Advanced Laboratory Skills
| Module title | Advanced Laboratory Skills |
|---|---|
| Module code | BIOM549 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will be trained in advanced techniques used in Biosciences research. You will get experience in assessing experiments for COSHH and risk assessment. You will perform advanced experiments and write up the results in a scientific report. You will carry out an analysis on historical data to get experience in processing a range of data sets. This module will be invaluable to prepare you for the research project.
This module will take place in term 1 in order to prepare you for your research project. Please note that the timing of the laboratory sessions and the activities will be specific to each theme.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to ensure you are trained in the appropriate methodological skills to prepare you for your research project and will provide you with important skills of analysis of experimental data, scientific report writing and different ways of presenting data.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Explain the principles of advanced bioscience techniques covered and have an awareness of the applications of these techniques in biosciences research
- 2. Collect your own experimental data in a subdiscipline of biosciences
- 3. Explain the relevant health and safety issues associated with laboratory/field work in a subdiscipline of biosciences
- 4. Interpret experimental data obtained using experimental techniques
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Describe comprehensively some techniques applicable to research in a subdiscipline of the biosciences
- 6. With minimal guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within the biosciences
- 7. Critically evaluate experimental data
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Collect and interpret appropriate data and complete research-like tasks with limited guidance
- 9. Work in a small team and deal proficiently with the issues teamwork requires (eg communication, motivation, decision-making, awareness, responsibility, and management skills, including setting and working to deadlines)
- 10. Communicate ideas, principles and theories fluently by written, visual and verbal means.
Syllabus plan
The module will comprise: 30 hours of practical training with a senior scientist.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 30 | Laboratory practical activities |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Analysis of Historical data |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Web-based activities on ELE |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Reading around practical topics |
| Guided Independent Study | 50 | Preparation |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | 0 | 10 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk assessment | 10 | 1 hour | 3 | Written |
| Laboratory Write-up | 40 | 2,500 words | 1,2, 4-10 | Written |
| Data Analysis presented as a scientific poster | 40 | Poster (approx. 1000 words) | 1,4-7,10 | Written and oral |
| Practical Observation during laboratory sessions/fieldtrip | 10 | 10 hours | 1,2,5,6,8,9 | Written and oral |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk assessment | Risk assessment | 3 | August/September |
| Laboratory Write-up | Laboratory Write-up | 1,2,4-10 | August/September |
| Data Analysis (Poster) | Data Analysis (Poster) | 1,4-7,10 | August/September |
| Practical Observation | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The practical observation assessment is not deferrable due to its practical nature. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral 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 overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Reading materials specific to your research theme will be supplied.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 06/03/2021 |
| Last revision date | 06/03/2021 |
