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LSC-40061 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

LSC-40061 - Advanced Research Topics in Biochemistry
Coordinator: David Watson Tel: +44 1782 7 33676
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module will develop your skills in the acquisition and critical analysis of primary scientific literature relevant to a range of research methodologies in modern biochemistry. Following research-level seminar presentations by staff and invited speakers, you will critically evaluate select research publications and develop a deeper understanding of appropriate experimental design, data analysis, presentation and evaluation, and the application of a wide range of molecular and biochemical techniques.

Aims
This module aims to introduce students to research topics in Biochemistry and the wider biosciences appropriate to level 7 . Students will gain further experience in the critical analysis and evaluation of primary research publications and the applications of modern research methodologies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse and critically evaluate the context, methodology and results of primary scientific literature: 1,2
discuss the principles and applications of selected research methods/techniques in the biosciences: 1,2
evaluate and discuss the impact of research outcomes in terms of societal, financial and intellectual perspectives: 1,2
communicate clearly and effectively in written form, using scientific language and terminology appropriate to different audiences: 1,2
present and critique research data in small group oral presentations: 1,2

Study hours

18 hours of practical/skills-based activities (workshops/practical activities developing key skills in use/application of various techniques)
12 hours of journal club sessions and supporting tutorials
80 hours independent study: preparation for journal club sessions (including student oral presentation) 190 hours completion of portfolio, engagement with directed reading and attending additional school/faculty research seminars

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 70%
Research seminar and journal club portfolio
Students will submit a portfolio of two structured reports (1000 words each) on topics covered in select research seminars and one structured proformas (100 words) based on other presentations in the journal club sessions. Total word count 3,000.

2: Presentation weighted 30%
Presentation of research paper
Students will deliver a 20 minute (plus time for questions) presentation critiquing a selected research paper in a journal club format, which will be both peer and tutor assessed (50:50), using a comprehensive marking form.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 19 January 2023