EPQ topic

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For my EPQ I want to go over the topic "Do Genes and the Brain Influence Criminal Behaviour" as it links both of my subjects - Biology (we're also starting genetics) and criminology.
When I do research I get lots of websites but the articles written are short and I don't think I can talk a lot with them , so I was wondering if I should change the topic. I also might want to do law or a biology related subject in university so any suggestions would be appreciated! But I also do want to stick in the biology area

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

hungrypanda11

8

Original post

by user43879

For my EPQ I want to go over the topic "Do Genes and the Brain Influence Criminal Behaviour" as it links both of my subjects - Biology (we're also starting genetics) and criminology.
When I do research I get lots of websites but the articles written are short and I don't think I can talk a lot with them , so I was wondering if I should change the topic. I also might want to do law or a biology related subject in university so any suggestions would be appreciated! But I also do want to stick in the biology area

Hi, I'm a Y10 student, currently doing my HPQ. Here's my advice:

Assuming you're submitting in the upcoming months (my school submits end of march, but it depends), it is a risk and you will have to put a lot of effort if you did change your topic, but definitely possible. Check with your school/supervisor to see if you can change the topic. Keep hold of any changes. These can be mentioned in the final evaluation at the end and gives you something to talk about then. Record your thought processes of changing topics in a spare doc or something. It's a good thing to put on your production log if you do change.

Also remember, you don't have to use just website and articles. You can use documentaries, books, or you could even compare/discuss some case studies. Primary research is also an option, but of course isn't particularly suitable in this topic.

Good Luck!

(PS. copy and paste what said here in chatgpt- it might be a decent starting point? Please don't rely on it though. Just to get you thinking 🙂. I did and suggested you don't change the topic, but of course, it's up to you!)

Reply 2

Charlie-UoL-Law

Official Rep

4

Original post

by user43879

For my EPQ I want to go over the topic "Do Genes and the Brain Influence Criminal Behaviour" as it links both of my subjects - Biology (we're also starting genetics) and criminology.
When I do research I get lots of websites but the articles written are short and I don't think I can talk a lot with them , so I was wondering if I should change the topic. I also might want to do law or a biology related subject in university so any suggestions would be appreciated! But I also do want to stick in the biology area

Hello @user43879

Thank you for this question. It's amazing that you are doing an EPQ because, in my opinion, it sets you up for success at university much more than anything else at this stage of your education. It's also a great way to discover the joys of research!

In terms of your topic, I would probably advise against changing the topic at this stage, largely because, assuming you are submitting this academic year, you do not have the time to start from the beginning again. Also, remember that your EPQ must not link too closely to your A Level topics. I do not know much about A Level Biology, but I did do Criminology, and there is limited detail and depth, meaning you should be safe. As someone who might also be considering a legal education, I would advise incorporating the law into this research. For instance, you may want to consider how the law should treat those whose criminal behaviour is down to biological functions, how the law should approach such individuals and whether the law, as it currently stands, is fit for purpose for these types of defendants.

In terms of your sources and their lack of detail, this is a real disadvantage which you and I imagine almost everyone doing an EPQ faces. This is because at university you get free access to academic literature such as journal articles, which consider different academics' opinions in different areas of a subject. At university, engagement with this kind of material really boosts marks, but it is not just about using this material. For a law essay, you need to critically analyse, which essentially means presenting an argument of why your opinion is the right opinion. Part of this is considering various sources of academic literature and then essentially examining why they are right/wrong and how that may impact your argument. I would suggest that, despite the limited detail in the articles you are looking at, you keep looking for more and provide your own opinion/commentary to all the sources. This is your project, your essay, and so your voice should be dominating the work, with other work boosting the quality of your essay.

I really hope this helps. If you have any further questions or anything at all please do let me know. I wish you every success with your EPQ.

Charlie
Law LLB Student

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