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The effective reading of advanced technical reports, critical assessment of the scientific literature and the dialogue around cutting-edge scientific work are critical skills for biosciences graduates. This module is designed to provide these important transferable skills by teaching students how to effectively extract meaningful information from scientific reports (in the form of seminars and papers) and to effectively communicate science. The module builds on the Y1 and Y2 core skills modules by going one step further in the building of students’ capacity to effectively extract advanced scientific knowledge from state-of-the-art papers and seminars, and discuss scientific work both with peers and with experts. The module is specifically designed to equip Y3 students with the necessary skills for a successful research project, and to provide high-level, essential transferable skills necessary in all STEM-related careers.

The module runs over the first five weeks of Term 1, and students will work on 1) two contemporary research papers from the broad range of topics related to their studies (from a choice of four), and 2) one scientific seminar presented by a leading expert in the topic. For each, the students will read the paper or attend the seminar, and then critically appraise and discuss the research topic first in groups with a tutor, then as a group with the lecturer.

Topics and activities list:

1. Lecture: How to read scientific papers in depth and how to extract advanced scientific knowledge from scientific seminars (1h).
2. Research Seminar (1h). Discussion in groups (1h) and with lecturer (1h).
3. Research Paper 1 discussion in small groups (1h) and joint discussion with lecturer (1h).
4. Research Paper 2 discussion in small groups (1h) and joint discussion with lecturer (1h).

Learning Aims and Objectives:

At the end of the module, students will have:

1. Acquired the confidence and skills to critically judge scientific research, even in disciplines that are beyond their area of expertise.
2. Developed their skills to extract information from scientific papers and seminars, going beyond overall conclusions, and including methodology and interpretation of shown results.
3. Built on the communication skills already covered in years 1-2 core skills developing their ability to discuss state-of-the-art research in different settings (in small and large groups, with peers and with experts).
4. Expanded their knowledge of current research in biology.