Course Catalogue

Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project BIOL4247P

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic
  • Credits: 40
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

Students will find, and critically interpret, appropriate primary published literature on a focused research topic to form an evidence-based argument that is used for one or more of the following purposes:

1. Answer a question/hypothesis that motivated the dissertation from the start;

2. Answer a question/hypothesis that emerges during the literature review phase;

3. Propose new research questions and hypothesis/hypotheses based on the literature review phase;

4. Inform policy or funding bodies.

Individual projects may require travel outwith Glasgow.

Timetable

As arranged individually.

Requirements of Entry

Normally, this course is only available to final-year students in a Life Sciences programme. Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the Life Sciences Study Abroad Coordinators and relevant Course Coordinator.

Excluded Courses

BIOL4246P Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project

BIOL4248P Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project

BIOL4249P Life Sciences Internship Honours Project

BIOL5287P Life Sciences Investigative MSci Project

BIOL5288P Life Sciences Dissertation MSci Project

BIOL5289PLife Sciences Outreach MSci Project

Assessment

Project dissertation (70%), supervisor's assessment of overall performance (10%) and project oral presentation (20%). 

Course Aims

The aims of the course are to provide experience in the planning and composition of a short research-led dissertation, encompassing critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data obtained from sources identified from a focused search strategy, and in presenting and discussing research findings orally.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Design and complete an investigation of a focused research question using relevant literature

■ Develop a strategic approach to selecting evidence sources in a focused topic area

■ Apply a methodical approach to searching relevant bibliographic databases and other sources of relevant information

■ Integrate, critically analyse and evaluate data from multiple sources

■ Formulate reasoned judgements based on available evidence

■ Write a clear and coherent report in an appropriate format

■ Design and deliver a clear, well-constructed oral presentation describing their research to their peers.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions