2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

NATS5700M Advanced Practical, Professional and Research Skills for Scientists

30 creditsClass Size: 80

Module manager: Bruce Turnbull
Email: w.b.turnbull@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in engineering, environmental science, physical science or mathematics discipline

Module replaces

CHEM5700M Advanced Practical, Professional and Research Skills for Chemists

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The aim of this module is to provide students with training in experimental, analytical and transferable professional skills to prepare them for their research projects and future career development.

Objectives

The module will provide students with:
• an understanding of the research process and research culture from conception of a project to dissemination of the results through lectures and seminars on experimental design, grant proposals, ethics, risk assessment, literature searching and scientific writing
• technical skills for conducting experiments and data analysis through practical sessions and computer exercisesprofessional skills in science communication and career development through written and oral exercises and employability workshops.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. explain the research process through which a series of experiments are planned and linked together to form a coherent piece of published work
2. use common data analysis software and critically evaluate data
3. demonstrate research skills relevant to their preferred research project and have knowledge of health and safety procedures

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. explain and formulate arguments relating to research culture and ethical issues (Academic – academic integrity, ethics)
5. search scientific literature for relevant information (Academic – information searching, referencing)
6. communicate scientific ideas and concepts to a general audience via written and oral communication (Work ready – communication, core literacies; Academic – presentation skills, academic writing, academic language)
7. Recognise, evaluate and reflecteon the transferable and subject specific skills relevant to their next steps decisions. Identify and set personal objectives for academic and career development (Academic – reflection; Work-ready - Personal/self/career management)
8. work efficiently as part of a team (Work-ready -Teamwork/collaboration, interpersonal skills)

Syllabus

• lectures and seminars on experimental design, grant proposals, ethics, risk assessment, literature searching and scientific writing to develop an understanding of the research process
• practical sessions and computer exercises to develop technical skills for conducting experiments and data analysis
• communication and employability workshops, written and oral exercises to develop professional skills in science communication and career development.

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

3 x Coursework

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	4	1.00	4.00
Lecture	8	1.00	8.00
Practical	14	3.00	42.00
Seminar	16	2.00	32.00
Private study hours			214.00
Total Contact hours			86.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative assessments on which individual feedback will be provided involving a news and views article, oral presentation, use of data analysis software, literature searching and understanding experimental processes.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 29/04/2024

Disclaimer

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• Undergraduate module catalogue
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• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

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