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 taught and assessed synoptically.

Tutorial sessions focus on communication skills (both written and oral), information literacy, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving.
Through tutorials, tutors will identify and support individual pastoral care needs and introduce the referral pathway where appropriate.

Laboratory sessions focus on fundamental laboratory skills and techniques. Students learn to generate good quality data, and conduct preliminary interpretation and analysis.

Quantitative skills sessions focus on analytical techniques to interpret data, including what they've generated in the laboratory 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 taught and assessed synoptically.

Tutorial sessions focus on communication skills (both written and oral), information literacy, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving.
Through tutorials, tutors will identify and support individual pastoral care needs and introduce the referral pathway where appropriate.

Laboratory sessions focus on fundamental laboratory skills and techniques. Students learn to generate good quality data, and conduct preliminary interpretation and analysis.

Quantitative skills sessions focus on analytical techniques to interpret data, including what they've generated in the laboratory sessions.

Learning outcomes

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

• Research given topics in peer-reviewed primary literature and consolidate relevant information to present well-structured scientific writing .
• 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 simple hypothesis-driven experiments, with due regard to appropriate accuracy and detail.
• Develop skills and understanding in statistical analysis for interpreting biological data.
• Understand the importance of good laboratory preparation and practice.
• Understand the relevance of presenting data professionally.
• Understand the relevance of professionalism and teamwork.

Subject specific skills

Research given topics in the peer-reviewed primary literature and consolidate relevant information to present well-structured scientific writing.

Develop and deliver oral presentations where the content, accuracy, and delivery style will be appropriate to the topic and audience.

Develop familiarity with basic laboratory skills and good laboratory practice.

Transferable skills

Communication
Critical thinking
Digital literacy
Information literacy
Professionalism
Problem solving
Teamwork