Module Descriptors
ESSENTIAL BIOSKILLS
BIOL40465
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Susan Bird
Email: S.J.Bird@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 54
Independent Study Hours: 246
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- REFLECTIVE ASSIGNMENT weighted at 40%
- POSTER weighted at 15%
- REPORT weighted at 10%
- REPORT -SECOND REPORT weighted at 15%
- REPORT - THIRD REPORT weighted at 20%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
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.
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.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Summative
Reflective Portfolio (RF1) weighted at 40% (1, 3, 5, 6)
Poster (PT1) weighted at 15% (2, 3, 4)
Laboratory Report (RP1) weighted at 10% (2, 3, 4)
Laboratory Report (RP2) weighted at 15% (1, 2, 4, 5)
Laboratory Report (RP3) weighted at 20% (1, 2, 5)
Normally, RF1 needs to be passed.
Formative
Tutor's feedback on draft portfolios mid-course.
Tutor, self and peer-assessed feedback whilst working through practicals and workshops.
Reflective Portfolio (RF1) weighted at 40% (1, 3, 5, 6)
Poster (PT1) weighted at 15% (2, 3, 4)
Laboratory Report (RP1) weighted at 10% (2, 3, 4)
Laboratory Report (RP2) weighted at 15% (1, 2, 4, 5)
Laboratory Report (RP3) weighted at 20% (1, 2, 5)
Normally, RF1 needs to be passed.
Formative
Tutor's feedback on draft portfolios mid-course.
Tutor, self and peer-assessed feedback whilst working through practicals and workshops.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Enrolment on part-time Biomedical Science Award
Module Texts
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 978-0321623539
N. A. Campbell and J.B. Reece, 2008, Biology: (8th ed) Pearson Education
ISBN 978-0321623539
Module Resources
Computers with WWW access.
Appropriately equipped laboratory.
'Statistics for the Terrified' software.
Appropriately equipped laboratory.
'Statistics for the Terrified' software.
Module Learning Strategies
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.
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.