Skip to main content
Module Search
A street in Durham, with old buildings and people walking down the street
 

BIOL3451: LITERATURE REVIEW

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 Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Biosciences

Prerequisites

  • Satisfactory completion of at least three Level 2 modules in Biological Sciences.

Corequisites

  • At least two other level 3 modules in Biological Sciences, selected from the following list: Advanced Topics in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour BIOL3561, Conservation Biology BIOL3551, Ecology in the Anthropocene BIOL3541, Advanced Topics in Development BIOL3521, Stress and Responses to the Environment BIOL3491, Crops for the Future BIOL3611, Biochemistry and Biotechnology BIOL3601, Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering BIOL3531, Ageing BIOL3591, Advanced Cell Biology BIOL3481, Biology of Disease BIOL3621, Genomics BIOL3651, Fieldcourse BIOL3161.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To carry out a study of research in a topic associated with biological sciences using the full resources of the scientific literature.
  • To present the results of the study in the form of a critical review article.

Content

  • Self-directed study.
  • Workshops and tutorials in data gathering techniques and literature databases, and presentation techniques.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • In depth knowledge and understanding of a selected topic in biological sciences.
  • Knowledge of communication of scientific information in written form.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • To be able to access and evaluate information relevant to biological sciences from a variety of sources, and to prepare a written report on a specific topic that is organised and critical, and takes account of current developments in research in the field.
  • To be able to present the results of literature-based research in a form accessible to an audience of peers.

Key Skills:

  • Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
  • Communication skills, in presenting report.
  • IT skills, in use of online data bases.
  • Self-motivation, in self-guided learning, independent work on report.

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

  • Literature review: a comprehensive review of scientific literature on a specific topic, agreed between student and supervisor. The student uses the resources of information databases to produce a critical account of the topic, with an emphasis on current research, and the context in which it is taking place. Assessment is based on the review itself; and formative assessment prior to writing the review.
  • Workshops and tutorials; large and small group teaching on background generic topics for literature review.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Tutorials and Workshops81 hour8Yes
Preparation & Reading192 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous AssessmentComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Literature Review100No

Formative Assessment

Poster summarising themes of literature review as a preparation for writing full review.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.