1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University
2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University
2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
With integrated year in industry
3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University
3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University
4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science
5 : Programme title
Marine and Freshwater Biology (with integrated year in industry)
6 : UCAS code
C166
7 : QAA Subject Benchmark
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Biosciences
8 : Date of publication
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
September 2023
9 : Educational aims of the programme
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
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.
The alternative schemes have specific learning outcomes, and therefore subject
knowledge, remain unchanged. However, students will be able to demonstrate
additional outcomes as a result of undertaking the year in industry. These
additional outcomes provide an enhanced student experience and allow
students to develop knowledge of their subject areas in applied contexts
and to develop work experience and thus enhance their employability.
Specifically, the proposed degree aims to advantage students in the
following additional ways:
-
To apply approaches, concepts, skills, methods and/or theories in a
work-based context relevant to their scheme.
-
To develop highly valued transferable and professional skills during
a work placement, providing a competitive edge in the graduate job
market.
-
To enable students to learn about an organization and its area of
work, providing an excellent opportunity to evaluate future career
paths.
Subject specific skills (with Integrated Year in Industry)
The Subject specific skills of the schemes will not change. Nevertheless, on
the completion of their degree, students on these four year versions of
the schemes will have gained a valuable insight in to a field of
employment relating to their subject area in the biological sciences,
developing the associated skills and enhancing their employability /
networking / establishing industry links.
Generic and graduate skills (with Integrated Year in Industry)
The generic and graduate skills of the schemes will not change. However, the
four year version of the schemes ‘with a year in Industry’ will likely
develop the skills listed below, though the nature and emphasis will
depend on the exact employment; not all of these will be assessed, though
most are likely to form part of the employer’s assessment of the student:
-
Working independently
-
Working as part of a team
-
Respecting the views, beliefs, opinions and values of others
-
Listening to, and engaging with, other speakers
-
Effective verbal communication in a range of settings, including
group discussions and debates and formal presentations
-
Effective written communication in a variety of forms
-
Use of information technologies to process, store, present and
communicate information, including spreadsheets, databases, word
processing, e-mail and the world-wide web
-
Identifying, retrieving, sorting and handling information from
conventional and electronic sources, including libraries, CD-ROMs,
on-line computer resources and the world-wide web
-
Time management and self-regulation of work regimes
-
Research issues and solve problems
-
Adapting to change
-
Reading comprehension and interpretation of a range of written
material
-
Observational skills
-
Collating, processing, interpreting and presenting numerical data
-
Identifying appropriate career pathways and developing the capacity
to compete
10 : Intended learning outcomes
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
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.
Overall aim of the scheme
The overall aims of the schemes will not change. Additionally, the aim of the
four year versions of the schemes will aim to develop graduate level
skills, as described in the Generic and Graduate level skills section
above.
10.1 : Knowledge and understanding
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
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.
The scheme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate
knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the
additional following areas:
Learning and Teaching (with Integrated Year in Industry)
During their integrated year in industry students will embed themselves within
a working environment, allowing for the development of a range of
transferable and life skills commensurate with the above. Furthermore,
students on this scheme will have the potential to utilise the knowledge
and skills associated with other outcomes developed in years 1 and 2. This
will be in part dependent on the nature of the organization their position
is based with.
Assessment Strategies and Methods (with Integrated Year in Industry)
Students on the integrated industrial year will be required to register for
the modules BRS0000, BRS0060, BRS0100, and BRS0160. During the integrated
Year in Industry, students will be required to submit an Introductory
Report (worth 30% of the Industrial Year mark) on the organization that
they are working for, its structure, aims and operation; and a Workplace
investigation, to investigate a technical aspect of the work that they are
doing (worth 40% of the Industrial Year mark). Finally, there will be an
AU staff assessment of the final student self-evaluation and employer’s
report. These will be marked in order to assess the student’s achievement
of learning outcome 10.1 above as well as the other learning outcomes of
their scheme.
10.2 : Skills and other attributes
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
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.
10.2.1 Intellectual Skills (with Integrated Year in Industry)
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to
demonstrate THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL LEARNING OUTCOME:
Learning and Teaching
Outcome 10.2.1 will be achieved through completing an extended integrated Year
in Industry position at a suitable workplace.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Evidence of outcome 10.2.1 will be secured through the completion of the
assessment strategy described in 10.1 above.
10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable) (with Integrated
Year in Industry)
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to
demonstrate THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL LEARNING OUTCOME:
-
C4 Applying principles, methods, approaches, concepts, skills and/or
theories appropriate to the relevant biological sciences scheme in a
professional context, as well as understanding the challenges of
working in a professional environment.
Learning and Teaching
The professional skills identified in 10.2.2 will be primarily developed
through spending a year in industry
Assessment Strategies and Methods
10.2.2 will be evidenced by the completion of the assessment strategy
described in 10.1 above, detailing experiences of a year in industry, as
well as reports on associated technical information.
10.3 : Transferable/Key skills
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
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.
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to
demonstrate THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL LEARNING OUTCOME:
Learning and Teaching
Skill 10.3 will be developed through undertaking the year in industry
component. In addition, and dependent upon the nature of the position
undertaken, the year in industry has the potential to further enhance the
other generic skills detailed in Section 9 above.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
10.3 will be evidenced by the completion of the assessment strategy described
in 10.1 above, but primarily through the AU staff assessment of the final
student self-evaluation and employer’s report
11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards
BSC Marine and Freshwater Biology (with integrated year in industry) [C166]
Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2017/2018
Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years
Part 1 Rules
Year 1 Core (120 Credits)
Compulsory module(s).
Semester 1 BR15700 Skills for Wildlife Scientists
BR16700 Comparative Animal Physiology
BR17120 Genetics, Evolution and Diversity
Semester 2 BR15720 Skills for Wildlife Scientists
BR16720 Comparative Animal Physiology
BR19920 Microbial and Plant Diversity
Part 2 Rules
Year 2 Core (100 Credits)
Compulsory module(s).
Semester 2 BR26220 Applied Aquatic Conservation
Year 2 Options
Choose 20 credits
Semester 1 BR25520 An Introduction to Landscape Ecology and Geographic Information Systems
Semester 2 BG26020 Monitro a Microbioleg Amgylcheddol
BR26020 Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring
Year 3 Core (120 Credits)
Compulsory module(s).
Semester 1 BRS0000 Integrated Year in Industry
BRS0100 Integrated Year in Industry
Semester 2 BRS0060 Integrated Year in Industry
BRS0160 Integrated Year in Industry
Final Year Core (60 Credits)
Compulsory module(s).
Semester 2 BR33220 Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Final Year Options
Choose 60 credits
Semester 1 BR33920 Population and Community Ecology
BR35020 Marine and Freshwater Field Course
12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an
important role within the overall framework for supporting students and
their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in
helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where
to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student
experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by
Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.
13 : Entry Requirements
14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic
review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are
meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and
disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.
15 : Regulation of Assessment
15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality
Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by
Faculties and Academic Board at university level.
16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the
current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The
periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the
effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to
assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the
responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered
successfully.
