Getting started with Biological Sciences Research
R18–0596
Supporting materials
- Slides/materials: PowerPoint slides
- Online session materials: Mentimeter
Practicalities
- Group: Large group (600) — presentation is done twice for 2 groups of 300
- Length: 30 minutes
- Room: Large lecture theatre
- Discipline: Biological Sciences
- Level: UG2
Learning outcomes
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different search tools
- Identify an appropriate tool to use for finding information for your specific purpose
- Identify and use key databases in your discipline
- Use correct style and format for different types of written assignment (eg reports, scientific writing)
Suggested online resources
- Choosing your Dissertation title
- Dissertation planning
- Guide to searching databases
- Finding the good stuff: evaluating your sources
- Making referencing easy: Introducing Endnote online
- Original thinking allowed: Avoiding plagiarism
- Academic Phrasebank
- Academic writing: structuring an effective essay
- Proof reading: the final stage before you submit
- Reading journal articles
Session content
The purpose of this session is to introduce UG2 Biological Sciences students to the full range of information resources which are provided via UML. Students will be conducting independent research for the first time during this module. Students will select from a range of research proposals and be expected to submit a 5000 word mini dissertation on their chosen topic to complete the module.
Introduction (Slide 1–2)
Activity: Introduce Mentimeter through use of an ice-breaker question — e.g. “Is Brexit a good idea?”
Marking criteria (Slides 3–5)
Use the information from the unit marking criteria to highlight the need for students to use a wide range of literature (see slide 4) and demonstrate evidence of critical thinking skills (slide 5)
Information landscape(Slides 6–10)
- Highlight that one of the primary purposes of universities is to produce research (6)
- Highlight that not all research found in the media can be trusted or verified (7–9)
- All academic writing (such as the mini dissertation) must therefore rely on evidence to support its contentions. The session will demonstrate how to locate the evidence referred to in slide 6, rather than that identified on slides 7–9
What, Where, How (Slide 11)
Introduce the What, Where, How model of searching and explain that this will form the basis of the presentation.
What am I looking for? (Slides 12–19)
Use the following topic as a basis for discussion in this section.
“ Is there any merit in conducting extended research into the possible effectiveness of parasites as a treatment for auto-immune diseases?”
Activity: Using Mentimeter ask students to search for synonyms for the keywords identified in Slide 14. Use Slide 17 during feedback if required
Introduce the concepts of Boolean logic, Truncation and “Phrase searching” Use Slide 19 to demonstrate an advanced searching strategy which can be applied to databases.
My Learning Essentials (Slides 20–22)
Provide examples of how relevant MLE resources can help students to further develop the skills introduced in the above activity.
Where will I look for it? (Slides 23–24)
Highlight the following as useful sources of information
- Textbooks
- Academic Journals
- Conference proceedings
- Grey literature
How will I look for it? (Slides 25–27)
This section should demonstrate how to search for the information sources identified above using a variety of search platforms
- Search 1: Library search — Search “eczema auto immune”, limit results to Books
- Search 2: Google Scholar — Run a search for “auto-immune disease*” parasite treatment”. Demonstrate “Find IT @ Manchester” and Citation button functions
- Search 3: Web of Science — see below
- Search 4: Science.gov — Run a search for “auto-immune diseases”
Further support (Slides 28–36)
Introduce the further avenues of support which will be available to students during this module. Provide a demonstration of the MLE online dissertation focused resource (29–31), reference management options, and details of all library drop in sessions.
Session ID: R18–0596
