Introductory description

This module provides an introduction to the fundamental skills required for all life sciences degrees. The module compromises three teaching categories, tutorial, laboratory and quantitative skill workshop sessions where the different skills are assessed in a synoptic way.

Tutorial sessions:
These sessions focus on the teaching of communication skills (both written and oral), information literacy, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving.
To identify and support individual pastoral care needs and introduce the referral pathway.

Laboratory sessions:
These sessions focus on the teaching of fundamental laboratory skills and techniques, be able to follow protocols for generating good quality data, interpretation and analysis.

Quantitative skills sessions:
These sessions focus on the teaching of analytical techniques to interpret data generated in the lab sessions.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module provides an introduction to the fundamental skills required for all life sciences degrees. The module compromises three teaching categories, tutorial, laboratory and quantitative skill workshop sessions where the different skills are assessed in a synoptic way.

Tutorial sessions:
These sessions focus on the teaching of communication skills (both written and oral), information literacy, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving.
To identify and support individual pastoral care needs and introduce the referral pathway.

Laboratory sessions:
These sessions focus on the teaching of fundamental laboratory skills and techniques, be able to follow protocols for generating good quality data, interpretation and analysis.

Quantitative skills sessions:
These sessions focus on the teaching of analytical techniques to interpret data generated in the lab sessions.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Research given topics in the primary and peer-reviewed literature and consolidate relevant information to present a well-structured scientific writing
• To develop and deliver oral presentations, where the delivery style will be appropriate to the topic and audience
• Show development in their critical analytical skills
• Understand the scientific method to perform hypothesis-driven simple experiments, with due regard to appropriate accuracy and detail
• Develop an understanding of the need for statistical analysis when interpreting biological data
• Understand the basic principles of modelling biological populations
• Understand the importance of good laboratory practice
• Understand the relevance of presenting data professionally

Subject specific skills

• Research given topics in the primary and peer-reviewed literature and consolidate relevant information to present a well-structured scientific writing
• To develop and deliver oral presentations where the content accuracy and the delivery style will be appropriate to the topic and audience
• Develop familiarity with basic hands-on technical skills and good laboratory practice

Transferable skills

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Digital literacy
• Information literacy
• Professionalism
• Problem solving
• Teamwork