Programme Specifications

Genetics and Biochemistry (with integrated year in industry)


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

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
Genetics and Biochemistry (with integrated year in industry)

6 : UCAS code
CC48

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

Biosciences 2015

Biosciences

Biosciences



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

September 2017

September 2023

September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Overall aim of the scheme

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

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 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

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

  • 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.

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

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

  • 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.



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 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

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:

  • 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:

  • 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.

10.2.1 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

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:

  • B6 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:

  • 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.



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 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

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL LEARNING OUTCOME:

  • 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

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

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL LEARNING OUTCOME:

  • 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



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Genetics and Biochemistry (with integrated year in industry) [CC48]

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
BR16700

Comparative Animal Physiology

BR16800

Skills for Biologists

BR17120

Genetics, Evolution and Diversity

BR17520

Cell Biology

Semester 2
BR16720

Comparative Animal Physiology

BR16820

Skills for Biologists

BR17320

Biological chemistry

BR19920

Microbial and Plant Diversity

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR20620

Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

BR26620

Proteins and Enzymes

BR27500

Research Methods

Semester 2
BR21820

Chromosome Dynamics

BR22920

Practical Skills for Biochemists

BR25920

Cell and Cancer Biology

BR27520

Research Methods

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 (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR36400

Research Project

BR37120

Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics

Semester 2
BR35520

Biotechnology

BR36020

Molecular Biology of Development

BR36440

Research Project

Final Year Options

Semester 1
BR35820

Frontiers in Plant Science

BR36120

Molecular Pharmacology

Semester 2

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
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

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
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

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.