2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY1304 Research Experience and Skills Level 1

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Prof Les Firbank
Email: L.Firbank@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2017/18

This module is mutually exclusive with

BLGY1303

Tutorials for Biology and Genetics

Module replaces

BLGY1302 (part)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

The aim of the module is to introduce the students to the thought processes and essential communication skills required to be a successful scientist. The objectives of the tutorial component are to:
- enhance the ability to use library and other resources;
- gain an appreciation of the skills required to present written reports under "normal" and "examination" conditions;
- solve analytical problems and gain numerical skills;
- 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 should:
- have been introduced to the processes involved in the scientific method;
- be able to search, access and reference the scientific literature correctly;
- be better able to write a properly structured scientific essay or report;
- be better able to present their results orally or in a poster.

Skills outcomes
Practical skills which may range from laboratory methods to data handling, small group presentations using posters and powerpoint, ability to use Excel to tabulate, graph and analyse data.

Syllabus

Research is the most exciting aspect of science and of biology. It is only through rigorous observation and carefully designed experimental programmes that we expand our knowledge of the world around us.

Being able to design and carry out experiments, analyse and present the results, is therefore paramount to being a biologist.

This module will allow students to work on small research projects as part of a team, supervised by a tutor, to discover new things about selected study systems and develop their research skills for the future.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	2	1.00	2.00
Seminar	15	1.00	15.00
Tutorial	8	1.00	8.00
Private study hours			75.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

- 37.5 hours spent researching literature, writing individual reports and preparing presentations during Project 1.
- 37.5 hours spent researching literature, writing individual reports and preparing presentations during Project 2.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Four formal tutorials over the course of each project to ensure both individuals and groups are progressing satisfactorily.
- Upload of individual reports into group discussion rooms on VLE to be monitored to confirm contribution and understanding.
- Attendance at lectures and research seminars monitored via PDP.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	Assignment 1	25.00
In-course Assessment	Assignment 2	25.00
In-course Assessment	Assignment 3	25.00
In-course Assessment	Assignment 4	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

In-course assessments will be set by your tutor: 2 in semester 1 and 2 in semester 2. These will be a combination of written essays, oral presentation and data analysis.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 04/04/2017

Disclaimer

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