Module BISS1221: DATA HANDLING AND STUDY SKILLS

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BISS1221: DATA HANDLING AND STUDY SKILLS

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop student's study techniques and skills in different forms of presentation of scientific information.
• To promote an understanding of the value of statistics in data analysis at a level appropriate to the demands of the degree course.
• To develop co-operative and communication skills by working in small groups.
• To ensure a basic level of IT skills.

Content

• Information technology: DUO, OPAC and other University systems; Word and Excel as appropriate; advanced spread sheets. Data Handling: Introduction to statistics;
• Study skills: time management; laboratory safety; basic laboratory skills; scientific writing including quoting references and constructing bibliographies; avoiding plagiarism; examination techniques; poster presentation skills; presenting a talk; introduction of evaluating a case study.
• Statistics: introduction; descriptive methods; probability; population parameters and sample statistics; significance testing and comparison of two means; design of experiments and types of data; analysis of variance; parametric and non-oarametric statistics.

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of this module students should show an understanding of the use of statistical tests in data analysis.
• students should develop knowledge of study techniques and the presentation of scientific information.

• students should be able to present scientific information effectively verbally, visually and in written forms.
• They should show an ability to handle and interpret data using the statistical methods taught in this module.
• work co-operatively and responsibly as a member of a team.
• Use word-processing, spreadsheet, web browser, presentation and email programs.

• Students should be able to handle, interpret and present scientific data in a variety of ways.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theoretical knowledge will be delivered in lectures, practicals and tutorials.
• Learning, knowledge and understanding will be assessed by coursework and end of year examinations.
• The ability to handle and interpret data will be assessed by practical reports and data handling exercises.
• IT skills will be embedded in the course work.
• The variety of methods of teaching and assessment will contribute to learning by providing detailed and rapid feedback.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Calculations exercise, Statistics exercise, Journal abstract.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University