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 PHYSIOLOGY
Code LIFE308
Coordinator Dr TN Zech
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
T.Zech@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 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 1
This refers to a timetabled lecture in which a module overview is provided
2
This refers to timetabled research seminars
6
This refers to 2-3 timetabled group tutorials
    6
Workshops
8
These refer to scheduled feedback sessions
23
Timetable (if known)           This refers to timetabled workshops in which career choices and job applications are discussed
  		 
Private Study 127
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Practical Assessment  500-1000 words   Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Group online-discussions 
Coursework  700 words  Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Article written for a general science audience 
Coursework  800-1000 words  Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Ethics Assignment 
Coursework  500 words  Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Abstract of an attended seminar 
Coursework    Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Poster Notes (applying to all assessments) Coursework 1 will be group e-discussions (blogs) on the future challenges ahead of research in physiology which cannot be anonymously assessed. Coursework 2 will be a “News and views” article written for a general science audience Coursework 3 will be an assignment addressing the subject of ethics in Physiology research, for example appraisal of proposals for their ethical viability. Coursework 4 will be the students writing an abstract of an attended seminar. Coursework 5 will be students designing, compiling and presenting a poster of their work which cannot be anonymously assessed.  

Aims

1.To enhance the essential skills acquired in Levels 4 and 5, including both scientific and broader employability skills, including presentation skills for both writing and oral formats.

 
2.To enable students to evaluate the scientific literature and to apply these skills to group discussions, essay writing and other presentation methods.
 
3.To familiarise students with current scientific methodologies and topical issues, developing a deeper understanding of ethical issues in Physiology.

Learning Outcomes

Working in groups or as an individual, to access and critically evaluate scientific literature.

To summarize scientific facts and data and communicate these to both expert and lay audiences.

 

To appraise current technologies, topical and ethical issues, whilst maintaining awareness of public concerns.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - This refers to a timetabled lecture in which a module overview is provided

Seminar - This refers to timetabled research seminars

Tutorial - This refers to 2-3 timetabled group tutorials

Workshops - Workshops

This refers to timetabled workshops in which career choices and job applications are discussed

Other - These refer to scheduled feedback sessions

Syllabus
1 

Communicating Physiological facts and concepts to various audiences

·         Key aspects of verbal and written communications
·         Communicating to non-specialist  and specialist scie ntific audiences
·         Communicating the general public
 
Scientific research and ethics (in the context of physiology)
·         Scheduled research seminars within the department (Physiological Society series)
·         Students to read and discuss in their tutorial groups recent research  articles in the field of physiology.
·         Challenges ahead of a physiological research scientist.
 
Poster
·         Key aspects of effective poster communications
·         How to compile and produce a poster
·         How to effectively present a poster
·         Students to present their work as a poster exhibition.
 
Careers as a Physiology graduate   
·         Employability skills
·         How to produce an effective application letter / CV.

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:

Students will be directed to relevant up to date literature (primary research articles and reviews)

 

Johnson S, Scott J (2014) Study and Communication skills for the biosciences.  Oxford University Press.