Module manager: Dr Stephen Muench
Email: s.p.muench@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Continued progression on MBIOL from Level 3 to Level 5 ( achieve an average of at least 65%, in the level 3 project components and an overall credit weighted year average, normally of at least 65%)
| BMSC3398 | Practical Research Skills |
BMSC5103M BMSC5101M
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will develop the intellectual research skills to support the practical research being carried out in the parallel projects that students are undertaking, and to prepare them for a career in a research environment.
On completion of this module, students should be able
- Develop their presentational skills to both a scientific and lay audience.
- Develop critical analysis of published research.
- Expose students to current research trends in the biosciences and to leading researchers in the field.
On completion of the module students will develop skills in critical analysis, group discussion, impact evaluation, societal impact, ethics and presentational skills.
Students will
1. Critically evaluate current research trends in their field, identifying methodological strengths, limitations and gaps in the evidence base.
Skills Learning Outcomes
2 Critically analyse recent research and communicate findings effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
3 Evaluate the significance of published findings, situating them within the broader research context of the field;
4 Communicate the impact and implications of their own research to diverse audiences, adapting tone and content appropriately;
5 Critically evaluate the process underpinning scientific research, including funding mechanisms, peer review, publications and impact generation.
Critical analysis, group discussion, impact evaluation, societal impact and ethics.
Students will attend a range of research seminars and podcasts on a diverse range of subjects. Students will present at and attend journal clubs using research papers of their own choosing. Students will attend a number of tutorials that will introduce aspects of research that includes, research ethics grant funding, impact, diversity, public engagement and ethics through group discussions.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Tutorial | 15 | 12 | 30 |
| Private study hours | 250 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 50 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Students will spend time researching literature, reading scientific papers, evaluating the impact of data and preparing for journal club presentations and working through the pre-tutorial resources.
Feedback will be provided throughout the journal clubs to both groups and individuals. Tutorials will be in discussion format and reflective with feedback given throughout where appropriate. Questions and feedback can also be sought through discussion boards and contact with tutors.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Poster | Poster and brief note for a public audience | 35 |
| Oral Presentation | 1 x Journal club | 35 |
| Group Project | Dragons Den | 30 |
| 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