module specification

This module aims to enhance your laboratory skills in order to better prepare you for a career in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, you will acquire the skills to present scientific methodologies and data in an engaging and succinct fashion. You will improve your abilities in recording, processing, and conducting proper statistical analyses of laboratory data. Finally, you will cultivate critical thinking skills by evaluating the merits and limitations of scientific papers.

A series of laboratory practical’s where students will learn to prepare analytical samples and perform advanced techniques to a very high standard (LO1); Workshops designed to teach students how to: communicate scientific ideas succinctly using visually compelling approaches such as posters (LO1); the principles underlying statistical analysis and data handling: use of spreadsheets and graphical presentation (scatter plots and display of summary statistics, regressions analyses, t-distributions and t-tests) (LO2); recognise transferable skills for employment in scientific environments, as well as possible career opportunities; professional qualifications; production and maintenance of personal profile and curriculum vitae (LO3); identify paper-based and electronic resources for scientific data and information. Proper acknowledgment of source materials, involving the citation of both published and unpublished (or anecdotal) content. Appropriate use of AI in the context of plagiarism and scientific fraud: definition, implications and penalties. Reviewing scientific papers; significance, the process, and writing (LO4).

Students will be provided with opportunities to develop their skills in laboratory techniques, communicating science, statistical analysis and critical thinking through teacher-led activities such as practical sessions, workshops and lectures. Students are required to come thoroughly prepared for each experiment and to demonstrate a safe, professional work ethic. Prior to conducting the practical work, students are also expected to conduct background research, involving online video resources and literature surveys, guided by pre-lab assignments. Over the course of the module, students will receive guidance on employing IT-based methods for literature searches, data analysis, and presenting results. They are expected to utilize these tools effectively and efficiently in their assignments. Students will further enhance their critical analysis abilities by evaluating source materials and engaging with problem-based content, facilitated by tutorial discussions. Guided independent study will also include statistical problems to solve and analyse. There will be plenty of opportunities built-in for students to receive formative feedback on their work.

On successful completion of this module the students will be able to:
LO1: Competently perform various laboratory techniques with appropriate consideration to quality control, and effectively communicate the findings of experiments in a visually engaging and concise format.
LO2: Demonstrate a good understanding of the key principles of statistical analysis and perform suitable statistical tests for specific datasets.
LO3: Evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and principles, and pinpoint general areas for personal growth and development
LO4: Identify scientific literature related to a specific subject using appropriate databases and search techniques, and evaluate and critically analyse this literature.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/51517C95-573A-9B73-DFE9-1F9E1DB71B39.html?lang=en