BI1BF1-Laboratory and Study Skills for Biomedicine

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: BI1BEC1 Building Blocks of Life and BI1BM12 Key Skills in Biomedicine or BI1EZ12 Key Skills in Ecology and Zoology
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Francoise Mazet
Email: f.m.mazet@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide the general skills required to perform common biomolecular laboratory techniques including using common laboratory instrumentation, carrying out simple laboratory procedures, calculating the required amounts of various chemicals to make up required solutions, and using basic spreadsheets and graphic computer software for calculations and data presentations.

Formative online tests will be provided to encourage a self-learning approach to studying and self-assessment.

Aims:

• To provide training and experience in a range of general laboratory techniques essential to a biomolecular scientist


• To develop the necessary mathematical and problem skills required to carry out experiments and to analyse data


• To develop data graphing and computing skills


• To encourage a self-learning approach to studying

Assessable learning outcomes:

The student should be able to:

• use laboratory instrumentation and carry out general laboratory procedures accurately;


• maintain an accurate and comprehensive laboratory notebook;


• calculate the required amounts of various chemicals to make up required solutions;


• use basic spreadsheets and graphic computer packages for calculations and data presentations

Additional outcomes:

The students will develop self-learning, time management, attention to detail, team-work & communication skills.

Outline content:

An introduction to basic study skills will be provided via lectures, tutorials and practicals. The development of these skills will be monitored via formative self-assessments delivered via Blackboard and summative online tests. Lectures will also cover the basics of good lab safety (COSSH, microbiological, physical and chemical, human tissue act, etc) and the importance of keeping good records. Practicals, lectures and tutorials will introduce basic laboratory techniques and instrumentation such as weighing chemicals, using balances, making solutions, pH adjustment, using dispensers, pipetting, use of centrifuges, etc, followed by data analysis and presentation. The concepts of units, molar and % solutions, dilutions will be discussed and used in practice.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A series of practicals, lectures, problem classes and computer-based exercises will delivery core content for general skills necessary for biomolecular laboratory practice.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8
Tutorials	8
Practicals classes and workshops	15
Guided independent study:	69
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A variety of online summative assessments will be used to assess student’s attainment in accordance with the assessable learning outcomes.

Formative assessment methods:

Online MCQs with feedback through the course will allow students to practice and gauge their level of understanding of the taught material.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  In compliance with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 1992 Act, while studying this module students will be expected to wear the following item/s at all time: Lab coat and gloves. These items will be provided by the University alongside safety glasses that will be available when required.

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 25 June 2021