Research Presentation Skills
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE4051 | Life Sciences | 4 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- LIFE4051
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
This module will explore the different formats by which scientists convey their work and ideas and how the pitch should be matched to different audiences. A series of interactive seminars will give concepts and worked examples aimed at honing writing, presentation and graphical communication techniques. Journal club style workshops will provide training in best practice for oral presentations to a scientific audience and provide a forum for high level scientific discussion. In a written submission students will be asked to write in a mixture of styles for different audiences.
Target Students
Compulsory for students taking MSci Biology, Genetics, Zoology, Biochemistry, Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine and Biochemistry & Genetics.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc.
Assessment
- 40% Presentation: Individual presentation of a recent scientific article (as part of journal club workshops) - approximately 15 minutes and 5 minutes discussion
- 60% Coursework: 2 pieces of written work (each up to 1,000 words) and a graphical abstract aimed at communicating science to different audiences (non-specialist biologists, general public)
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
After taking this module students will be able to: Give a presentation on a scientific topic and be able to engage in complex scientific discussion. Communicate scientific ideas persuasively in written format and be able to adapt this to specific types of audience. Prepare graphics that provide an overview of scientific ideas or a series of scientific results.Learning Outcomes
Students will develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of current developments in their chosen fields. By reading, digesting, summarising in writing and talking about recently-published scientific papers, students will learn to:
- Critically analyse and interpret published information and data
- Understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions
- Acquire substantial quantities of information systematically, process it effectively, and draw appropriate conclusions.
Workshops and coursework tasks will develop students’ abilities to:
- Write and construct scientific documents using appropriate styles, conventions, and terminology
- Communicate effectively in writing and oral presentations
- Reframe scientific outputs for a variety of audiences, including those outside academic science
- Organise and manage their working time, schedule tasks, and meet deadlines
- Use and access information and communication technology.