Overview

This module provides an introduction to an essential range of transferable skills which allow students to fully benefit from other Level 4 (first-year) modules and also prepare them for work at later stages of the course. Emphasis will be placed on safe and efficient work in the laboratory. The sessions will develop skills in the use of basic laboratory equipment. Selected key techniques and methodologies used in clinical laboratories will be included.

Note: This module serves as a core component of the accredited Biomedical Science BSc degree programmes offered by the School of Medical and Health Sciences.

Students will follow practical handbooks and gain theoretical and practical skills in the use of basic laboratory techniques and calculations. Students will record methods and data, interpret results and develop transferable skills within laboratory health and safety codes.

Assessment Strategy

EXCELLENT - Category A (70%-100%): An excellent understanding of the methods used in the preparation of samples for laboratory analysis with a high level of laboratory skills demonstrated in practical work. The laboratory reports are self-explanatory following a logical argument and are supported by good figures and tables including informative captions. The laboratory calculations are correct and contain units. There is evidence of knowledge acquired outside of the provided lecture and practical content. References (Harvard style) are relevant and correctly included.Evidence of critical thinking and wider reading is essential for A+ and A* marks.

GOOD - Category B (60%-69%): A good student has a thorough understanding of the methods used in the preparation of samples for laboratory analysis with a confident level of laboratory skills demonstrated in practical work. The laboratory reports summarise the practical work and underlying theory well, but may be too technical and/or contain some incorrect statements. Statements are followed up by explanation and context. The figures and tables are fully annotated, but the captions may be to brief. Most laboratory calculations are correct and contain units. There is limited evidence of knowledge acquired outside of the provided lecture and practical content. Harvard style referencing is correctly used.A good student should have a thorough factual knowledge and understanding of the information discussed in the module. They must be able to demonstrate the ability to work with basic laboratory equipment, be well-organised and show technical expertise and imagination, to presented information in a logical, reasoned and articulate manner.The difference between B and C marks reflect the quality of the presentation, structure and argument.

ANOTHER LEVEL -Category C (50-59%): A less engaged student should have sufficient knowledge to provide correct but limited information about the essential facts and key concepts of the topics presented in the module. The student should display a solid ability to organise and present information and should be able to address questions with relevant facts and an understanding of the subject matter. Often correct statements are included but not supported by the context. The student should be able to demonstrate and understand the use of laboratory skills. Laboratory calculations are largely correct and only some units may be missing. Figures and tables are included, but they may be incompletely labelled. Captions may be too brief. References may be missing or they may be incorrectly referenced.There is no evidence of knowledge acquired outside of the provided lecture and practical content.

THRESHOLD - Category D (40-49%): A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts of the topics presented in the module. A basic ability to organise and present information, and should be able to address questions with relevant facts and understanding of the subject matter. The student should be able to demonstrate and understand the use of basic laboratory skills. Laboratory calculations may be incomplete or incorrect, units may be missing. Figures and tables may be missing or may not be correctly labelled.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the principles of common laboratory equipment and know how to use it in a safe and effective manner

• Interpret and apply written instruction and perform routine tasks safely and effectively

• Produce adequate records of methodology and results

• Show theoretical proficiency in the use of basic laboratory equipment

• Understand and apply laboratory health and safety codes