Programme Specifications

N/A

June 2014

This programme aims to assist students to develop an effective understanding and knowledge of biology to a level at which they can progress successfully into Year 1. Specifically to:

• Provide opportunities for students to develop further their interest and knowledge in the biological sciences.

• Develop the intellectual and practical skills of the student in preparation for the IBERS degree schemes and the wider range of disciplines open to the graduate biologist.

• 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.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

IBERS degree schemes are designed to develop the knowledge and skills of students required by those who may go on to postgraduate education or employment though commercial and/or advisory work. The Life Science degree prepares the student for enrolment into these schemes by providing a basic introduction to biology at a level equivalent to A Level. At the end of Year 0 the students will have an appreciation/understanding of:

• The key ecological concepts and techniques in general systems biology.

• Basic mathematics and computing including word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software.

• Chemistry that underpins wide-ranging studies in biological topics.

• The importance of microorganisms within the environment and their impact on humans.

• The basic principles of genetics and the concepts of evolutionary theory and of phylogeny, systematics taxonomy and classification.

• The basic principles and practice of laboratory based analyses.

• Aspects of biology at the cellular level, including cell division, organelles and cellular homeostasis.

• The ways in which microbes, plants and animals interact with each other and their environment.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Lectures; practical classes and field work; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials and directed independent study.

Assessment: Written theory and practical examinations incorporating multiple choice and short-answer questions, essay-writing, coursework; poster presentations; seminars (oral presentations).

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

• Comment on the basic concepts of biological subjects.

• Critically analyse literature from a variety of sources, and use the literature to expand interests in biological sciences.

• Produce well written essays using literature from a variety of sources.

• Write research reports from lab and field based practicals.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Lectures; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials, and directed independent study. Feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment: Written theory and practical examinations incorporating multiple choice and short-answer questions, essay-writing; data interpretation, coursework; poster presentations; seminars (oral presentations).

10.2.2 Professional practical skills

• Collect, accurately record and interpret laboratory and/or field data with appropriate data analysis.

• Experience of commonly used techniques for investigation of animal structure and activity.

• Communicate results of practical investigations and/or report writing through poster presentation and seminars.

• Establish safe working practices in the laboratory and/or the field.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Practical work, field and lab based. Feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment: Practical reports and assignments, practical examinations; poster presentation; dissertation; field course reports; use of appropriate visual aids.

On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. S/he will be able to:

• Work independently

• Work in a team

• Respect the views and beliefs of others

• Listen

• Communicate orally, in writing and electronically

• Word-process

• Use the Web

• Manage time and work to deadlines

• Research issues

• Solve problems

• Adapt to change

• Develop career awareness

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Lectures; workshops and seminars; practicals; field course modules; directed independent study; supervised project and research work. Feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment: Essay-writing; data interpretation, coursework; poster presentations; seminars (oral presentations); dissertation; tutorial exercises.