Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Essential Skills for the Life Sciences 2
Code LIFE223
Coordinator Dr VM Dillon
School of Life Sciences
V.M.Dillon@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 5 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

   12

     16

8

 56
Timetable (if known) This refers to timetabled lectures.
  		  This refers to small group (5-7 students) tutorials with a designated member of academic staff. Includes three staff directed group discussions about journal club articles, an assessed verbal presenta
  		    8 x 2 h computer workshops
Eight assignments (1h each) to be delivered based on data analysis performed in eight computer workshops.
  		 
Private Study 94
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Exam  2 hours  1  30  Yes  Non-standard penalty applies  Assessment 3 Non-standard penalty applies for late submission, Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 223 - CSS component of 6 cycles, in-course assessments including written assignments; Assessment 223.1 - QS component, workshop submissions following computer sessions; Assessment 223.2 - QS components, will be a 2 hour MCQ examination in the Semester 1 examination period All students must achieve a satisfactory standard (equivalent to a compensatable pass of 35%) for each assessment and a total overall mark of at least 40%.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  6 cycles  3  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Practical Assessment  5 x 1 hour  3  20  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 There is no reassessment opportunity,  

Aims

  • Further develop the essential life science skills that students will require to improve their study skills;

  • Enable students to analyse and interpret scientific data and communicate results;

  • Enhance the employability prosp ects of students and career awareness.


    • Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

    Structure and communicate their ideas effectively, both orally and in writing;
    Manage time, work to deadlines and prioritise workloads;
    Actively participate in groups but be capable of independent work;
    Find information through literature searches and use IT effectively to analyse and report findings;
    Competently utilise a range of mathematical and numerical skills relevant to all biologists;
    Summarise and interpret advanced data using graphs and tables;
    Understand and apply the process of developing and testing hypotheses;
    Within the context of experimental design and within a range of biological fields, select appropriate quantitative methods to answer questions;
    Apply appropriate statistical and other analysis packages to analyse data;
    Interpret and evaluate quantitative terms and approaches used in the scientific literature;

    Recognise the moral and ethical issues of scientific investigations and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.


    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    This refers to timetabled lectures.

    Tutorial -

    This refers to small group (5-7 students) tutorials with a designated member of academic staff. Includes three staff directed group discussions about journal club articles, an assessed verbal presentation, assessed mock interview and two compulsory PDPs per student.

    Workshop -

    8 x 2 h computer workshops

    Assessment -

    Eight assignments (1h each) to be delivered based on data analysis performed in eight computer workshops.


    Syllabus
    1 

    Semester 1

    Cycle 1. Essay writing. Literature searching, writing a scientific essay, practicing an exam essay. Essay including drawing their own diagram and constructing a summary table from several references. Review and development of concepts from LIFE109 QB.
    First compulsory PDP
    Cycle 2. Scientific report writing and experimental design.   Formulating and testing a hypothesis, incorporating randomisation and methods to assess error (e.g. replication), choosing analyses, linear and non-linear relationships. Writing a scientific report showing a clear understanding of experimental design and the basis for statistical analysis.
    Journal club 1.
    Cycle 3. Verbal presentations: presentations based on scientific report
    produced in cycle 2. Slides including drawing their own diagram in power point and constructing a summary table from several references.    Demonstration of interpretation of scientific data and statistical analysis. 
    Journal club 2.
    Semester 2
    Cycle 4. Data analysis (e.g. Bioinformatics) using the skills developed in QB section and data sets   produced in laboratory practicals. Placement of the results in a wider biological context via background research. Understanding and interpreting real data for as preparation for research projects. Provision of a range of data that is programme specific.
     
    Second compulsory PDP.
    Journal club 3.
    Cycle 5. Group discussions on a current topical biologi cal issue e.g. the use of     stem cells, GM crops, GM Microorganisms. Writing a research proposal or press release in support of your topic or subject so that it would be accepted ethically and funded.
     
    Cycle 6. Employability skills: development of general and targeted CV, mock job interview.

    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: