IE1102 Research & Writing Skills for Science A

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

10

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Only available to students on the IE International Year One Science and Medical Sciences (Extended Pre-Med) programmes.

Planned timetable

To be arranged

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Ms A M Malcolm-Smith

Ms A M Malcolm-Smith
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Alison Malcolm-Smith; John Hughes

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Being able to write well in university is one of the key methods of assessment. This may take many forms depending on the academic field that students are in. Writers are expressing facts and opinions and so students have to learn how to use the vocabulary and style that is appropriate for their subjects. They also need to demonstrate their ability to research using written and spoken text. Students will learn the general principles of structuring texts, the key features of general academic style, and learning how to express themselves clearly and accurately in writing using elements of good academic practice. There will be lots of opportunities to practise, get feedback and to learn from that feedback.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 seminar classes per week x 10 weeks. 3 hours of scheduled revision week sessions.

Scheduled learning hours

33

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

67

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate ability to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both abstract and concrete topics relating to general science topics (CEFR B2 4.4.2.2)
  • Demonstrate ability to produce detailed texts on general scientific topics describing, comparing and contrasting processes, problems and solutions and explaining a viewpoint (CEFR B2 4.4.1.2; SCQF 6.4)
  • Demonstrate understanding of a range of facts, theories, ideas and terminology associated with general science and discipline specific science (SCQF 6.1)
  • Demonstrate flexibility in the use of language and structures for writing in an academic context i.e. research report, essay writing and exam writing (CEFR B2 5.2.1)