Accessibility statement

Big data biology - BIO00047I

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  • Department: Biology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Daniel Jeffares
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

Provide students with the concepts required to understand the use of high throughput data sets in biology and to interpreting the results of analyses.

To reinforce this understanding through analysis of a data set. To practise and extend R and statistic skills learned at stage one, and to introduce the use of the Python language.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

Provide students with the concepts required to understand the use of high throughput data sets in biology and to interpreting the results of analyses.

To reinforce this understanding through analysis of a data set. To practise and extend R and statistic skills learned at stage one, and to introduce the use of the Python language.

Module learning outcomes

1. Explain the sources, value and caveats of large data sets in biology.

2. Apply appropriate data analysis and visualisation to large biological data sets

3. Be able to organise large data sets and document computational analysis.

4. Interpret large data sets using online resources.

Module content

It will extend student capability with R and statistics and will teach biological concepts, analysis and data handling skills that will be relevant to a variety of other courses.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Formative work on the VLE will present example publications relating to the datasets (discussed in the lectures) with questions of interpretation and model answers.

Once students have worked through the analysis of small exemplar datasets, students will work on their project during the workshops.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Marks for open assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Individual comments will be added to your script and/or on separate summary feedback document. Histograms of module marks will be posted on the notice boards outside the Biology Student Services office. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.

During the teaching of the module you will receive feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Forms of feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.

Indicative reading

These are available through the VLE module site.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.