Unit information: Research Project in 2015/16

Unit name	Research Project
Unit code	VETSM0009
Credit points	60
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Sheard
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

A research project is undertaken after the examination. The project allows students to: Explore a subject area in depth; Develop laboratory and other practical skills relevant to the subject area; Carry out a balanced experiment and analyse the data with the assistance of a qualified statistician; Hone previously developed writing skills including abstracting information, data presentation and interpretation. Students commence their projects in May and must submit their work by mid-September.

The unit aims to develop a range of research skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• plan and conduct a research project

• acquire practical experience of basic and/or specialised techniques including data analysis

• conduct a thorough literature review in their chosen topic

• write up their work in the form of a scientific paper

Teaching Information

All students are assigned a named academic supervisor who advises the student at all stages throughout the project. Laboratory techniques are usually taught by technical staff.

Assessment Information

Students are required to write up their project in the form of a scientific paper, combined with an in-depth literature review. The paper accounts for 75% of the available marks, and the course work 25%.

Reading and References

There is a strong reliance upon scientific journals (e.g. Meat Science, Food Microbiology, Animal Welfare).