2022/23 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 2022/23

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;
- develop the ability to explain and explore concepts and knowledge from the module and the wider core modules in a peer learning setting.

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
Fieldwork	1	15.00	15.00
Group learning	9	1.00	9.00
Lecture	5	1.00	5.00
Tutorial	9	1.00	9.00
Private study hours			62.00
Total Contact hours			38.00
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. The peer learning sessions prompt students to discuss with their peers and develop their understanding of topics from their core and optional modules.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Tutors will provide formative feedback on written assignments, but with 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.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,000 word essay	40.00
Literature Review	1,000 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: 29/04/2022 15:27:19

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