Cancer Biology and Immunology Dissertation by Research

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Design, plan and complete a research project within a fixed time period.
• Work effectively as part of an established research team.
• Contextualise research findings within the scope of the current research landscape.
• Demonstrate skills in critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Demonstrate ability to generate and/or analyse and critically evaluate research data.
• Appreciate relevant ethical approval and research governance required.
• Develop written and oral scientific communication skills.

In semester 2, students will undertake an 18-week laboratory or bioinformatics based project on a topic related to the field of cancer biology or cancer immunology. Students will select a research group from a panel of potential project supervisors each conducting cutting edge cancer biology and immunology research. Students will plan the project with the support of an academic research supervisor, using the skills gained through the taught components in semester 1 and 2 to formulate a research hypothesis. An early review of the current literature in their chosen topic area will help students plan the project aims and objectives and gain an in-depth understanding of the area of research. During the period of research, students will be supported by the research group and expected to attend group lab meetings, seminars and journal clubs as well as having regular contact with the supervisor throughout the project, summarising and presenting research findings. The final dissertation report will provide a detailed summary of the research project and will be submitted at the end of the 18-week period.

Teaching and learning methods

The dissertation by research module will be comprised primarily of independent study and research, with help and guidance from project supervisors and the wider research groups. Teaching will be project dependent and specific to each research study.

Students will be expected to attend relevant seminars, working groups, lab meetings and journal clubs which will be dependent on the research area and will be discussed with students at the start of the project.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Group sessions

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment:
• Group Work: No

Interim Report

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment:
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.