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BIOL2581: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR BIOSCIENCES

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Tied
Level 2
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Biosciences

Prerequisites

  • Level 1 Fundamentals of Bioscience Research BIOL1321

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop an understanding of the whole biological research process, from generating ideas to disseminating results.
  • To develop critical data-gathering and analytical skills in studying scientific literature.
  • To develop the tools needed for data analysis and presentation.
  • To develop scientific writing skills for different audiences.

Content

  • Research skills, research styles and research scope in the Biosciences.
  • Data gathering and critical analysis of the scientific literature.
  • Advanced Statistics, experimental design and data presentation.
  • Science writing and science communication.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Understanding of the research process and its component parts.
  • Application of appropriate statistical techniques to analyze biological data.
  • Knowledge of sources available for studying scientific literature in biosciences.
  • Knowledge of current standards for reporting and data presentation in biological research.
  • Develop scientific writing and communication skills for expert and non-expert audiences.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • To be able to use advanced statistical methods to critically assess results in biological research.
  • To be able to set up and execute complex searches of scientific literature, and to be able to critically assess the results of such searches.
  • To be able to develop an understanding of a research question and communicate these ideas to both expert and non-expert audiences.

Key Skills:

  • Numeracy by performing data analyses using statistical tests, and calculations involved in analytic methods.
  • Self-motivation by performing independent work on problem sets.
  • Presentation skills and appropriate use of graphical techniques for data visualisation.
  • Critical analysis in evaluation of searches of scientific literature.
  • Reporting skills in preparing data analysis and written reports.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
  • Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures, and lead to development of key and subject-specific skills.
  • Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
  • Reports give experience in scientific writing, data visualization and critical analysis.
  • Examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge, with an emphasis on understanding and communication (problem-based questions, or interpretative questions).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures201 per week1 hour20 
Workshops201 per week1 hour20Yes
Preparation & Reading 160 
Total 200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Unseen for examination 2 hours100Yes
Component: Continuous AssessmentComponent Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Data analysis and presentation 80Yes
Reflective writing  20Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate and may include database search exercise: scientific writing exercise.

More information

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