Skip to main content

Module

BMD3005 : Becoming a Bioscientist: Skills for Research and Beyond (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2025/26
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Lindi Chen
  • Co-Module Leader: Dr Christina Elliott
  • Lecturer: Dr Daniel Williamson, Dr Suzanne Madgwick, Miss Kate Rothery, Professor James Allan, Professor Janet Quinn, Dr Beth Lawry, Dr Lee Borthwick, Dr Simon Wilkinson, Dr Harley Stevenson-Cocks, Dr Luke Gaughan, Dr Simon Cockell, Professor Simi Ali
  • 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: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The aims of the module are to:

Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of research design and methodologies used in bioscience in preparation for independent research projects.

Develop skills for critical analysis and appraisal of scientific research.

Explore the importance and impact of science communication for research dissemination.

Develop students’ critical thinking, communication, teamworking and overall employability skills aligned to the graduate framework.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics covered by this module include:

Research methodologies in bioscience.

Critical appraisal of scientific research.

Science communication for research dissemination and public engagement.

Reflective practice as a tool for employability.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture101:0010:00Module introduction and lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion23:006:00Group presentation and assessment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching13:003:00Small group tutorials with academic staff
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops62:0012:00Skills and portfolio development sessions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery61:006:00Drop-in support and Q&A sessions with academic staff
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1163:00163:00Includes: directed and independent research, assessment/portfolio preparation and completion, group activity
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will define the scope of the module and communicate core knowledge and understanding as a basis for further in-depth study and development.



Small group teaching/drop-ins/workshops will provide guidance, opportunities for discussion and Q&As, development of ideas and concepts in preparation for assessment, relevant skills training and portfolio development. This will involve both staff and student-led activities.



Guided independent study will provide opportunities for students to extend their knowledge and understanding through further research, meet up with group peers, prepare and complete assessments/portfolios and engage with reflective practice.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Portfolio1M60Research portfolio to include: 1) Written critical appraisal of research paper (Max. 1000 words) (70%); 2) Group oral presentation of research paper (Max. 15 min presentation and 10 min questions) (15%); 3) Lay graphical summary of research paper (15%).
Portfolio2M40Single submission, multi-component portfolio to include career reflective piece, skills mapping, labour market research and career strategy plan (25% each, max 2000 words).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

In order to pass this module, all summative assessments and portfolio components must be passed, alongside achieving an overall module mark of 40%.

The critical appraisal of the research paper will assess individual in-depth knowledge and understanding of the research topic, ability to identify relevant literature, critical thinking and analysis of the research article and written communication skills.



The group presentation will further assess knowledge and understanding of the research topic as well as the collaboration, teamwork, and oral presentation and communication skills.



The lay summary will assess evidence of an appreciation and understanding of Science Communication and the importance of conveying scientific findings to a variety of audiences/stakeholders.



The employability portfolio will assess development and engagement with reflective practice, skills mapping, labour market research and career strategy planning as tools to enhance students’ career readiness.

Reading Lists

Timetable