Workshops/plenary sessions and extension activities will deal with core skills associated with biological science in an HE framework. Activities and tasks will be developed, where appropriate, using basic biological tenets, principally those associated with evolution, thus ensuring a grasp of the fundamental principles of the discipline.

Workshop and plenaries will include key study skills, presentation techniques, team working skills and the uses of reflective practice. Practicals will introduce core laboratory skills such as microscopy and aseptic techniques as well as basic experimental design, accuracy and safe working practices.

A computer based self-study component will develop the basic concepts associated with data, data manipulation, data analysis and descriptive statistics.

Summative
Reflective portfolio on skill development and workplace relevance of practical skills. (50%) [1, 3, 4]

Portfolio of evidence regarding key and practical skill development. (50%) [1, 2, 4, 5,6]

Normally both components to be passed.

Formative
Tutor's feedback on draft portfolios mid-course.

The 54 hours of contact time will involve 24 hours of lecture/workshops and 30 hours of laboratory practicals

The basic framework of the module will be provided by a combination of lectures/workshops/practical self-study and group work activities.

The 246 hours of independent learning will involve 100 hours directed activity from workshops, 100 hours directed activity from practicals, 26 hours team-based guided activity, and 20 hours of tutorial-based self-study.

Jones, Reed and Weyers, 2007: Practical Skills in Biology (4th ed.), Pearson Education.ISBN 978-0-13-175509-3
N. A. Campbell and J.B. Reece, 2008, Biology: (8th ed) Pearson Education
ISBN 978-0321544247

Computers with WWW access.
Appropriately equipped laboratory.
'Statistics for the Terrified' software.

Enrolment on part-time Biomedical Science Award