7B025B - Research Project 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 7B025B
Module Title: Research Project
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Science
Faculty Sub Group: Biology and Chemistry
Module Leader: Cerith Jones
Module Team: Sioned Owen
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2032
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 60 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 33
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100265 - biomedical sciences
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 develop advanced, independent research skills through the design, planning, and execution of a sustained biomedical science investigation. 

  • To critically evaluate scientific literature and methodologies to inform research questions, data interpretation, and evidence-based conclusions. 

  • To communicate complex scientific findings effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriate academic and professional formats. 

Content Summary

The MSc Biomedical Science Research Project module is a core component of the programme, designed to provide students with hands-on experience in conducting independent scientific research. Undertaken over several months, the module involves the design, execution, and presentation of a research project within a specialised area of biomedical science, such as molecular biology, haematology, immunology or diagnostics. Students will work under academic supervision to formulate a research question, review relevant literature, apply appropriate methodologies, and analyse and interpret their findings. 

The purpose of the module is to develop critical research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, problem-solving, and scientific communication. It also fosters independence, time management, and the ability to critically evaluate scientific evidence—key competencies for careers in research, healthcare, or industry. 

This module significantly contributes to the overall course by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. It enables students to deepen their subject expertise while gaining real-world research experience. Furthermore, the project serves as a platform for future career opportunities, including doctoral study or employment in biomedical fields, by demonstrating the student’s ability to conduct rigorous and meaningful scientific investigation.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Project 112
Supervision 20
Guided study  20
Independent study 240
Assessment 120
Total Hours Selected 512

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Design, plan, conduct, and critically evaluate an independent project, demonstrating effective data collection, analysis, and interpretation, communicating outcomes to relevant professionals.
LO2 Apply and critically evaluate advanced laboratory and diagnostic methodologies relevant to biomedical science disciplines

Module Requisites

Code Title Requisite Type
MOD014234 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease pre-requisite
MOD014235 Applied Biomedical Science Investigations pre-requisite
MOD014237 Future horizons in Biomedical Science pre-requisite
MOD014236 Regenerative Medicine: Mechanisms and Translation pre-requisite
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Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Project Individual Online: Students will present their independent research design informed by literature and present their research findings and their critical analysis and impact in a comprehensive written format aligned to industry and academic standards for the Biomedical Science discipline. 0 6000 50 No 50
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Clinical Viva (Onsite) Individual: Students will orally present and defend their dissertation designed to complement the written component by evaluating the students depth of understanding, critical thinking and ownership and authenticity of the research in real time, thus holistically evaluating the student’s research competence, intellectual engagement, and academic integrity whilst demonstrating communication skills, particularly their ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and respond to academic critique. 45 N/A 50 No 50

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Project ✔ ✔
Clinical Viva (Onsite) ✔ ✔

Reading List

Textbooks 

Designing Clinical Research – Hulley, S.B. et al. 
Excellent for study design, hypothesis development, statistics, ethics, and interpreting biomedical research. Particularly strong for clinical and translational projects.  

Research Methods for Health and Social Care – Bowling, A. 
Good introductory-to-intermediate text covering qualitative and quantitative methods, literature review, and research planning.  

Biomedical Research Methodology – by various academic publishers 
Useful for laboratory-based MSc projects including experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.  

How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper – Day, R.A. and Gastel, B. 
Particularly useful for dissertation writing, publication structure, and presenting biomedical findings clearly.  

Practical Statistics for Medical Research – Altman, D.G. 
Strong recommendation if your MSc project includes statistical analysis or diagnostic evaluation.  

Experimental Design for the Life Sciences – Graeme D. Ruxton and Nick Colegrave 
Very suitable for laboratory biomedical science projects involving controls, variables, reproducibility, and experimental planning. 

Students should engage regularly with current literature from high-impact journals: 

  • Nature Biotechnology. London: Nature Publishing Group.  

  • Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. London: Nature Publishing Group.  

  • Cell Stem Cell. Cambridge, MA: Cell Press.  

  • The Lancet. London: Elsevier.  

  • Clinical Chemistry. Washington, DC: American Association for Clinical Chemistry.  

  • Stem Cell Reports. Cambridge, MA: Cell Press.