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Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists

Module description

As bioscientists you need to be equipped with skills that allow you to work in a safe, competent and confident manner. You will be trained in basic laboratory skills and safety issues and given guidance on experimental design, data handling and basic statistical analysis. In this module you will be introduced to a range of practical and transferable skills in areas including scientific writing, teamwork, good research practice, and the use of subject specific software and Artificial Intelligence. Aspects of personal development will be discussed that will aim to build your personal resilience in a scientific context through reflection on personal practices. Personal goals and employment/career options will also be examined, and you will be introduced to our Biosciences Graduate Skills & Attributes Framework and how it can be used to map your skills attainment over the course of your degree.

In order to take BIO1333 you must normally have an A Level (or equivalent) in Biology.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module introduces you to the key principles of safe laboratory practice and experimental design. You will gain some working knowledge of statistical techniques relevant to the discipline. Emphasis will be placed on personal development planning to make sure you have the skills necessary to enhance your performance in all Stages as well as to improve employability. Core skills relevant to modules in year 1, and progression to year 2 will be covered through a mix of online and hands-on activities. Your skills development will be supported by your personal tutors.

Graduate attributes: as part of this module you will gain essential practical skills, develop teamwork skills and develop an ability to work independently.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Perform general laboratory investigations in biosciences
• 2. Illustrate essential facts and theory in experimental design and data analysis
• 3. Communicate ideas effectively by written, oral and visual means
• 4. Perform basic database management tasks relevant to the biosciences
• 5. Reflect upon personal development

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Summarise essential facts and theory in a sub-discipline of the biosciences
• 7. Evaluate aspects of the biosciences with reference to textbooks and with guidance evaluate aspects of the research literature
• 8. Deploy with confidence some established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within the biosciences demonstrating competency, awareness of safety issues and collect /interpret meaningful precise data.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 9. With some guidance, begin to develop the skills necessary for independent study; be a resilient self-advocate – reflecting on experience (successes and failures).
• 10. With some guidance, select and manage time and resources (e.g. information drawn from a variety of sources)
• 11. Interact effectively in a group and be a confident communicator (written and oral)

Syllabus plan

Lectures covering: general study skills, general laboratory procedures, lab books, units and calculations, safety, presentation skills, data handling and statistics in the biological sciences. The uses and abuses of artificial Intelligence will be outlined along with expectations for assessments across the discipline.

Small group tutorials examining: aspects of cutting-edge research relevant to the biosciences and evaluating research literature and meet the academic presentation.

Laboratory practicals covering: chemical preparation, basic good laboratory practice, good microbiological practice (aseptic technique), standardisation, and safety, care and use of the bright field light microscope.

Accessibility Statement:

As part of this module, you will undertake laboratory sessions in the large teaching laboratory (of up to 200 students) that are of 2-3 hrs in duration. These sessions will be undertaken in groups, and some sessions involve fine laboratory work. Breaks are possible and students are able to leave the laboratory for short periods.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Indicative basic reading list:

• Campbell NA, Reece JB (2008) Biology, 8th Ed. Pearson. ISBN 0-321-53616-7/0-321-53616-9

Materials for academic tutorials will be from literature provided by each academic

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• Module ELE page

Key words search

Safety, laboratory skills, GLP, GMP, pipette handling, aseptic technique, electrophoresis, titration, microscopy, statistics and computer skills, artificial intelligence (AI), research skills, presentation skills, experimental design, data analysis, employability, study resources, personal development.