Overview

Students will research and prepare a literature review, covering the background of a research project area, develop a specific research project hypothesis and where necessary, attain skill sets focused towards performing a specific hypothesis driven research project.

Skill sets developed may include specific data-mining techniques, critical aspects of Bioinformatic analysis - NCBI tools for DNA/RNA and protein analysis, application of Gel documentation and other DNA/RNA and protein analysis software packages and (under supervision of project research groups/supervisors) specific skills/techniques, which are directly applicable to a specific research project.

For student revision, lectures, tutorials and practical demonstrations are recorded using the Panopto system

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Pass (C- to C+) (range 50-59%)Primary criteria A threshold student demonstrates knowledge of key areas & principles, and understands the main elements of the subject area, although gaps and weaknesses in the argument are evident. No evidence of background study and wider reading. Answer focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure & argument. Answers have several factual/computational errors. No original interpretation. No links between topics are described. Limited problem solving skills. Some weaknesses in presentation accuracy 7 delivery.Secondary CriteriaC+ Good within the class - Exceeds expectations for some primary criteria - Strong factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understanding - Ideas/arguments are limited but are well presented C Mid-level - Matches all primary criteria - Moderate factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understanding - Ideas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentation C- Meets requirements of class - Matches most but not all primary criteria - Moderate factual knowledge with several weaknesses in understanding - Ideas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentation -good -Merit (B- to B+) (range 60-69%)Primary criteria Good students demonstrate strong knowledge & understanding of most but not all of the subject area. Limited evidence of background study. The answer is focussed with good structure. Arguments are presented coherently, mostly free of factual/computational errors. Some limited original interpretation. Well know links between topics are described. Problems are addressed by existing methods/approaches. Good presentation with accurate communicationSecondary CriteriaB+ Good - Exceeds expectations for most primary criteria - Command of subject but with gaps in knowledge - Some ideas/arguments originalB Mid-level - Meets all primary criteria - Strong factual knowledge and understanding - Ideas/arguments are well presented by few are originalB- Meets requirements of class - Meets most but not all primary criteria - Strong factual knowledge with minor weaknesses in understanding - Most but not all ideas/arguments are well presented and few are original -excellent -Distinction (A- to A) (range 70-100%)*Primary criteria*Excellent students demonstrate comprehensive knowledge & detailed understanding of the subject area. Clear evidence of extensive background study & original thinking. Highly focussed, accurate and well structured information and concepts. Arguments are logically presented and defended with evidence and examples. Original interpretation of the information with clear evidence of wider reading. New links between topics are developed and new approaches to a problem are presented. Excellent presentation skills with very accurate communication.Secondary Criteria*A OutstandingExceeds expectations for most primary criteriaComplete command of subject and other relevant areasIdeas/arguments are highly originalA+ ExcellentExceeds expectations for some primary criteriaComplete command of subjectIdeas/arguments are highly originalA GoodMeets all primary criteriaCommand of subject but with minor gaps in knowledge areasIdeas/arguments are mostly originalA- Meets requirements of ClassMeets most but not all primary criteriaComplete command of subject but with some gaps in knowledgeIdeas/arguments are mostly original

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate appropriate use of information technology applications in information research, collection, analysis and presentation

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of current peer reviewed background literature covering a specific research topic/area

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of data generation techniques and protocols required to answer a specific research question and hypothesis

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the ethical design and development of a specific research hypothesis and strategy

• Demonstrate master level abilities to efficiently locate, collect and incorporate appropriate literature and/or secondary data into specifically formatted scientific documents or presentations

• Demonstrate master-level scientific writing and presentation skills, to specific scientific formats