Core Skills in Biochemistry

Code

LIFE1039

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.

The module has three major components:

1. Tutorials and supporting lectures (approx. 25% contact time). A combination of a) small-group contact with personal tutors and b) 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).

2. Experimental Design and Analysis (approx. 50%). A combination of a) lectures on the principles of the scientific method, good experimental design, and basic statistical analysis, and b) training in data interpretation and analysis, delivered via a combination of workshops, self study and on-line exercises.

3. Key ideas and skills in Biochemistry (approx. 25%). A series of lectures and practicals designed to underpin the core first year content for Biochemistry, Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry & Genetics, supported by tutorials.

Target Students

Available to all students registered for a Single Honours degree in Biochemistry with or without another subject.

Additional Requirements

Only available for BSc/MSci Biochemistry OR Biochemistry & Genetics OR Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine students.

Classes

This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 100 word essay - Spring semester
• 50% Exam 1 (2-hour): Online ExamSys exam - Spring semester

Assessed in both autumn & spring semest

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding - a student who completes this module will be expected to be able to: A1. understand Beer’s law and molarity to interpret optical density data. A2. use basic statistical techniques to analyse biochemical data. A3. understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions. A4. to identify the relationship between Biochemistry and other disciplines including the importance of Biochemistry in human health and disease and its relevance to medicine and biotechnology. A5. to consider and discuss ethical issues and the impact of advances in biochemistry on society.

Practical and intellectual skills - a student who completes this programme will be able to: B1. analyse and interpret biochemical information and data. B2. undertake appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis. B3. think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others through research, critical analysis and interpretation of published information and data. B4. systematically analyse substantial quantities of information, process it effectively and draw appropriate conclusions. B5. 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. B6. demonstrate numeracy, written and oral communication skills, including writing essays and constructing practical write-ups using appropriate styles, conventions and terminology, and making oral presentations on biochemical topics. B7. demonstrate digital literacy, including being able to utilise modern statistical software in the analysis of scientific data.

Conveners

• Dr Simon Dawson
• Dr Timothy Simpson