BI1KS17-Key Skills in Biomedical Engineering

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

Module Convenor: Prof Rachel McCrindle

Email: r.j.mccrindle@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will provide students with a common foundation in transferable skills relevant to study and future careers in Biomedical Engineering and related professions. These will include generic skills and also subject specific skills. This module will also introduce students to some of the major ideas which inform current and future Biomedical Engineering through keynote presentations by academic staff.

Aims:
Students will gain experience in key skill areas applicable across biomedical engineering. These include research skills, study skills, communication skills, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and ethics. Additionally, they will gain skills and understanding relevant to engineering in medicine and biology (Bioengineering), including practical skills, understanding of the social context of their subject and skills related to enhanced employability.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

1.  Show awareness of: exam technique/revision skills, time management and types of learning (including their own preferred types.)

2.  Demonstrate the ability to write in various styles, including technical writing; with the ability to reference sources in an appropriate manner.

3. Demonstrate the ability to give effective presentations, including use of appropriate technologies and materials.  

4.  Demonstrate the ability to think evaluate problems and develop creative solutions.

5.  Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

6. Show an awareness of the ethical context within which Biomedical Engineering operates, including knowledge of the basic philosophical premises relating to ethics and the ethics approval processes.

7. Demonstrate an awareness of the scope of applications relevant to Biomedical Engineering.

8. Demonstrate an awareness of career opportunities and career management skills required for Biomedical Engineering and related job sectors.

Additional outcomes:
Students should understand plagiarism. Course will also help students prepare and understand the process of formal written examinations, and assessed work.

Outline content:

A series of lectures and workshops will be delivered by module staff and invited speakers on areas relevant to core skills. Lectures will be supported by guided discussion in tutorials/seminars, case studies, worked examples, guided independent study and a team project. Presentations will be given by academic staff on a range of current topics in bioengineering. Professional writing and presentation skills will be introduced including, features of and structure for scientific reports, design and delivery of effective presentations, strategies for searching and referencing information sources. Careers management skills will also be introduced including how to build a professional portfolio while at University; self awareness/evaluation of strengths and weaknesses; job requirements for technical and engineering competences as well as the career/job opportunities available.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures are supported by seminars/tutorials

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Tutorials	20
Guided independent study:	60
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	30
Project output other than dissertation	60
Set exercise	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

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:
Portfolio and other in-course assessment work

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019