BIMRS17-Research Seminars
Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2017/8
Module Convenor: Dr Sillas Hadjiloucas
Email: s.hadjiloucas@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
Aims:
Students will: encounter a range of research ideas and techniques; gain experience in learning from the seminar format; deepen their understanding of the scientific method; communicate more effectively about research; critically assess research and place studies in wider context.
Assessable learning outcomes:
Students will be able to:
• Describe a range of current research programmes in their preferred field(s) of biology and engineering, and identify the investigators leading these programmes of research.
• Take informative notes during seminars and summarise them effectively.
• Find publications relevant to presented research in the scientific literature.
• Communicate advanced research ideas in a style suitable for a non-specialist.
• Conduct background study through further reading of the primary literature to critically analyse research presented at seminars.
Additional outcomes:
Additional outcomes Students should improve their communication and presentation skills; gain insight as to whether postgraduate research interests them; interact with research scientists. It is also possible they may identify potential PhD supervisors.
Outline content:
Content will vary depending on student choice of seminar topics, but will include cutting-edge primary research in specialist subject areas.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Seminars on primary research in life science topics; independent study to find and understand relevant primary and secondary scientific literature; peer feedback on drafts of written work to improve final version. Introductory lectures, and ongoing guidance where needed, will be provided by the module convenor.
Summative Assessment Methods:
Method |
Percentage |
Written assignment including essay |
20 |
Report |
80 |
Other information on summative assessment:
Students will submit a one page report within a week of attending each seminar. There will also be five written assignments: • Four 300-word news articles based on the research presented at selected seminars, in a style suitable for e.g New Scientist.
• One 1200-word critical analysis based on a different seminar, placing the presented research in a wider context and if possible suggesting further research.
Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
By examination in August/September
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:
Last updated: 31 March 2017