Programme Specifications

Biosciences

September 2023

• Provide opportunities for students to further develop their interest, knowledge and understanding in the biosciences with a specialisation in marine & freshwater biology.

Subject specific skills

• Develop intellectual and practical skills in preparation for employment in the aquatic sciences as well as the wide range of disciplines open to a graduate biologist.

Generic and graduate skills

• Provide the skills necessary to allow students to adapt and respond to change, and to engage in life-long learning.

• Develop in students an appreciation of the social responsibilities of graduates in biological sciences in general, and in aquatic sciences in particular.

Overall aim of the scheme

This programme aims to provide its graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet and exceed the generic statements as outlined in the Biosciences Benchmark Statement with a particular focus on benchmark statements as outlined for students studying programmes focused on Organisms and Ecology and Environmental Biology. Given the focus of the programme there will an emphasise on marine and freshwater systems.

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

• A1 The ability to explain biological phenomena at a variety of levels (from molecular to ecological systems) and the importance of evolutionary theory in driving patterns and interactions in the natural world.

• A2 How organisms are classed and have an appreciation of both morphometric and molecular approaches to organismal identification

• A3 Knowledge of the diversity of organisms in the natural world as well as their form and function

• A4 Knowledge of how an organism’s physiology allows it to reside within its environment

• A5 An appreciation of the integration of metabolism within processes at higher levels of biological organisation

• A6 Knowledge of the basic genetic principles relating to, and evolution of, the variety of study organisms.

• A7 Knowledge of the structure, distribution and diversity of natural populations and communities in relation to biotic and abiotic factors

• A8 Awareness of human interactions with natural populations, communities and ecosystems as well as the significance of species both as resources and potential harmful organisms.

• A9 An appreciation of the ethical issues related to the biosciences as well as the impact that the biosciences have on society including recent advances in understanding.

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; practical laboratory and field classes, including residential field trips; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; problem based learning; self-directed study and research; oral and poster presentations; research projects; peer and collaborative learning; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen and seen examinations; laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

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

• B1 Experience and competence in a broad range of practical skills and techniques used in the biosciences and particularly in the aquatic sciences.

• B2 The application of the scientific method including the development of hypotheses, appropriate experimental design, data collection, data analysis and presentation and the ability to critically evaluate the results in the light of current scientific understanding.

• B3 The ability to record data accurately and to carry out basic data manipulation, including statistical analysis as well as an appreciation of the use of bio/ecoinformatics in the analysis of large datasets.

• B4 The ability to plan and execute a body of work within a framework in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident

• B5 The ability to synthesise and critically evaluate biosciences literature (particularly that related to marine and freshwater biology) from a variety of sources and communicate the principles through written and oral means using appropriate citations, ensuring the academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism whether intentional or not.

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; self-directed study and research; laboratory and fieldtrips, including a residential field course; research projects; problem-based learning; peer and collaborative learning; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen and seen examinations; laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations; online activities.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)

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

• C1 Safe working practices in the laboratory and/or the field

• C2 A wide variety of laboratory and field skills and techniques used by professionals working within the fields of marine and freshwater biology

• C3 An ability to identify, either via own knowledge or dichotomous keys, marine and freshwater organisms

Learning and Teaching

Field and laboratory practicals; residential field courses; peer and collaborative learning; research projects; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; oral and poster presentations.

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

• D1 The skills for independent life-long working e.g. time management, independent and group working, critical analysis, problem solving, good written and spoken communication skills, organisational and knowledge transfer/exchange skills

• D2 The ability to identify and work towards targets for personal and professional career development

• D3 Use of the internet and other electronic sources to identify, critically evaluate and communicate sources of information

Learning and Teaching

Unseen and seen examinations; laboratory and fieldwork reports; self-directed study and research; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations; online activities.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen and seen examinations; laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations; online activities.