BIMMSIS-Molecular Methods for Species Identification and Survey

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: Dr Hyun Soon Gweon
Email: h.s.gweon@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide students with molecular techniques used to identify and survey species. The module will cover the basics of molecular biology to the modern molecular techniques which are increasingly becoming an important tool for environmental monitoring and survey.

Aims:

To provide students with knowledge and practical experience of molecular methods used to identify and survey organisms through lectures and hands-on practicals including designing, collecting, processing and analysing environmental samples.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, the student is expected to be able to:

• Describe and discuss the pros and cons of molecular techniques as a tool for environmental monitoring and why these are increasingly being used and researched


• Identify differences between molecular technique from the physical sampling method


• Recognise how and when to apply molecular techniques for environmental monitoring


• Design and carry out a survey based on molecular techniques

Additional outcomes:

Students will gain first-hand experience of molecular based environmental survey.

Outline content:

The module will cover molecular techniques used in environmental survey and monitoring. Students will learn the most current practice from experts and the reasoning behind why molecular techniques are increasingly used from commercial, regulatory and research perspectives. First-hand experience of molecular techniques from sampling to lab work will also be a major component of the module.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will consist of a series of seminars, practical exercised composed of field sampling through to lab work. Teaching will be delivered by ecological consultants and active researchers in the field.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	15
Practicals classes and workshops	30
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	15
Wider reading (directed)	30
Preparation of practical report	20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10
Group study tasks	20
Essay preparation	50
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	80
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• A series of reports for each practical session: individual written report in which students will write (1) a brief report on the methods they have leant; and (2) a detailed description of what they have done during the practical session in the form of a lab note.


• Oral group presentation: students will give a presentation on their findings from practical sessions.

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% or more

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of written assessments

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