BL5443 Biology Distance Learning (MMarBiol/MBiol)

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Full Year

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Only available to students on the MBiol and MMarBiol programmes

Module coordinator

Prof O E Gaggiotti

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof O Gaggiotti, Dr S Northridge, Dr V A Smith

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module is appropriate for students on the MMarBiol degree and those MBiol students with organismal or ecological interest. This distance learning module will look in detail at the processes involved in creating a scientific research project. The aim of the module is for the students to develop independent thought in experimental design. While on placement a series of online assessments will test the students' ability to critically analyse research literature, identify core and specialised techniques in the biosciences, design experiments for specific research questions, quantitatively and statistically analyse data and publish research in the appropriate manner. The students should ultimately gain valuable skills necessary for successful independent research careers.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 hour tutorial (5 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

5

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

297

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • develop novel and interesting research questions from scientific research literature
  • assess the strength and limitations of experimental techniques and discuss how these would influence their use within research projects
  • develop a course of experiments that addresses a defined research question
  • understand the requirements for publishing scientific work and the processes by which this work is reviewed
  • develop confidence in designing and planning experimental research projects
  • develop critical evaluation skills