Programme Specifications

Biosciences

September 2023

To provide students with subject specific knowledge required for research careers in the fields of genetics and/or biochemistry

Subject specific skills

To provide students with subject specific skills required for research careers in the field of biochemistry and/or genetics

Generic and graduate skills

To provide students with the generic and graduate skills expected of any degree programme

Overall aim of the scheme

To enable graduating students to practice as professional biochemists and/or geneticists

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

• A1 The theory and practical application of scientific research.

• A2 The planning and conducting of scientific research.

• A3 The techniques required for data sampling, analysis and interpretation.

• A4 The requirements of successful communication of research to scientific and lay audiences.

• A5 A broad knowledge of the underlying principals of biochemistry and genetics.
  
  

Learning and Teaching

Taught through lectures, practical classes, research projects, workshops and tutorials, with staff-directed and self-directed study

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Subject knowledge will be assessed through exams, tests and coursework, using a variety of media

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

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

• B1 Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.

• B2 Evaluate research and a variety of types of information and evidence critically.

• B3 Critically analyse information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent comprehension of theory and practice, synthesising and summarising the outcomes.

• B4 Develop and apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

• B5 Apply knowledge and comprehension to address familiar and novel problems.
  
  

Learning and Teaching

Taught through lectures, practical classes, research projects, workshops and tutorials, with staff-directed and self-directed study

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Intellectual skills will be assessed through exams, tests and coursework, using a variety of media

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)

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

• C1 Design, apply and analyse various research/study techniques.

• C2 Plan, conduct, and report on investigations, including the use of secondary data.

• C3 Collect and record information or data in the library, laboratory or field, summarising it using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.

• C4 Conceive, plan and undertake field and/or laboratory investigations in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, legislation concerning experimental animal use, relevant health and safety regulations, other legal requirements and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders.

• C5 Communicate effectively with individuals and organisations in a range of scenarios.

Learning and Teaching

Taught through lectures, practical classes, research projects, workshops and tutorials, with staff-directed and self-directed study

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Practical skills will be assessed through tests and coursework, using a variety of media

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

• D1 Receiving and responding to a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal, graphical.

• D2 Communicating about their subject appropriately to a variety of audiences using a range of formats and approaches.

• D3 Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programs for presenting data visually.

• D4 Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisational skills).

• D5 Using the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information.

Learning and Teaching

Taught through lectures, practical classes, research projects, workshops and tutorials, with staff-directed and self-directed study

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Key skills will be assessed through exams, tests and coursework, using a variety of media