BL2300 – Research Methods in Biology
BL2300 – Research Methods in Biology
This module will help students develop essential academic and transferable skills, with major emphasis on problem solving. It will provide an introduction to the scientific method, experimental design, understanding and presenting data. Students will learn how to draw graphs and do simple general linear modelling with the code-based statistical software R. Confidence in using R will be built through a combination of online video walk-throughs, independent data handling and online tutorials. Regular mathematics for biologists exercises will allow students to practise manipulating equations, performing laboratory calculations etc. A mini project on experimental design and data analysis, which the students conduct in small groups, will help them apply the principles learned. The module will also cover scientific essay writing, record keeping and good laboratory practice.
Skills acquired in this module:
Related Programme(s):
Module Code:
BL2300
Semester:
1
Credits:
15
Module Organiser:
Pre-requisite modules: BL1101 - Biology 1 and BL1102 - Biology 2
MMS
Timetable:
[events_list category="BL2300"]
Assessment:
Coursework = 100%MMS assessment details
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
School of Biology Marking Criteria:
School handbook
Late submission of continuous assessment work:
All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the late submissions box in the Biology Study Space, St Andrews New Technology Centre Building (beside the Teaching Office)
Exam details:
School handbook
Exam timetable:
Timetable
Expected attendance:
School handbook
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct:
School handbook
University Student Handbook:
University student handbook
School and University Regulations:
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.
School handbook
University student handbook
Staff:
Learning Outcomes:
Students completing module BL2300 successfully should be able to:
- Use Mendeley to cite and reference sources
- Describe the scientific method
- Appreciate the differences between observational studies and experiments
- Describe advantages and limitations of experiments
- Design and carry out a simple experiment
- Keep a record of an investigation
- Be aware of Good Laboratory Practice
- Write up experimental results in the form of a scientific report
- Write a scientific essay
- Manipulate equations
- Perform laboratory calculations
- Appreciate the use of simple mathematics in Biology
- Handle biological datasets
- Identify different data and variable types
- Plot bar charts and scatter plots with error bars using R
- Conduct simple non-parametric tests in R
- Carry out simple General Linear Modelling using R
Policies:
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook (https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/05/Undergraduate-Handbook-2021-22.docx)
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at:http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/