Module overview
This module is to generate an awareness of how biological research is carried out and reported. This will include an introduction to some of the online tools available for the storage, manipulation and computer visualisation of experimental data. It will describe the final goal of research - a scientific paper - as well as laboratory and data analysis techniques that are commonly used. It is expected that this module will give students skills that they can use in other modules and elsewhere.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Describe and explain common laboratory techniques for isolation, visualisation and investigation of biological samples
- Search online databases efficiently for scientific literature on specific topics
- Prepare presentation graphics of numerical data and molecular structures
- Use a spreadsheet to perform a simulation of a biological process
- Interpret and evaluate numerical scientific data
- Investigate nucleotide/polypeptide sequences using online bioinformatics tools
- Perform and interpret simple descriptive statistics and statistical tests
Syllabus
Topics covered on this module include: online sources of information and tools; graphical presentation of scientific data; biological units and measurements; the manipulation, analysis and generation of data in spreadsheets (including statistical analysis); introductory bioinformatics; molecular modelling; and an overview of common laboratory techniques for the isolation, visualisation and investigation of biological samples.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and self-directed learning using the core textbook, plus online sources of information. There is also a hands-on library workshop covering efficient use of search engines and other skills related to finding information.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 1 |
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Lecture | 18 |
| Independent Study | 122 |
| Total study time | 149 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
ExPasy tools webpages. Software
JMol. Software
BLAST server. Software
Internet Resources
Textbooks
Practical Skills in Biology - Biology/Ecology/Zoology degrees.
Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences - Biochemistry/Biomedical Sciences/Neuroscience/Pharmacology degrees.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Project | 20% |
| Statistics assignment | 5% |
| Project | 5% |
| Data Analysis | 5% |
| Poster Project | 10% |
| Exam | 35% |
| Oral presentation | 5% |
| Essay | 5% |
| Knowledge database searching test | 5% |
| Referencing task | 5% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External