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BIOL40360

Academic Year 2025/2026

Research Project (BIOL40360)

Subject:
Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
20
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Jonathan Yearsley
Credit Split by Trimester:
Autumn 10
Spring 10
Trimester:
2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Fieldwork Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The research project is a key element in the curriculum. In this module students are assigned and carry out a research project associated with a specific academic supervisor. Students select individual projects from a list provided by the module co-ordinator, following consultation with the selected supervisor. During the designated period students are expected to devote themselves to their project (subject to other programme requirements). Students must familiarise themselves with the rules of the laboratory and with health and safety practices. Students will maintain regular contact with their supervisor who will assist by reading and commenting on written work and will provide advice and constructive criticism as necessary.
Students will also be introduced to a range of library, statistical and personal development skills which will build on modules taken in Stages 1 through Stage 3.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

During this module students will:
- Develop an ability to synthesise information;
- Understand the importance of self-motivation and application;
- Understand and appreciate the importance of experimental design;
- Develop organisational skills;
- Develop technical competence;
- Develop problem-solving abilities;
- Be able to utilise online library searches and associated reference management systems;
- Be able to appreciate and see the relevance of research seminars as a mode of communicating research;
- Participate within the school's research community (both within a research group and across the school via the seminar series)

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

15
Small Group

50
Laboratories

250
Autonomous Student Learning

190
Total

505

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Learning will be largely self-directed under the guidance of your supervisor and their research group.
Formal classes will be held to give you training in using software to manage literature and other transferable skills.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Oral presentation Week 8 Spring Graded No
10
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Seminar series assignment (participation at seminars and a piece of science communication) Week 12 Spring Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
5
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Data management plan Week 10 Autumn Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
5
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: 1 minute elevator pitch Week 5 Autumn Other No
5
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Supervisor's grade on performance during the research project. The assessment covers: Commitment / Engagement, Independence and understanding, Documentation of the research, Writing Process Week 1 Autumn, Week 2 Autumn, Week 3 Autumn, Week 4 Autumn, Week 5 Autumn, Week 6 Autumn, Week 7 Autumn, Week 8 Autumn, Week 9 Autumn, Week 10 Autumn, Week 11 Autumn, Week 12 Autumn, Week 1 Spring, Week 2 Spring, Week 3 Spring, Week 4 Spring, Week 5 Spring, Week 6 Spring, Week 7 Spring, Week 8 Spring, Week 9 Spring, Week 10 Spring Graded No
15
 No
Thesis/Dissertation: Research project thesis Week 10 Spring Graded No
60
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat (CFP) Within Three Semesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Your project supervisors will give you feedback on drafts of your elevator pitch, oral presentation and final project thesis. Individual feedback on the assessed components is available on request to the module coordinator.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Gavin Stewart Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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