Final year project – DATA ANALYSIS

In order to ensure the dissertation reaches distinction level (80%+), the final write-up should go beyond descriptive content and demonstrate strong mechanistic depth, methodological precision, and critical analysis. The introduction must clearly position the research within the current literature, defining the gap regarding wavelength-specific phototaxis and integrating the roles of photoreceptors, c-di-GMP signalling, and Type IV pili in a coherent mechanistic framework. The methodology section should be highly specific, including exact GEO dataset accession numbers, strain details (Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803), light conditions, statistical tools (e.g., DESeq2), and defined thresholds such as adjusted p-values and log2 fold-change cut-offs. The discussion must critically interpret findings rather than describe them, compare results with existing studies, address biological significance, and acknowledge limitations such as transcriptprotein discrepancies and experimental constraints. Overall, the dissertation should reflect analytical depth, clear logical integration between behavioural and transcriptomic data, and the tone of a junior researcher rather than a descriptive summary.

While reviewing my oral presentation, I realised there are a few areas that need to be strengthened in the written dissertation. In particular, the methodology section needs greater specificity (e.g., clearly stating the transcriptomic datasets used, statistical thresholds such as adjusted p-values and log2 fold-change cut-offs, and analysis tools like DESeq2). I would also like the final write-up to include deeper mechanistic explanation linking wavelength sensing, photoreceptors, c-di-GMP signalling, and Type IV pili-driven motility. Additionally, a more critical discussion of limitations (e.g., transcript levels vs protein activity, assay variability, ecological relevance) and stronger integration between behavioural data and transcriptomic analysis would help elevate the project to distinction level. Please ensure the final version reflects this depth and critical analysis throughout.