6B009B - Independent Research Project 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 6B009B
Module Title: Independent Research Project
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Science
Faculty Sub Group: Biology and Chemistry
Module Leader: Cerith Jones, Hannah Seale
Module Team: Sioned Owen, Natalie Lubbock, Anthony Caravaggi, Josephine Bradley, James McCormack, Peter Miedziak
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2032
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 33
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100346 - biology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2027
Valid To 31 Aug 2033

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are:

  • To enable students to design and conduct an independent research project by investigating an open or unresolved problem within their degree discipline, applying appropriate knowledge, methods, and critical judgement.

·        To develop students’ independence, analytical skills, and communication, preparing them for postgraduate study or research informed professional practice.

Content Summary

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop independence as researchers through a sustained period of self-guided study focused on a topic aligned with your degree subject. You will investigate an open or unsolved problem, drawing on knowledge, skills, and methods developed across the course to design, plan, and undertake an original research project. The module emphasises project formulation, critical use of literature, appropriate methodological choices, data analysis or theoretical exploration, and clear academic communication.

The purpose of the module is to consolidate learning from the wider course while supporting the transition from structured teaching to independent inquiry. It enables you to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, problem-solving ability, and initiative, while developing key transferable skills such as time management, critical thinking, and reflective practice. This module contributes to the overall course aims by allowing you to apply disciplinary knowledge in depth, engage with current research challenges, and prepare for postgraduate study or research-informed professional practice.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 56
Digital Guided Learning 20
Independent Study? 128
Formative Assessment 36
Summative Assessment 60
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Design, conduct, and critically evaluate an independent project, demonstrating systematic data collection, rigorous analysis, and coherent interpretation of findings.
LO2 Communicate research processes and findings effectively to an appropriate audience, presenting data, conclusions, and critical insights clearly and accurately

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Project The project is an asynchronous written assessment that requires students to design, conduct, and critically evaluate an independent piece of research, emulating the format and conventions of a relevant scientific journal article. 0 3000 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Individual Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) The individual presentation is a synchronous, onsite oral assessment that focuses on the clear and accurate communication of research processes and outcomes to an audience of peers and subject specialists. This assessment enables students to articulate their work verbally and provides an authentic means of assessing understanding, critical insight, and engagement with their research 10 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Project
Individual Presentation (Synchronous Onsite)

Reading List

Bownes, J. (2023) The science student’s guide to dissertations and research projects. London, England: Bloomsbury Academic.

 

Illingworth, S. & Allen, G. (2024) Effective science communication : a practical guide to surviving as a scientist. Third edition. Bristol, England: IOP Publishing.

 

Cargill, M. & O’Connor, P. (2013) Writing scientific research articles : strategy and steps. 2nd ed. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

 

Cottrell, S. (2017) Critical thinking skills : effective analysis, argument and reflection. Third edition. London, UK ; Bloomsbury Academic.