Accessibility statement

Research Skills - BIO00066M

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  • Department: Biology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

The aim of the module is to enable students to engage actively with the contemporary literature in an area of bioscience that supports the research project work they are conducting. This will involve two complementary activities:

  • Students will develop the skills to comprehend, interpret and evaluate scientific studies so they are able to deliver a ‘journal club’ presentation that summarises and critiques a research publication.

  • Students will develop writing skills to concisely review the literature in a scientific topic relating to their research project.

Module learning outcomes

Students will have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the background literature relating to the topic underpinning the research project they are undertaking.

Academic and graduate skills

Students will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate peer-reviewed research literature.

  • Synthesise an argument that draws on several (potentially contradicting) sources.

  • Communicate scientific research via written and oral presentations.

  • Respond to questions and/or defend a point of view relating to the oral presentation of a scientific study.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 40

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 40

Module feedback

Students will receive comments on a formative draft of their literature review and a formative journal club presentation from their research project director.

Feedback on the summative assessments will be provided within four weeks of submission/presentation.

Indicative reading

N/A


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.