Module: Literature Review

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Literature Review
Module Code	BIO1043 (ITS: BIO1017)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module guides students through a structured, research-intensive literature review process culminating in written critiques, viva discussions, and a lay summary presentation to develop scientific writing, critical analysis and communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the ability to synthesise and critically evaluate existing research in a genetics and cell biology topic. - Analyse and assess the credibility of ideas, arguments and information. - Ask appropriate questions in relation to a given topic. - Gather relevant information relating to a topic.
2. Develop awareness and knowledge of different methodological techniques including strengths and limitations - Draw informed and logical conclusions from information.
3. Reflection on how the literature informs the wider scientific community and impact - Draw informed and logical conclusions from information. - Present ideas, arguments and information in a coherent and clear manner.
4. Effective communication of scientific understanding through written and oral delivery - Demonstrate awareness of one's communication abilities, including areas for development. - Communicate effectively in written or other non-oral formats, adapting to the audience profile as required. - Communicate effectively in oral formats, adapting to audience profile as required. - Demonstrate appropriate listening skills to enhance communication. - Demonstrate the effective use of digital technology for communication.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	2	Introduction into module
Assessment Feedback	4.5	In person meetings for discussions and feedback
Independent Study	181	No Description
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	12213	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Naomi Walsh	Module Teacher	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Denise Harold, Konstantinos Gkrintzalis, Linda Holland, Michael Freeley, Paul Cahill, Phil Cummins

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Attendance at lecture to introduce the module. 2 x 1 hr meetings with academic supervisors and participation	10%	n/a
Research Paper	Research paper #1 review	15%	Week 5
Oral Examination	Oral examination on research paper #1	15%	Week 5
Research Paper	Research paper #2 review	15%	Week 11
Oral Examination	Oral examination on research paper #2	35%	Week 11
Presentation	2-minute or less recording of a concise, compelling narrative with high-impact visuals and lay descriptive language of research paper 2.	10%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None