| Unit name | Research dissertation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCS30005 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Perks |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Bristol Medical School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Students will carry out a supervised 16-week research project in an area of interest and present their findings in the form of a research dissertation and oral presentation. The project can take a variety of forms: (i) laboratory-based experimental projects that involve the design, execution and analysis of wet experiments, in which the students collect their own data; (ii) clinical research projects that involve the assessment of medical diagnostic tools in patient populations or therapeutic interventions; (iii) on occasion there will be opportunities for ‘dry’ experimental projects that are based on analysis of existing data or requiring a detailed literary review or systematic review of a specific scientific/clinical question with a proposed programme of further research.
Students express their preferences from a range of potential projects and every effort is made to allocate a favoured project. The Introduction to the project dissertations will require a review of the relevant primary scientific literature. Students will evaluate and discuss the key research papers underlying their project. Students doing laboratory projects will learn experimental skills and techniques in an active research laboratory; while students doing clinical research projects will gain knowledge of clinical research methods and will develop advanced skills in data analysis. The unit aims to allow students to investigate a specific research question in considerable depth, develop the skills necessary to carry out a research project and gain an understanding of the process of scientific research. They will read, analyse and interpret scientific data presented in the literature. They will acquire laboratory/clinical research techniques, evaluate their research output and present their results in both written and oral formats.
The research dissertation will enable the student to develop know-how and skills in the following: (i) knowledge and understanding of a specific area of clinical sciences, including understanding of the scientific literature pertaining to the project and an ability to evaluate this literature critically; (ii) design, execution and analysis of research projects; (iii) ability to formulate hypothesis and to critically test theories and concepts; (iv) ability to reason, analyse and interpret data, identify and solve problems, exercise independence of mind, form and defend scientific judgements; (v) ability to disseminate experimental observations in written format and in oral presentations (vi) transferable skills including the ability to communicate with fellow researchers, be self-reliant and organise time effectively, take appropriate decisions when needed, an appropriate level of numeracy and IT skill, and manage a research project.
Data-based project, clinical research or non-experimental project work, where appropriate. Specific instruction in experimental techniques and data interpretation/handling, where appropriate, will be given. Project planning and discussion meetings with project supervisors including through face-to-face or online meetings. Although carried out under supervision, the projects will require self-direction, motivation and independent thought from the students.
Summative assessment will be in the form of:
Feedback will also be provided on draft dissertations.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SOCS30005).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
