Higher Skills in the Biological Sciences: Bioinformatics and Dissertation
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE2079 | Life Sciences | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LIFE2079
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring 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 small biological dissertation of 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 advanced statistics and experimental design component will build on techniques and methodologies taught in the qualifying year. 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 some other study skills.
Target Students
Level 2 students enrolled on (C100/C101) Biology, (C300/C301) Zoology, (C400/C401) Genetics that are studying abroad during the Autumn semester. Also available to JYA/Erasmus students.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 50% Dissertation: 2,000 word mini dissertation
- 50% Open book exam (24-hour): Open book exam - bioinformatics
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
Develop critical skills for modern biological research.Learning Outcomes
- Through their short dissertation and the tutorials, students will gain confidence and skills in using the biological literature.
- They will be introduced to advanced statistical methods.
- Through writing their 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.