Unit information: Dissertation in 2014/15

Unit name	Dissertation
Unit code	BIOCM0004
Credit points	80
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Gaston
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Biochemistry
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The Unit consists of a 10,000 word Dissertation to be completed in the form of a Thesis. The Disseration is based on a 12-week research project carried out by the student on a subject of the students own choosing taken from a list supplied by the Unit Organiser. Each Department provides a number of Research Project topics and a list of related references. Each student works independently to complete their Research Project and Dissertation.

Aims:

• To provide experience in the acquisition and analysis of data.

• To provide experience in the use of computer skills including word processing and data presentation packages.

• To foster individual work, demonstrating organisation, and time management.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Unit the students should be able to:

• plan and complete experiments to test hypotheses,

• interpret and manipulate experimental data,

• draw logical conclusions from experimental data,

• collate and analyse data from various sources including printed and online Scientific Journals, databases, and textbooks,

• demonstrate basic computer skills including proficiency in the use of word processing packages,

• work independently, demonstrating organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.

Teaching Information

One-to-one instruction in experimental techniques. Directed reading.

Assessment Information

The completed Dissertation will be assessed independently by two members of Academic Staff and will be the subject of a viva voce examination.

Reading and References

Relevant research papers and textbooks. The exact nature of these references will be different for each Research Project.