LSC-20074 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

In this module you will consider a broad range of biological issues facing society today and how scientific research is addressing those issues. The module will be taught via a series of seminars given by invited speakers from within and outside of the University, each of whom will be an expert in their field. After each seminar you will then have an opportunity to discuss what you have heard with your peers and to decide what question will be addressed in the relevant summary. You will summarise, via a 1000 critical literature review, two of the topics of your choice and then present a synthesis where you will identify the themes, concepts, challenges and solutions that might connect your chosen topics. This means that you will have control over the assessment of the module in a unique way.
You will also be able to develop your information retrieval skills to locate relevant peer-reviewed literature and to prepare a brief, referenced summary of the topic of the week . Developing higher level study skills like critical thinking and synthesis will be very useful as you progress from level 5 onto level 6. This module will give you the transferable employability skills of being able to work in a group to refine a topic, to carry out research into the topic via the published literature and to synthesise the information into a concise report.

To give the students an understanding and critical awareness of the many biological issues facing Society and the contribution that biologists can make to resolving these issues. The depth and breadth of biological research will be examined in detail using selected examples in areas of current research utilising presentations by visiting experts and resident scientists, allied to discussion sessions and private study.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically discuss the breadth and depth of the biological challenges facing society: 1,2,3
locate, select and provide a concise summary of the key literature on a range of topics: 1,2
evaluate the methodology and results of scientific studies and critically discuss the conclusions presented in the literature: 1,2
discuss applications of biological research and how they contribute to the advancement of science: 1,2
critically discuss the science underpinning the topics covered and present a synthesis connecting these topics: 3

Study hours

10 hours lectures
12 hours tutorials
128 hours independent research and study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment