BI1BM12-Key Skills in Biomedicine

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: BI1EZ12 Key Skills in Ecology and Zoology
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Lizzy Lander

Email: e.r.lander@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will provide students with a common foundation in transferrable skills relevant to study and future careers in Biomedicine and related professions. These will include generic skills and also subject specific skills.

Aims:
Students will gain experience in key skills areas applicable across the biosciences: Study Skills, Writing Skills, Mathematical Skills, and Computer Literacy. Additionally, they will gain skills in critical analysis of research, and career management.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be expected to be able to: 1. Show awareness of time management and different types of learning (including their own preferred types). 2. Demonstrate the ability to write in various styles, including essays and scientific reports; with the ability to reference sources in an appropriate manner. 3. Show application of mathematical skills appropriate to their chosen degree, such as calculations of dilutions, formulae etc., statistics, and data analysis. 4. Demonstrate knowledge and application of relevant computer skills, including use of key packages, e.g. Excel, Minitab, Powerpoint, referencing software the ability to access and use online resources. 5. Demonstrate ability to interpret and communicate scientific concepts through both written and spoken means. 6. Demonstrate the ability to work successfully in a group environment to achieve shared goals.

Additional outcomes:

Show an awareness of career management, and demonstrate a proactive attitude to developing a career path. Demonstrate awareness of laboratory skills relevant to Biomedicine. Students will be expected to attend week 6 events in both the autumn and spring term modules to enhance their group work and career awareness.

Outline content:

A series of lectures and workshops will be delivered by module staff and invited speakers on areas relevant to core skills (e.g. career management). These will include understanding learning styles, writing styles for science, experimental design and maths, accessing and using specialist packages. Week 6 activities will be delivered through a range of group challenges. Therefore module will mostly be delivered through guided discussion in tutorials/seminars, case studies, worked examples and independent study.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A series of group tutorials and workshop will deliver core content relating to study skills, writing, mathematics, computer literacy and career management. Invited speakers will present material for in-depth discussion during tutorials. Additionally, practice of key skills through worked and subject examples will take place during tutorials.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	2	2
Seminars	10	10
Practicals classes and workshops	10	10
Guided independent study:	28	28
Total hours by term	50	50
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
No examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:
Worked examples and case studies encountered in tutorials will provide the opportunity for formative feedback from staff and peers as well as self-reflection.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
In-course assessment work

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Recommend text books: Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences (~£30) 2) Specialist equipment or materials: N/A 3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: N/A 4) Printing and binding: N/A 5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: N/A 6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: N/A

Last updated: 8 April 2019