Course Catalogue

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An introduction to generic, quantitative and molecular research skills.

Weekly lectures, tutorials and computer/laboratory sessions

Students must have attained the minimum requirements for entry into level 2 of the Veterinary Biosciences [Hons]/MSci Programme as specified in the Veterinary Biosciences [Hons]/MSci Programme Supplementary Regulations.

End of course assessment : Written examination may comprise MCQ,short answer questions and/or DIQ (60%)

In course assessment:  set exercise (25%) that may comprise DIQ, laboratory report and other written work and solo oral presentation (15%)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below

Reassessment of the oral presentation is not permitted.

■ To introduce students to the research process

■ To introduce students to basic research-oriented skills such as information sourcing, scientific writing and presentation, and critical evaluation

■ To provide training in oral presentation skills

■ To provide an introduction to basic quantitative methodologies applicable to the summarising and analysis of data

■ To provide laboratory experience and introduce basic molecular biological techniques

■ To provide training in the accessing and use of basic bioinformatics resources and their application in scientific research

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Appropriately structure and reference a scientific essay

■ Differentiate review and original articles and reliable and less reliable information sources

■ Detail aspects of the research process

■ Deliver an oral presentation and self reflect on performance with reference to good practice

■ Discuss scientific papers with a view to strengths and weaknesses of study experimental design and the way in which the information is analysed, interpreted and conveyed

■ Summarise datasets in an effective manner through the use of appropriate graphics, tables or text.

■ Perform and interpret simple statistical tests, explaining the rationale for the use of specific tests, and inherent assumptions, to biological and non-specialist audiences

■ Discuss laboratory-based practices in the field of molecular biology with reference to the rationale for application of specific techniques

■ Apply web resources to access biological information and perform bioinformatics analyses

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.