2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BIOL2301 Intermediate Skills for Biological Sciences
40 creditsClass Size: 65
Module manager: Dr Takashi Ochi
Email: T.Ochi@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Co-requisites
| BIOL2112 | Genes and Genomes |
| BIOL2210 | Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling |
This module is mutually exclusive with
| BIOC2301 | Intermediate Integrated Biochemistry |
| BIOC2302 | Intermediate Biochemistry: Practicals |
| BIOC2303 | Intermediate Biochemistry: Skills |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
To provide additional training in data collection, experimental techniques relevant to the multi-disciplinary arena of the biological sciences, the analysis of numerical data, problem solving, teamwork and presentation skills.Skills training will be integrated with the lecture content of BIOL2112 Genes and Genomes, MICR2120 Cell Biology of Disease and BIOL2210 Membranes and Cell Signalling.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of and competence in an extended range of laboratory equipment and practical techniques current to molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and microbiology;
- Record, analyse and interpret a variety of experimental data including the appropriate use of simple statistical tests;
- Propose hypotheses and design controlled experiments and/or strategies to investigate these;
- Apply knowledge of the discipline to solve biological problems;
- Interrogate academic databases to retrieve scientific data and/or literature;
- Communicate scientific information clearly and coherently in a range of formats, orally and in writing;
- discuss ethical issues underpinning biological work.
Skills outcomes
- Managing knowledge; data evaluation and problem solving, sourcing, selecting & interpreting data.
- Technical competence; laboratory techniques, experimental design, and analysing data, accuracy and IT skills.
- Managing self; planning, time management.
- Managing relationships; teamwork, decision taking, learning from others; sharing; receiving critique.
- Presentation skills; lab reports, written answers, oral presentations.
Syllabus
Students will undertake a range of experiments using biochemical and molecular techniques including gene cloning and protein expression, PCR, electrophoresis, enzyme assays, bioinformatics & aseptic technique.
Through these experiments they will further develop their technical competence, as well as their ability to record results, interpret a wider variety of data types and form conclusions that do not exceed reasonable interpretation of the data.
Students will also participate in tutorials to further develop their ability to:
(i) handle, transform and interpret numerical data
(ii) interpret experimental results in order to solve biochemical, cell and molecular biology problems
(iii) draw on material from lectures and the primary literature to generate critical reviews of current topics in the area of cell and molecular biology,
iv) develop hypotheses and appropriate experimental strategies to test hypotheses and
(v) appreciate ethical issues arising within the biological sciences/biotechnology area and plan for their future careers.
The tutorials will consist largely of small group teaching. Practical and tutorial attendance and the completion of all work are compulsory.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Practical | 14 | 6.00 | 84.00 |
| Tutorial | 17 | 1.00 | 17.00 |
| Private study hours | 299.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 101.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400.00 | ||
Private study
- Preparation for lab: 50 hours- Preparation for tutorials: 85 hours
- On-line practice and learning: 10 hours
- Completion of assessed coursework: 154 hours
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- GFP Semester 1 practicals will be delivered online (demonstrations, videos, experimental planning, data analysis & interpretation).- No "hands-on" practical classes until Semester 2. Student progress will be monitored through weekly checking of laboratory books/pro formas, and supervision by demonstrators during laboratory/data analysis sessions.
- Continuous for tutorials. Online delivery of normal tutorials/ seminars via Teams/Collaborate.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Literature Review | Short literature review (semester 2). Submitted online. | 10.00 |
| Practical Report | 2 x Practical reports summative (5% and 20% each) submitted online in semester 1. | 25.00 |
| Practical Report | Practical report - submitted online in semester 2. | 25.00 |
| Tutorial Performance | 4 x Tutorial assignments equally weighted (10% each; 2 per semester). Submitted online. | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Students should note that there will be NO RESIT OPPORTUNITY for this module during the August resit period, owing to the continuous nature of the assessment. Any student who fails this module will be unable to progress into Year 3, and will be required to repeat the module as an internal candidate the following year, repeating all classes and assignments, for a maximum mark of 40% (in line with other university resits).
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 10/10/2022
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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