University of the
West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJNF-30-M Title: Practical and Critical Issues in Research Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:
Faculty Committee approval: Q&S Committee (School of Life Sciences) Date: Summer 20009
Approved for Delivery by: N/A
Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Entry requirements: None (If the module is offered as CPD or stand alone)
Excluded combinations:
Learning outcomes:
•demonstrate a detailed knowledge of both the theoretical principles and applications of advanced molecular biology techniques;
•demonstrate an understanding of some of the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of each technique;
•be familiar with the operation and uses of advanced equipment;
•demonstrate a critical awareness of the principles of good experimental design in research and be able to effectively intepret, analyse and present experimental data;
•perform scientific literature searches by a variety of means including both electronic and paper-based approaches and use them effectively as learning aids;
•critically appraise and evaluate current literature in the defined area of interest;
•demonstrate detailed knowledge of the selected area of interest together with critical evaluation and interpretative skills;
•demonstrate skills in both oral and written scientific communication.
Syllabus outline:
The first part of the module will run as extended practical classes with supported tutorial sessions. It will consist of practical work that will involve a number of molecular genetic techniques including DNA isolation, gene cloning, PCR, and protein expression. There will also be demonstrations of other technologies carried out in the Bristol Genomic Research Institute such as microarrays, 2D gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing and Mass Spectrometry protein analysis.
In the second part of the module topics will include: Finding, using and making sense of information – information retrieval, critical reading, thinking & evaluation; Principles of good experimental design & analyses; Characteristics of a good project, research paper and review article; The importance of bioethics; Effective communication skills – scientific writing, oral and poster presentations.
Teaching and learning methods:
The emphasis throughout this module will be on the acquisition and development of the skills required in a research scientist. During the practical part of the module the students will have hands-on experience using state of the art equipment. Practical sessions will consist of a series of experimental procedures for the students to perform, analysis of the results and production of a written report. There will also be demonstrations of other molecular biology techniques from which the students will receive data for analysis. A detailed consideration of relevant ethical issues is integral to the module.
In the following part of the module delivery of the material will involve a mixture of lectures, tutorials and student-centred skill development exercises. It is designed to be flexible so that proper account can be taken of the interests and developing skills of individual students. The focus will be a core of keynote lectures, designed to highlight the important principles and concepts of current issues and to provide a framework for personal study.
Both the research topic study for the poster presentation and defence and the paper critique topic will be selected in negotiation with the relevant academic specialist tutor and under the guidance of the module leader. The topic study will emphasise the understanding of processes and investigative approaches rather than purely factual recall. Guidance will be provided during tutorials about the most appropriate search strategies. Students will be encouraged to form interdisciplinary study groups. The topic studies will be supported by a series of student-led tutorials which will explore some problems and issues which emerge during study and research.
Reading Strategy:
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative Reading List:
The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.
•Study & Communication Skills for the Biosciences. Johnson & Scott. Oxford University Press, 2009
•Study Skills. Lamb, K. (Editor). Wiley, 2005
•Doing Postgraduate Research (Second Edition). Potter, S. (Editor). SAGE, 2006
•Organising and Managing Your Research. Phelps, R., Fisher, K. and Ellis, A. SAGE, 2007
•Introduction to Bioethics. Bryant, J., Baggott la Velle, L. and Searle, J. Wiley, 2005
•Brown TA. Genomes 3. 2006. Bios.
•Primrose SB & Twyman RM. Principles of Genome Analysis & Genomics. 2003. Blackwell.
•Brown TA. Gene Cloning and Gene Analysis (5th edn.) 2006. Blackwell Science.
•Lesh AM. Introduction to Protein Science. 2004. Oxford.
•Selected articles from relevant journals.
Assessment:
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element weighting
EX2 |
Critique of a published paper (2 hour timed assignment) (to include an evaluative appraisal of the experimental design and analysis) |
|
CW1 |
||
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
CW2 |
||
CW3 |
4 | |
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX2 |
Critique of a published paper (2 hour timed assignment) (to include an evaluative appraisal of the experimental design and analysis) |
|
CW1 |
||
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
CW4 |
||
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)