BS13310Research and Communication Skills

Dr. Mike WinsonInformation technology and research

skills Tutorial Essay Task Information

Assessed tasks

Semester 1 Bioinformatics (Biological information) retrieval task –

compulsory workshop (10%)Quantitative Science (10%)

Excel spreadsheet assignment (10%)

Semester 2 Word processed essay (Use MS Word) (20%) Powerpoint presentation (10%) Quantitative Science (10%)

------------------------------------------------------------Exam (end of semester 2)MCQ Quantitative Biology (30%)

Essay organization

Include: Statement of what you intend to investigate in the

Essay/ (the hypothesis) Select appropriate headings Logical progression of issues to be discussed Definition of abbreviations at first use only! Conclusions References –as completed in your information

retrieval assignment

Tips for retrieving information

Google Google Scholar Web of Knowledge/Science Reviews Experimental papers

General

Detailed

On-line Encyclopaedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page Reasonably authoritative and good for definitions

of subjects / topics

However! DO NOT use as the sole basis for your essay or

other work

Main Section

Development of subject Develop the topic (what, how?) Highlight an interesting example Is there a controversial problem? What methods are being used? Leave a gap between paragraphs Sub headings – can decide on after writing text Figures/tables referred to in text

Conclusion

Integrate major points raised Summarise information Further lines of research? Next steps? Should be no more than 10% of the essay

Format Requirements

Include: Picture, table, graph Figures etc referred to in text Example of a symbol Genus & species names in italics an Equation using the equation feature in Word Reference list Reference citations in text

Formatting

Follow marking scheme (Part A) Pay attention to detail Look up information on how to format using

On-line Word help

Layout

The Marking scheme criteria for Layout (part B) include:

1. Overall layout

2. Attention to detail & use of language

3. References

References

You should make use of the Endnote Reference manager

Covered in the workshop and assignment in Semester 1