Module Information

Module Identifier

BR01200

Module Title

Practical Skills for Biologists

Academic Year

2019/2020

Co-ordinator

Dr Helen Marshall

Semester

Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type	Delivery length / details
Practical	8 x 4 Hour Practicals
Lecture	11 x 1 Hour Lectures
Lecture	11 x 2 Hour Lectures
Field Trip	2 x 3 Hour Field Trips
Practical	1 x 2 Hour Practical

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Lab/field report 1	20%
Semester Assessment	Lab/field report 2	20%
Semester Assessment	Lab/field report 3	20%
Semester Assessment	Lab/field report 4	20%
Semester Assessment	Lab/field report 5	20%
Supplementary Assessment	(Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module)	100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate good laboratory practice.

2. Undertake a range of lab procedures to acceptable standards of accuracy and precision.

3. Undertake a range of field techniques to survey both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

4. Produce practical reports to the required standard.

5. Apply a range of basic mathematical techniques to deal with biological data in order to answer experimental hypotheses.

6. Use of a range of computer word processing and spreadsheet packages.

7. Use online resources to search for scientific literature relevant to the topic under investigation.

Brief description

The module comprises of a series of integrated field and lab based practical sessions together with workshops which will provide foundation year students the required practical, numerical and literacy skills for entry onto IBERS three year degree schemes. All practicals will be assessed but only the best five reports will contribute to the final module mark.

Aims

This module aims to provide students with the required lab, field, mathematical and literacy skills at foundation level.

Content

This course focusses on the process of acquiring reliable experimental data in the laboratory and field, and provides experience in the practical elements of this process. Several common laboratory and practical procedures relevant to the biological sciences are considered. Students will be expected to produce experimental reports based on their findings from each of the laboratory/field sessions.

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	The analysis of biological data using basic statistics will be assessed.
Communication	The tutorials, lectures and practicals require the students to listen and communicate verbally. Development of scientific terminology, English, punctuation and grammar will be assessed in the practical assignments.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Outside the formal contact hours there is an expectation materials for the assignments will be researched, that time is managed effectively and that deadlines are met.
Information Technology	Word processing, spreadsheet manipulation and presentation of data will be assessed.
Personal Development and Career planning	Practicals and workshops will provide the required skills to enable the employment of simple biological methods used by professional scientists etc.
Problem solving	Practical classes and workshops will provide opportunities to develop problem solving skills.
Research skills	The assessments will require reference to library and web resources.
Subject Specific Skills	Practical methods relevant to Biological Sciences will be taught and assessed.
Team work	Practical sessions will involve working in pairs or small groups.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3