Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Research Skills
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: MIC11107
Module leader: Catharina Alam
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

The module will include an overview of the research process including hypothesis and research question design and the role of the research literature as evidence to assist in the development of research ideas relevant to practice. You will also learn about analysis and interpretation of data and how to ensure data generated is robust and scientifically valid and will explore aspects related to the importance of research governance and ethics in research design. You will gain practice in scientific writing and have the opportunity to develop a research proposal designed to tackle a specific scientific problem in your field of study. You will learn about some of the tools used in research in the fields of biology and chemistry, and how the research process links across multiple disciplines to solve specific scientific challenges, by gaining an appreciation of how this works in the real world using examples from current research. You will also have an opportunity to develop your skills in the laboratory through hands on practical experience.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically understand the research process and how this can be applied in the context of your studies but also in the wider world of scientific research.

LO2: Appraise and critically review research literature to support the design and analysis of specific hypotheses, research questions and concepts related to specific problems in your field of study to enable the production of a scientific report and a lay summary of the information.

LO3: Using your knowledge of the research process, plan a scientific investigation and develop a proposal which sets out a plan for how to investigate a scientific problem, including selection of appropriate methods (including statistics) for data analysis of complex data.

LO4: Understand and be able to critique the tools used in modern scientific research, and the requirement for integrated approaches to solving scientific problems.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Catharina Alam
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 The key topics will be introduced via face-to-face lectures and supported by tutorial sessions in which you will work in small groups to undertake exercises in critiquing of literature, experimental design, data-handling and scientific writing.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 19 Laboratory sessions will be used to develop practical skills in with particular attention given to developing skills in working with precision, the interpretation of methodology and results. Key employability skills are embedded and assessed – including critical and independent thinking, data mining, reviewing scientific literature and methodology, information handling and online communication literacy.
Online Guided independent study 147 Guided independent study
Face To Face Tutorial 14 Tutorial sessions will include group work and development of analysis, numeracy and communication (verbal and written) skills. IT skills will be required for the use of Moodle, literature searching, data-handling, scientific writing and computer based analysis tasks. Tutorial discussions will reinforce lecture material and formative assessments early on in the module will ensure you are given all the background information required for progressing further through the more advanced content.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 40 1~3 Week 10 HOURS= 2 hours In the critical review and data analysis class test, you will be presented with sets of research data that you need to interpret and review. You will be asked a set of questions where you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the experimental design, data analysis, interpretation and capability to critically review the expertimental setup, the results and the broader scientific significance.
Class Test 60 1~2~3~4 Week 12 HOURS= 2 hours This closed-book assessment will involve data analysis, interpretation and discussion of results similar to the data you obtained in your laboratory sessions. You will answer questions related to the experiments you did in the lab and the data provided, and will be asked to discuss specific aspects of the data in light of previous publications. You will be provided with relevant literature beforehand and will have access to these texts during the exam.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
MIC11107 Research Skills
 

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