BI3BL8-Special Study for Erasmus B

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Simon Clarke

Email: s.r.clarke@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To allow students who were on an ERASMUS exchange to be able to make an in-depth study of one of the modules normally presented in the term when they were abroad. Students will also gain experience in identifying and collecting scientific information on a topic from the missed module and then analysing, abstracting and presenting this information clearly in both essay and seminar format.

Aims:

To allow students who were on an ERASMUS exchange to be able to make an in-depth study of one of the modules normally presented in the term when they were abroad. Students will also gain experience in identifying and collecting scientific information on a topic from the missed module and then analysing, abstracting and presenting this information clearly in both essay and seminar format.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of this module students should be able to:

1. Identify and analyse primary scientific literature from printed and electronic publishing sources.
2. Communicate clearly by writing essays based on the critical evaluation of a collection of scientific reports.
3. Evaluate experimental data presented in scientific papers related to the missed module and formulate appropriate conclusions.

Additional outcomes:
Students will improve their communication, literature and analytical skills.

Outline content:
At the beginning of term students will be provided with a general reading list and a weekly tutorial spot that they can use for consultation/discussion. The students will perform literature searches and write a long essay (2,000 words) relevant to the module presented in the Spring Term during which they were on an ERASMUS exchange. The essay topics will be set by the module convenor.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will have a tutorial at the beginning of term in which they will be set work to do. They will then be given an opportunity for further tutorials throughout the term on a weekly basis. The completed assignment should be handed in by the end of term. Students will learn how to gather and analyse information from the primary scientific literature through directed reading. The assignment will demonstrate the student's ability to criticise and communicate this information.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials		10
Guided independent study:		90
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Essay

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor 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:
Re-sit examination

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: 4 April 2020