Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
Code LIFE702
Coordinator Mr KJ Hatton
School of Life Sciences
Kjhatton@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 30

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject/discipline 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
LIFE703 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           100
This will be linked to project type and will typically involve periods of practical training either in the laboratory or via computer based modelling. This work will be guided by project supervisor.
20
A series of log entries that monitor the students development and training
120
Timetable (if known)           After a 'Record of Skills' is initially identified between the student and supervisor, progress will be monitored in the development of these skills via 3 reflective log entries. The 3 log entries w
  		 
Private Study 180
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  A record of how and   Semester 2  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  A portfolio showing how skills have been acquired. 
Coursework  3000-5000 word repor  Semester 2  40  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Write a review article that is critically informed by the scientific literature. 
Coursework  approx. 3 A4 pages  Semester 2  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Develop and present a plan for a research project. Notes (applying to all assessments) All assessments marked by project supervisor and a second assessor. 

Aims

The aim of this module is to give students the individual experience in the planning, design and execution of a research project in their chosen pathway. 

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of the essential concepts in their chosen field of study.

Demonstrate competancy in a range of skills necessary to work in a research laboratory and to complete a successful research project.

Develop and present a plan for a research project in the form of a grant proposal, which critically appraises the background of the project, evaluates the methodologies, formulates hypotheses and objectives, and resources required.

Write a review article, that is critically informed by the scientific literature.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Practical - This will be linked to project type and will typically involve periods of practical training either in the laboratory or via computer based modelling. This work will be guided by project supervisor.

Eportfolio - A series of log entries that monitor the students development and training

After a ''Record of Skills'' is initially identified between the student and supervisor, progress will be monitored in the development of these skills via 3 reflective log entries. The 3 log entries will designated as initial, interim and final reflective logs.

Syllabus
1 

The syllabus includes the following elements: planning and designing a research project, identification of skills required, undertaking a literature survey and preparing a project proposal.

Semesters 1 and 2. In the first few weeks of their MSc programme, students will be assessed by their research project supervisor to establish which skills they will need to acquire to complete a successful research project in their chosen pathway. Students will then agree a series of tasks to develop the necessary skills. Students will be expected to keep a reflective log of their actitivities and demonstrate that they have achieved the required level of expertise with a portfolio that includes a project record book, which is presented regularly to the supervisor for inspection, and as evidence of how they have gained their skills. Students will undertake a literature survey to provide the relevant background for the preparation of a project proposal. The proposal will take the form of a grant application.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: