Research Proposal

Learning Outcomes

• As a student in this course, I will develop the ability to:
  
• Communicate the findings of scientific research in plain English and verbally for a scientifically-literate audience (assessment tasks: verbal proposal presentation).
  
• Synthesise primary scientific literature to generate a clear and concise argument in support of a perspective (assessment task: research proposal).
  
• Critically evaluate a colleague’s work and generate constructive feedback (assessment task: peer-assessment of research proposal draft).
  
• Synthesise primary scientific literature to provide in-depth background and context for understanding and critical evaluation of topics in biological sciences (assessment task: research proposal).
  
• Apply an understanding of scientific practice to the generation of new testable hypotheses and to the development of advanced methodologies for testing hypotheses (assessment task: methodology section of research proposal).
  
  Transferable Skills Register
  As a student in this course, I will develop the following skills:
  
• Writing a literature review to focus ideas for research proposals. This is essential for MSc Pt I students to be fully prepared for Pt II. Beyond University this skill is important for any career in research or in an NGO, where you will need to write convincing applications for increasingly-limited funding. We will have tutorials to provide instruction on the elements of successful proposals and develop your abilities to identify these elements in group sessions.
  
• Critical synthesis of information. In everyday life and in many job situations you will be required to read information from different sources, construct your own understanding and shape your own viewpoint. In BIOL412 we develop your abilities to identify the essential elements of research outputs - you will use these skills in your proposal.
  
• Research design. Important for research and in governmental and non-governmental organisations. We will provide discipline-specific advice on the major elements involved in developing testable questions and designing research projects.
  
• Writing critical summaries of other work. Clear and constructive written criticism is essential in most professional careers. In a tutorial we will provide instruction on the elements of successful critical assessment and help you identify these elements with clear marking rubrics – you will use these in your peer-review of a colleague’s work.
  
• Verbal presentation. In most careers in science the ability to present findings clearly in verbal form is likely to be critical. In BIOL412 we provide clear guidance on what makes a good presentation and you will test these skills in your proposal presentation.

Prerequisites

Restrictions

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .