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

Summative
Reflective portfolio based on material prepared and used in workshop sessions. (65%) [1, 2, 3]
Practical Examination subject to successful completion of in-laboratory competence tests. (20%) [4]
Tutor and peer assessment of participation in workshop activities. (15%) [1, 3, 5]

Formative
Tutors feedback on draft portfolio ? mid course.

Tutor, self and peer-assessed feedback whilst working through practicals and workshops.

The basic framework of the module will be provided by a combination of lectures/workshops/practical and self-study activities. The 250 hrs of independent learning will involve100 hours directed activity from workshops, 100 hours directed activity from practicals, 24 hours team based guided activity, and 26 hours of tutorial based self-study.

The 50 hrs of contact time will involve 18 hours of lecture/workshops and 32 hours of laboratory practicals.

Workshops/plenary sessions and extension activities will deal with core skills associated with HE study within a biological science framework.

Workshop and plenaries will cover key study skills, presentation techniques, team working skills and the uses of reflective practice. Practicals will introduce core laboratory skills including microscopy, separation, spectrophotometry and aseptic techniques as well as basic experimental design, accuracy and safe working practices. A computer based self-study component will introduce the basic concepts associated with data, data manipulation, data analysis and descriptive statistics.

Campbell, N.A. & Reece, J.B. 2002. Biology. 6th Ed..Benjamin Cummings, or equivalent.

Jones, A.M., Reed, R. & Weyers, J.D.B. 2003. Practical Skills in Biology. Pearson education.