2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL3305 Advanced Skills in the Biosciences

20 Credits Class Size: 75

Module manager: Dr John Barr
Email: J.N.Barr@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should have:
- Developed scientific and data-handling skills in the analysis and interpretation of experimental data and the construction of scientific arguments;
- Developed the ability to express themselves clearly during oral and written presentations to both scientific and lay audiences;
- Developed the ability to summarise a scientific study in a concise abstract.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to:
- Source, select, use and evaluate information to present a scientific study and answer questions about it;
- Analyse, interpret and present experimental data;
- Communicate information clearly and coherently orally and in writing to scientific and lay audiences;
- Summarise complex scientific studies in clear and complete abstracts.

Skills outcomes

- Critical analysis of scientific papers, scientific writing, communication, data handling and problem solving.
- Participate in group work, feedback and advice.
- Presentation preparation and delivery.

Syllabus

- Students will participate in group exercises: a series of general themes of topical importance to their degree programme will be considered.
- Students will attend seminars given by both academic staff and guest lecturers, which will address recent developments in microbial immunity.
- Students should develop problem-solving skills and will be taught how to present their work orally. They will also participate in careers workshops and sessions to improve their interview/self-presentation skills.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Seminar 5 2 10
Tutorial 5 2 10
Private study hours 180
Total Contact hours 20
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Private study

Students should note that the following information is for guidance only. The actual time required for the various elements will vary between students.
- 5 hours of self-study per tutorial/seminar (50 hours)
- 130 hours assessed work

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Student attendance at online tutorials will be monitored in line with standard faculty practice.
- Feedback given via comments on the completed article;
- Feedback given during the oral presentations and via comments sent by group tutor;
- Written feedback on marked papers taken as in-course exams.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course Assessment Article writing: Science communication exercise (newspaper article) 20
Oral Presentation 2 x Oral presentations with tutor and peer review (15% each) 30
In-course Assessment Data handling exam (in-course) 25
In-course Assessment Paper summary and interpretation exam 25
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/29/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team