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BIOL41215: Literature Review

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Biosciences

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To carry out a study of research in a topic associated with biological sciences using the full resources of the scientific literature.
  • To present the results of the study in the form of a critical review article.

Content

  • Self-directed study.
  • Workshops and tutorials in data gathering techniques and literature databases, and presentation techniques.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • In depth knowledge and understanding of a selected topic in biological sciences.
  • Knowledge of communication of scientific information in written form.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • To be able to access and evaluate information relevant to biological sciences from a variety of sources, and to prepare a written report on a specific topic that is organised and critical, and takes account of current developments in research in the field.
  • To be able to present the results of literature-based research in a form accessible to an audience of peers.

Key Skills:

  • Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
  • Communication skills, in presenting report.
  • IT skills, in use of online data bases.
  • Self-motivation, in self-guided learning, independent work on report.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Literature review: a comprehensive review of scientific literature on a specific topic, agreed between student and supervisor. The student uses the resources of information databases to produce a critical account of the topic, with an emphasis on current research, and the context in which it is taking place. Assessment is based on the review itself; and formative assessment prior to writing the review.
  • Workshops and tutorials; large and small group teaching on background generic topics for literature review.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Tutorials41 hour4Yes
Feedback Sessions31 hour3Yes
Workshops11 hour1Yes
Preparation and Reading142142 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: CourseworkComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Report4000 words100

Formative Assessment

Formative verbal feedback on tutorial assignments by supervisor.

More information

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