AP0708 - Applied Sciences Research Project

Your project will take the format of an individual focussed investigation using traditional laboratory methodologies, computational or critical literature review approaches or maybe a combination of these approaches. There is a strong emphasis upon your own independent study, with the support and guidance of academic tutor[s].
Initially, you will explore the literature in your project area and will develop a plan for your investigation that will be reviewed by staff members with feedback given to ensure that sufficient resources and time are available to make significant progress and to confirm a robust experimental approach including a data analysis protocol(s) is in place. In order to make this approach research accessible to all stakeholders, a short lay summary will also be included.
You will spend time collecting experimental data, extending and refining your portfolio of practical laboratory or informatics skills as well as manipulating and analysing your data sets with appropriate tests. You will discuss your findings and their significance with your peers and your tutor(s). You will improve your communication skills by preparing a written report to disseminate your findings in a research paper style.

At the outset of the module you will be allocated a research supervisor whose research interests are aligned to your own. In a series of one-to-one or small group meetings, you will discuss research ideas with them and they will guide you in a literature survey that will establish a strong understanding of the current state of your chosen research field and a methodological basis for your study. They will provide feedback on your experimental approach ahead of your proposal submission and provide guidance to ensure all aspects of research governance are considered and recorded. Your tutor and members of our technical and research staff will provide training in necessary techniques and complex data analyses. Your tutor(s) will provide rich, structured feedback on your proposal and report documents before their final submission for summative assessment.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
M-1. Develop a robust experimental design
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
M-2. Identify and advocate the development of an applied research programme
M-3. Record and analyse experimental data to professional standards
M-4. Describe, evaluate and contextualise research findings
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
M-5. Identify and explore the impact of your research on stakeholders

Assessment 1:The rationale for the research programme and the suitability of the experimental design will be assessed in a research proposal presentation (15 minutes + 5mins questions s). 20% module score. MLOs assessed M1-2, M5.
Feedback will be related via a rubric with supplementary notes
Assessment 2: Students’ performance will be continually assessed during the different phases of the project and will be quantified via a rubric addressing personal input, persistence, ingenuity, innovation, productivity, and data management.
MLOs assessed M1, M3. 20% module score.
Assessment 3: The main assessment for the module will be a formal written report written according to professional guidelines and standards. After completion of a laboratory work, a report manuscript (up to 10000 words ) will be submitted for formal academic review (emulating submission of a research paper) ahead of final project submission which contributes 60% of the module score. All MLOs assessed Feedback will be related via a rubric with supplementary notes.

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This research module represents the pinnacle of your Master’s level learning. It affords you the opportunity to apply and extend your portfolio of skills and techniques to either solve or clarify real world issues or to develop innovations to drive progress in industrial, judicial or healthcare settings. Under the guidance of an academic tutor, you will design and deliver a research programme with free access to the Departments state-of-the-art facilities. You will be supported in two authentic coursework assessments which will directly promote your employability by improving how you write and present in a convincing scientific style. Firstly, you will develop a detailed research proposal to describe and justify a programme of research and the full extent of its anticipated impact by a pitch presentation After you complete your research work, you will develop a written report in the style of a research a paper with authentic academic review providing structured feedback toward your final manuscript submission.