2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

NATS1405 Practical Skills for Natural Scientists

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Jenny Eyley
Email: J.Eyley@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module provides a foundation in the practical and analytical skills required for further study in all branches of the natural sciences.

Objectives

Practical skills will be developed through interdisciplinary experiments hosted by partner schools. Alongside experimental work, students will gain an insight into ethics, data analysis, mathematical and digital skills through computer-based workshops. Laboratory reports and presentations will equip students with scientific communication skills required for further study.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

1. Describe, document and enact safe working practices. Interpret and follow risk assessments relating to practical activities, enacting safe working practices and waste disposal.
2. Develop practical skills to carry out a range of experiments in interdisciplinary contexts. Use laboratory instrumentation to collect and record precise and accurate data.
3. Use software to plot graphs and to perform calculations and statistical analyses. Select appropriate graphical representations of data.
4. Perform basic algebraic manipulations and calculations and apply statistical methods to analyse and interpret experimental data. Demonstrate competence in unit conversions and appropriate use of significant figures. Calculate experimental uncertainties and limitations of experimental data.
5. Communicate results of experimental work through lab book entries, lab reports, and presentations.
6. Demonstrate a basic understanding of scientific ethics and critical thinking by application to relevant scientific problems. Demonstrate an awareness of experimental limitations and uncertainties and the statistical significance of experimental results. Choose, evaluate and deploy appropriate methods for data collection, data analysis, presentation, communication, and problem-solving purposes. Select appropriate statistical tests to analyse numerical data.


Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

a) Develop technical digital skills in the use of software packages such as Microsoft Excel.
b) Develop interdisciplinary team working skills through group aspects of laboratory work.
c) Plan and manage independent and group work effectively.
d) Develop written and verbal communication skills through presentation of results gained through practical work.
e) Communicate effectively using appropriate presentation skills such as written, oral and other presentation methods, selecting appropriate content, media and methods for the audience, purpose and subject.
f) Act professionally and with integrity, with due regard for legal, ethical and societal responsibilities, modelling good practice that promotes positive perceptions of the Natural Sciences and Natural Scientists.

Syllabus

1) Introduction to the chemistry laboratory and equipment and to safe working practices
2) A field trip to gain experience of collecting measurements in the field.
3) A selection of experiments in teaching laboratories across three faculties to develop transferrable and subject-specific laboratory skills.
4) Instruction and exercises to develop appropriate IT, mathematical and data analysis skills
5) Workshops outlining the ethical expectations of scientists, academic and scientific integrity, and of the value of critical thinking in distinguishing science and pseudoscience.
6) Introduction to record keeping, the presentation of experimental results, report writing and presentations.


Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

3 x Coursework

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Independent Learning	8	1.00	8.00
Lectures	3	1.00	3.00
seminars	2	3.00	6.00
Practicals	26	3.00	78.00
Fieldwork	1	6.00	6.00
Private study hours			99.00
Total Contact hours			101.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will receive formative feedback through in-person discussions and exercises in workshops, seminars and practical sessions.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 29/04/2024

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