1. BS13310 Research and Communication Skills Dr. Mike Winson Information technology and research skills Tutorial Essay Task Information

2. 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%)

3. 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

4. Tips for retrieving information Google Google Scholar Web of Knowledge/Science Reviews Experimental papers General Detailed

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. Formatting Follow marking scheme (Part A) Pay attention to detail Look up information on how to format using On-line Word help

10. Layout The Marking scheme criteria for Layout (part B) include: 1. Overall layout 2. Attention to detail & use of language 3. References

11. References You should make use of the Endnote Reference manager Covered in the workshop and assignment in Semester 1