Module manager: Anna Riach
Email: A.Riach@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
BLGY1307 (Research & Study Skills Level 1) or BLGY1308 (Unlocking Scientific Success)
| BLGY1307 | Research & Study Skills Level 1 |
| BLGY1308 | Unlocking Scientific Success |
BLGY2304
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module develops core research and scientific skills that were encountered in the first year. It will support excellence in the other modules in the programme that require skills in communicating science and analysing data and will be good preparation for the final year project modules. Lectures and tutorials will build on research skills such as analyzing data and communicating findings while setting them in the context of current biological literature. Computer practicals will allow “hands-on” opportunities to develop R coding skills to clean and analyse scientific data. A careers lecture will highlight job and placement opportunities and a mock job interview will give essential practice in communicating skills to a potential employer.
This module aims to enhance and build upon the core research and scientific skills introduced in the first year to support assessments in other modules and to prepare students for their final year project.
The module will advance skills in data analysis and scientific communication in a biology setting. It will also provide more practice with coding in R to clean and analyse data. And provide career guidance so they are more likely to gain placement and job opportunities.
The learning activities will include lectures to remind students of literacy skills, statistical tests and general careers advice. Small group tutorials will support these lectures allowing students to take part in discussions, ask questions and receive individual feedback. Computer practicals will provide practice in coding and statistical analysis. The mock job interview gives experience of applying for a job and receiving feedback on how they performed in an interview.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Apply statistical and coding skills to analyse data;
2. Compare and contrast scientific ideas from the literature;
3. Communicate scientific ideas and results through a structured written report;
4. Communicate scientific ideas and results, through an oral presentation.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Practical | 8 | 1.5 | 12 |
| Tutorial | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 168 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
All students will complete a CV/job application and mock job interview run by the careers service which is formatively assessed.
Formative feedback for statistics and R coding given in computer practicals verbally and via answers given to exercises.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Research report 2000 words | 70 |
| Coursework | Science communication such as an individual oral presentation | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 12/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team