Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Scientific Communication and Data Handling
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BMS09113
Module leader: Peter Barlow
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 aim of this module is to develop your scientific communication, data handling and interpretation skills and provide you with the key skills to undertake scientific investigations. There?will be a focus on locating appropriate scientific sources,?developing effective reading strategies, and developing?critical reading and writing skills. The difference?between being descriptive and critical, scientific and reflective writing styles, and how these are used in scientific publications and writing will be considered. Data analysis, including how to organise, manage and present data as well as an introduction to statistical analysis will be taught, enabling you to become familiar with data analysis tools. A key focus will be on the evaluation and synthesis?of scientific concepts from research articles into an oral presentation that will be presented to the class. You will be expected to use and become familiar with MS Office packages including Word, PowerPoint and Excel for the analysis and presentation of your data.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Summarise and present data using appropriate graphs and descriptive statistics using standard tools such as Excel.

LO2: Have a basic understanding of statistical analysis including how to manipulate data to find parameters such as errors and standard deviations.

LO3: Evaluate and synthesise information from a variety of sources into a written piece of work which is fully referenced.

LO4: Present scientific data in a clear and concise manner to an audience of your peers, and be able to answer questions confidently and effectively.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, 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: Peter Barlow
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 164 Each week reading materials and resources will be issued on Moodle and in lectures (these will also be shared via the Module leganto list at the beginning of the module should you wish more time to engage with the materials). You are expected to read and reflect on the essential reading material which can be discussed during the lecture sessions. Resources to help you can be accessed on the module Moodle page.
Face To Face CLASS TEST 3 At the end of the Trimester, an oral presentation assessment will be given by each student in front of the rest of the class. This builds upon all of your learning and skills development from the lectures and tutorials and supports you in evidencing critical evaluation and presentation skills.
Face To Face Lecture 22 Our weekly seminars will be lecturer-facilitated and will allow you to explore and apply theory introduced at each session and from self directed learning to consolidate your knowledge and understanding. To get full benefit from the seminar and to support other students, you are expected to come prepared having engaged with the lecture material and associated essential reading - however your lecturer will support you if that has not been possible during that week.
Face To Face Tutorial 11 A group tutorial will be offered focussed on discussing and applying the concepts covered within lectures to practical examples, particularly around data handling. This is intended to support all students in the tutorial to learn from each other fostering an assessment for learning approach.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 20 3 Week 8 , WORDS= 250 Words We will supply you with a range of scientific theme and you will choose one theme. You will independently pick 5 primary scientific papers to compile a short (250 word) abstract with citations provided below.
Oral Presentation 20 4 Week 9 HOURS= 10 Minutes You will give a three slide (five minute) presentation on your chosen theme and to accompany your scientific abstract. Questions (five minutes) will be asked by the teaching staff at the culmination.
Laboratory report 60 1~2 Week 13 , WORDS= 1500 words Component 2 deals with data analysis and basic statistics.You will prepare a short report (1500 words) using selected pre prepared data that you will analyse, present, and interpret and is worth 60% of the mark (LO1 and 2)
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Scientific Communication and Data Handling
 

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