AP0616 - Biological and Food Sciences Research Project

You will learn through independent learning, with support and guidance of your research project supervisor. Initially, you will explore the literature in your research topic area and you will develop a plan for your investigation in discussion with your research project supervisor. You will collect experimental data, analysing your results with appropriate tests. You will discuss your findings and their significance with your research project supervisor. You will improve your communication skills by preparing and delivering an oral presentation and a report in order to disseminate your findings.

At the outset of the module you will be allocated a research project supervisor whose research interests are aligned to one of your selected research topic preferences. In a series of one-to-one or small group meetings, you will discuss research ideas with your research project supervisor and they will guide you in a literature survey that will establish a strong understanding of the current state of your chosen research topic area and a methodological basis for your study. Your research project supervisor will provide feedback ahead of your oral presentation delivery and report submission for summative assessment, and provide guidance to ensure all aspects of research governance are considered and recorded. Your research project supervisor, and members of our technical and research staff, will provide training in necessary techniques and complex data analyses.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Develop a robust experimental design.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Identify and advocate the development of an applied research programme in Food Sciences and Nutrition.
• Record and analyse experimental data to professional standards.
• Describe, evaluate and contextualise research findings.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Identify and explore the impact of your research on stakeholders.

The rationale for the research programme and the suitability of the experimental design will be assessed in an oral presentation. A formative submission will be subject to academic review with a revised submission for summative assessed as 20% module score.

The main assessment for the module will be a formal written report adhering to professional guidelines and standards. After completion of a laboratory work, a report (5000 words ±10%) will be submitted for formal academic review (emulating submission of a research paper) ahead of a revised project submission for summative assessment as 60% of the module score.
The supervisor’s report, based on the evidence recorded in the project logbook, will represent 20% of the module mark.

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To enable students in engage in a research project and to present their evaluation of the relevant primary literature and their own findings in an oral presentation and written report. Laboratory and/or computer based work will provide the students with the appropriate practical skills and independent and directed learning will be used to facilitate literature evaluation. Assessment strategies will take the form of and oral presentation; supervisor’s assessment of the student’s attitude, initiative, attendance, planning, data recording and practical skills; and a final written report. Students will receive weekly oral feedback from their supervisors within laboratory/tutorial sessions. Supervisors will review one draft of the oral presentation and written report prior to submission.