Modiwl BSX-1030:
Biology Practical Skills 1

Ffeithiau’r Modiwl

Rhedir gan School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credyd neu 10.000 Credyd ECTS

Semester 1

Trefnydd: Dr Rosanna Robinson

Amcanion cyffredinol

This module aims to provide a foundation in the laboratory, scientific and transferrable skills necessary for students to investigate and communicate a range of topics in the biological sciences. It is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for later stages in the course. More specifically, it will introduce basic scientific skills for accessing, critically evaluating, recording and communicating information; safe laboratory practice and risk assessment; basic laboratory skills such as light microscopy, handling of liquids, scientific measurement; the use of simple protocols for carrying out experimental techniques; basic mathematical techniques for manipulation of scientific data; use of descriptive statistics and statistical testing of hypotheses.

Cynnwys cwrs

The course will consist of a series of lectures, online resources, self-directed reading assignments and online tests, along with 4 x 3 hour laboratory practicals on campus and a half-day fieldwork session (although these may be altered if laboratory/ vehicle capacity is limited due to pandemic regulations in force at the time). The module will introduce a range of academic and practical skills and students will be given guidance on how to design and carry out experiments, and how data should be collected, analysed and reported. Students will be introduced to the philosophy of science and the scientific approach, and to the diversity of practical techniques used in the biosciences. There will be guided exercises so that students can become familiar with the use of Blackboard, the library catalogue, Microsoft Word, and Excel spreadsheets.

Meini Prawf

da

A good mark (>60%) will be awarded when a student demonstrates an ability to work with a good degree of accuracy, to critically evaluate the experimental data, to present results clearly and concisely and to relate their findings to theoretical concepts.

trothwy

A threshold mark (40%) equates to demonstrating a moderate level of both practical and transferrable skills and an ability to interpret and present experimental results in a clear manner.

ardderchog

An excellent student (>70%) will demonstrate an ability to work with a high degree of accuracy. They will be able to think critically and synthesise information from lectures and from reading the primary literature. They will display a high level of critical understanding of data, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Canlyniad dysgu

  1. Keep accurate records, and write well structured, coherent, scientific reports, with well-presented tables and figures and appropriately-cited literature and reference lists.

  2. Demonstrate an understanding of how to work safely in the field or a laboratory and be aware of potential hazards and their associated risk.

  3. Demonstrate an understanding of how to competently use basic laboratory equipment, such as micropipettes, light microscopes and dissecting equipment.

  4. Perform simple scientific mathematical calculations and data manipulations.

Dulliau asesu

Math Enw Disgrifiad Pwysau
Online Test MCQ 1 40.00
Posters 30.00
Animal behaviour practical report 30.00

Strategaeth addysgu a dysgu

Oriau
Private study

Weekly topics and online resources with associated tasks for self-directed learning. Directed group work for poster assignment, and individual study for practicing skills, preparing for and taking online tests, writing practical reports and completing formative assessments.

 170
Lecture

Twice weekly online lectures to introduce the philosophy of science and the scientific method; topics in biology and practical classes; transferable skills required for scientific investigation and presentation. Activities relating to skills development. Opportunities for feedback, discussion and questions.

 26
Laboratory

Two x 2 hour laboratory practicals on campus.

 4

Sgiliau Trosglwyddadwy

  • Llythrennedd - Medrusrwydd mewn darllen ac ysgrifennu drwy amrywiaeth o gyfryngau
  • Rhifedd - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio rhifau ar lefelau priodol o gywirdeb
  • Defnyddio cyfrifiaduron - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio ystod o feddalwedd cyfrifiadurol
  • Hunanreolaeth - Gallu gweithio mewn ffordd effeithlon, prydlon a threfnus. Gallu edrych ar ganlyniadau tasgau a digwyddiadau, a barnu lefelau o ansawdd a phwysigrwydd
  • Archwilio - Gallu ymchwilio ac ystyried dewisiadau eraill
  • Adalw gwybodaeth - Gallu mynd at wahanol ac amrywiol ffynonellau gwybodaeth
  • Sgiliau Rhyngbersonol - Gallu gofyn cwestiynau, gwrando'n astud ar atebion a'u harchwilio
  • Ymwybyddiaeth o ddiogelwch - Bod yn ymwybodol o'ch amgylchedd a hyder o ran cadw at reoliadau iechyd a diogelwch
  • Cyflwyniad - Gallu cyflwyno gwybodaeth ac esboniadau yn glir i gynulleidfa. Trwy gyfryngau ysgrifenedig neu ar lafar yn glir a hyderus.
  • Gwaith Tîm - Gallu cydweithio'n adeiladol ag eraill ar dasg gyffredin, ac/neu fod yn rhan o dîm gweithio o ddydd i ddydd
  • Hunanymwybyddiaeth & Ystyried - Bod yn ymwybodol o'ch cryfderau, gwendidau, nodau ac amcanion eich hun. Gallu adolygu ,cloriannu a myfyrio'n rheolaidd ar eich perfformiad eich hun ac eraill.

Sgiliau pwnc penodol

  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation
  • Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Apply appropriate techniques for presenting spatial and/or temporal trends in data.
  • Prepare effective maps, diagrams and visualizations.
  • Undertake field and/or laboratory studies to ensure competence in basic experimental and/or fieldwork skills.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation
  • Demonstrate the independence and skills required for continuing professional development

Adnoddau

Rhestr ddarllen

Recommended texts:

Jones, Reed, Weyers (2016). "Practical Skills in Biology" 6th Edition, Pearson.

Hawkins' (2014) "Biomeasurement", 3rd Edition. Oxford.

Other tests will be recommended by practical leaders for specific assignments.

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