What will I learn on this module?
On this module you will learn the primary skills required to be a student of a science degree. These skills will cover both laboratory based and data/information retrieval and handling. As part of the laboratory skills you will study the importance of health & safety, ethics and appropriate sample handling. You will then move into the laboratory where hands on sessions offer you an opportunity to develop key skills in areas of liquid handling, microscopy, buffers, making solutions and dilutions, and enzymatic analysis. You will use your generated laboratory data to then study and understand appropriate methods of data manipulation and presentation. You will also on this module gain experience and confidence in searching for, understanding of and appreciation of scientific literature.
How will I learn on this module?
On this module you will learn through a combination of tutorials, laboratory classes, workshops and independent learning. Tutorials will give you an opportunity to meet and engage with your tutors to allow for effective and continual feedback to be obtained. A combination of classic laboratory classes and workshops will provide you an understanding of both how to generate data through experimentation, how to use the data effectively through data analysis and presentation and how to relate and use scientific literature.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
At the outset of this module you will be assigned a guidance tutor who will meet with you to discuss your progress through this module. Each week you will be taught by an academic member of staff and they will guide you through the associated material and provide continual formative feedback in session and on assessed work.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to be able to carry out basic laboratory procedures with due regard for Health &
Safety regulations.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You will be expected to be able to retrieve, summarise, interpret and report data from multiple sources.
3. You will be expected to understand the requirement for clear and effective communication using a range of different formats.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
How will I be assessed?
The assessment for this module will be split into 2 parts. The first part (50%) will be divided into 2 further parts of equal weighting (25% each) and will form an assessment of online tests and a themed poster presentation. This mode allows for on-going feedback and assessment of practical competency in all key skills.
The second part of the assessment (50%) will take the form of a practical exam which will assess practical competencies in laboratory techniques.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Practical skills is a primary module taken by undergraduate Applied Sciences students. It offers key laboratory and transferable skills providing essential knowledge to enable responsible and efficient laboratory working. The module provides an optimum grounding in skills required for subsequent modules. The module will provide students with the knowledge and confidence to undertake laboratory and literature enquiry based learning through guided activities and continued tutor support, assessment and feedback. Assessment will be varied, utilising a combination of traditional workbooks, online assessments and examinations with an equal focus on the assessment of technical laboratory skills and analysis skills. The transferable nature of the skills taught means this module will be of benefit to any future career path requiring either laboratory or enquiry based analysis.
Course info
UCAS Code B940
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
1 other options available
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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