Laboratory-based Residential Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course is an intensive two-week, face-to-face bootcamp where learners will undertake laboratory based investigations using a variety of scientific techniques, procedures and methods used in the bioscience sector. Learners will demonstrate compliance with quality standards, safe working practices, environment and risk management systems relevant to the workplace. The theoretical basis of laboratory techniques will be examined and results of laboratory work analysed via a range of digital methods. Both oral and written communication methods will be assessed.

Course Aims

• For learners to develop their practical skills through a range of hands-on experimental laboratory procedures.
• For learners to analyse results using a range of data analysis and data visualisation tools.
• For learners to work effectively in a group and communicate through a range of media.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year. 

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• One-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Assessment will be in two forms:

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summatively assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

• Meah, M. S., Kebede-Westhead, E., & ProQuest. (2012). Essential laboratory skills for biosciences. Chichester England ; Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Blackwell 2012
• Boyer, R. F. (1993). Modern experimental biochemistry (2nd ed.). Benjamin/Cummings Pub. Co.
• Clarke, G. M. (1994). Statistics and experimental design : an introduction for biologists and biochemists (3rd ed.). London : E. Arnold ; New York : Halsted Press.

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on laboratory techniques as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on laboratory techniques.

Indicative Topics

• Experimental methods
• Data analysis
• Written and oral communication