| CODE | BIO1041 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Laboratory Techniques and Reporting in Biology | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Biology | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Biology is a practical subject: it is through appropriate observation and experimentation that biological knowledge is generated. Such knowledge can be disseminated to different audiences in various ways. During this study-unit, you will learn basic laboratory techniques that underpin biological investigations, as well as skills required to present scientific information in written reports or oral communications. The following aspects will be covered through a series of lectures and practical sessions: 1. Laboratory techniques for biological studies - General laboratory practice, including health and safety and use of standard operating procedures; - Working with chemicals; - Laboratory skills and equipment used for washing, measuring, pipetting; - Microscopy and digital imaging. 2. Reporting in biology - Sources of information with specific focus on library resources; - Citing and referencing sources; - Avoiding plagiarism; - Presenting results qualitatively and quantitatively, including preparation of effective figures and biological drawings/images; - Report writing; - Preparing and delivering presentations and posters; Study-unit Aims: This study-unit introduces students to basic laboratory techniques and reporting methods used in biological studies, enabling them to acquire transferable skills that will serve useful throughout their degree programme. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 鈥� Recognise the importance of health and safety in a biological laboratory; 鈥� Explain the differences between various types of measuring equipment and types of microscopes, according to their specific use; 鈥� Describe the elements that make up a good scientific report, including defining aims and hypotheses, reporting on methods and techniques presenting results effectively, discussing findings, reaching conclusions and making recommendations; 鈥� Apply the concepts learnt during the study-unit to evaluate the quality of reports, presentations and posters presenting the results of biological studies. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 鈥� Evaluate health and safety requirements of a laboratory investigation, with emphasis on risk assessment of chemicals; 鈥� Use various types of basic laboratory equipment appropriately, including through following standard operating procedures; 鈥� Undertake microscopy work including examination of biological specimens and preparation of photomicrographs; 鈥� Conduct a literature search using the library facilities and cite these sources appropriately when reporting, including through the use of reference management software; 鈥� Summarise results using appropriate descriptive statistics and present them graphically; 鈥� Write a structured and correctly formatted report on a biological study, using clear scientific language; 鈥� Prepare presentations and posters, and present an oral communication. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main texts: - Carter, M. (2020). Designing science presentations: A visual guide to figures, papers, slides, posters, and more (2nd ed.). Academic Press. - Jones, A., Reed, R., & Weyers, J. (2021). Practical skills in biology (7th ed.). Pearson Education. - University of Malta and Department of Biology guidelines on health and safety, code of practice, plagiarism and collusion, practical reports, etc. Supplementary readings: The following texts may also be useful for topics covered in this study-unit: - Bonner, P. L., & Hargreaves, A. J. (2022). Basic bioscience laboratory techniques: a pocket guide (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. - Meah, M., & Kebede-Westhead, E. (2012). Essential laboratory skills for biosciences. Wiley-Blackwell. Other texts and readings may be indicated throughout the duration of the course. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study & Practicum | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Joseph Buhagiar Julian Evans (Co-ord.) |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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