1. Demonstrate safe laboratory behaviour and practices, following standard protocols to perform fundamental scientific measurements and analyses with minimal supervision

Application & Problem Solving

2. Use digital tools to record, organise and present biological data in an appropriate and accurate format

Digital Literacy

3. Identify and reflect on your developing practical skills, professional behaviours and emerging career interests, with reference to feedback and guided support

Reflection

Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

Individual completion and demonstration of practical skills expected of a practitioner scientist at this level. Typically, this will include safe, accurate and reproducible use of core laboratory techniques (for example dilutions and the preparation of solutions, pipetting and liquid transfer, use of balances and volumetric equipment, sample preparation techniques (including balances and aseptic technique), and core methods of analysis (for example microscopy, pH measurement, and spectrophotometry).

This assessment is a 100% weighted, zero hours, component to provide centralised tracking of competence in required practical skills that will be taught elsewhere.

In this module, you will begin developing the practical, analytical and professional skills that underpin all scientific practice. You will learn how to handle data responsibly, evaluate information sources and understand what good laboratory and research practice look like. Including:

Professional practice in biomedical science, including laboratory conduct, health and safety, ethics and regulatory responsibilities

Core laboratory competencies such as accurate measurement, sample handling, record keeping and good laboratory practice.

Fundamentals of scientific research and data literacy, including study design, data recording, presentation and introductory statistics.

Critical evaluation of information sources, research integrity, reproducibility and responsible data management.

Scientific communication, teamwork, employability awareness and reflective professional development.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion to demonstrate understanding of intercultural skills.

A professional biomedical scientist from day one!

In this module, you will begin developing the practical, analytical and professional skills that underpin all scientific practice. You will learn how to handle data responsibly, evaluate information sources and understand what good laboratory and research practice look like. By engaging with real scientific problems and reflecting on your progress, you will begin shaping the professional identity and skillset that will support your development across the rest of your degree.

Jones, A., Reed, R. and Weyers, J.D.B. (2022) Practical Skills in Biology. Seventh edition. Harlow, England: Pearson Education Limited

Scientific laboratory for completion and demonstration of competency