Programme Specifications

Biosciences 2015

September 2016

• Students will gain PG level technical knowledge in plant, microbial, industrial, fermentation and molecular biotechnology that will underpin careers in research and business.

• They will understand how biotechnology integrates into and is developed into commercial business enterprises.

• Develop student ability to synthesise concepts and ideas across biotechnological fields and take a holistic view of biotechnology in general.

Subject specific skills

• Integrate theory, experimental design and execution, data analysis and interpretation to allow the progression of principles into practice.

Generic and graduate skills

• Develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving, including the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creativity and communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Overall aim of the scheme

This scheme aims to target the worldwide demand for highly qualified post-graduate scientists trained in biotechnology. It aims to attract both national and international students by offering a scheme of study that plays to IBERS research strengths, particularly in white (industrial microbiology) and green (plant based biotechnology). The MSc will also include topics in marine (blue), food (yellow) and health (red) biotechnology. Key areas in which the students will receive specialized knowledge will include: Synthetic biology, gene editing, precision genome modification, transformation technologies, up and down gene regulation and silencing, gene stacking, manufacturing processes, fermentation and the biorefining of low cost feedstocks to high value products, again an area we are highly experienced in. Where possible students will receive practical training of molecular and analytical techniques.

This new MSc in biotechnology will utilize the experience gained since 2012 by running the Green Biotechnology and Innovation Management MSc, which this scheme will replace, and thus have greater similarity with schemes offered elsewhere in the UK, some of which we know compete effectively in the market. The flavour of this scheme will be uniquely IBERS, play to our research strengths and appropriately marketed will offer an attractive course to a wide range of students including non-recent graduates and overseas students.

• Advanced technical/ scientific knowledge of plant and microbial biotechnology, synthetic biology and genetic engineering.

• That they can integrate molecular biology, genomics and microbiology to applied biotechnology, and understand the theoretical and practical aspects of scaling from laboratory to industry.

• Understanding of experimental design, execution, and analysis of complex data to deliver substantial outcomes.

• Familiarity with the factors (regulations and risks) affecting biotechnology industries.

• The ability to successfully communicate research to scientific and lay audiences.

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; tutorials; problem-based learning scenarios; field excursions and contact with to biotech companies and entrepreneurs; laboratory practical classes; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen examination, essays and unseen short answer examinations, exercise-based and essay assignments, grant writing exercises, project work, practical laboratory reports, seminar presentations, literature review and written dissertation of the research project.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• That they can plan and conduct hypothesis based research and scientific study effectively.

• Communication both orally and in writing of complex ideas and concepts.

• That they can evaluate research and information of different types critically and objectively.

• Development and application of strategies for the selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

• Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems.

Learning and Teaching

Tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; laboratory practical classes; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Depending on the module, intellectual skills will be assessed by exercise-based and essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the research project dissertation, seminar presentations, unseen examinations, essays and unseen short answer examinations.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• That they can design and apply appropriate research/study techniques.

• Effective communication with individuals and organisations in a range of scenarios.

• Writing for a range of audiences including academics and the wider public.

• That they can target grant funding organisations and write suitable application documentation.

• Collection and appropriate utilisation and evaluation of information and data to form scientifically sound conclusions and communicate these effectively.

Learning and Teaching

Student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; tutorials and group exercises;

practical classes; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; tutorials and group exercises;

practical classes; laboratory work placement, literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• Critical thinking, assessing information from a variety of sources of information and making appropriate objective decisions.

• Effective communication to a variety of audiences using a range of formats and approaches citing and referencing work appropriately.

• Understanding and working with numerical information. They will be able to process, interpret and present data graphically and numerically using spreadsheets and tables, graphics, statistical tests and chemometric models.

• Understanding the scientific process i.e. exact experimental design, recording and analysing data, and limitations in its interpretation. They will also understand concepts of method validation, accuracy and precision, calibration, repeatability, sources of variance and uncertainty of measurement.

• The skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning e.g. working independently, time management, self-motivation and career planning.

Learning and Teaching

Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students learn and develop skills through student and tutor-led seminars, problem-based learning scenarios, self-directed learning, oral presentations, and experimental dissertation work.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; tutorials and group exercises; practical classes; laboratory work placement, literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.