BIMBF1-Research Techniques, Analysis and Experimental Design

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Phillip Dash
Email: p.r.dash@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Biomedical research requires a broad knowledge of the experimental methods and techniques that are used in modern laboratories. This module will provide students with an understanding of the theoretical principles and the practical application of a range of core biomedical research techniques. Each of these techniques will be taught through a combination of lectures (to discuss the theory behind the techniques) and practical classes (to gain hands on practical experience). Throughout the module the general principles of experimental design and good laboratory practice in both academic and industrial applications of science will be emphasised.

Aims:
This module aims to familiarise students with a range of key biomedical research techniques used in both academic and commercial applications of biomedical science. It will enable students to decide on the most appropriate methods to use in conducting their own research. The practical experience gained in this module will enable students to perform their own experiments and conduct their own research. Students will also put into practice what they've learned by putting together a proposal to solve a scientific problem. At the start of term students will be given a briefing from a team of scientists from industry. They will explain a problem or challenge that they would like solved. Working in small teams students will search the literature and apply their knowledge of different lab techniques to propose a solution to these challenges. This will allow students to see how these important skills can translate into both academic and industry settings.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should understand the theoretical principles underlying a range of core laboratory techniques, be able to perform them experimentally and apply them to address scientific problems. Students will be able to critically evaluate research methods and be able to select the appropriate methods for addressing a particular research question.

Additional outcomes:
The students should obtain a deeper understanding of biomedicine though the application of practical approaches, and will learn to work as part of a group

Outline content:

The following biomedical research techniques will be covered in this module:

• Cloning & genetic manipulation


• PCR


• Microscopy (including confocal microscopy and live cell imaging techniques)


• Bioinformatics 


• Cell culture and transfection techniques


• Western blotting

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be primarily practical-based in the teaching and research labs in the Hopkins Building. Additional individual study and class preparation (using blackboard site) will be required and participation in class discussion will be encouraged.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Practicals classes and workshops	80
Guided independent study:	120
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	50
Class test administered by School	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
A reassessment essay title will be provided by the module convenor.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023