Overview

This module is designed to equip students with essential academic and professional skills. Through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, group projects, and independent research, students will develop competencies in scientific writing, data presentation, teamwork, and time management. The module focuses on refining research and communication skills while preparing students for the academic challenges of their degree and future career paths in medical and scientific disciplines.

Throughout this module, students will develop key academic and employability skills through a variety of activities and assessments. Topics include the effective use of library resources, critical thinking, writing scholarly reports, referencing, and scientific communication. The module also introduces students to bioinformatics, data presentation, and collaborative group work. This module emphasizes critical feedback, personal development, and teamwork, ensuring students are well-prepared for both academic challenges and future careers.

Assessment Strategy

EXCELLENT - Category A (70%-100%): Students in this category will demonstrate a comprehensive and deep understanding of the module’s key concepts and skills. Their work will be thorough, well-organized, and display a high level of critical thinking and originality. They will consistently present clear, well-structured arguments, supported by appropriate evidence and wide-ranging research. Excellent students will exhibit exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to reflect critically on their own work and that of others. They will also show advanced time management, organization, and teamwork skills where applicable. Evidence of in-depth critical thinking and wider reading is important for grades of A+ and above.

GOOD - Category B (60%-69%): Good students will demonstrate a strong grasp of the module’s content and skills. Their work will be well-structured and supported by relevant evidence, though it may lack the depth and originality of the Excellent level. They will present coherent and logical arguments, with clear communication and solid research. Good students will also show strong organizational abilities, manage their time effectively, and, where applicable, collaborate well with others, although some areas may require minor improvements.

ANOTHER LEVEL - Category C (50%-59%): Students in this category will have a reasonable understanding of the core concepts, though their work may contain inconsistencies or gaps in detail. Arguments may be weaker, and critical thinking may be less developed compared to higher levels. While communication and organization are adequate, there may be occasional errors or lack of clarity in some aspects. Students at this level may demonstrate basic teamwork and time management skills but may struggle to fully engage with more complex ideas or tasks.

THRESHOLD Category D (40%-49%): Threshold students will meet the minimum requirements but may show significant weaknesses in their understanding and application of the module’s concepts and skills. Their work may be incomplete, lacking in depth or clarity, with limited evidence to support their arguments. Communication may be unclear or disorganized, and there may be issues with time management and meeting deadlines. Collaboration and teamwork may also be weak, though students in this category will demonstrate the basic skills necessary to pass the module.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an ability to write a scientific essay, including accurate referencing and figures, tables & graphical techniques to describe scientific concepts/results.

• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with others, including providing constructive feedback on both your own work and the work of others, while reflecting critically to support individual and group development

• Demonstrate the ability to effectively research the relevant literature, to understand the structure of scientific publications and to reference materials correctly.

• Develop skills relating to time management, prioritisation of work, and managing deadlines.