2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY1306 Research and Study Skills Level 1

10 creditsClass Size: 180

Module manager: Dr Tom Bennett
Email: t.a.bennett@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisites

BLGY2100

Enhanced Study Skills for Biologists

Module replaces

BLGY1303: Tutorials for Biology and Genetics

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces and develops core research and scientific skills that students will use throughout their degree program.

Objectives

The objectives of the tutorial component are to:
- Gain understanding of scientific literature, and the ability to utilise it;
- Gain an appreciation of the skills required to research and present written reports;
- Gain understanding of the nature of scientific data of various kinds, and to solve analytical problems;
- Gain understanding of the scientific process, including formulation and testing of hypotheses;
- Develop the ability to argue a case persuasively;
- Develop/practice skills required for the preparation and delivery of oral presentations with the use of basic visual aids.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will have developed core scientific and research skills, including a range of transferable skills that can be applied in their future careers:
1. Search, access and reference the scientific literature correctly;
2. Express scientific ideas within a properly structured scientific essay or report;
3. Express scientific ideas within an oral format;
4. Define basic hypotheses based on an understanding of scientific concepts;
5. Analyse scientific data to explore patterns and test hypotheses;
6. Critically evaluate contemporary topics in biological sciences.

Syllabus

The module provides:
- An introduction to the University learning environment;
- An introduction to reading and comprehending the scientific literature;
- An introduction to scientific research and hypothesis testing;
- An introduction to scientific writing and communication of science;
- Experience in data analysis;
- Guidance on University examinations and revision;
- Experience of writing and delivering oral presentations;
- Development of core research skills;
- An introduction to scientific ethics and integrity;
- Discussion of structure of Level 2.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	6	1.00	6.00
Tutorial	9	1.00	9.00
Private study hours			85.00
Total Contact hours			15.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

The tutorial sessions prompt students to steer their outside reading and independent learning through a variety of assessments. This includes (i) contemporary topics in biological sciences in preparation for discussions and essays, (ii) exploring the scientific literature through suggestions for web search engines, (iii) research and writing of a written piece of coursework, and (iv) use of PowerPoint to produce an oral presentation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In terms of formative feedback, tutors will still set formative assignments, but with increased discretion regarding when and how this is done. So, for instance, formative feedback could now be given on the ‘in progress’ version of an assessed essay, rather than via a separate essay. The various data analysis exercises run by tutors will now become formative only.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,000 word essay	40.00
Literature Review	2,000 word news and views	30.00
Presentation	verbal presentation (5 minutes)	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 25/04/2019

Disclaimer

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