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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2021 - 2022

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 30
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

Option 1: In Option 1, students will participate in a three-month research placement within the School of Biotechnology or in other Institutes in DCU. Alternatively, if you are working in a relevant Industry you may undertake your research project in your place of work. This module will help students develop the research skills needed to adopt a problem-solving approach to scientific research in biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. Guidance will be provided in the basic methodology of scientific research and in summarising, elaborating and explaining research results. Students will also gain a number of transferable skills, including communication, interpersonal and organisational skills. Students will provide the structure of their own literature review/project plan and this should clearly identify the context of the proposed research, and status of the field, together with realistic time scale for completion. Students will complete a dissertation that will include a full scientific report of their project. Also, students will give an oral presentation of their project to all Principle Investigators and mentors involved in the project. Option 2: In Option 2, students will undertake seven masterclasses in precision medicine covering cell culture and cell proliferation, RT-qPCR, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, ELISA, bioinformatics/RNA sequencing and grant writing. The first four masterclasses will be based in the laboratory while the final two masterclasses will be held in the classroom or delivered remotely.

Learning Outcomes

1. Locate the source information and literature necessary for your research project/masterclasses and literature review.
2. Apply the methods and procedures of scientific research and development on a novel topic pertaining to diagnostics, therapeutics and/or precision medicine.
3. Identify logical approaches to experimental design, analytical measurement, and data analysis.
4. Prepare a research thesis (research project option) or research paper (masterclass option) that provides a summary and critical analysis of the scientific research that was carried out in this project.
5. Deliver an oral presentation of your research topic or masterclasses.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Professional Practice480Students will be expected to work a full 40 hour week in the laboratory for 12 weeks (research project option) or will be expected to attend all 6 masterclasses and thereafter work independently over the 12 week period.
Directed learning40Students will read relevant references before starting in the laboratory
Independent Study40Literature and database searches
Assignment Completion160Dissertation preparation
Assignment Completion30Presentation and preparation
Total Workload: 750

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

The specific research area for each individual project will be agreed upon by the student and the academic and/or industrial advisors. Specific research and evaluation criteria will apply in the individual projects.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Principle Investigator: 0, Specific reading material will apply in the individual projects.,
Other Resources

None
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