School of Biology current student

Information for current students at the School of Biology

Biology Online Module Handbook

BL5000 Biology Distance Learning MBioChem MBiol

(BL5000 online module handbook version 43)

cover image
This module is appropriate for students on the MBioChem degree and those MBiol students with molecular or cellular interest. This distance learning module will look in detail at the processes involved in creating a scientific research project. The aim of the module is for the students to develop independent thought in experimental design. While on placement a series of online assessments will test the students' ability to critically analyse research literature identify core and specialised techniques in the biosciences design experiments for specific research questions quantitatively and statistically analyse data and publish research in the appropriate manner. The students should ultimately gain valuable skills necessary for successful independent research careers.*

Credits: 30*

Semester: 3

Module Organiser
Dr Susan Gurney
smrw@st-andrews.ac.uk
Pre-requisite Modules:
*
Anti-requisite Modules:
*
Post-requisite Modules:
*
Additional Module Information:


Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST

Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk      Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566

BL5000: Timetable

Legend (not all modules have every event type):
lecture
tutorial
workshop
practical
other

Semester 1: Week 1

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
12-09-2023
16:00 to 17:00
Online
Teams Tutorial
Dr Susan Gurney
-
Tutorial T1: Introduction
2023-4_BL5000_T1

Semester 1: Week 3

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
26-09-2023
16:00 to 17:00
Online
Teams Tutorial
Dr V Anne Smith
Dr Susan Gurney
Tutorial T2: Task 1
2023-4_BL5000_T2

Semester 1: Week 7

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
24-10-2023
16:00 to 17:00
Online
Teams Tutorial
Dr Jacqueline Nairn
Dr Susan Gurney
Tutorial T3: Task 2
2023-4_BL5000_T3

Semester 2: Week 3

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
30-01-2024
16:00 to 17:00
Online
Teams Tutorial
Dr Rafael Guimaraes da Silva
Dr Susan Gurney
Tutorial T4: Task 3
2023-4_BL5000_T4

Spring Break: 26-Feb-2024 to 01-Mar-2024

Semester 2: Week 10

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
26-03-2024
16:00 to 17:00
Online
Teams Tutorial
Dr Susan Gurney
-
Tutorial T5: Task 4
2023-4_BL5000_T5
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL5000: Assessment

Assessment consists of 100% coursework*

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:

School of Biology Marking Criteria: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Late submission of continuous assessment work:

All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the Biology Teaching Office, Level 2, BMS Building, North Haugh.
Exam details: See School of Biology UG Handbook JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  : All Biology exams will be conducted online for 2022-23.
Exam timetable: See Timetables - Exams - University of St Andrews (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Expected attendance: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  for detailed attendance requirements.
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook: University Student Handbook
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.: JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

Who to ask

(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)

Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.

Questions about Contact
General teaching matters Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )
Rescheduled or cancelled events Check your University email
Lecture or practical content The lecturer who presented the material
Completing assessed practical assignments The lecturer who set the assignment
Completing assessments Module Organiser (Dr Susan Gurney smrw@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on continuous assessment The Demonstrator or Module Organiser (Dr Susan Gurney smrw@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on exams Module Organiser (Dr Susan Gurney smrw@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Rearranging practical days
Module Organiser (Dr Susan Gurney smrw@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Absence and/or extensions Module Organiser (Dr Susan Gurney smrw@st-andrews.ac.uk)

and the Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )

Difficulties with academic progress which impact more than one module:

Year Coordinator

See School of Biology UG Handbook for list:
JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)

Overall performance, progress or future directions:

Advisor of Studies

Disability:

Disability Coordinator ( biodisabilities@st-andrews.ac.uk )

For advice and support on any issue e.g. academic, financial, international, personal or health matters, or if you are unsure of who to go to for help:

Advice & Support Centre

Address: 79 North Street, St Andrews

Email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk

Web: https://www.standrews.ac.uk/ask-a-question/

Tel: 01334 462020

University assistance with urgent matters out of office hours:

Tel: 01334 476161

Web: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/counselling/incrisis/

Biology Teaching Office:

We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.

Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST

Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk

Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566

BL5000: Contributing Staff

Dr Susan Gurney
(Module Organiser)

Associate Lecturer in Biologysmrw@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Rafael Guimaraes da SilvaResearch Fellowrgds@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Susan Gurney
(Module Organiser)
Associate Lecturer in Biologysmrw@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Jacqueline NairnSenior Lecturer jn37@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr V Anne SmithSenior Lecturervas1@st-andrews.ac.uk
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL5000: Learning Outcomes

Students completing module BL5000 successfully should be able to:

  • develop novel and interesting research questions from scientific research literature
  • assess the strength and limitations of experimental techniques and discuss how these would influence their use within research projects
  • develop a course of experiments that addresses a defined research question
  • understand the requirements for publishing scientific work and the processes by which this work is reviewed
  • develop confidence in designing and planning experimental research projects
  • develop critical evaluation skills
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL5000: Acquired Skills

Practical Skills

  • Image analysis
  • Image processing

Transferable Skills

  • Group discussion - participating
  • Research proposal
  • Review article on given topic
  • Critically evaluating sources/information
  • Finding information on the web
  • Finding literature
  • Referencing
  • Ethical considerations
  • Designing experiments
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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 UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
  • 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 UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  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/