01. Demonstrate comprehension of scientific protocols and follow laboratory procedures to successfully perform an experiment

Activities:

Prior to the laboratory classes, students will be required to work through prescribed learning resources and complete a short online quiz /module. These modules will cover the technical and theoretical aspects of that day's activities and feedback will be provided during pre-practical discussion. Students will subsequently use the protocol manual to carry out the experimental work. The data generated from a number of independent activities will be recorded and used to assess the student's technical proficiency.

02. Acquire, interpret and evaluate experimental data

Activities:

Students will need to prepare a short presentation to explain a set of results obtained during the practical class. Students will work in pairs to provide a basic outline of the experiment, use supplementary figures to help the audience understand or interpret the data, discuss actual findings and highlight limitations of the data. Each talk will include question time.

03. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific concepts and methodology through written communication

Activities:

Students are required to complete a series of worksheets that cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of their laboratory work. Students will have the opportunity to discuss questions with demonstrators during class and will be provided feedback. Through completing these worksheets, students will be preparing for the final exam at the end of the subject.

04. Apply appropriate vocabulary to describe research findings

Activities:

A collection of digital resources will be made available for students to actively listen to scientists talking about their work. This will provide exposure to science-specific terms, concepts and vocabulary. Students will have numerous opportunities to practice and apply scientific terminology during the pre-prac discussion, worksheets and oral presentation. Collectively, these activities will enable students to develop competency in these areas.

05. Compile and formally present experimental data and procedures

Activities:

Each student will be required to submit two pieces of scientific writing that would be of sufficient standard to publish in a Masters level thesis. For the first task, students will be allocated a scientific protocol that will need to be re-written and modified into an appropriate method format. For the second task, students will be allocated an experimental result for which they will need to write a figure legend. Each exercise will be preceded by a specific tutorial given in the practical class. Students should use the guidelines provided and apply the concepts discussed to help with this exercise.

06. Work ethically, cooperatively and safely in a molecular laboratory

Activities:

Some of these considerations will be highlighted in small group discussions prior to the practical class. Students will be asked to adopt these practices within the laboratory and will be graded on their professional conduct.