University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

Practical skills are the core of research in biochemistry and molecular biology. This module is designed to prepare students for laboratory research projects in internationally competitive research. The module is designed to foster skills such as experimental design, core practical skills, data analysis and excellent record keeping. Each practical requires some prior theoretical familiarity. Emphasis is placed upon experimental design - notably anticipation of experimental outcomes and the choice of appropriate experimental controls. This planning phase is followed by execution of the experiment and analyses of the data.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Occasional seminars and 3 blocks of practicals conducted over several days.

Scheduled learning hours: 35

Guided independent study hours: 115

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 1-hour Written Examination = 30%, Coursework = 70%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 30%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 70%

Re-assessment: 1-hour Written Examination = 30%, Existing Coursework = 70%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr M Nevels, Prof M White