Aims and Fit of Module

This module provides students with an opportunity to conduct in-depth, independent research on a defined topic under supervision of a qualified member of academic staff. The overall aim of this module is to give student a holistic training in practical research and make an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the specific field of study. The module will enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to research or advanced scholarship and facilitate the developments of project management skills, report writing skills, presentation skills, time management skills for research or investigative work in their professional careers.

Learning outcomes

A	Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of the relevant scientific literature and relate and combine it with the arguments, criteria, justifications and/or discussions of the project
B	Plan a piece of scientific research to formulate, evaluate or criticize a hypothesis and propose and formulate a set of experiments to test, challenge or defend this hypothesis
C	Understand, consider and apply research ethics and health and safety regulations to prioritize, arrange and organize research work
D	Work independently in the lab with the essential technical skills acquired
E	Maintain an accurate, comprehensive and intelligible record of methods and experimental findings
F	Effectively communicate and present their work to a scientific audience in the form of an oral and poster presentations
G	Write a final project report in the format of a dissertation to evaluate, contrast and discuss, the experimental outcomes of the research project and their scientific implications and significance

Method of teaching and learning

This module involves tutorials to help students gain knowledge of lab safety, principles of research ethics, literature survey, presentation, report writing, project planning, etc. Students are required to attend departmental seminars to increase their general knowledge. Specific technical training will be given by supervisor and technical supporting staffs. 

Students have to choose a specified research project and submit a preliminary report, describing the relevant background information, the hypothesis to be tested (where relevant), a plan of work and an anticipated timetable. 

Students will undertake the research projects in two semesters. The results arising from the research will be subsequently reported by oral presentation and a research paper/dissertation. 

Timely, relevant and specific, constructive and actionable feedback will be provided to students in-class, on-paper and/or in-person on for each assignment.