Students complete a laboratory-based project in a research group, which they select from a wide range of project available in the College. Students write a report based on their laboratory findings and plans for future work.

Normally, full time for 13-14 weeks.

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1. Written project report including structured future proposal (40%). ILOs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9

2. A 20-30-minute viva voce examination (40%). ILOs 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9

3. Supervisor report which will assess the students overall performance for specified criteria in the project period (20%). 1, 6, 9, 10, 11

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The supervisor assessment is not available for reassessment as this is assessed on the students' performance over the 3-month first project period.

The first project period aims to provide the opportunity for students to engage in an independent research project, and to write a critical, evidence-based short report of their work including a proposal of how this work could be taken forward. 

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

1. identify, synthesise, summarise, and critically evaluate prior research in specific areas of biomedical sciences;

2. design, plan and safely execute significant biomedical research experiments;

3. formulate and test hypotheses, solve problems through experimentation by defining scientific questions and addressing them critically;

4. critically evaluate and analyse scientific data;

5. critically discuss and effectively communicate original research findings in the context of existing knowledge in an appropriate scientific style and format;

6. design and communicate effective experimental strategies for future research projects based on the outcome of their own research;

7. plan and manage time effectively by prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines;

8. work co-operatively with colleagues to develop interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.