This first year module is a core module for all Bioscience and Forensic Science programmes, and provides a firm foundation in general scientific and laboratory skills that students require to successfully complete their programmes of study. Students are introduced to the nature of studying in higher education, the need for effective time management and planning of work, the appropriate use of information sources, and to sources of information relating to careers in the biosciences. Scientific analytical and lab/practical skills are developed, together with essential mathematics and statistical skills for life scientists. A significant component of the module consists of the development of basic research skills such as practical skills in the laboratory, the principles of experimental design and the statistical analysis of data.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Generic study skills:
Maths, computing and data presentation:
Experimental design, basic statistics and SPSS:
Laboratory skills:
Teaching is delivered through formal lectures, informal seminars/tutorials, computer workshops and laboratory practical classes to provide all students with essential theory and practice. Students are also expected to carry out various exercises to reinforce their learning, and progress is reviewed in informal seminar classes/tutorials. Discussion and reflection on students' progress, including awareness of academic and employability skills takes place in seminars and forms the basis of a self-reflection log, which is discussed with personal tutors. In addition, teaching is supported through the provision of online materials for students to access. A significant component of the module comprises laboratory classes to equip students with good laboratory practice and basic laboratory techniques, along with computer workshops to develop students' skills with statistics and associated computer software. Students will be expected to integrate the range of skills learned during the module in the preparation of assessed work.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures (40h), workshops (6h), tutorials/seminars (10h), laboratory classes (12h) | 68 |
| Guided independent study | Student independent study | 232 |
| Study abroad / placement | ||
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessment is through the submission of a self-evaluation and reflection log, a portfolio of small, 'open-book' on-line tests, and an end-of-year practical laboratory test. The self-reflection log is completed throughout the year by students and is discussed periodically with their personal tutors. The development of mathematics and statistics skills is reviewed through the use of a series of formative exercises that monitor student progress and provide feedback on performance. Students are expected to develop skills learnt throughout the module in laboratory techniques and good practice, numeracy, data presentation and analysis, locating research literature information and referencing, and apply these during the summative end-of-year laboratory practical test and a portfolio of small on-line tests.. More specifically, the laboratory practical test will assess technical skills competence while the portfolio of small tests will typically cover 1) referencing and plagiarism, 2) maths, computing and data presentation and 3) experimental design, basic statistics and SPSS.
Formative assessment will be used to monitor student progress and to provide feed-forward in preparation for summative assessments. Feedback on laboratory skills performance and how to improve upon these will be provided to students during the practical sessions and practical tutorials.
In summary, summative assessments contribute the following proportions of the module marks:
Self-evaluation and reflective log 5%
Portfolio (collection of small tests) 35%
Laboratory Practical test 60%
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Manage their time to become effective independent learners | Completion of all summative assessments; reviewed in self-reflection log |
| 2) Exhibit competence in basic numeracy and scientific calculations, and to statistically analyse and interpret data | Portfolio of online tests (S) and laboratory practical test ( S) |
| 3) Use word processing and spreadsheet packages to present text, graphics and data competently | Laboratory practical test (S) |
| Perform key laboratory practical skills competently and safely | Practical attendance and laboratory practical test (F, S) |
| 5) Locate contemporary research publications both in text and electronic format | Online test (S) |
| 6) Explain the theory behind biological experimental design, carry out basic laboratory procedures safely and accurately, and demonstrate the application of good laboratory practice | Laboratory practical test (S) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| End of year laboratory practical exam | Practical Exam | 60% |
| Self-Evaluation and Reflection log | Coursework | 5% |
| Portfolio (collection of small on-line tests) | Coursework | 35% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Most recent editions of:
Johnson S & Scott J. Study & Communication Skills for the Biosciences. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Weyers J, Reed R, Jones A & Holmes D. Practical Skills in the Biomolecular Sciences. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Recommended Reading:
Bonner PLR & Hargreaves AJ. Basic bioscience laboratory techniques: a pocket guide. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons.
Bryson E and Willis J. Foundation Mathematics for Biosciences with MyMathLab: A Guide for Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Ennos R. Statistical and Data Handling Skills in Biology 3rd Ed. Harlow: Pearson Education.
MacMillan K & Weyers J. The Smarter Study Skills Companion. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Meah MS & Kebede-Westhead E. Essential laboratory techniques for biosciences. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.