Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences

September 2023

This programme aims to provide its graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet and exceed the generic statements as outlined in the Biosciences Benchmark Statement with a particular focus on benchmark statements as outlined for students studying programmes focused on Organisms and Ecology and Environmental Biology. Given the focus of the degree there will an emphasis on climate change and interdisciplinary learning and knowledge.

• Provide opportunities for students to further develop their interest, knowledge and understanding in the biosciences with a specialisation in climate change biology.

• 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 area of climate change biology in particular.

The intended learning outcomes are listed below and mapped to individual modules later in this document. These are focused on producing biologists with experience of working as members of interdisciplinary teams to address problems associated with climate change.

• A1 The ability to explain biological phenomena at a variety of levels (from molecular to ecological systems) and the importance of evolutionary theory in driving patterns and interactions in the natural world.

• A2 Awareness of human interactions with natural populations, communities and ecosystems as well as the significance of species both as resources and potential harmful organisms.

• A3 Knowledge of the diversity of organisms in the natural world as well as their form and function

• A4 An ability to describe the structure, biogeography and diversity of ecosystems in relation to climate, geology, soils, paleo-historical, taxonomic & evolutionary factors

• A5 An ability to critically analyse and evaluate the effects of human interactions on natural populations and ecosystems

• A6 Current issues and themes relevant to biology and climate change

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; practical laboratory and field classes, including optional residential field trips; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; problem based learning; self-directed study and research; oral and poster presentations; research projects; peer and collaborative learning; feedback from coursework assignments. Students will be engaged in interdisciplinary work throughout the course of the degree via the interdisciplinary climate change modules.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen and seen examinations; laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation; 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:

• B1 Experience and competence in a broad range of practical skills and techniques used in the biosciences

• B2 The application of the scientific method including the development of hypotheses, appropriate experimental design, data collection, data analysis and presentation and the ability to critically evaluate the results in the light of current scientific understanding.

• B3 The ability to record data accurately and to carry out basic data manipulation, including statistical analysis as well as an appreciation of the use of bio/ecoinformatics in the analysis of large datasets.

• B4 The ability to plan and execute a body of work within a framework in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident

• B5 The ability to synthesise and critically evaluate biosciences literature from a variety of sources and communicate the principles through written and oral means using appropriate citations, ensuring academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism whether intentional or not.

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; self-directed study and research; laboratory and fieldtrips, including optional residential field courses; research projects; problem-based learning; peer and collaborative learning; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

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

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

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

• C1 Safe working practices in the laboratory and/or the field

• C2 A wide variety of laboratory and field skills and techniques used by professionals working within the fields of conservation and management

• C3 The ability to obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory, working individually or in a group as is most appropriate for the subject under study

• C4 The ability to work with students across disciplines to practically achieve a common goal

Learning and Teaching

Field and laboratory practicals; optional residential field courses; peer and collaborative learning; research projects; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation; oral and poster presentations.

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

• D1 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, organisational and knowledge transfer/exchange skills

• D2 The ability to identify and work towards targets for personal and professional career development

• D3 Use of the internet and other electronic sources to identify, critically evaluate and communicate sources of information

• D4 The ability to work in a cross-disciplinary way to achieve common goals

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; self-directed study and research; laboratory and fieldtrips, including optional residential field courses; research projects; problem-based learning; peer and collaborative learning; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

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