2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
BIOL5371M Research Planning and Scientific Communication
10 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Alison Baker
Email: A.Baker@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Pre-requisite qualifications
Undergraduate degree in biological sciences or equivalent.This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
This module aims to train participants how to plan and structure research from an individual experiment to a program of work. Furthermore, the module seeks to train students in communicating scientific research in different formats including; literature review, scientific research papers and oral presentations.Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have:
1. Received guidance on searching literature and writing a literature review;
2. Understood how a series of experiments are planned and linked together to form a coherent piece of work;
3. Understood how a research paper is constructed (text and production of figures);
4. Gained an appreciation of the critical evaluation of data;
5. Taken a figure from a research paper and analysed the experimental procedures required to produce that data;
6. Worked in a team to construct a programme of research and make an oral presentation;
7. Written their research programme in the form of an individual grant proposal.
Skills outcomes
Research planning, communication in different formats, discussing and defending ideas, problem-solving and questioning skills, summarising and synthesising information.
Syllabus
How to search literature and write a review. Designing experiments and linking them into a research programme. Critically evaluating data. Writing a grant proposal. How to prepare graphics and figures. Writing a scientific paper.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 1 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Drop-in Session | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| presentation | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| Lecture | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| Tutorial | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Private study hours | 81.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 19.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
Private study will involve working through the tutorial activities and workshops and preparing for the coursework surgeries and assessments.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored through the tutorials, workshops and coursework surgeries and through the quality of assessed work submitted.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Design a flow chart based on a published paper | 40.00 |
| Assignment | Write an application for a project grant (assigned by tutor) | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 08/09/2022
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD