Unit information: International Students Summer Research Project in 2019/20

Unit name	International Students Summer Research Project
Unit code	ORDS10023
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Nobbs
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Dental School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The unit is designed to offer students a wide exposure to a variety of research skills and experiences, with a particular focus on preparing students for future PGR projects in their chosen fields. Students will join pre-existing research groups to contribute directly to longer-term and ongoing University of Bristol research endeavours. It is intended that the output generated by students will contribute directly to University of Bristol research ambitions.

Aims:

• To promote the understanding of microbiology, biomaterials and/or dental research through exploration of a specific research question
• To develop independent work skills within a research environment
• To design and carry out experiments and analyse data
• To develop oral communication and presentation skills
• To promote the integration of basic science and clinical theory with practical application
• To promote further study and career opportunities in microbiology, biomaterials and/or dental research

The unit is taught via practical-based laboratory sessions. It is anticipated that practical skills will be taught in the first few weeks, followed by an increasing amount of independent research undertaken by the students. Students will also benefit from attending symposia related to careers and postgraduate study.

The unit will include a multi-week research project, whereby students will use techniques and skills already developed to design and carry out experiments and analyse data. These will be showcased via an oral presentation towards the end of the unit.

It is envisaged that the unit will help develop a wide range of skills relevant for all biomedical and dental students; both laboratory-based skills and transferable skills such as working as part of a team, problem-solving and scientific communication.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit, students should have developed skills including:

• Demonstration of key laboratory skills and techniques, including the use of laboratory equipment, handling of sensitive and biological materials, and obtaining and recording data
• Being able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats
• Working as part of a team to address a specific research topic
• Being able to design and deliver a scientific-based oral presentation
• Using problem-solving skills to troubleshoot
• Being able to contribute to planning, carrying out and analysing a short research project
• Enhanced knowledge of a specific, specialist subject
• Time management

Teaching Information

• Practical-based work in laboratories
• Careers and future prospects symposia
• Oral communication session

Assessment Information

The unit will be assessed through a combination of written tasks (lab book, report) undertaken throughout the unit and an oral presentation delivered in the final week.

Attendance (10%)
Satisfactory attendance as per a full-time research student

Research lab book (20%)
To be completed over the course of the project

Research report (40%)
A 500-word abstract comprising an Introduction, Materials & Methods, Results and Discussion

Oral presentation (30%)
Individual oral presentation to colleagues and School staff members

Reading and References

There are no set texts for the unit.