Course unit details:
Human Sciences EDM
Course unit fact file
Unit code |
BIOL21061 |
Credit rating |
10 |
Unit level |
Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) |
Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? |
No |
Overview
In this Experimental Design Module (EDM) you will participate in practical sessions undertaking a number of widely used modern laboratory techniques. You will develop both your laboratory and your data handling skills in preparation for your Research Skills Module in the next semester. Sessions will include PCR & clone analysis, bioinformatics, immunoblotting, histological tissue staining, ELISA and biostatistics. There will also be an opportunity to conduct human volunteer experiments, e.g. to examine glycaemic regulation in response to different carbohydrate loads.
Aims
Experimental Design Modules (EDMs) aim to equip students with the skills necessary to become proficient in a number of laboratory techniques that are carried out routinely in modern laboratories. EDMs place an emphasis on the design, data analysis and interpretation of experiments, building the expertise and knowledge that will be required to undertake the appropriate Research Skills Modules offered in Semester 2.
Learning outcomes
This unit will allow students to become proficient in making experimental choices enabling them to make amendments to technical protocols, analysing and critiquing research papers appropriate to the practical and using specialised laboratory equipment and procedures required to obtain data. Many practicals will consist of an element of data handling techniques, including statistical analysis and appropriate presentation of results.
Syllabus
PCR & Clone analysis Bioinformatics Immunoblotting Histological Tissue Staining Using ELISAs to Measure Hormone Levels Glycaemic Regulation Biostatistics
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Students develop analytical and problem-solving skills in order to fulfil the experimental design aspects of each practical.
- Group/team working
- Many experiments require an element of group work. Most practicals involve students working in pairs.
- Innovation/creativity
- Designing experimental methodology.
- Project management
- Project management skills are developed throughout this unit.
- Problem solving
- As above
- Research
- Research skills are developed throughout this unit.
- Written communication
- Practical write-up of one practical.
Assessment methods
Method |
Weight |
Other |
10% |
Written assignment (inc essay) |
20% |
Practical skills assessment |
70% |
Written assignment (inc essay) 20% Practical skills assessment 70% Attendance and completion of pre-lab assessment 10% Students will be assessed using a combination of online and in-lab assessments. In addition, students will be required to complete a full experimental report for one practical as determined by their Programme Director and academic tutor. Marks will be distributed between the in-course assessments (70%) and the full write-up (20%). Attendance at all practical and lecture sessions is compulsory. An attendance mark (10%) will be awarded only if attendance and completion of practicals including pre-lab assessments is judged to be ‘satisfactory’. Satisfactory attendance is defined as attending at least 5 of the 6 practical sessions and obtaining at least 70% for each pre-lab exercise. A mark of at least 40% is required to pass this unit. Failure of this unit will result in a resit assessment.
Feedback methods
During the practical sessions, there will be many opportunities to get immediate feedback from staff and demonstrators. Individual feedback on laboratory reports will be provided by your academic tutor.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours |
Practical classes & workshops |
30 |
Independent study hours |
Independent study |
70 |
Teaching staff
Staff member |
Role |
Tracey Speake |
Unit coordinator |
Stacey Lee |
Unit coordinator |
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