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Research Grant Proposal

Module description

This module introduces you to the processes required for undertaking an independent, but supervised, research project at postgraduate level. Specifically, this module prepares you for your project by first supporting your own research into the background literature, allowing you to formulate hypotheses relating to your research project. You will then develop a research proposal, through which you will plan your MSci research project (BIOM518) identifying achievable aims and considering aspects such as experimental design, data handling and time management.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop your ability to identify and review the literature of relevance to your project area, develop a research question and decide which methods and approaches are needed. The current landscape for funding research projects in the UK and how to write a competitive research grant proposal will be examined. The practicalities of managing a research project, including time management and the collection and storing of data, will also be covered.

As part of this module you will further develop the following academic and professional skills:

• Ability to navigate the biosciences research landscape
• Identifying research priorities and defining a research question
• Undertaking and interpreting systematic reviews
• Designing research and managing a research project
• Writing a research proposal

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Critically and independently assess the field in which your research project will be conducted
• 2. Independently define a clear research hypothesis that can be tested within the research project
• 3. Identify appropriate research methodologies, experimental design, data analysis, and time management plans

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Evaluate in detail approaches to our understanding of the biosciences with reference to primary literature, reviews and research articles
• 5. Identify appropriate methodologies and theories for solving a range of problems in the biosciences

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Devise and sustain, with little guidance, a logical and reasoned argument with convincing conclusions
• 7. Communicate effectively arguments, evidence and conclusions using a variety of formats in a manner appropriate to the intended audience

Syllabus plan

Preliminary discussion groups will focus on current funding agencies in the UK, the types of funding available, and how to write a competitive research grant proposal. In addition, these groups will also focus on the challenges associated with managing a research project, including time management and the collection and storing of data. The development of the research proposal is then conducted in conjunction with the research supervisor, who will provide individual guidance through regular discussion meetings.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

As agreed between you and your project supervisors. Reference will be made to the most recent articles and reports in the field and will focus on the primary literature.

Also of use when planning and writing the proposal will be:

• Ruxton, G.D. and Colegrave, N. (2006) Experimental Design for the Life Sciences. OUP. ISBN 01992 52327
• Barass, R (2002) Scientists Must Write: A Guide to Better Writing for Scientists, Engineers and Students

Key words search

Independent research, data analysis, experimental design, literature review, data collection, project management, time management, research methodologies, critical evaluation