Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	LF Advanced Study Skills in Biological Sciences
School	MDS - College Hub
Department	MDS - College Hub
Module Code	02 38076
Module Lead
Level	Foundation Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module is designed to give students experience in a range of academic and research skills that are essential components of study in the biological sciences. As such the module places less stress on learning content, but uses a range of topics centred on microbiology as the basis for practicing skills. This content is designed to temporally integrate with topics covered in the Molecular and Cellular Biology module that runs in parallel, but is sufficiently comprehensive to 'stand alone' if students study 'Organismal Biology’ rather than 'Molecular and Cellular Biology'. The content will include: The scientific method, inc bioethics Quantitative approaches to biology (inc basic statistics, graphical presentation of data, standard error) Introduction to microbiology Mutations, mutagens and their role in evolution Microbiology & human disease Introduction to pharmacology (e.g. Antibiotics) Impact of drugs on target tissues, and associated disease This material will largely be delivered in small group lectures, but will be reinforced by problem-based tutorials, lab-based practicals, student presentation workshops, and writing exercises. Several of these sessions will be formatively assessed, allowing the development of a range of academic skills like problem solving, verbal and written communication and group skills. Students will be introduced to appropriate subject specific learning resources (i.e. textbooks, scientific magazine (i.e. New Scientist) and newspaper articles) and will be encouraged to use these to undertake some independent learning to reinforce the delivered content.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate a level of understanding of the biological topics covered in the module that would equip them for study in a degree programme. Apply academic English language skills in the written and oral communication of biological science concepts. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in groups, contributing to group goals by working individually or with others. Design basic laboratory experiments, giving appropriate stress to controls, repetition and objective measurements / outcomes, and showing a basic awareness of the limitations of the approach(es) used. Write a basic scientific report, using an appropriate format and graphical and statistical methods to present and interpret data. Use their understanding of the biological sciences and analytical methods to interpret previously unseen data.
Assessment	38076-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%) 38076-02 : Lab report : Presentation (25%) 38076-04 : Presentation : Presentation (25%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Examination (2 hour exam): 30% Short answer questions 20% Data handing In course assessment: 20% Practical write-up 10% Data handling 20% Presentation (as part of a group)
Other
Reading List