Skills for Biomedical Sciences
| Module title | Skills for Biomedical Sciences |
|---|---|
| Module code | CSC1013 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr James Butler (Convenor) Dr Sarah Allman (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 180 |
|---|
Module description
This module is designed to introduce you to technical, professional and academic competencies essential for your academic journey and future success. Drawing from scientific practice, this module will introduce a comprehensive set of core skills for science and demonstrate how they are transferrable to other fields. These skills include laboratory techniques, digital and information literacy as well as skills linked to how we handle, communicate and analyse numerical data. Recognising the dynamic and public-facing nature of modern science, this module also places significant emphasis on developing your communication skills and reinforcing the need to practise science with integrity. This module provides the foundation for all future higher modules in the degree programme.
To take CSC1013 you must normally have an A Level (or equivalent) in Biology.
Module aims - intentions of the module
In this module you will become familiarised to the virtual learning environment and various instructional methods used at university, ensuring you can effectively navigate online resources and coursework. You will also be introduced to the laboratory environment, where you will develop essential practical skills and understand standard laboratory procedures. A key focus is on building your confidence in interpreting numerical data, equipping you with the ability to analyse and apply quantitative information in scientific contexts. You will be introduced to scientific literature, learning how to search for credible sources and critically assess their relevance. You will learn to question the validity, inclusivity, and integrity of scientific information and learn to take a critical approach to research. Finally, you will learn how to communicate scientific information effectively to diverse audiences, ensuring you can present their findings clearly and accurately in both academic and public settings. Assessment will take the form of a public patient involvement recruitment flyer and dissemination report.
Graduate attributes: as part of this module, you will develop the key employability skills of communication and team working skills. Also, the ability to map your skills attainment over the course of your degree.
The module aligns with sustainable development goals (SDGs) SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) ensuring knowledge into physiology and healthy lives along with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate knowledge of what it means to work safely in the laboratory
- 2. Show competence in basic laboratory procedures
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Accurately analyse and interpret scientific data
- 4. Gather, collate and correctly attribute sources of scientific information
- 5. Evaluate and critique current scientific knowledge whilst being mindful of the role of hidden voices and marginalised perspectives in shaping biomedical knowledge
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Communicate effectively to expert and non-expert audiences
- 7. Use digital packages and online resources appropriately to support your work
Syllabus plan
- Introduction to the module including an overview of the module structure, learning outcomes, and how to navigate the university’s online learning platform (ELE). Guidance on accessing, understanding, and fulfilling assignment briefs will be provided to support academic success.
- Scientific Integrity and Reliable Information including learning about ethical conduct, reproducibility, and accurate reporting while avoiding plagiarism. Understanding reliable scientific information is equally important, requiring the ability to differentiate between peer-reviewed literature and primary versus secondary sources.
- Dealing with Data and Statistical Analysis including datacollection, organisation, and visualisation using graphs, charts, and tables to enhance clarity in scientific communication. Statistical tests will also be learnt such as t-test, ANOVA, regression analysis and use of p-values.
- Sourcing, Interpreting, and Presenting Scientific Information including training on literature searches, critical appraisal of sources, and effective ways to communicate findings through scientific writing, presentations, and reports.
Accessibility Statement:
As part of this module you will undertake four laboratory sessions in the large teaching laboratory (of up to 200 students) that are of 2-3 hours in duration. These sessions will be undertaken in pairs or groups, and involve fine laboratory work and the use of Bunsen burner flames and mechanical equipment. In addition you will also undertake a session in the computing laboratory (of up to 80 students), working individually, that is 1.5-2 hrs in duration. For all practicals, 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)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 100 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 21 | Lectures and workshops |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 15 | Laboratory-based practical classes and linked lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 10 | Engagement with academic/employability events (e.g., research seminars, career talks, etc.) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 4 | Assessment support (2 x 2 hours) |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Scientific information workshop preparation and consolidation |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Statistics workshop preparation and consolidation |
| Guided Independent Study | 5 | Presenting scientific information preparation and consolidation |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Virtual learning environment tasks relating to practical classes and data analysis |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Completion of formative and summative assessments |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Virtual learning environment tasks relating to statistical analysis |
| Guided Independent Study | 5 | ELE academic integrity and plagiarism quiz |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Translating technical terms (ELE quiz) | 1 hour | 3-6 | Online |
| Interpreting visual data (ELE quiz) | 1 hour | 3 | Online |
| Virtual learning environment tasks relating to statistical analysis (ELE quiz) | 1 hour | 3, 7 | Online |
| Presenting scientific information (ELE quiz) | 1 hour | 6 | Online |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical problem sets | 20 | Online assessments | 1,2 | Online model answers |
| Scientific communication (video exercise recorded presentation) | 30 | Recorded 6-minute individual oral presentation | 3-7 | Written |
| Lab report (template provided) | 50 | Lab report (written exercise, template provided) | 3,4,6,7 | Written |
| Academic Honesty and Plagiarism ELE module quiz. (You must achieve 80% to pass this assessment; there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test. Failure to pass this quiz will lead to the module mark being capped at 39 until successfully completed) | 0 | 30 minutes | 4,5 | Online model answers |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical problem sets (20%) | Online assessments | 1,2 | August Ref/Def |
| Scientific communication (video exercise recorded presentation) (30%) | Recorded 6-minute individual oral presentation | 3-7 | August Ref/Def |
| Lab report (written exercise, template provided) (50%) | Lab report (written exercise, template provided) | 3,4,6,7 | August Ref/Def |
| Academic Honesty and Plagiarism ELE module quiz, 30 minutes. (You must achieve 80% to pass this assessment) (0%) | Academic Honesty and Plagiarism ELE module quiz | 4,5 | August Ref/Def |
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
Cottrell, S. The Study Skills Handbook. Palgrave
Cottrell, S. Critical Thinking Skills. Palgrave.
Boyle, J. & Ramsay, S. Writing for Science Students. Palgrave.
Harris, M., Taylor, J. & Taylor, G. Catch Up Maths & Stats: for the life and medical sciences. Scion Publishing.
Rumsey, D. J. Statistics For Dummies. For Dummies Publishing.
De Vries, A. & Meys, J. R for Dummies. For Dummies Publishing
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Module ELE page containing formative quizzes and access to on-line learning resources
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 13/05/2024 |
| Last revision date | 31/01/2025 |
