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 GENETICS FOR COMBINED HONOURS
Code LIFE371
Coordinator Dr KL Hammond
School of Life Sciences
K.Hammond@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   6
6 one-hour research seminars
11
This refers to 11 one-hour timetabled tutorials
    6
This refers to 3 timetabled sessions on CVs, job applications, presentation skills, PhD proposal writing
3
This refers to scheduled time to attend poster presentations
26
Timetable (if known)   This refers to 6 self-selected research seminars
  		This refers to approximately fortnightly small group tutorials based on a chosen topic
  		       
Private Study 124
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
Coursework  1500 words  Semester 1 and 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Journal club report 
Coursework  approximately 1000 w  Semester 1 and 2  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Presentation and employability skills 
Coursework  approximately 2500 w  Semester 1 and 2  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Mock PhD proposal 
Coursework  2000 words  Semester 1 and 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay writing Notes (applying to all assessments) There is no anonymous assessment for coursework number 2 because it includes a presentation. Assessment 1 includes a journal club report (1000 words), seminar synopsis (500 words) and a completed seminar notebook. Assessment 2 is a 10 minute individual oral presentation, a group poster presentation (500-1000 words) plus a mock job application.  

Aims

1. To train students to critically evaluate scientific information in the context of genetics, including that obtained from the published literature, research seminars and on-line genetic databases;

2. To familiarise students with topical issues and ethical considerations in genetics and develop problem problem solving skills;

3. To provide advice and guidance for career development and employment in the field of genetics, and allow students to develop transferable skills.

Learning Outcomes

To access and critically evaluate scientific information, including that reported in the published scientific literature, research seminars and bioinformatic databases

To communicate scientific concepts, facts and data to a variety of audiences, both orally and in writing

To discuss current genetic technologies, topical issues and ethical considerations

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Tutorial - This refers to 11 one-hour timetabled tutorials

This refers to approximately fortnightly small group tutorials based on a chosen topic

Small Group Learning - This refers to 3 timetabled sessions on CVs, job applications, presentation skills, PhD proposal writing

Other - This refers to scheduled time to attend poster presentations

Seminar - 6 one-hour research seminars

This refers to 6 self-selected research seminars

Syllabus
1 

11 tutorials occurring approximately fortnightly supplemented by three workshops on CVs and job applications, presentation skills and PhD proposal writing. Students must also attend at least 6 research seminars of their choice. 

A group of 5-6 students works with one academic throughout the module. Each tutorial group has a set topic chosen by the academic running the group. Students select a tutorial group at the beginning of the module, although the final allocation may not be their first choice. Example group topics include stem cell biology, models for disease, synthetic biology, cancer genetics.  

Outline of syllabus: 

1. Employability : Writing a successful job/postgraduate course application. (1 tutorial, 1 workshop)

2. Evaluating current primary literature: Reading, evaluating, discussing and presenting the published scientific literature in genetics (2 tutorials, 1 workshop [presentation skills]).

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3. Writing skills: Writing essays that successfully synthesise, evaluate and communicate the published literature relevant to a specific question in genetics. (2 tutorials)

4. Examination technique: Approaching exam questions in a variety of formats and understanding the marking criter ia used to mark these exams. (1 tutorial)

5. Poster presentation: Designing and presenting a poster to successfully communicate topical aspects of genetics. (1 tutorial)

6. Mock PhD proposal: Writing and presenting a successful PhD project proposal. (3 tutorials, 1 workshop)

7. Research seminars: Keeping an accurate and detailed seminar record (1 tutorial, minimum of 6 research seminars). 

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:

There is no specific text recommended for this module.  Tutorials will mainly make use of the primary literature associated with the tutorial group topic.  Workshops will also refer students to the research literature as appropriate.

Key generic skills, such as production of posters and oral presentation skills are covered in Johnson, S. and Scott, J. (2014) Study and Communication Skills for the Biosciences.  2nd ed Oxford: Oxford University Press