Module Information

This module provides both generic and bespoke elements of teaching in the biosciences. Through its structure we highlight the integration of topics and research approaches. It also provides insight into how different researchers and practitioners and users of the information (stakeholders) communicate, view and position themselves around a particular topic.
Students learn a breadth of topics but also specialize on their own topic. At the same time, they learn how to: write summaries from seminars; construct journalistic articles, deliver a hot topic problem-centered essay; integrate their collective subject-specific research into a conference presentation. The module culminates in group presentations delivered to all module participants and open to IBERS staff.

We have entered into the 21st century and an era where the biosciences are changing the way we live. From the technologies that help deliver food to our plate to stem cell technology, bioscience knowledge and technology is being use respond to human challenges to sustain and enrich our lives. The growing human population and increased affluence demands that bioresources are used sustainably. This module explores how this aspiration can be met and highlights the importance of knowledge transfer and communication.

We provide a comprehensive overview of selected major themes and topics in the Biosciences. A core series of ten two hour research seminars are delivered by research experts from IBERS to provide students with a thorough insight into globally important problems and issues from the past, present and into future. Speakers describe and discuss approaches and technologies used to provide solutions to advance their particular area of research. The series of seminars aims to provide a broad bioscience research platform beyond the students' individual area of interest.

In tandem with the generic core provision, students are divided according to interest subjects (e.g. Marine and Freshwater; Biodiversity and Conservation; BioEnergy and Sustainability; Food and Health) and engage in specialisation via ten further workshops / seminars. Here they target specialisation, integration within groups and communication to other groups (via discussion, oral presentations, lecture summary writing, construction of a hot topic essay and journalistic writing).
The module culminates in a multi-disciplinary conference involving presentations by students during week 11 of Semester 1. All students from all subjects will attend the conference where group seminars will be assessed.