BIOL41390: Research Project

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• To provide students hands-on laboratory experience.
• To teach confidence in equipment handling and configuration skills of basic laboratory instruments.
• To develop and sustain interest in Biotechnology research.
• To develop skills in design of experiments and project planning.
• To develop the abilities to undergo long in-depth experiments.
• To exposure to experimental research methods, time and project management.
• To provide students a framework to develop their own hypothesis and investigate them via experimental research.

• Carry out a 6-month research project that aligns with student interest in Biotechnology.
• Participation in a research team.
• Training in basic laboratory experimental equipment and techniques.
• Training in project-specific experimental equipment and techniques.
• Direct interaction with research-active supervisor.
• Data analysis and presentation in periodic lab-meetings.
• Attendance to research team group presentations and discussions.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of the research techniques used in a biotechnology-based laboratory.
• Understanding of fundamental molecular biology and physiological principles.
• Use of relevant molecular biology approaches. E.g. CRISPr technology.
• Understanding of the strategies used for discovering new biotechnology approaches.
• In depth knowledge of scientific literature in the area of biotechnology.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Be able to use molecular biology approaches.
• Be able to design biotechnology experiments.
• Be able to analyse and generate conclusions based on the results obtained in an investigation.
• Develop technical reporting skills, mainly through lab-book and lab meetings.
• Integrate information from biotechnology specific literature with practical knowledge.

Key Skills:

• Develop experimental design skills and project planning in a laboratory environment.
• Develop communication skills with a supervisor.
• Develop Problem solving skills.
• Develop Group working skills. Communication, address questions to peers and colleagues.
• Be able to generate new Hypotheses.
• Time management skills.
• Budget management skills.
• Integration of the above skills to function independently in a laboratory setting.

• The module comprises a 6-month experimental research investigation carried out under the direct supervision of a research-active Durham academic responsible for students mentorship and training.
• The student is expected to actively participate in the laboratory environment (lab meetings, journal clubs, etc.) and to undertake their project-specific research activities on a daily basis and in coordination with the research supervisor.
• Research progress and laboratory experience will be communicated every two months to the Plant Biotechnology or Biotechnology research committees which will provide feedback to student and supervisor. By doing this, the department safeguards student supervision and delivery of research objectives.
• Assessment will be by a dissertation, a presentation, a performance review by the supervisor, and an assignment to report progress through consistent use of a lab notebook, which should also document financial expenditures.

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