BMD2000 : Skills for Bioscientists: Techniques, Tools, and Applications (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Beth Lawry
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Vanessa Armstrong
- Lecturer: Miss Kate Rothery, Mr David McGeeney
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aim of this module is to:
Develop practical laboratory skills via hands-on experience with cell culture techniques and compound testing, building technical proficiency and confidence in laboratory environments.
Develop scientific communication skills.
Develop a fundamental understanding of how eukaryotic cells are used in compound testing. Along with an understanding of their use within industry.
Develop statistical knowledge to identify and implement appropriate statistical analysis methods.
Implement safe laboratory practice, following health and safety regulations and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Develop key employer-focused skills that are used throughout job application processes
Outline Of Syllabus
This module will cover:
Fundamentals of cell culture and industrial compound testing
Implementation of safe laboratory practice
Development of appropriate use of statistical analysis
Application to job roles to gain experience vital for career readiness
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Core module knowledge lectures |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Recorded statistics lectures for students to use for guided independent study |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Virtual/simulated laboratory practicals completed during independent study time |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 4 | 0:30 | 2:00 | Online quizzes completed during independent time |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 5:00 | 10:00 | Laboratory practicals using cell culture and compound testing |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Small group teaching including post-practical seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Poster presentation event (conference style) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | Career readiness and bioinformatics workshops |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Statistics Workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 148 | 1:00 | 148:00 | Writing up lecture notes, assessment preparation, statistical practise, revision and general reading. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures are formal taught session to the whole cohort which consists largely of the exposition of theory, themes, methodologies and techniques. These will form the basis of a student’s understanding of molecular bioscience techniques.
Workshops will provide skills training and potentially assessment guidance. Workshops foster active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking. It bridges theory and practice by engaging students in problem-solving, discussions, and hands-on activities, enhancing understanding and retention while developing teamwork and communication skills.
Laboratory-based practicals will provide hands-on experience of a range of practical techniques including safe laboratory practice. Practical classes will enable students to consolidate knowledge and develop laboratory skills including recording and analysing biological data and performing scientific calculations.
Computational-based practicals will provide hands-on experience of a range of computational techniques used to record and analyse data. These practicals will enable students to problem-solve with real-world data, reinforcing theoretical concepts.
Online quizzes and simulations will enhance understanding of content and provide opportunity for informal self-testing of basic module knowledge.
In-course assessments spread throughout the module will teach students time management and organisation and encourage independent working as well as supporting their understanding of the module knowledge and skills.
Independent study will allow students to extend their knowledge of molecular bioscience and prepare for assessments through consolidation of module content, reading of books, journal articles and other recommended references.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poster | 1 | M | 40 | Group poster and presentation to attendees at poster showcase event (conference style) |
| Portfolio | 1 | M | 60 | Statistical analysis of data (20%), and role application and skills reflection (max 1200 words) (40%) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 1 | M | Mock assessment centre - Enables students to practice and reflect on their assessment centre skills, including group presentations (max 5 min), and their skills. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Group poster and conference style event: authentic assessment mirroring real-world task of team-work and clear science communication.
Skills portfolio: provides an authentic assessment format, mirroring real-world tasks such as creating CVs and applications for jobs and preparing figures with data. This portfolio includes reflective writing to foster self-awareness and deeper understanding, enhancing student’s ability to market themselves effectively to employers.
Practice quizzes: these will support a students’ understanding of a topic and allow them to test the depth of their understanding.
Formative assessment: enables students to practice their assessment centre technique without the pressure of summative marking, fostering a growth mindset. The feedback from this formative assessment provides opportunity for students to further reflect and better showcase their skills to employers.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMD2000's Timetable