2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
BIOL5394M Specialised Research Topics and Skills
30 creditsClass Size: 40
Module manager: Professor Kenneth McDowall
Email: K.J.McDowall@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Pre-requisite qualifications
Continued progression on MBIOL from Level 3 to Level 5 (achieve an average of at least 65%, in the level 3 project components and an overall credit weighted year average, normally of at least 65%).Pre-requisites
BIOL3398 | Research Tools and Applications |
BIOL3399 | Extended Research Project Preparation |
Co-requisites
BIOL5382M | Extended Research Project |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module will develop the intellectual research skills to support the practical research being carried out in the parallel projects that students are undertaking, and to prepare them for a career in a research environment.Objectives
The broad aim is to provide students with opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding of cutting-edge advances and technologies beyond their extended project, and develop further skills in critical analysis, data evaluation, and communication. This is achieved through short courses, attendance at school seminars, a student-led journal club, debates, development and pitching of a business proposal, and the production of short presentations.Learning outcomes
The specific learning outcomes are the ability to:
1. Identify, evaluate and describe current research trends in the field;
2. Critically analyse recent research findings and both present and explain their significance to others;
3. Identify key ideas and the significance of published findings;
4. Interpret and present a range of data types generated in current biomedical sciences research;
5. Select research techniques and approaches (including statistical methods) that are appropriate in meeting a range of objectives having gained an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses;
6. Present science succinctly and coherently to the general public;
7. Work effectively as part of a team.
Syllabus
Students will attend a range of research seminars delivered by external speakers in the Faculty of Biological Sciences that are relevant to their programme of study. They will also meet with external speakers to discuss science and career options. This aspect of the module leads on from attendance at research seminars as part of BIOL3399 (Extended Research Project Preparation).
Students will also attend and present at a journal club specifically for MBiol students within the School using material from the primary literature.
They will also attend workshops on research methodology, cutting-edge techniques, and statistics - completing the corresponding coursework.
Students will participate in debates (‘Time to Think’), and the development and presentation of business cases (‘Meet the Dragons’) and podcasts (‘FBS Radio’).
Students will also work on their employability with members of academic staff and the Faculty's Employability and Professional Development Officer and the Careers Centre.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Workshop | 4 | 2.50 | 10.00 |
Group learning | 16 | 1.50 | 24.00 |
Seminar | 16 | 1.00 | 16.00 |
Private study hours | 250.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 50.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 |
Private study
Private study will focus on reading and critically evaluating scientific papers; and preparing for journal club presentations, debates, podcast presentations, meetings with external speakers, and assignments relating to employability and professional development.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Attendance at journal club sessions will be monitored and student progress monitored through performance in presentations during the module.Students will be required to maintain a log of notes for each research seminar and identify if/how issues arising from the journal club were addressed by the speaker. They will be required to submit these periodically for assessment.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Presentation | Journal Club | 10.00 |
Presentation | Business pitch | 10.00 |
Presentation | Debate | 10.00 |
Presentation | Podcast | 10.00 |
Report | Bio-imaging | 15.00 |
In-course Assessment | Statistics | 5.00 |
Report | Notes on research seminars, journal clubs and debates & notebook | 40.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
All elements of the module are compulsory.
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 12/09/2022 14:24:23
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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