The aim of this module is to equip final-year undergraduate students with the applied skills in science research required for writing a high-quality Final Year Project (FYP) report in the sciences. The module focuses on the structural and rhetorical conventions of scientific writing, moving from broad introductions to specific methodologies. A core component of the module is the responsible and ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the research writing workflow. Students will learn to use AI as a tool for drafting, summarising, and polishing text, while simultaneously developing the critical thinking necessary to evaluate, correct, and substantially improve AI-generated content. Given that the majority of students in the School of Science proceed to graduate studies or research-intensive careers, this module provides foundational training in technical communication, logical reasoning, and the avoidance of plagiarism in the age of generative AI. The module is applicable across experimental, computational, survey, and literature-based FYP types.
A. Construct a structured scientific report (Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology) that demonstrates logical flow from a broad context to a specific research gap and objective, reflecting applied skills in science research. B. Synthesize scientific literature thematically and methodologically, moving beyond simple summary to critical analysis of limitations. C. Apply discipline-specific terminology and visual representation standards (figures/tables) appropriate for Bioscience, Chemistry/Materials, or Health/Environmental Science FYP reports. D. Demonstrate responsible use of AI tools by drafting, prompting, and critically editing AI-generated text to ensure technical accuracy, appropriate tone, and academic integrity, integrating critical thinking with applied research competencies.
The module will be delivered through a combination of 12 lectures. Lectures (Weeks 1-12): Instructors will introduce the structural components of the FYP report (Abstract, Introduction Parts A & B, Literature Review, Methodology) and specific AI prompting strategies. The lectures will include problem solving sessions (Weeks 1-10): Students will engage in hands-on activities, including annotating sample reports, converting lists of findings into synthesized paragraphs, and drafting sections of their own FYP reports. A key feature is the "AI Comparison" exercise, where students compare manually written drafts with AI-generated outputs to identify weaknesses in AI language. Lectures (Weeks 11-12): A quiz will be conducted to assess the learning of logic of report writing for all students. Students will participate in structured peer review sessions (formative assessment) to provide feedback on drafts of introduction slides and methodology descriptions using the provided rubric, culminating in the preparation of final presentation slides.