The MRes in Plant Biology is a full-time programme running over 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme consists of (a) a major research thesis and (b) taught modules on generic and transferable skills, with an emphasis on scientific writing, oral presentations, and general research skills. Part-time study for this programme is not available.

Applicants must have at least a 2.1 in a relevant discipline and must contact the proposed MRes supervisor to discuss and agree a research proposal prior to application. In addition, Applicants will be interviewed with the proposed supervisor and Head of Discipline prior to application.

Students undertake a total workload equivalent to 90 credits over the 12 month programme, the principal element of which is the completion of a major research thesis of approximately 25,000 words. In parallel, students must take and pass taught modules to the value of 20 credits.

Students take 20 credits from:¹
BL4004 Frontiers in Biology (5 credits)
BL4006 Sustainable Food Production (5 credits)
BL6019 Ecological Applications of Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)
BL6024 Quantitative Skills for Biologists using R (10 credits)
PS4021 Sustainable Plant Pest and Disease Management (5 credits)
PS4024 Crop Physiology and Climate Change (5 credits)
PS6001 Plant Genetic Engineering (5 credits)
ZY4021 Evolutionary Ecology (5 credits)

• ¹ Students may elect to take other, relevant modules (subject to availability) that are offered by the University and are not listed above to fulfil the elective requirement with approval from the MRes coordinator, research supervisor and Head of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science.

Students will also undertake independent research towards completion of a research thesis to a student workload equivalent of 70 credits on a selected topic in Plant Biology.

See also Procedures for Submission and Examination of Research Masters Degrees.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MRes (Master of Research) in Plant Biology (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Carry out an independent and original research project to address an emerging question in Plant Biology;
• Prepare and write a dissertation of their research project in a critical, logical and systematic manner, in keeping with the standards of postgraduate research;
• Display advanced theoretical knowledge and practical understanding within a research area of Plant Biology;
• Understand the basis and application of field and laboratory methods used in Plant Biology and a knowledge of their limitations;
• Avail of relevant workshops or modules to increase scientific technical skills (e.g. biostatistics);
• Source, review, critically assess and evaluate relevant primary literature and summarize material for presentation to peers and for inclusion within the research dissertation;
• Design, write and defend a scientific research proposal based on their current research topic or a proposed topic;
• Evaluate their skill set and identify skills that should be acquired;
• Develop professional practice skills including team-work, negotiation, time-management, scientific writing and oral communication.