Description
In order to be a confident and effective laboratory scientist it is necessary to understand all processes involved in experimental design/assay development and testing. This module is designed to equip students with the necessary basic practical/analytical skills and theoretical knowledge to be reliable and independent laboratory workers.
Aims
The aim of this practical based module is to give the student an understanding and experience of the complexity of independent experimental design/assay development in keeping with Quality by Design theory and testing and data analysis from first principles.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Apply knowledge of statistical analysis to the evaluation of data and the design of experimental protocols.
2. Define a testable hypothesis/research question.
3. Design, execute and optimise an experimental plan (to include assay/equipment, controls, replicates, statistical tests/theory/COSHH/H&S).
4. Explain and evaluate the link between practical techniques and underlying biological principles in a selected area of biomedical science.
Indicative Content
1 Experimental design & statistics/data analysis
Determining objectives and specifying hypothesis; factors, levels, blocking and randomisation; use of appropriate statistical tests, using the statistical package SPSS
2 Health & Safety
Health & Safety in the laboratory, COSHH regulations as applied to the laboratory.
3 Mini investigation
Carry out a mini project in which a variety of experimental methods are applied and critically evaluated (the exact nature of the techniques used will depend on the nature of the project and will vary).
4 Information literacy
Plan and conduct literature search, making use of a wide range of resources, including full-text and abstracting databases as well as reference management software.
5 Principles of experimental techniques
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of experimental techniques used in the execution of the mini-project including specific strengths and limitations.
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Total | 200 |
| Lecture | 1 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 16 |
| Practical Activity | 21 |
| Assessment | 64 |
| Independent | 98 |
Guidance notes
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
