209515 Supplementary Module A: Reading, writing and talking about biology (S+Pr) (WiSe 2017/2018)

In this Supplementary Module, we will take a practical approach to improving your skills in several key arreas. We will first discuss the scientific process, and why scientific publications are so important to this. Specifically, we will discuss different types of academic journals, examine the peer review process and explore how best to identify and read the latest scientific literature. A majorpart of the course will then focus on developing your own skills in the elements that make an effective scientific paper, examining different styles of paper and the different sections they normally contain (Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion). Finally, we will consider the difference between a scientific paper and an oral or poster contribution at a scientific conference, and explore how best you can effectively communicate your research findings in these different settings. The module will be taught using a combination of introductory lectures and whole-group discussions, coupled with individual exercises to develop specific areas of your reading, writing and speaking skills. It will run over the whole semester, and we will meet as a group for around one afternoon per week, meaning it can be taken in parallel with your Research Modules.