Programme Specifications
Genetics (with integrated year in industry)
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
With Integrated Year in Industry
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Biosciences
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
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Provide knowledge and enable critical understanding of key academic disciplines which comprise genetics.
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Develop a detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of genetic themes, especially the mechanisms underpinning inheritance, the control of gene expression, and the dynamics of populations and species relationships.
Subject specific skills
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To integrate theory, experiment and investigation into the study of model genetic organisms.
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To develop a detailed and comprehensive understanding of genetic research, its current practice, applicable techniques, and future potential.
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Enable students to assimilate and evaluate the role of genetics in the context of human society.
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Equip students to engage fully in informed debate concerning the impact of genetics upon human society.
Generic and graduate skills
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To 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 creatively, and communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
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Provide opportunities for specialisation in selected theoretical and applied topics.
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Enhance student employability through the development of knowledge, subject-specific skills, transferable skills, and opportunities for work experience.
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:
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To apply approaches, concepts, skills, methods and/or theories in a work-based context relevant to their scheme.
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To develop highly valued transferable and professional skills during a work placement, providing a competitive edge in the graduate job market.
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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:
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Working independently
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Working as part of a team
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Respecting the views, beliefs, opinions and values of others
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Listening to, and engaging with, other speakers
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Effective verbal communication in a range of settings, including group discussions and debates and formal presentations
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Effective written communication in a variety of forms
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Use of information technologies to process, store, present and communicate information, including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, e-mail and the world-wide web
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Identifying, retrieving, sorting and handling information from conventional and electronic sources, including libraries, CD-ROMs, on-line computer resources and the world-wide web
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Time management and self-regulation of work regimes
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Research issues and solve problems
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Adapting to change
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Reading comprehension and interpretation of a range of written material
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Observational skills
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Collating, processing, interpreting and presenting numerical data
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Identifying appropriate career pathways and developing the capacity to compete
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Overall aim of the scheme
The course aims to provide students with an holistic, in-depth knowledge
of theoretical and applied aspects of genetics, from the laws of
inheritance laid down by Mendel, through to evolutionary theory and the
post-genomic analyses of organisms across the phylogenetic spectrum.
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.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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A1 A secure base of knowledge and understanding in biological subjects which underpin genetics, such as genetics, biochemistry, physiology, cell biology and molecular biology.
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A2 An advanced level of knowledge and understanding in specialised topics of particular relevance to genetics.
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A3 How to collect, analyse and interpret functional genomic data.
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A4 An understanding of how genetics translates into practical applications in the context of modern society.
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A5 An awareness of moral, ethical and social issues arising from the practical applications of genetics.
Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning
scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals;
literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading
to a dissertation.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay
writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a
dissertation; assessment based on case studies.
The scheme
provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge
and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the
additional following areas:
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A6 Demonstrate a range of transferable skills including initiative, independence and commercial awareness.
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.
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:
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B1 The skills needed for academic study and enquiry.
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B2 How to design and effectively execute an experiment, investigation or survey in order to solve a problem or to test an hypothesis or proposition.
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B3 How to critically evaluate information from a variety of sources, including current research and advanced scholarship, in order to advance understanding of theory and practice.
Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning
scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals;
literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading
to a dissertation.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay
writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a
dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.
10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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C1 How to plan, design and execute a scientific investigation.
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C2 Competence in a range of laboratory skills and methods.
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C3 How to collect, record and critically analyse scientific information in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, animal welfare, relevant health and safety regulations, legislation concerning experimental animal use, legal requirements and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and personnel.
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C4 Ability to manage time and to work independently and as a member of a team.
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C5 Clear communication using appropriate tools to a range of audiences, including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public.
Learning and Teaching
Practical skills are acquired and promoted through practical laboratory
classes, field visits, class activities, case studies and experimental
research for the dissertation.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Coursework to include: the submission of scientific reports, oral
presentations and essays. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced
critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their coursework
and written examinations. The dissertation should demonstrate student
competence in practical and academic skills.
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:
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B4 Demonstrate experience of working in a professional environment
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:
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C6 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.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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D1 Research skills and problem solving.
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D2 Effective use of statistical methods and information technology.
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D3 Team work.
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D4 Effective communication.
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D5 Improvement in learning and performance, personal development 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. Students are also given the opportunity to produce a
CV and will gain feedback. Students will be encouraged to undertake work
experience, including access to the Year in Employment Scheme. Students
will also have access to an optional study exchange programme which will
also develop transferable skills of communication, personal development
and career planning.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
The skills listed above are assessed using exercise-based and essay
assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the
dissertation project, seminar presentations, unseen examinations essays
and unseen short answer examinations.
By the end of their
programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate THE
FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL LEARNING OUTCOME:
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D6 Professionalism and an understanding of commercial pressures
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
BSC Genetics (with integrated year in industry) [C401]
Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2017/2018
Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years