Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences 2015

September 2017

Students will develop their interest and knowledge in the biological sciences with specialisation in Zoology.

Subject specific skills

Develop the intellectual and practical skills of the student in preparation for employment in the zoological sciences and the wider range of disciplines open to the 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 the zoological sciences in particular.

Overall aim of the scheme

The aim of the scheme is to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet and exceed the generic standards given in the QAA Biosciences Benchmark Statement, with a particular focus on the subject specific statements relating primarily to organisms but also including statements from ecology and environmental biology.

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

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

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

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

• Knowledge of physiology and how it enables organisms to reside within their respective environment.

• An appreciation of metabolism at the cellular and organism level.

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

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

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

• Knowledge of ‘behaviour’, its importance, and the processes responsible for the evolution, and the molecular basis of behavioural patterns.

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

Learning and Teaching

Elements of these skills are embedded in all modules and are taught/learned through a variety of methods including: lectures; laboratory/field practicals; workshops; seminars; tutorials; problem based learning scenarios and case studies; 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 field 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:

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

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

• The ability to record data accurately and to carry out basic data manipulation, including statistical analysis.

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

• The ability to synthesise and critically evaluate biosciences literature (particularly that related to zoology) 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

Elements of these skills are embedded in all modules and are taught/learned through a variety of methods including: lectures; laboratory/field practicals; workshops; seminars; tutorials; problem based learning scenarios and case studies; 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; 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:

• Safe, ethical working practices, including the completion of risk assessments and a consideration of animal welfare, in the laboratory and field.

• A wide variety of laboratory of field skills and techniques used by professionals working within the field of zoology.

• An ability to identify organisms, either via own knowledge, dichotomous keys and/or molecular techniques.

Learning and Teaching

Elements of these skills are embedded in all modules and are taught/learned through a variety of methods including: laboratory/field practicals; oral and poster presentations; research projects and dissertation; 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:

• 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, organization and knowledge transfer/exchange skills.

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

• The use of the internet and other electronic sources to identify, critically evaluate and communicate source of information.

Learning and Teaching

Elements of these skills are embedded in all modules and are taught/learned through a variety of methods including: unseen and seen examinations; laboratory/field reports; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations; research dissertation; essays; self-directed study and research.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

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