School of Biology current student

Information for current students at the School of Biology

Biology Online Module Handbook

BL4200 Literature based Research Project

(BL4200 online module handbook version 47)

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This project will involve an extensive literature review to investigate a defined hypothesis or problem within the field of biology, appropriate to the degree programme being studied by each student. The project will involve diligence, initiative and independence in pursuing the literature, and the production of a high-quality dissertation that demonstrates a deep understanding of the chosen area of research. Students will be allocated to a member of staff who will guide and advise them in research activities throughout the academic year. The project will be written up in the form of a research dissertation.*

Credits: 30*

Semester: 3

Module Organiser
Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff
vdb@st-andrews.ac.uk
01334 464812
Pre-requisite Modules:
Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required*
Anti-requisite Modules:
You cannot take this module if you take BL4201 or take PN4299*
Post-requisite Modules:
*
Additional Module Information:


Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST

Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk      Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566

BL4200: Timetable

Legend (not all modules have every event type):
lecture
tutorial
workshop
practical
other

Semester 1: Week 1

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Wednesday
13-09-2023
15:00 to 16:00
Biomedical Sciences Building
Teaching Lab (Room 205)
Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff
-
Lecture L1: Introduction to BL4200
2023-4_BL4200_L1

Semester 1: Week 8

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Friday
03-11-2023
12:00 to 13:45
Medical and Biological Sciences Building
Biology Teaching Lab
Dr V Anne Smith
-
Workshop W1: Self-editing workshop
2023-4_BL4200_W1
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4200: Assessment

Coursework = 100% (10% - Thesis outline and resource list 1,000 words 70% - Written thesis 15,000 words 20% - Viva (20 minutes))*

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:

School of Biology Marking Criteria: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Late submission of continuous assessment work:

All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the Biology Teaching Office, Level 2, BMS Building, North Haugh.
Exam details: See School of Biology UG Handbook JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  : All Biology exams will be conducted online for 2022-23.
Exam timetable: See Timetables - Exams - University of St Andrews (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Expected attendance: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  for detailed attendance requirements.
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook: University Student Handbook
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.: JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

Who to ask

(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)

Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.

Questions about Contact
General teaching matters Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )
Rescheduled or cancelled events Check your University email
Lecture or practical content The lecturer who presented the material
Completing assessed practical assignments The lecturer who set the assignment
Completing assessments Module Organiser (Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff vdb@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on continuous assessment The Demonstrator or Module Organiser (Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff vdb@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on exams Module Organiser (Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff vdb@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Rearranging practical days
Module Organiser (Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff vdb@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Absence and/or extensions Module Organiser (Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff vdb@st-andrews.ac.uk)

and the Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )

Difficulties with academic progress which impact more than one module:

Year Coordinator

See School of Biology UG Handbook for list:
JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)

Overall performance, progress or future directions:

Advisor of Studies

Disability:

Disability Coordinator ( biodisabilities@st-andrews.ac.uk )

For advice and support on any issue e.g. academic, financial, international, personal or health matters, or if you are unsure of who to go to for help:

Advice & Support Centre

Address: 79 North Street, St Andrews

Email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk

Web: https://www.standrews.ac.uk/ask-a-question/

Tel: 01334 462020

University assistance with urgent matters out of office hours:

Tel: 01334 476161

Web: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/counselling/incrisis/

Biology Teaching Office:

We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.

Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST

Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk

Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566

BL4200: Contributing Staff

Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff
(Module Organiser)

Lecturer (Education-Focused)vdb@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff
(Module Organiser)
Lecturer (Education-Focused)vdb@st-andrews.ac.uk
Prof Graeme RuxtonProfessorgr41@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr V Anne SmithSenior Lecturervas1@st-andrews.ac.uk
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4200: Learning Outcomes

Students completing module BL4200 successfully should be able to:

  • Research a defined field of biology using primary sources and clearly define a key research hypothesis
  • Write a critical and analytical evaluation of the current literature in a chosen field
  • Write in a defined style appropriate to a lay audience or an expert in the field
  • Acquire an in-depth and detailed understanding of a chosen field in biology
  • Perform literature-based research to a high standard, keeping accurate and detailed records
  • Report on a research investigation, critically evaluating and analysing the results in the context of current knowledge
  • Communicate verbally scientific information accurately and succinctly
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4200: Acquired Skills

Practical Skills

    Transferable Skills

    • Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
    • VIVA Examination
    • Long essay (>2000 words)
    • Research proposal
    • Summary
    • Critically evaluating sources/information
    • Finding information on the web
    • Finding literature
    • Referencing
    • Searching databases
    • Sourcing figures/tables
    • Produce graphs/figures
    • Produce tables
    • Lab or field notebook
    Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
    Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
    * University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
    School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
    University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

    Policies

    (Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)

    • The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
    • All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
    • Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
    • Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/