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 Biological Sciences
Code LIFE355
Coordinator Dr Z Lewis
Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
Z.Lewis@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):
LIFE223 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
These refer to IIB research seminars
4
This refers to 6 timetabled tutorials
    9
These refer to interactive instructional workshops on scientific writing
4
This refers to timetabled sessions for poster- and oral-presentations and careers events
22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
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  500 words  Semester 1  25  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Poster 
Coursework  2500 words  Semester 2  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Written coursework 
Coursework  500 words  Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Short paper 
Coursework  0.5 hr  Semester 1  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Oral presentation 
Coursework  500 words  Semester 1  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Report Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 will be a poster. Assessment 2 will be an extended piece of writing. Assessment 3 will be a short piece of writing. Assessment 4 will be an oral presentation. Assessment 5 will be a short report. 

Aims

  • To enhance the key scientific communication and study skills acquired in Levels 4 and 5

  • To enable students to evaluate the scientific literature and to apply these skills to report and essay writing

  • To develop enhanced presentational skills, both oral and poster, in groups or as individuals
    		•

    Learning Outcomes

    To access and critically evaluate scientific literature

    To communicate, in writing, scientific facts and data to both expert and lay audiences

    To demonstrate awareness of current technologies and topical issues within biological sciences

    To work individually or in groups to produce oral and poster presentations

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Seminar - These refer to IIB research seminars

    Tutorial - This refers to 6 timetabled tutorials

    Workshop - These refer to interactive instructional workshops on scientific writing

    Other - This refers to timetabled sessions for poster- and oral-presentations and careers events

    Syllabus
    1 

    Employability training - The students taking this module will be in their third year of study, and therefore thinking more seriously about the next steps in their careers. The students will receive training on producing targetted CVs and cover letters, and will then have a mock job interview with their designated tutor.

    Advanced communication skills - Students will come to appreciate the different forms of communication used by scientists and professionals of other fields. They will practise using these different forms through the production of varied media including a poster on the history of biology, and an oral presentation based on their Honours research project.

    Science and the media - The public perception of science is of increasing concern to scientists, policy makers and educators. It is therefore of relevance for our students to examine how a recent, perhaps contentious, biological issue has been covered in the newspapers. The students will also learn about the role of social media in science, and the importance of their own online presence.

    Science and policy - the students will learn how scientific research informs government policy. They will research a current ''real-world'' problem and devise a scientific solution to advise policy-makers. Students will also attend departmental research seminars throughout the year, writing a short critical summary on the topics covered at the end of the year.

    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: