BIOC09005 2023 ATMP Thesis (60 Credit)

Manage an independent research project with guidance from the academic supervision.

Source and critically evaluate published academic literature to draw inferences and place research project in context.

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

Conduct the project by selecting and applying appropriate research methodology and analysing the data according to accepted models of analysis.

Sustain from the evidence obtained, a reasoned argument and draw consistent and coherent conclusions from the research evidence.

Write a research thesis on an area relevant to ATMPs according to specified guidelines which meets postgraduate standards of technical expertise

Develop professional practice skills including time-management, scientific technical writing and effective oral communication skills.

The thesis is an independent research project that will involve self‑directed learning. This is a learner‑centered approach, where the learner will assume the responsibility for learning. Students will manage their time effectively to ensure that they maintain contact with their 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 through analysis of research data and the presentation of research outcomes in the format of thesis, presentation and viva.

Module Resources:

This is project dependent, students will be guided by academic supervisor.

Additional Workload: Total 1200 hours

Professional Practice, at 600 hours, The individual research project component takes place part-time in a laboratory/work based environment over a 1-2 year period.

Independent Study, at 600 hours, Literature and database searches, Thesis preparation, Research Paper or Presentation and viva.

• This is 100% continual assessment in the form of a research 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.
• 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 consist of both oral and written submission. 

1. Manage an independent research project with guidance from the academic supervision.

Students will be expected to manage the research project (execute relevant experimentation where appropriate, analysis, interpretation and thesis preparation) combining independent study with support from academic supervisor(s).

2. Source and critically evaluate published academic literature to draw inferences and place research project in context.

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.

3. 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. 

4. Conduct the project by selecting and applying appropriate research methodology and analysing the data according to accepted models of analysis. Sustain from the evidence obtained, a reasoned argument and draw consistent and coherent conclusions from the research evidence.

Paradigms of enquiry, methodologies, methods of data collection, data analysis, tools and techniques are dependent on the research project but must demonstrate clear relevancy to the research chosen. Students must be able to justify and clearly articulate these decisions, as the best choice for their research project. Explaining how chosen techniques are used to create, interpret and present knowledge.

5. Write a research thesis on an area relevant to ATMPs according to specified guidelines which meets postgraduate standards of technical expertise

The research thesis will be presented and published in a manner appropriate to Level 9 in accordance with thesis guidelines. It must adhere to the guidelines provided and comply with ATU Sligo`s Research Ethics Policy and Procedure 

6. Develop professional practice skills including time-management, scientific technical writing and effective oral communication skills.

Students will arrange meetings with academic supervisors and provide regular up-dates on their research project. 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.