Module BIOL2581: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR BIOSCIENCES

Department: Biosciences

BIOL2581: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR BIOSCIENCES

Prerequisites

• • A minimum of three modules from BIOL1151 Animal Physiology, BIOL1161 Organisms and Environment, BIOL1171 Genetics, BIOL1281 Molecules and Cells, BIOL1321 Scientific Skills for Biosciences, CHEM1087 Practical Chemistry 1A, PHYS1122 Foundations of Physics 1.

Corequisites

• • A minimum of two level 2 BIOL modules.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To expand student expertise in analytical techniques used in modern biological research.
• To provide students with advanced statistical techniques and tools needed for data analysis in biological research.
• To introduce students to applications of coding techniques for computer analysis of biological datasets in research.
• To develop critical data-gathering and analytical skills in studying scientific literature.
• To develop student skills in scientific writing and preparation of reports in different media.

Content

• Analytical techniques used in molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry, physiology and ecology.
• Advanced Statistics, including: non-linear regression, advanced analysis of variance techniques, experimental design and data presentation.
• An introduction to computer coding applied to biological problems.
• Data gathering and critical analysis in the scientific literature.
• Problem solving exercises and workshops.
• Practical classes for analytical techniques.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of theory and practice of analytical techniques used in modern biological research.
• Knowledge of bases of statistical techniques used in modern biological research.
• Knowledge of at least one coding language used for data analysis in bioinformatics or statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of sources available for studying scientific literature in biological sciences.
• Knowledge of current standards for reporting and data presentation in biological research.

• To be able to carry out selected analytical techniques used in modern molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry, physiology and ecology, and to be able to understand and interpret results of a range of analytical techniques in these subject areas.
• To be able to use advanced statistical methods to critically assess results in biological research.
• To be able to write simple programmes using a high-level coding language to carry out data analysis in an area of biological research.
• To be able to set up and execute complex searches of scientific literature, and to be able to critically assess the results of such searches.

• Numeracy by performing data analyses using statistical tests, and calculations involved in analytic methods.
• Self-motivation by performing independent work on problem sets.
• Practical laboratory skills for analytical techniques.
• Presentation skills and appropriate use of graphical techniques for data visualisation.
• Critical analysis in evaluation of searches of scientific literature.
• Reporting skills in preparing data analysis reports and practical reports.

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

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Practical classes reinforce taught content and give students experience in handling both basic and complex laboratory equipment, and analysing results.
• Workshops (problem classes) reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures, and lead to development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Reports give experience in scientific writing, data visualization and critical analysis (literature analysis).
• Problem Exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy applied to biological sciences research.
• Unseen tests (examinations) demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge, with an emphasis on understanding and communication (problem-based questions, or interpretative questions) or recall of factual knowledge (short answer question tests).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

<Practical reports; work associated with problem classes.>

■ 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