2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY1307 Research & Study Skills Level 1

20 creditsClass Size: 180

Module manager: Dr Anna Riach
Email: A.Riach@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

BLGY1306 and half of BLGY1325

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

On completion of this module, students should be able to
- gain understanding of scientific literature, and the ability to utilise it.
- gain an appreciation of the skills required to research including quantitative analyses 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
- gain understanding of how R coding language is used to handle and analyse data;
- 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.

Learning outcomes
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. Critically evaluate contemporary topics in biological sciences;
5. Analyse scientific data to explore patterns and test hypotheses using R code.

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 the collection of data to test hypotheses
- Experience in data analysis
- Experience in the use of coding for handling and 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

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	10	1.00	10.00
Tutorials	11	1.00	11.00
Practicals	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			169.00
Total Contact hours			31.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Tutors will provide formative feedback on written assignments in the first semester. Lecturer and demonstrator to give verbal formative feedback on statistics and using R code during practicals to identify common misconceptions that require further explanations.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	Science Communication - 5 minute oral presentation and 1500 word essay	50.00
In-course MCQ	20 questions	50.00
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: 07/05/2024

Disclaimer

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• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

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