LSC-20056: Research and Analytical Skills

To train students in research and analytical skills that are relevant to a wide range of life science disciplines and are transferable to many professional and vocational careers.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Evaluate newly introduced analytical techniques in relation to: linearity, cross-reactivity, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and precision. Be able to confirm suitability and validity of an analytical method or data set for the purpose required. will be achieved by assessments: 3
Use statistical tests to analyse scientific data will be achieved by assessments: 3 &1
Summarize and present in a public forum or report, data in both tabular and graphical forms comparing outcomes of data analysis and drawing appropriate conclusions. will be achieved by assessments: 2
Produce abstracts of scientific literature will be achieved by assessments: 2
Critically evaluate, assess and communicate the results of a data analysis exercise in a word-processed report. will be achieved by assessments: 1
Locate, evaluate and retrieve information from a variety of resources including textbooks, primary literature and the internet and assess, summarise and orally communicate information accurately. will be achieved by assessments: 2
Use spreadsheets, word processors and statistical packages to compile, analyse, compare and interpret data derived from experiments will be achieved by assessments: 1
Analyse and communicate the ethical concerns related to basic and applied scientific research. will be achieved by assessments: 3
Use MS PowerPoint to communicate complex scientific information accurately and concisely and then design, prepare and deliver an oral presentation will be achieved by assessments: 2

Study hours

Lectures 19
Computer based practicals 6
MCQ test 1
PowerPoint presentation (including preparation) 5
Private study (including statistics report) 119
Total 150

Description of Module Assessment

01: Coursework weighted 30%

Statistical analysis of data
The students will be given a set of data which they will analyse and present in appropriate tabular/graphical form. They will manipulate it using appropriate software packages and draw appropriate conclusions.

02: Oral Presentation weighted 20%

oral presentation using PowerPoint of 5 minutes duration
Students will give a brief PowerPoint presentation to a group of students on an allocated topic that they have researched using internet, library and scientific literature sources. The presentation will be peer assessed by the other students present and will be moderated by a member of staff or demonstrator who will also be present. The students will have a marking form and clear guidelines on marking criteria. The students will be trained in assessing presentations prior to these assessments. The whole exercise will be moderated by the module manager.

03: Multiple Choice Questions - Knowledge weighted 50%

The MCQ will test knowledge gained in all the lecture and practical parts of the module
Students will be presented with 50 MCQs assessing all themes taught within the module. They will be allowed 1 hour to complete the test.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.