BIO09098 2023 ATMP Thesis (30 credit)

Develop and justify a coherent research proposal with an acceptable research question or hypothesis. 

Critically evaluate and interpret the evidence presented in pivotal studies and seminal literature to identify current challenges related to ATMP clinical development.

Synthesise and develop rational arguments to contribute to key areas of controversy and discussion in the ATMP regulatory landscape.

Manage a research project combining independent study, support sessions and supervision effectively.

Communicate scientific information convincingly with a focus on ATMP development by presenting and defending significant findings of their research at seminars, conferences and vivas.

Articulate and elaborate an awareness of the ethical dimensions of ATMP research in a range of contexts.

Write a thesis which meets postgraduate standards of technical expertise critically evaluating the ATMP area or testing the hypothesis outlined in the assoicated research proposal.

The thesis is an independent project that will involve self‑directed learning. The student will assume the responsibility for their own learning. Students will have access to the Academic Writing Centre resources and will be provided with a guideline document for the thesis via Moodle. Students will manage their time effectively to ensure that they maintain contact with their academic supervisor while also completing their project work. Regular meetings with their supervisor will engage the student in discussion which will deepen their learning and motivation. These meetings will help the students to maintain focus and challenge them on hypothesis and approaches to their experimental design and implementation. Critical thinking skills will be developed and the presentation of research outcomes in the format of thesis, presentation and viva will be completed.

• This is 100% continual assessment in the form of a research proposal, thesis and viva voce where a thorough understanding of all aspects of the research project is demonstrated. 

• Student is required to proactively troubleshoot and solve original technical challenges relating to their research project. 

• Student is required to source relevant information, critically interpret and apply appropriate referenced literature from a wide range of information sources to complement their research project. 

• Student will arrange meetings with academic supervisor(s) and provide regular up-dates of their work.  Student's ongoing perfomance (e.g. attendance at meetings, submission of drafts, applying feedback etc) will be monitored as part of the evaluation. 

• The student is expected to write accurately and, in a manner, consistent with scientific publications in the field of ATMPs. 

The repeat assessment strategy will be dependent on overall grades and will be decided and documented at the Progression and Award Boards, but it will be most likely consisting of both oral and written submission. 

Develop and justify a coherent research proposal with an acceptable research question or hypothesis.

Students will justify how their chosen research is relevant to challenges faced in the ATMP sector and submit a research proposal outlining the scope of the research project.

Critically evaluate and interpret the evidence presented in pivotal studies and seminal literature to identify current challenges related to ATMP clinical development.

Students are expected to critically analyse high impact publications relevant to their specified ATMP area. They are expected to present and debate peer-reviewed literature which clearly demonstrates increased knowledge and expertise in the ATMP sector, and where appropriate informs the development of further stages of their research project. 

Synthesise and develop rational arguments to contribute to key areas of controversy and discussion in the ATMP regulatory landscape pertaining to their research hypothesis.

Students will justify how their chosen research is relevant to challenges faced in the ATMP sector and submit a research proposal outlining the scope of the research project.  They will develop rational arguments and discuss emerging themes from the ATMP sector. 

Manage a research project combining independent study, support sessions and supervision effectively

Student will demonstrate effective time management; work independently to meet deadlines; use their own initiative. Students will arrange meetings with academic supervisors to provide regular up-dates on their research project.

Communicate scientific information convincingly with a focus on ATMP development by presenting and defending significant findings of their research at seminars, conferences and vivas.

Critical thinking skills will be developed through analysis of research data and the presentation of research outcomes in the format of thesis and other oral or written formats. A viva voce will be undertaken by the student, allowing them to present and defend their work to examiners. Students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of all aspects of their research project. Questions to be answered accurately and fluently and the discussion to be extended with confidence in familiar and unfamiliar areas. 

Articulate and elaborate an awareness of the ethical dimensions of ATMP research in a range of contexts.

Understand key ethics and research governance documents and legislation pertaining to their research thesis. Thesis must adhere to the guidelines provided and comply with ATU Sligo`s Research Ethics Policy and Procedure .

Write a thesis which meets postgraduate standards of technical expertise critically evaluating the ATMP area or testing the hypothesis outlined in the associated research proposal.

The research thesis will be presented and published in a manner appropriate to Level 9 in accordance with thesis guidelines. Students must demonstrate the development of a research idea from a hypothesis through to interpretation and the drawing of conclusions.