BIOL2581: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR BIOSCIENCES

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• To develop an understanding of the whole biological research process, from generating ideas to disseminating results.
• To develop critical data-gathering and analytical skills in studying scientific literature.
• To develop the tools needed for data analysis and presentation.
• To develop scientific writing skills for different audiences.

• Research skills, research styles and research scope in the Biosciences.
• Data gathering and critical analysis of the scientific literature.
• Advanced Statistics, experimental design and data presentation.
• Science writing and science communication.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Understanding of the research process and its component parts.
• Application of appropriate statistical techniques to analyze biological data.
• Knowledge of sources available for studying scientific literature in biosciences.
• Knowledge of current standards for reporting and data presentation in biological research.
• Develop scientific writing and communication skills for expert and non-expert audiences.

Subject-specific Skills:

• To be able to use advanced statistical methods to critically assess results in biological research.
• To be able to set up and execute complex searches of scientific literature, and to be able to critically assess the results of such searches.
• To be able to develop an understanding of a research question and communicate these ideas to both expert and non-expert audiences.

Key Skills:

• Numeracy by performing data analyses using statistical tests, and calculations involved in analytic methods.
• Self-motivation by performing independent work on problem sets.
• Presentation skills and appropriate use of graphical techniques for data visualisation.
• Critical analysis in evaluation of searches of scientific literature.
• Reporting skills in preparing data analysis and written reports.

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures, and lead to development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Reports give experience in scientific writing, data visualization and critical analysis.
• Examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge, with an emphasis on understanding and communication (problem-based questions, or interpretative questions).

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate and may include database search exercise: scientific writing exercise.

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