Masters in Biological Sciences - Level 4
The Masters in Biological Sciences degree
The Masters in Biological Sciences (MBiolSci) consists of the existing three-year degree programme (i.e. Animal and Plant Biology, Biology, Ecology, Plant Science, Zoology) with an additional year that is devoted to an extensive research project and advanced courses. It is a classified, named degree and the final degree classification is based on grades achieved at level 2 (20%), level 3 (40%) and level 4 (40%). The majority of the fourth year is spent undertaking two substantial pieces of independent research, one literature based (dissertation) and the other practical (project). The research project and dissertation are undertaken in one of the Department's research groups (see below) and each student works under the supervision of a research-active member of staff in their chosen area of specialisation.
PLEASE NOTE - we are in the process of reorganizing and updating information on this page for next year, and various links may be unavailable for a time. If you urgently require something which is temporarily not accessible from here then please contact us.
Level 4 list of Important Dates
Level 4 Deadlines 2012-2013
Dissertation
Wednesday 16th January 2013
Presentations
Week Commencing
Project Report
Wednesday 29th May 2013
Submission of coursework through TurnItIn system
Submission of Coursework
When submitting coursework you must now complete and download a unique barcoded coversheet from https://sciencecoversheet.group.shef.ac.uk/ ensuring that you (a) add your TurnItIn receipt code and (b) add an accurate word count. No other alterations must be made to the coversheet. Then attach the coversheet to your coursework and deposit in secure Black Box which is situated in the Foyer (next to the porters desk) of the Alfred Denny Building before the deadline. Your Coursework will then be scanned and you will receive an email confirmation once your coursework is scanned.
Work that is submitted late will be subject to the standard penalties (5% of the mark awarded is deducted for each working day late). Work submitted without the TurnItin receipt number and word count on the coversheet will not accepted and will be considered as a late submission.
• Download a Coversheet
• Instructions for Downloading Coversheets
Level 4 modules
Students take five modules at level 4 giving a total of 120 credits.
APS 402 Research Dissertation - 20 credits
This is a critical review of a biological topic of choice. It requires the critical analysis of hypotheses and the quality of the evidence used to support them. It should also identify gaps in our current knowledge and understanding and make suggestions for the future development of the field.
APS 404 Advanced Trends in Biology - 10 credits
This module utilises seminar programmes within the three biology departments at The University of Sheffield to introduce students to the most recent developments in a wide range of biological subjects. It provides an opportunity to evaluate and discuss these topics in informal discussion groups either in open forum workshops or electronically via web based discussion platforms.
APS 405 Advanced Biological Analysis - 10 credits
This module provides training in advanced statistical analysis using the statistical program, R. Through a series of practical exercises, the student will learn a standard set of statistical tests, followed by their choice of two additional tests most relevant to their research project.
APS 406 Research Project - 70 credits
This module consists of a laboratory or field based research project in one of the Department's research groups and gives students the opportunity to develop skills relevant to a career in biological research. Each student works under the supervision of a member of academic staff but the student is responsible for formulating the hypotheses and questions to be addressed and for planning and carrying out experiments to test these hypotheses.
APS 407 Research and Study Skills in Biology - 10 credits
This module provides training in the skills necessary to pursue a research career in whole organism biology. The skills covered include: communication (both written and oral); advanced science writing (e.g. journal publications and grant applications).