The ability to effectively conduct scientific research, write engaging essays, confidently present key findings and publicly debate new ideas, are crucial skills for students to master. This module builds on, and expands, what you have learnt in your First Year, and uses a combination of lectures and group activities to help develop and refine your written and oral communication skills and prepare you to conduct independent scientific research. During the module, you will be given guidance on which type of research may be right for you, how to write compelling scientific news articles, and how to give engaging presentations.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to receive detailed individual feedback on your writing style and presentation skills, and to take part in a “Science and Society” debate session. It is anticipated that this module will allow students to gain fundamental knowledge that will serve them well in their studies and future careers.

The module is expected to run in Term 2 and students will be given a total of 6 hours of lectures in which they will be taught:

How to prepare for a final year research project
	How to prepare for wet-lab and dry-lab work
	How Science interacts with the media
	How to give engaging short presentations and how to make effective contributions to public discourse
To complement their lectures, students will be given the opportunity to: (1) write a 500 word Scientific News article on a paper of their choice, (2) prepare and deliver an informal 5 minute “Lightning Talk” presentation to their peers (and answer questions), and (3) participate in an informal “Science and Society” debate session with staff and students. Students will receive detailed individual feedback on what they have done well and what could be improved in all of these activities. This will give students greater confidence when designing and delivering impactful and engaging presentations, speaking in public, and summarising complex findings and ideas. To complete the module, students need to attend all lectures, submit a News piece, give their Lightning Talk, and take part in the Science and Society Debate session.

Lecture and activities list

1. How to run a successful Final Year project

2. Preparing for life at the bench: fundamental laboratory skills and calculations

3. How to give engaging presentations

4. What makes the News: a guide to science and the media

5. Lightning talk presentation sessions

6. Science and Society debate sessions

Module objectives

At the completion of this module, it is expected that students will have a greater understanding of how to:

1. Independently run a research project

2. Write short scientific news articles for a general audience

3. Give engaging and effective short presentations

4. Make concise logical arguments to support opinions