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 ADVANCED SKILLS IN BIOCHEMISTRY
Code LIFE301
Coordinator Dr R Levy
Biochemistry
Rapha@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 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 5

 3

       3

21

6

 38
Timetable (if known) Timetabled lectures
  		Seminars by Biochemistry alumni
  		      Group work to prepare a poster
Practice of scientific talks, problem solving and data analysis workshops
This refers to a mini-conference
  		 
Private Study 112
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Open Book Written Exam  2 hours  1st semester  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Unseen Written Exam  2 hours  2nd Semester  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 5 Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 is a written examination. Assessment 2 is a bioinformatics problem solving assessment. Assessment 3 is a poster and its presentation. Assessment 4 is the production of a podcast or video. Assessment 5 is a written examination.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  ~500 word  1st semester  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 
Coursework  Poster ~500 words, i  2nd semester  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 3 
Coursework  4-6 minutes audio or  2nd Semester  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 4 

Aims

  • To develop the students'' science presentation skills in various formats and to various target audiences

  • To enhance the students'' ability to search, identify, apply, critically evaluate and interpret biochemical knowledge to solve complex problems

  • To provide advice, inspiration and guidance for career development and employability


    • Learning Outcomes

    To analyse, summarise, present and critically review evidence from scientific publications in the context of biochemistry

    To access and query bioinformatics databases, analyse data, and draw appropriate conclusions

    To work in groups to produce and present a scientific poster in the context of biochemistry

    To use the web and social media to access and communicate scientific information to both expert and lay audiences

    To explain the fundamentals of widespread applications of Biochemistry as well as current technological developments and topical issues

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    Timetabled lectures

    Seminar -

    Seminars by Biochemistry alumni

    Group Project -

    Group work to prepare a poster

    Workshop -

    Practice of scientific talks, problem solving and data analysis workshops

    Other -

    This refers to a mini-conference

    Syllabus
    1  Bioinformatics: Access, query and use databases (e.g. BLAST, uniprot, PDB), visualise protein structures, align protein sequences.

    Applications of biochemistry: Recombinant DNA and PCR-based technologies; applications in Forensic science, diagnostics, and other examples

    Science communication (to a specialist audience)
    •    Report & oral presentation
    •    Posters & conference

    Science communication (to a broader audience)
    •    Why it matters
    •    Podcast or video

    Critical thinking
    •    the scientific process and the publishing cycle
    •    peer-review and post-publication peer review
    Careers (invited lectures by Biochemistry alumni)

    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: