Introductory description

This module contains the skills for MBio industry students. These skills are essential for a career in science.

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.

There are two elements to this module: A port folio and the writing of a research grant proposal. The portfolio will be covering journal clubs which require the students to engage with the scientific literature and present a paper to either their placement group or an academic in the department of Life Sciences. Data handling will require the students to appraise a data handling method used inter project or alternatively ones set by an academic in Life Sciences. Technical essays will require critical appraisal of techniques used in students projects inducing the advantages and disadvantages of using this technique. The portfolio will be supported by a workshop held remotely and be interim feedback via email or the Mohara portfolio on on ongoing basis throughout the year.

The research proposal requires the students to write a research proposal akin to a research council proposal based on a research paper o f the students choosing. This is supported by a lecture and a workshop on what to do as well as individual or small group writing support by academics in Life sciences.

Learning outcomes

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

• Students will appraise data handling and techniques that are used in their project
• Students will learn design and present research projects
• Students will learn to critically assess research papers

Subject specific skills

Students will learn about principles of lab techniques and data handling relating to their projects. The knowledge acquired will be individual depending on their choice of topics and papers to cover in the assessment

Transferable skills

Critical thinking: Required for appraisal of papers, data analysis and writing of grant proposal
Information Literacy: Students will need to look for information relevant to their assessments and assess whether these are of appropriate value
Digital literacy: Use of Mohara to create a port folio and appropriate software packages fro their data handling
Communication: Research proposal requires writing for different audiences. journal clubs require oral presentation
Problem solving: Required for data analysis
Intercultural awareness and self awareness: Students write a reflective account on their experience of the year in industry as part of the portfolio and this should address moving from university into the industry environments (often a culture shock for students) and address their personal development over the year.