Module manager: Anna Riach
Email: A.Riach@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
BLGY1307
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces and develops core research and scientific skills that students will need to be successful in their degree program. Lectures and workshops will cover skills needed for researching literature and communicating science. Statistics lectures will introduce techniques used in data analysis with computer practicals allowing practice in using R coding language to clean and analyse data
The aim of this module is to develop literature research skills, practice scientific communication, increase statistical knowledge and develop data analysis skills. Students will learn how to effectively search for and evaluate scientific literature and put this into practice by submitting formative and summative scientific writing reports. Communicating science in a non-written format could be practiced through an oral presentation for example. Statistical tests will be introduced and explained with opportunities to practice applying these tests.
Learning activities will include workshops which will provide opportunities for students to engage in discussions, exercises and other active learning activities. There will also be an opportunity to present complex science clearly and concisely in a non-written format such as an oral presentation. This could be in front of a small group of peers. Practical computer sessions will allow students to practice using R for data cleaning, analysis and visualisation with support from on-hand staff.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Search, access, cite and reference the scientific literature
2. Express scientific ideas within a properly structured scientific essay
3. Effectively communicate science, for example, in an oral presentation
4. Analyse data to explore patterns and test hypotheses using statistical tests
5. Find, run and "de-bug" code
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practical | 9 | 1.5 | 13.5 |
| Tutorial | 8 | 1.5 | 12 |
| Private study hours | 164.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
700 word formative piece of writing with feedback from marker. Formative feedback for statistics given in computer practicals verbally and through exercises
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Science Communication – 5 min presentation and 1500 word essay | 50 |
| Coursework | Statistics Report | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team