How to Think Like a Scientist

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• independently locate and retrieve scientific data and information
• independently integrate and evaluate data and information from a wide range of sources, including primary source materials in peer reviewed journals, on-line resources, and experimental data
• compose and abstract and a lay summary to communicate findings to appropriate audiences
• theoretical and practical understanding of general laboratory skills involving microbiology, molecular biology and biophysical techniques
• formulate and test a hypothesis
• write a scientific project report that includes an introduction, materials & methods, results and conclusions
• develop scientific research skills
• generate an appropriate bibliography with the use of defined format and referencing styles
• Understand what is meant by Good Laboratory Practise (GLP) and how to implement this in laboratory and field work.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• bioethics required for carrying out research
• develop an understanding of statistics that will allow the student to implement hypothesis-driven research
• understand and implement professional values and practices as part of scientific integrity

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• work with, and within, a group towards defined outcomes
• learn independently through critical enquiry
• use information technology and other resources to find, extract and synthesise information
• manage resources and time
• present scientific data - effectively, both oral and in written form across a range of topics, to both specialised and non-specialised audiences

The module is designed in content specific “blocks” that present a specific task, each associated with a skills set to be taught. While the blocks are identical for all students, the contents varies with cohort (Y-shaped). Included are:

• design of an experiment: formulate a hypothesis, bioethics, design a proposal
• field work: collect data, record observations
• research: analyse data, apply statistical methods, use online tools
• dissemination: present data in a talk / in a report, write a paper
• science overview: learn from other areas of science

The module is flexible in structure and use a number of different teaching methods to learn skills:

(1) lectures will give an overview of different sciences, and introduce the background, e.g., in statistics and bioethics; (2) practical work will be carried out in field work or laboratory based; (3) data analysis and use of online resources is CLS computer based; (4) workshops allow to exercise and train skills, e.g. library workshops; (5) peer assessed presentations help sharpen the skills set.

Tutorials are an element to complement teaching, guide learning, and add pastoral care.

Self-directed learning uses textbook as well as online resources.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Statistics assignment

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Academic Integrity Test

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Assessed Tutorials

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.