Higher Skills in the Biological Sciences
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE2068 | Life Sciences | 2 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- LIFE2068
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
There are a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice. The module will train students in vital skills in modern biological sciences, and will form a basis for future modules, notably project work in the third and fourth years of their degree. The module will require students to produce a significant biological dissertation on a topic of their choice, relevant to their degree course, with help through a tutorial system in researching their topic, and developing writing and communication skills. The statistics and experimental design component will reinforce techniques and methodologies taught in the qualifying year, while also giving students a chance to design their own experiments. There will also be introduction to modern and advanced statistical techniques. Bioinformatics forms a key component of modern biological research, and, through a series of intensive computer practicals, students will learn the methods required to deal with large sets of protein and nucleic acid data. There will also be tutorials focusing on helping students to use the scientific literature. The module also offers training in other study skills, such as managing time and workload, using the library, identifying steps in choosing a career after Nottingham, making effective applications, and obtaining internships and summer studentships.
Target Students
The module is compulsory for level 2 students taking Biology U6UBOLGY/U7UBOLGY (C100/C101); Zoology U6UZOLGY/U7UZOLGY (C300/C301); Genetics U6UGNTCS/U7UGNTCS (C400/C401). Except if they opt for study abroad and are not here for the full year in which case they must take LIFE2078 or LIFE2079.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 20% Coursework 1: 1,500 word experimental design write up
- 5% Presentation: Experimental design group presentation (8 minutes)
- 50% Dissertation: 3,000 word dissertation
- 25% Exam 1 (24-hour): Moodle remote exam (open book)
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
This module aims to develop critical skills for modern biological research. Students will gain confidence and skills in using the biological literature. Their study skills will be enhanced. Their knowledge of statistical tools and methods will be reinforced and developed, and, through designing their own experiments, they will learn to build statistical principles into their experimental methodologies. Through writing their major dissertation, they will learn to collate information from multiple sources, and describe a field clearly and concisely, revealing the state of present knowledge and prospects for future developments. They will be developing methods to reveal the organisation and depth of modern biological data, and will understand the use of web-based and stand-alone bioinformatics tools to inform modern biology.Learning Outcomes
- Students will gain confidence and skills in using the biological literature.
- Their study skills will be enhanced.
- Their knowledge of statistical tools and methods will be reinforced and developed, and, through designing their own experiments, they will learn to build statistical principles into their experimental methodologies.
- Through writing their major dissertation, they will learn to collate information from multiple sources, and describe a field clearly and concisely, revealing the state of present knowledge and prospects for future developments.
- They will be developing methods to reveal the organisation and depth of modern biological data, and will understand the use of web-based and stand-alone bioinformatics tools to inform modern biology.
Conveners
- Dr Andrew Renault
- Dr Chris Wade
- Dr Sophie Evison