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Critical analysis - BIO00056M

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  • Department: Biology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2025-26
    • See module specification for other years: 2026-27

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2025-26 to Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

To enable students to engage actively with the contemporary literature and research work in an area of biosciences in which they want to specialise, within an interdisciplinary context. The module will consist of three main parts:

  • Seminar sized groups undertaking critical reviews of research literature. Each student within the seminar will present critique of two papers over the course of the module, one in Autumn term (formatively assessed) and one in Spring term (summatively assessed).
  • Attendance at research seminars. Students should attend research seminars, which take place through term time.
  • Proposal of a research project (grant proposal) based on an area of interest to the students (group work).

Module learning outcomes

  • To critically evaluate literature and presentations on research literature and on issues relating to the role of science.
  • To communicate scientific research via written and oral presentations.
  • To work within a small team to create, develop and critically review an interdisciplinary research proposal.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50.0
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 50.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50.0
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 50.0

Module feedback

Arrangements for feedback will be made clear at the start of the module.

Indicative reading

These are available in EARL which is accessible through the VLE module site.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores 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. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.