Bioscience Skills: Developing as an Independent Scientist - BIOS5510

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2026 to 2027
Canterbury
Autumn Term 5 20 (10) Tobias von der Haar checkmark-circle

Overview

Scientists need to understand their subject matter (Biology, Biochemistry or Biomedical Sciences) but in order to successfully operate as a scientist, additional skills are required that relate to the scientific ways of answering questions and to the generation of subject-specific knowledge. In this module you will interpret scientific data generated with experimental methods that are commonly used in the biological sciences, you will understand how to generate new scientific knowledge based on such data, and apply these skills to design scientific studies that use combinations of methods to answer scientific questions. Finally, you will apply the skills you have gained in this module to design a standard operating procedure as is commonly required by clinical and industrial employers of graduates.

Details

Contact hours

Lecture 14 hours, Workshop 1 hour, Practical 30 hours

Method of assessment

10 short answer questions Short Writing Piece. Assessment Details: Problem-solving Assessment worth 40%.
1500 words Report. Assessment Details: Preparation of a Standard Operating Procedure worth 60%.

Reassessment Method: Like-for-Like
For BSc Biomedical Science students (as a requirement of the IBMS accreditation) this module cannot be compensated or condoned as indicated in the course specification.

Indicative reading

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module, students will be able to: 

1. Interpret results generated with commonly used scientific methods from the areas of genomics, cell biology and biochemistry

2. Connect scientific results to scientific insight, using appropriate statistical and scientific reasoning skills

3. Assess scientific results and conclusions presented by others

4. Independently design rigorous scientific studies including appropriate consideration for controls, repeats, and statistical tools

5. Apply scientific reasoning skills in the context of working as a team, and connect such skills to employability, ethics and safety considerations

Notes

  1. Credit level 5. Intermediate level module usually taken in Stage 2 of an undergraduate degree.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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