For students in relevant employment, projects may be carried out in their place of work subject to discussions and written agreement between the employer and the university. Other students may undertake university-based projects. Within either type of project shorter 'placements' in specialised facilities may be included for specialised training. These will be subject to written agreement between the collaborating parties. Details of overall project management arrangements are provided in the student handbooks. For full time students the module normally occupies a minimum of 15 weeks Interim progress reports, prepared by the student researcher, form an integral part of the project. They both enable formative feedback and monitor progress on a regular basis. Students will be fully advised of submission deadlines at the start of their project.

A VIVA of 30 minutes to assess learning outcomes 1 and 2 weighted at 10%. A DISSERTATION length 15000 WORDS to assess learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3 weighted at 90%.

You will execute a planned programme of investigative practical work, analyse the data you thus obtain and write a clear concise and informative dissertation presenting your findings in the context of other published studies.

Due to the varied nature of MSC Molecular Biology Projects, the following should serve as a guide to the management of student learning by supervisors. A timetabled series of meetings will be arranged between the student and supervisor. Dependent on the circumstances the meetings may be either in person or held virtually. These meetings should include a review of project progress, problems and results/data, but may also be used, if appropriate, to schedule specialist training, liaison with collaborators and meetings with workplace supervisors. The regularity of these meetings should be governed by the time course of the research work and by mutual agreement of all involved parties.

1. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how to perform molecular biology research competently. Perform practical procedures competently including method development and problem solving.¿¿

Application, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving.

2. Communicate the conclusions from a discipline specific piece of research from the field of molecular biology to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Demonstrate high level skills in the presentation and analysis of biological data.¿

Analysis, Application, Communication, Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving.

3. Contextualise scientific findings in the light of other published literature including the discussion of experimental limitations and the identification of further required work using critical awareness and evaluation.¿

Analysis, Communication, Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Reflection

Access to suitable laboratory and equipment during the scheduled period of study. Access to computing facilities and library for literature searching and dissertation writing.


Laake, P., Benestad, H., Olsen, B., (2105) Research in Medical and Biological Sciences, 1st edition. Elsevier. ISBN 9780128001547

Appropriate, largely primary, literature will be dependent on the Project topic.

Must have successfully completed the Research Project Proposal Module.

Access to molecular biology laboratory, facilities and technical specialists.¿

Access to primary research and review articles in the university library.

A research project reflecting your area of interest wherever possible. Projects will be designed in consultation with a university-based supervisor and can be conducted either at your place of work or here at the University.