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LSC-40061 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

LSC-40061 - Advanced Research Topics in Biochemistry
Coordinator: Anja Winter Tel: +44 1782 7 33117
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 7
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module will develop your skills in the acquisition and critical analysis of primary scientific literature relevant to a range of research methodologies in modern biochemistry. Following research-level seminar presentations by staff and invited speakers, you will critically evaluate select research publications and develop a deeper understanding of appropriate experimental design, data analysis, presentation and evaluation, and the application of a wide range of molecular and biochemical techniques.

Aims
This module aims to introduce students to research topics in Biochemistry and the wider biosciences appropriate to level 7. Students will gain further experience in the critical analysis and evaluation of primary research publications and the applications of modern research methodologies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse and critically evaluate the context, methodology and results of primary scientific literature: 1
discuss the principles and applications of selected research methods/techniques in the biosciences: 1,2
evaluate and discuss the impact of research outcomes in terms of societal, financial and intellectual perspectives: 1,2
communicate clearly and effectively in written form, using scientific language and terminology appropriate to different audiences: 2
present and critique research data in small group oral presentations: 1

Study hours

18 hours of practical/skills-based activities (workshops/practical activities developing key skills in use/application of various techniques)
12 hours of journal club sessions and supporting tutorials/module seminars
80 hours independent study: preparation for journal club sessions (including student oral presentation)
190 hours completion of written assessment, engagement with suggested reading and attending additional school/faculty research seminars

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Presentation weighted 30%
Presentation of research paper
You will deliver a 20-minute (plus 10 minutes for questions) presentation critiquing a selected research paper in a journal club format, which will be both peer and tutor assessed (50:50), using a comprehensive marking form. The main purpose of the oral presentation is to briefly describe the background of the paper, explain in detail the methodologies and techniques used by the authors and how these are applied to obtain the results and discussion. You can also highlight any problems within the paper. A marking scheme will be used.

2: Reflective Diary weighted 20%
Reflective diary of research engagement (1,500 words)
You will produce a reflective diary of five entries (250 words each) detailing areas including key themes, outcomes, broader impact and future development of each research topic chosen from the module and/or school research seminar series. The diary should then include a final 250 word overall conclusion summarising how the chosen research topics are collectively advancing research activity in biochemistry. This will be completed using a provided template and submitted as a single submission towards the end of the semester.

3: Review weighted 50%
Essay on Future perspectives in a research topic
You will choose a Research topic from the seminar topics in the module or school seminar series and submit a review of 3,000 words +/- 10% in the form of a "Future Perspective" of that topic. Your review should discuss relevant current Journal publications on the topic to provide an up-to-date, state of the art evaluation of the topic, followed by an outlook on how this research topic could develop in the future to extend its impact to new or existing applications and areas of science.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026