Modiwl BSX-2021:
BioScience Skills

Ffeithiau’r Modiwl

Rhedir gan School of Natural Sciences

20 Credyd neu 10 Credyd ECTS

Semester 1 a 2

Trefnydd: Dr Daniel Thornham

Amcanion cyffredinol

In this module, students will enhance subject-specific skills in the Biological Sciences, in addition to graduate and key skills, via small group tutorials and self-directed learning using computer-based resources. The module will build upon bioscience skills developed in the first year, and link to subject specific aspects of the second year, providing students with the necessary skills for the completion of their third year research project or dissertation. Specifically, students will develop skills in critical thinking, creative thinking and scientific approaches by completing a range of activities that may include; problem-based learning, including numerical problems, the public understanding of science, critiques of media/scientific publications, essays and presentations, and project planning.

Specific module aims: To develop critical analytical skills and increase awareness of the scientific method. To develop numeracy and literacy skills, time management, teamwork and other graduate employability skills. To develop skills in creative thinking, the scientific approach, hypothesis testing, planning research, data collection and analysis. To prepare each student for their final year research project or dissertation.

Cynnwys cwrs

The module will be delivered in four key components:

  1. Analysis & Interpretation (critical thinking). Students will undertake a range of analytical exercises, including computer-based learning, where they will critically review scientific articles from a variety of sources, to develop an ability to determine the validity and rigour of results. Students will develop & implement their analytical skills to consider; errors in scientific literature; scientific methodology; experimental design; use and abuse of statistical results; erroneous and misleading presentation of results; the quality of different sources of information. They will analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically from a variety of sources. Topics will include entomology and ecology and may include climate change, alternative medicine, health and disease, food security. Students may also take part in group discussions and informal debates.
  2. Scientific writing (literacy skills) Students will attend introductory lectures on scientific writing. A list of degree programme and subject-specific essay titles will be made available on Blackboard. Students will choose one essay title to complete. Computer assisted learning (CAL) - a comprehensive suite of supporting materials will be made available for students on the Blackboard site (e.g. tips on how to write essays, grammar and comprehension, referencing and example essays).
  3. Problem-based learning (creative thinking) Delivered as workshops in small groups (of ca. 8) with a member of academic staff or trained postgraduate, followed by a mini conference in which groups will convene to present a 10 minute project plan (with questions). Students will be provided with a real-life scenario (degree programme and subject-specific) during the first workshop. Students will be asked to: consider interesting research questions; frame hypotheses; design appropriate tests for hypotheses; consider data collection and analysis; consider possible interpretations and future research avenues; undertake preliminary research. These will be discussed in the workshops.
  4. Planning for 3rd year project (practical/planning skills) Interaction between student and academic project supervisor in up to 3 x tutorial sessions. Tutorial sessions will identify the specific aim and objectives of the project and develop a project plan.

Meini Prawf

ardderchog

An excellent student (Grades A* - A-) should; demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate scientific material from a variety of sources, and to synthesise and summarise this information both orally and in writing in a clear, concise and logical manner that includes a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the scientific approach; demonstrate well-established problem-solving skills, identify key questions and testable hypotheses relating to a real-life scientific scenario, demonstrating the ability to suggest and complete appropriate approaches to experimental design/testing, data analysis and interpretation. This will include the use of appropriate statistical/analytical methods to draw tangible conclusions from hypotheses; demonstrate an ability to operate efficiently as part of a group, and as an individual; demonstrate well-founded strategies for the enhancement their knowledge and understanding of the BioSciences.

trothwy

A threshold student (Grades D+ - D-) should; demonstrate a basic ability to critically evaluate scientific material from a variety of sources, and to synthesise and summarise this information in a clear, concise and logical manner; demonstrate basic problem-solving skills, an ability to assess the key questions relating to a real-life scientific scenario, framing testable hypotheses and identifying and taking appropriate approaches to experimental design/testing, data analysis and interpretation; be able to work effectively both as part of a group, and as an individual; develop the necessary skills to enable them to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the BioSciences.

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A good student (Grades B+ - C-) should; demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate scientific material from a variety of sources, and to synthesise and summarise this information both orally and in writing in a clear, concise and logical manner that includes a critical evaluation of the scientific approach; demonstrate comprehensive problem-solving skills, an ability to identify key questions relating to a real-life scientific scenario, framing testable hypotheses and identifying appropriate approaches to experimental design/testing, data analysis and interpretation. This will include the ability to suggest tangible approaches and outcomes of the work; be able to work effectively both as part of a group, and as an individual; demonstrate well-developed strategies for the enhancement their knowledge and understanding of the BioSciences.

Canlyniad dysgu

  1. Work effectively both as a member of a group and individually to successfully complete the exercises and assessed tasks. (Biosciences benchmarks: 3.2 subject knowledge, 3.3 generic skills, 3.4 graduate and key skills, 3.5 intellectual skills, 3.6 practical skills, 3.7 information technology skills, 3.8 interpersonal and teamwork skills & 3.9 self-management and professional development skills)

  2. Develop oral presentation skills as part of group-based exercises. (Biosciences benchmarks: 3.4 graduate and key skills, 3.7 information technology skills & 3.8 interpersonal and teamwork skills)

  3. Analyse and critically evaluate scientific data and literature from a variety of sources. (Biosciences benchmarks: 3.2 subject knowledge, 3.3 generic skills, 3.5 intellectual skills, 3.6 practical skills & 3.7 information technology skills)

  4. Evaluate and present written scientific information in a variety of forms, that may include graphs, an abstract, essay, review, and a project proposal, in a clear, concise and logical manner. (Biosciences benchmarks: 3.2 subject knowledge & 3.5 intellectual skills)

  5. Approach a given research problem creatively, identifying testable hypotheses and applying the scientific approach to design appropriate experimental tests and consider data collection, interpretation and analysis. (Biosciences benchmarks: 3.2 subject knowledge, 3.3 generic skills, 3.4 graduate and key skills, 3.5 intellectual skills, 3.6 practical skills, 3.7 information technology skills, 3.8 interpersonal and teamwork skills & 3.9 self-management and professional development skills)

Dulliau asesu

Math Enw Disgrifiad Pwysau
TRAETHAWD (Sem1) Essay and Abstract

A focussed essay on a topical subject in your area of study. Several broad titles will be offered for you to choose from. Within your broad title, you will choose and justify your focus, lay out your arguments and draw conclusions. The essay will be supplemented by an abstract that sets out the problem your essay addresses, explains your approach, describes your principal findings and explains the impact of these findings for the wider argument.

 25
CYFLWYNIAD GRWP (Sem 2) Group Presentation

In preparation for your dissertation, you will working with a team to develop an imaginative, realistic and well-considered proposal for a programme of scientific investigation. You will present your proposal through a short group presentation at a mini-conference. Up to 50% of the mark for this will be adjusted by your group (i.e. if your presentation scores 60%, your mark could be between 30-90% depending on your contribution to the project plan).

 20
CYNLLUN YSGRIFENEDIG (Sem 2) Dissertation Plan

Having collaborated with your colleagues in creating & writing a project plan for Assessment C3, you must now write a plan for your dissertation project alone, under the guidance of your dissertation supervisor. There is a Dissertation Planning Handbook to guide you through the preparation your dissertation plan.

 25
PRAWF DOSBARTH (Sem 1) Class Test (Statistics Case Study)

You will be presented with a case study regarding a scientific experiment and the results that have been gathered. You will be asked to identify the most appropriate course of action to analyse the data and to carry out the analysis. This will include critiquing a report, drawing a graph, carrying out a statistical test and reporting/interpreting the results.

 30

Strategaeth addysgu a dysgu

Oriau
Lecture

Lectures will be used to introduce the four components of the module and to provide information and guidance about library skills, statistics, risk assessments and experimental design.

21
Workshop

2-hour workshops will be used in both semesters to facilitate statistics, essay writing and experimental design teaching.

22
Private study

Students are expected to carry out independent study in support of the taught parts of the course. A 20-credit module should constitute 200 hours of work in total. In BSX-2021, independent study and independent study as a group will be needed to successfully tackle all four Components.

 154
Tutorial

Successful development of a research plan for student dissertations is facilitated by three, 1-hour tutorials with the dissertation supervisor.

3

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
  • Dadansoddi Beirniadol & Datrys Problem - Gallu dadelfennu a dadansoddi problemau neu sefyllfaoedd cymhleth. Gallu canfod atebion i broblemau drwy ddadansoddiadau ac archwilio posibiliadau
  • 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
  • Rheloaeth - Gallu defnyddio, cydlynu a rheoli adnoddau (dynol, ffisegol ac/neu ariannol)
  • Dadl - Gallu cyflwyno, trafod a chyfiawnhau barn neu lwybr gweithredu, naill ai gydag unigolyn neu mewn grwˆp ehangach
  • 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.
  • Arweinyddiaeth - Gallu arwain a rheoli, datblygu cynlluniau gweithredu ac amcanion, cynnig arweiniad a chyfarwyddyd i eraill, ac ymdopi â'r pwysau sy'n gysylltiedig ag awdurdod o'r fath

Sgiliau pwnc penodol

  • Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
  • Recognize and apply appropriate theories and concepts from a range of disciplines.
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Engagement with current developments in the biosciences and their application.
  • Engage in debate and/or discussion with specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language.

Adnoddau

Goblygiadau o ran adnoddau ar gyfer myfyrwyr

This module uses a broard range of delivery methods including face-to-face and on-line teaching. It will require you to spend a long time at your home computer. Please make sure you have completed a [workstation assessment][1] for your home workstation and that your computer happily runs MS Office (Word, Teams, Powerpoint, Excel), R studio, and that you have good internet connectivity. We recommend that you install the Analysis Toolpak add-in in MS Excel. [1]: https://www.bangor.ac.uk/hss/dse-form/index.php.en

Rhestrau Darllen Bangor (Talis)

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/bsx-2021.html

Rhestr ddarllen

Reading lists are provided through Talis.

You will also find it beneficial to refresh your understanding of probability, descriptive & inferential statistics, and MS Excel formula operations such as average, stdev, range, if, count, the use of filters and graph drawing.


Some of the materials in the Talis reading list will help you referesh your understanding of these things, but you will also be expected to be familiar with your 1st year notes from Biology Practicals (BSX-1030 & BSX-1031) or equivalent.

Cyrsiau sy’n cynnwys y modiwl hwn

Gorfodol mewn cyrsiau: