Module: Research Project (Major Bioprocess Research)

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Project (Major Bioprocess Research)
Module Code	BTE1051
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

Description

The Final Year Research Project in Bioprocess Engineering provides students with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth investigation into a specific area of bioprocess engineering. This module is designed to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the degree program and apply them to an engineering problem or research question. Students will engage in the full cycle of research, including literature review, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The project will culminate in a comprehensive written dissertation and an oral presentation, demonstrating the student’s ability to conduct and communicate research effectively.

Learning Outcomes

1. Formulate a Research Question: Develop a clear and focused research question or hypothesis relevant to bioprocess engineering.
2. Literature Review: Conduct a review of existing literature to contextualize the research within the broader scientific and engineering framework.
3. Experimental Design: Design and plan an appropriate experimental or theoretical approach to address the research question, considering factors such as methodology, data collection, and ethical considerations
4. Data Collection and Analysis: Execute the research plan, collect data systematically, and apply appropriate analytical techniques to interpret the results.
5. Problem Solving: Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges encountered during the research process.
6. Scientific Communication: Present research findings in a clear, concise, and scientifically rigorous manner through a written dissertation and oral presentation.
7. Project Management: Demonstrate effective project management skills, including time management, resource allocation, and collaboration where applicable.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	180	Conducting the research project in a laboratory environment.
Independent Study	195	Independent study on research project.
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	21171	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Brian Freeland	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Portfolio	Research Proposal: Submission of a detailed research proposal outlining the research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.	10%	n/a
Thesis	Final Dissertation: A comprehensive written report of the research project, including all relevant sections.	60%	n/a
Oral Examination	Oral Presentation: A 20-minute oral presentation of the research project, followed by an extensive Q&A session.	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None