presentationÌýin a conference-style setting

To meet the requirements of BIOL0044, your project must have at least one of the following features:

1. A focus on an emerging topic, which has not been reviewed in the literature
2. A meta-analysis of published data or unpublished data generated by the host laboratory
3. A formal systemic review (for example, of clinical trials)
4. Inter-disciplinarity

Please note that you will be asked to indicate preferred topics from a list provided by the Project Tutor. An allocation committee, will then assign specific projects within these topics. Guidance on selecting topics will be available. Once you have been assigned , you are encouraged to discuss the format and focus of your project with your supervisor.Ìý