BMS330 - Spring Biomedical Science Library Project (10 credits)
Module Co-ordinator: Dr T Whitfield
Aims
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to research a particular subject in order to develop understanding of a specialised area of the biomedical sciences using a variety of sources available in the University Library. The emphasis will be on the retrieval, understanding and critical interpretation of recent primary research literature. Each student will be allocated a separate title provided by an individual member of staff who will act as supervisor for the project.
Content
The factual content of the Library Project will depend on the title to be researched, but it will include an analysis in depth of a specific area of the biomedical sciences.
Objectives
The specific objectives of the module are that students should be able to:
- Seek and obtain information on a specialised topic in the field of biomedical science and its application to clinical, pathological or social problems from published sources
- Select information relevant to the specific topic
- Interpret information critically
The generic skills that will be acquired include:
- The retrieval of published information from a variety of sources, with an emphasis on recent primary research literature
- The development of written presentation skills by the preparation of a report of specified length
- Critical analysis skills
- Word processing and, in some cases, computer graphics skills
- Oral presentation skills
Teaching Methods
This module will primarily involve private study by the student under the direction of an individual member of staff. The student will initiate meetings with the supervisor to discuss the project, and will submit interim items of work for discussion. The supervisor will provide feedback at each stage to ensure that the student is developing the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to complete the project successfully. Two Advice Sessions will be scheduled during the module: the first will provide information on literature searching and preparation and assessment of the written report, and the second will provide guidelines on delivering an effective oral presentation.
Assessment
This module will be assessed on the basis of the written report (75% final assessment) and the oral presentation (25% final assessment). The written report will be marked by the supervisor and moderated by one other member of academic staff. The oral presentation will consist of a 10 min talk accompanied by visual aids, followed by 5 min questions from an audience of academic staff and fellow students. A panel of academic staff will assess the oral presentation on the basis of its structure, delivery, visual aids, question handling and overall impression.