BMN1004 : Practical Skills in Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences 1 (Inactive)
BMN1004 : Practical Skills in Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences 1 (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Pamela Knight
- Lecturer: Dr Madihah Rushaidhi, Dr Nadine Nograles, Mr Kok Lun Pang, Dr James Woon, Dr Ratnadeep Saha, Ms Steffi Tan Shih May, Dr Roshan Mascarenhas
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Malaysia
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 1 Credit Value: | 15 |
ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Code | Title |
---|---|
CMB1004 | Cell Biology |
BGM1002 | Biochemistry |
BGM1004 | Genetics |
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module aims to:
• Provide a range of both practical laboratory skills and generic study skills essential to students studying biomolecular and biomedical sciences.
• Provide opportunities for students to apply and strengthen theoretical knowledge gained in complementary and co-requisite modules in the performance of key analytical techniques and interpretation of data generated.
• Develop safe laboratory practice
Outline Of Syllabus
The module is structured into four strands, three that align with the co-requisite theoretical modules and a generic skills strand.
The generic skills strand consists of: basic biology knowledge assessment; basic chemistry knowledge assessment, introductory maths skills assessment and support seminars; study skills seminars; lectures on good academic practical and scientific writing (essays and lab reports); information retrieval exercise; basic data analysis; and introductory laboratory skills.
The Biochemistry practical skills strand consists of laboratory-based practicals on spectrophotometry, ion exchange chromatography and enzyme kinetics, as well as online practical material covering the control of gene transcription.
The Cell Biology practical skills strand consists of laboratory-based practicals on osmosis, pH and buffers, and neuromuscular function, as well as online practical material covering the microscopic observation of unicellular eukaryotes.
The Genetics practical skills strand consists of laboratory-based practicals on the genetic transformation of E. coli, use of PCR/electrophoresis for genetic analysis, as well as a computer-based practical covering gene linkage.
Online material will supplement practical skills as formative pre and post-practical quizzes.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Explain the underlying principles of a number of essential practical techniques used to investigate cell biology, genetics and biochemistry.
2. Describe health and safety precautions which need to be taken when working in cell biology, genetics and biochemistry laboratories.
3. Describe mathematical formulae necessary for calculation of concentrations and dilutions relevant to cell biology, genetics and biochemistry practical work.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Carry out a number of essential practical techniques used to investigate cell biology, genetics and biochemistry.
2. Work safely in cell biology, genetics and biochemistry laboratories (legal awareness).
3. Record and analyse biological data from experiments in cell biology, genetics and biochemistry (critical thinking, data synthesis & numeracy).
4. Carry out scientific calculations relevant to cell biology, genetics and biochemistry practical work,
including calculation of concentrations and dilutions (data synthesis & numeracy, problem solving).
5. Use computer applications to explore concepts in cell biology, genetics and biochemistry practical work (use of computer application).
6. Independently search literature for information on a cell biology topic (information literacy, independence).
7. Write a structured lab report on a practical associated with the module (literacy, synthesis & present materials, written communication skills).
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 28 | 1:00 | 28:00 | PIP Practical Skills Test Practical pre-work and post lab assessments online |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | PIP x 1 hour - Module Introduction PIP or Sync online x5 hrs. |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Written report preparation |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | PIP |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | PIP - writing feedback and skills support seminars |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Sync online. Virtual laboratory classes |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Sync online Q&A sessions. Maths, data handling, plagiarism and study skills |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 70:00 | 70:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading |
Total | 150:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
1. Lectures will provide an introduction to the module and provide information about referencing, essay structure and good academic practice, numeracy and study skills.
2. Seminars will provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and practical experience of numeracy skills, writing skills and study skills and review practical classes.
3. Practicals will provide experience of laboratory work; information presented in practicals will include knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of essential practical techniques and laboratory health and safety. Students will gain hands-on experience of a range of practical techniques and safe laboratory practice. Practical classes will allow students to develop skills in recording and analysing biological data, carrying out scientific calculations and using computers. Practicals also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas with peers, demonstrators and academic staff in a relatively informal setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, data synthesis, numeracy & use of computer applications and virtual laboratory classes.
4. Class tests (formative) are used to assess students' numeracy skills and basic biology knowledge. This provides students with early feedback on their skills in these areas and there is opportunity to attend seminars for further support.
5. Private study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts; preparation for seminars and practicals; using learning resources on the Web. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, goal setting and planning, information literacy and independence.
In-course assessments (formative practical quizzes, information retrieval, essay and practical report) spread throughout the module will teach students time management and organisation and encourage independent working.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 65 | Structured practical lab report on assigned practical (750 words) plus 200 relevant article section submitted via Canvas |
Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 15 | Online info retrieval |
Written exercise | 1 | M | 20 | In-course extended essay (750 words) |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
Description | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|
Lab exercise | M | PIP - Practical Skills Assessment |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
Computer assessment | 1 | M | Online Maths Test - expected completion 1 hr |
Written Examination | 1 | M | Formative Essay (to check English Writing Standard) |
Computer assessment | 1 | M | Online practical quizzes - expected completion 30 mins each (10 total) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
In order to pass BMN1004 students must achieve an overall mark of at least 40% and achieve at least 40% in the practical lab report assessment (essential component). Failure of the practical lab report assessment will require a resubmission of an additional practical report.
Students are expected to complete all formative pre and post-practical quizzes. Pre-practical quizzes form part of the practical pre-work and are requisite for students to access subsequent practical materials online and for attendance at laboratory classes. It is in students’ best interests to understand and complete all work associated with each practical, as they may be assigned any practical to submit a written report which contributes 65% of the overall module mark; access to report-writing materials will be dependent upon completion of associated practical work.
The range of assessment styles and system of assessment will ensure students passing the module achieved all learning outcomes.
1. The Online information retrieval exercise will assess students' ability to find scientific information via the library catalogue, in text books and on the internet. This exercise will provide early feedback to the students on their information retrieval abilities.
2. The practical report will assess the students' writing and information literacy skills, as well as their ability to interpret and analyse experimental data.
3. The extended essay will assess the students' writing skills, information literacy skills and ability to write a well-structured and correctly referenced essay on a scientific topic.
4. The practical skills assessment will assess students' ability to perform basic laboratory techniques.
5. The formative maths test and formative essay will allow students to determine their own level of ability in these areas and to practice writing numeracy skills.
6. The formative practical quizzes will ensure students are familiar with the underlying theory of practicals and will allow students to develop their numeracy, data handling and data interpretation skills.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMN1004's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- BMN1004's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.