58吃瓜

BL4203 Current Research Topics

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Restricted to students taking single honours or joint honours degrees within the School of Biology. This module will be a required module for single honours biology students and an optional module for students on the joint degree programmes. Students will only be permitted to take and pass this module once in the academic year (Semester 1 or Semester 2).

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr S M R Gurney

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr S Gurney

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

In this module students will engage with current research within Biology by attending research lectures presented by scientists within and outside of the University of 58吃瓜. Students will read current research articles and discuss critically topics relating to approaches to research, current methodologies, conclusions and future research questions. Students will also learn how to plan and organise a research lecture, working through identifying and inviting a speaker.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Over the course of this module students will attend 1 one-hour lectures (x 6 weeks), 1 two-hour lecture (x 1 week), 1 one-hour seminar (x 5 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of different aspects of presenting biological research to a general scientific audience.
  • Appreciate how scientists can challenge and hone their understanding of concepts through discussion in small groups.
  • Appreciate the timescales and pathways by which scientific investigations develop.
  • Appreciate the diversity of questions asked by contemporary researchers in biology and the diversity of approaches taken.
  • Synthesise scientific, logistical, and communication considerations to design a coherent proposal for hosting an invited research speaker.
  • Critically evaluate current research literature and its relevance to the School鈥檚 research themes.

BL4203 Current Research Topics

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Restricted to students taking single honours or joint honours degrees within the School of Biology. This module will be a required module for single honours biology students and an optional module for students on the joint degree programmes. Students will only be permitted to take and pass this module once in the academic year (Semester 1 or Semester 2).

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr S M R Gurney

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr S Gurney

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

In this module students will engage with current research within Biology by attending research lectures presented by scientists within and outside of the University of 58吃瓜. Students will read current research articles and discuss critically topics relating to approaches to research, current methodologies, conclusions and future research questions. Students will also learn how to plan and organise a research lecture, working through identifying and inviting a speaker.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Over the course of this module students will attend 1 one-hour lectures (x 6 weeks), 1 two-hour lecture (x 1 week), 1 one-hour seminar (x 5 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of different aspects of presenting biological research to a general scientific audience.
  • Appreciate how scientists can challenge and hone their understanding of concepts through discussion in small groups.
  • Appreciate the timescales and pathways by which scientific investigations develop.
  • Appreciate the diversity of questions asked by contemporary researchers in biology and the diversity of approaches taken.
  • Synthesise scientific, logistical, and communication considerations to design a coherent proposal for hosting an invited research speaker.
  • Critically evaluate current research literature and its relevance to the School鈥檚 research themes.