Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PHB5100

 
TITLE Dissertation

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 80

 
DEPARTMENT Physiology and Biochemistry

 
DESCRIPTION During this dissertation students shall conduct an independent, supervised investigation in a particular area of research in Biochemistry and write a dissertation, present their work through seminars and during an oral examination.

They will be guided during their research to investigate in greater depth an area of particular interest, to critically evaluate theoretical perspectives in their chosen area, and to develop a critical understanding of the main research methods for collecting information. They will be required to write a dissertation on their research and also present their work during an oral examination, thus demonstrating the ability to contribute to knowledge in their chosen area.

Study-unit Aims:

The main aim of the dissertation is for students to conduct an independent investigation in a particular area of study in Biochemistry with particular emphasis on practical skills.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Critically evaluate research papers;
- Identify a research problem which they wish to explore;
- Demonstrate a critical understanding in Biochemistry in their chosen area of study;
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of research methods in Biochemistry.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Identify and select appropriate source material including data from primary sources;
- perform many common biochemical laboratory techniques;
- perform certain specific biochemical techniques (project-dependent);
- Critically evaluate the information and data collected;
- Report and discuss the results of their research in a clear, structured and concise form, both written and oral;
- be able to write a publication-quality scientific manuscript based on their work;
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of their research;
- Outline practical recommendations based on their findings and research methods used.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Various, as suggested by supervisors.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Co-requisite Study-units: PAT5806, PHB5050

**September Assessment Session: Students who fail to obtain an overall pass mark will be re-examined in the Dissertation. However, the resit availability for the Oral Examination is at the discretion of the Board of Examiners.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Dissertation

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Dissertation and Oral Examination (See Add. Notes) See note below ** 100%
Note: Assessment due will vary according to the study-unit availability.

 
LECTURER/S

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit