Core Skills in Biology, Genetics & Zoology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE1034 | Life Sciences | 1 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- LIFE1034
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
This non-compensatable compulsory skills module aims to provide students with an introduction to key experimental, analytical and transferable skills, and to reinforce degree-specific scientific themes from the first year in the context of small group tutorials. The module has three major components:
Tutorials and supporting lectures (approx. 25% contact time). A combination of small-group contact with personal tutors and generic skills lectures. Lectures will provide advice about key transferable skills, including scientific writing, oral presentations, plagiarism, and career development. Tutorials will provide practice related to these skills (including writing an essay and giving a presentation).
Experimental Design and Analysis (approx. 50%). A combination of lectures on the principles of the scientific method, good experimental design, and basic statistical analysis, training in data interpretation and analysis, delivered via workshops, self-study and on-line exercises.
Key ideas and skills in Biology, Genetics & Zoology (approx. 25%). A series of lectures and practicals designed to underpin the core first year content for Biology, Genetics & Zoology students, supported by the tutorials. A theme of infection, immunity and disease will be used to illustrate research in the School, exciting recent developments in Biology, Genetics & Zoology, and the relevance of fundamental concepts in molecular, cellular and organismal biology taught in other modules.
Please note that for students who have a summer reassessment in this module, the format of the exam will be different from the original multiple choice format, with students being asked to answer six short answer questions from a larger selection. The duration of the resit exam will not be different
Target Students
Students studying BSc Biology U6UBOLGY (C100), BSc Genetics U6UGNTCS (C400) and BSc Zoology U6UZOLGY (C300), and MSci Biology U7UBOLGY (C101), MSci Genetics U7UGNTCS (C401) and MSci Zoology U7UZOLGY (C301).
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 33% Coursework 1: Tutorial essay - approx 1000 words.
- 33% Coursework 2: Online quiz.
- 34% Exam 1 (2-hour): Spring semester - ExamSys-2 hours
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
This is a compulsory skills module which aims to provide students with an introduction to key experimental, analytical and transferable skills, and to reinforce degree-specific scientific themes from the first year in the context of small group tutorials.Learning Outcomes
A student who completes this module will be expected to be able:
A1. to describe the evolution, genetics, cell and molecular biology, physiology, structure, behaviour and ecology of living organisms.
A2. to identify the relationship between Biology and other disciplines including the importance of Biology in human health and disease and its relevance to medicine.
A4. to recognise and explain current trends and developments in Biology.
A5. to consider and discuss ethical issues and the impact of advances in biology on society.
A student who completes this programme will have the ability:
B1. to think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others through research, critical analysis and interpretation of published information and data.
B2. to undertake appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis.
B3. to work safely in the laboratory, using appropriate equipment and instruments and assess related safety issues in order to make and record accurate observations and measurements.
B5. to demonstrate numeracy and written and oral communication skills including writing essays and constructing practical write-ups using appropriate styles, conventions, and terminology and making oral presentations on biological topics.
B7. to demonstrate digital literacy, including being able to utilise modern statistical software in the analysis of scientific data.
B11. To approach problem solving in a creative and innovative manner.