Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences

August 2024

Provide opportunities for students to further develop their interest, knowledge, creativity and understanding in the biosciences with a specialisation in marine & freshwater biology.

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 programme there will an emphasis on marine and freshwater systems.

A1 Describe, discuss and understand the key biological concepts and phenomena relevant to Marine & Freshwater Biology confidently, accurately and in detail, using appropriate terminology.

A2 Be aware of the full breadth of the Biosciences with particular reference to Marine and Freshwater Biology, from molecular to cellular, and from organism to ecosystem.

A3 Engage with literature in Marine & Freshwater Biology to develop insight into the subject.

A4 Appreciate the contribution of Biosciences to the innovations that characterise the modern world, and the potential of Biosciences graduates from this field to develop sustainable solutions to current and future challenges.

A5 Stay up to date with advances in Marine & Freshwater Biology, including aspects of sustainability, and appreciate the fluid nature of knowledge that evolves as new findings emerge.

A6 Understand the key concepts and techniques in general systems biology. Underpinning basic sciences including mathematics and computing (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, etc.), biological chemistry, microbiology, analytical techniques and genetics (evolution, phylogeny, taxonomy, etc.).

A7 Gain knowledge and understanding of cellular biology, cell division, organelles and cellular homeostasis. Interactions of microbes, plants and animals with each other and with the environment.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; practical laboratory and field classes, including residential field trips; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; problem-based learning; self-directed study and research; oral presentation; research projects; peer and collaborative learning; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Unseen and seen examinations; laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral presentation.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

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

B1 Recognise the relationships and interfaces between Biosciences and other subjects (both scientific and outside of the sciences), such that they are able to operate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

B2 Apply ethical awareness to working in the Biosciences, appreciate the historical context of the subject and the societal impacts of advances in the Biosciences.

B3 Develop, integrate, synthesise and apply the systematic and broad understanding of relevant and state-of-the-art biological concepts to solve complex problems.

B4 Interrogate and integrate diverse sources of scientific literature alongside other information sources, in order to design and develop methods for investigation and analysis, including in areas at the forefront of knowledge and outside their current specialist knowledge.

B5 Discuss the background, context, methods, results and potential impact of a significant research project.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; self-directed study and research; laboratory and fieldtrips, including a residential field course; 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 thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral presentation; 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:

C1 Apply knowledge and understanding of aquatic biological systems and methodologies to design experiments and to solve theoretical and practical problems, with awareness of appropriate controls, possible bias, ethics and sustainability.

C2 Describe, document and enact safe working practices in terms of managing biological, chemical, laboratory or field-based risk, through knowledge-based risk assessments and practical activities in marine and freshwater biology.

C3 Select and carry out appropriate quantitative and qualitative practical (laboratory, field or computational) techniques to solve problems relevant to the course, including consideration of the theoretical basis and limitations of various techniques.

C4 Complete independent open-ended investigative work through a project/research-based assignment relevant to the course. This could be a laboratory or field-based project or an evidenced-based review, and/or collecting and evaluating data from a variety of sources.

C5 Collect qualitative and quantitative data from investigations relevant to the course and analyse and interpret these data to allow testing of hypotheses, contextualising of findings, presentation of findings, and suggestions for further lines of investigation.

C6 Develop advanced experimental and investigative skills as appropriate for the project.

Learning and Teaching
Field and laboratory practicals; residential field courses; peer and collaborative learning; research project; oral presentation; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; oral presentation.

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

D1 Acquire skills in research and data analysis.

D2 Deploy mathematical and statistical concepts, processes and tools, such as the manipulation of equations and graphical and statistical analysis, to solve problems or evaluate data.

D3 Develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

D4 Develop a thorough grounding in information technology skills and use appropriate databases, computational techniques and tools to aid further understanding of and insight into biological processes.

D5 Demonstrate the ability to work independently.

D6 Demonstrate time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines.

D7 Develop the ability to express ideas and communicate effectively, in both written and oral forms, selecting appropriate content, media and methods for the audience, purpose and subject.

D8 Demonstrate self-motivation and self-reliance.

D9 Collaborate and work successfully and inclusively in a group environment, contributing positively and flexibly to team outputs.

D10 Act professionally, with due regard for legal, ethical and societal responsibilities, modelling good practice that promotes positive, sustainable and inclusive perceptions of the Biosciences and of Bioscientists.

D11 Project plan, including, as appropriate, evaluation of ethics, hazards, environmental effects, sustainability and appreciation of costs.

Learning and Teaching
Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students learn and develop skills through tutor-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentation, and experimental work. 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
Unseen and seen examinations; laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral presentation; online activities.