BI2BM45: Key Skills in Biomedicine 2

Module code: BI2BM45

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 10

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Renee Lee, email: r.b.y.lee@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI1BM12 OR TAKE PM1MPAS2 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will provide students with tutorials and lectures in transferrable skills relevant to study and future careers in Biomedicine and related professions. These will include generic skills and also subject specific skills, and the content will build on and enhance the skills covered in key skills 1. 

Students will gain experience in six key skills areas applicable across the biosciences: Study Skills, Writing Skills, Mathematical/Statistic Skills, Computer Literacy, Career Skills and Critical Analysis. Additionally, they will gain skills and understanding relevant to Biomedicine, including practical skills, understanding of the social context of their subject and skills relevant to enhancing employability. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Show awareness of exam technique/revision skills, time management and including essay writing for exams
2. Demonstrate the ability to write in various styles, including essays, scientific reports, CV and cover letters; with the ability to reference sources in an appropriate manner
3. Show application of advanced mathematical skills appropriate to their chosen degree, such as calculations of dilutions; formulae etc., statistics, and data analysis. Whilst also applying these skills in the context of experimental design
4. Demonstrate knowledge and application of relevant computer skills, including use of key packages, e.g. Excel, Minitab, Powerpoint and the ability to access and use online resources and specialist packages/Apps
5. Demonstrate awareness of how their skills and knowledge can be transferable into the workplace, and ability to plan and follow their chosen career path
6. Show a critical approach to reading and appraising scientific literature

Module content

A series of lectures and workshops will be delivered by module staff and invited speakers on areas relevant to core skills (e.g. career planning). These will include, writing styles for science, experimental design and maths/statistics, presenting scientific data, accessing and using specialist packages, making the most of MS Office, career path planning and professionalism. Lectures will be supported by guided discussion in tutorials/seminars, case studies, worked examples and guided independent study. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

A series of lectures and group tutorials will deliver core content relating to study skills, writing, mathematics/statistics, computer literacy, career skills and critical analysis. Invited speakers will present material for in-depth discussion during tutorials. Additionally, practice of key skills through worked and subject specific examples will take place during tutorials. 

Study hours

At least 28 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs