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:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An introduction to laboratory skills to provide training and experience in a range of general laboratory techniques essential to a biological scientist.

Practicals and formative online tutorials will introduce essential laboratory techniques and instruments and how to carry out general laboratory procedures such as micropipetting, use of centrifuges and precision balances, making solutions, identifying and determining the concentration of biomolecules using electrophoresis and spectrophotometry, followed by data analysis. The concepts of units, molar and % solutions, and dilutions will be discussed and used in practice. Lectures will cover the basics of Good Laboratory Practice, good laboratory records, calculations, data graphing, and data presentation.

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 laboratory skills to provide training and experience in a range of general laboratory techniques essential to a biological scientist.

Practicals and formative online tutorials will introduce essential laboratory techniques and instruments and how to carry out general laboratory procedures such as micropipetting, use of centrifuges and precision balances, making solutions, identifying and determining the concentration of biomolecules using electrophoresis and spectrophotometry, followed by data analysis. The concepts of units, molar and % solutions, and dilutions will be discussed and used in practice. Lectures will cover the basics of Good Laboratory Practice, good laboratory records, calculations, data graphing, and data presentation.

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.

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:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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:

Reassessment will be via coursework resubmission.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

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:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 10 June 2024