BL2300 Research Methods in Biology

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

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 8

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.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 12.00 noon Tue, Thu (odd weeks) 12.00 noon Wed, Fri (even weeks) Practical classes: 2.00 - 5.00 pm Wed, Thu or Fri (weeks 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10)

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr V C J Dietrich-Bischoff

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

Module Staff

Team taught

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 will help students develop essential academic and transferable skills, with major emphasis on problem solving. It will provide an introduction to the scientific method, experimental design, understanding and presenting data. Students will learn how to draw graphs and do simple general linear modelling with the code-based statistical software R. Confidence in using R will be built through a combination of online video walk-throughs, independent data handling and online tutorials. Regular mathematics for biologists exercises will allow students to practise manipulating equations, performing laboratory calculations etc. A mini project on experimental design and data analysis, which the students conduct in small groups, will help them apply the principles learned. The module will also cover scientific essay writing, record keeping and good laboratory practice.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL1101 AND PASS BL1102

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Alternative assessment to the same weighting as the failed item of assessment

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Across the semester: 12 x 1h lectures, 7 x 1h tutorials, 4 x 3h computer workshops (consisting of approx. 1h online video walk-throughs, 1h self-study and 1h tutorial), 1 x 3h practical

Scheduled learning hours

38

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

Guided independent study hours

112

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