MSc Drug Analysis and Toxicology Research Project module (LV50006)

Being able to plan and carry out a piece of scientific research that is robust and adds value to the body of knowledge within the discipline is an important skill for toxicologists and drug analysts to have. In this module, you will complete a research project in your workplace under the supervision of workplace supervisors.

During your MSc project, you will gain experience in planning and carrying out an independent piece of scientific research including a literature review and gap analysis, as well as preparing health and safety and ethics documentation, if required. You will critically evaluate appropriate scientific techniques and use your chosen technique(s) to generate experimental data by autonomous research. At the conclusion of your research, you will prepare an MSc thesis which you will defend via a podium presentation and viva voce.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• develop and articulate a well-defined research question or hypothesis that is both achievable and relevant to the chosen discipline or subject area
• critically analyse and apply principal theories and concepts of the research topic 
• critically evaluate relevant literature to identify critical issues and research gaps at the forefront of professional practice in drug analysis or toxicology.  
• evaluate and critically appraise data from an extended independent programme of laboratory-based research
• develop effective project management skills, including time management, organization, and prioritisation, to ensure the timely completion of the research project with minimal supervision

develop competence in oral defence of the project approach, results, interpretation, conclusions and recommendations for further research

Assignments / assessment:

• project plan (20%)
• project logbook (10%)
• MSc thesis (60%)
• project presentation (10%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable: 

This module mainly consists of independent research which will be conducted at your place of work.

You will be supported by a nominated supervisor at your workplace and a member of university staff. Together this team will help guide you in your research.

As well as this supervisory team, you will also be supported by prerecorded lecture material which will give you the tools needed to complete your assessments.

Live lectures and discussion boards will also be provided alongside prerecorded lectures to support your learning throughout the year.