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LSC-20109 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 04 December 2023

LSC-20109 - Research Methods in Human Biology
Coordinator: Mirna Maarabouni Room: Third Floor Roo Tel: +44 1782 7 33679
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

This module consolidates and expands upon the theoretical and practical materials that you learned in the first year of your study to expand your practical and scientific communication skills. You will be introduced to the concept of student-led, case-based learning, where as a group you will investigate the real life applications of human biology in the diagnosis, treatment and management of human disease. These case studies will also help you to develop your study skills, group leadership skills and scribing skills. On the practical side, you will perform a series of lab practicals relevant to Human Biology in LSC-20107 module and will complete an innovative mini-project. Lectures will introduce you to statistical analysis and key Human Biology research techniques.

Aims
The aims are to provide the students with an understanding of research study design, statistics and reporting applied to key Human Biology research methodology. The module also aims to develop key transferable skills in data analysis, presentation and communication of information, team-working and good laboratory practice. Team-working will be developed through the use of case-based learning, lab practicals and extended mini-project to design, market and test an assay kit.

Intended Learning Outcomes

acquire, analyse, synthesise, summarise and effectively present information from a wide variety of scientific publications: 2,3
analyse and interpret experimental data from the results of experimental investigations and communicate these effectively in written form in a scientific laboratory report: 2,3
as a team, design and optimise experimental conditions for the quantification of a metabolite to produce and market an assay kit: 1
appreciate teamwork approach, the concepts of leadership and the significance of group dynamics to effective teamworking: 1,4

Study hours

8 Hours case-study tutorials
10x 5 hours engagement with asynchronous content
10 Hours supporting workshops/tutorials
30 Hours case study preparation
40 Hours lab report associated with practicals delivered as part of LSC 20107
12 Hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Project weighted 30%
Group Project
Group project to design and market an assay kit. Experiments will be delivered in LSC-20107 where groups will optimise experimental conditions to design, package and market an assay kit for an allocated metabolite. Simulated data will be provided for analysis where necessary. Students will be allocated one group mark for 10 minutes presentation, producing an assay kit and user guide of 1000 words. An online resource for peer and self-assessment will be used to facilitate peer moderated marking between groups and individual contribution within-group.

2: Report weighted 40%
Lab Report
Students will produce a 2000 word laboratory report on one of two allocated practicals conducted in LSC-20107 module.

3: Poster Presentation weighted 30%
Poster based on research article
Students to prepare a single side of A3 poster based on one article relevant to one research topic covered in the module. Poster should be submitted via Turnitin.

4: Class Participation weighted 0%
Class Participation
Students will have the opportunity to take on the roles of scribe, chair and group member during tutorials. The tutor will judge their level of participation in the CBL process across the whole year, including their participation in group discussions, preparation for tutorials, communication and problem solving skills to ensure that it is at an acceptable level to meet professional body requirements.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2023