DISS09007 2019 Biopharmaceutical Dissertation

Manage an independent research project with a support structure in place for supervision.

Source and critically evaluate academic literature (and literature from a wide variety of other sources), to draw inferences from this body of knowledge to conduct an extensively focused literature review.

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.

Reflect self‑critically and express the relevance and significance of the outcomes/conclusions of the enquiry and on the research process itself.

Write a thesis which meets postgraduate standards of technical expertise investigating the subject area or testing the hypothesis outlined in the research proposal.

Develop professional practice skills including goal setting, time-management and scientific writing skills.

Develop the skills to present and defend aspects of their research at seminars, conferences and vivas.

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 student 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

Assessment Strategies:

A thesis of 25,000 to 30,000 thousand words must be successfully completed for award of the M.Sc thesis. Ongoing assessment throughout compilation of dissertation will be via assessment of literature review and project plan, project work, on-going presentation of their research findings in oral and written format (research paper), final report and viva.

The following statements describe generally the threshold level of competence for successful completion of the M.Sc dissertation and assessment shall be based on these criteria:

·      Knowledge base extends to a systematic understanding and critical awareness of topics which are informed by the forefront of the discipline.

·      Problems of an unfamiliar nature are tackled with appropriate methodology and taking into account the possible absence of complete data.

·      Experimental work is carried out independently and with some originality.

·      Substantial research project at the forefront of the discipline is completed effectively.

·      Generic skills are developed appropriately for professional practice.

Repeat project plus final report, research paper and viva.

LO1) Manage an independent research project with a support structure in place for supervision.

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

LO2) Source and critically evaluate academic literature (and literature from a wide variety of other sources) to draw inferences from this body of knowledge to conduct an extensively focused literature review.

Students are expected to critically review key literature relevant to their chosen research area. They are expected to present and argue literature which clearly demonstrates increased knowledge and expertise in their fields, and where appropriate informs the development of further stages of their research project.

LO3) Develop and justify a coherent research proposal with an acceptable research question or hypothesis.

Students will demonstrate and defend why they have chosen a topic, research process and format and submit a project proposal to the supervisor.

LO4) 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 project but must demonstrate clear relevancy to the research chosen. Students must be able to justify and clearly articulate these decisions, as the best fit for their research project. Explaining how chosen techniques are used to create, interpret and present knowledge.

LO5) Reflect self‑critically and express the relevance and significance of the outcomes/conclusions of the enquiry and on the research process itself. 

Students completed work will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competency that are required for a level nine award in this area.

LO6) Write a thesis which meets postgraduate standards of technical expertise investigating the subject area or testing the hypothesis outlined in the research proposal.

The thesis will be presented and published in a manner appropriate to this award level e.g. Submission of thesis typed, bound and it must adhere to IT Sligo`s Research Ethics Policy and Procedures. 

The thesis will be dual graded by the internal supervisor and another examiner.

LO7) Develop professional practice skills including time-management, scientific writing and oral communication

Students will arrange regular meetings with Supervisors and provide up-dates of their work. Critical thinking skills will be developed through analysis of research data and the presentation of research outcomes in the format of thesis plus other oral or written formats including  a Research Paper to Peer-review Research Journal standards and viva. 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.