Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences

August 2024

Subject Knowledge

To produce proficient graduates with a firm understanding of parasitology and how it relates to other areas of biological sciences.

Subject Specific Skills

To produce graduates competent to apply their theoretical knowledge of parasitology and understanding of current control techniques through the design, implementation, analysis of experiments and the critical synthesis of information from a variety of sources.

Generic and graduate skills

To produce graduates able to critically assess information, form reasoned opinions and generate testable hypotheses. For those graduates to be competent in collecting, analyzing, interpreting and communicating data accurately in a range of situations.

Overall aim of the scheme

To produce graduates who are able to establish research careers in a range of fields relating to parasite control, who can operate efficiently and safely in the laboratory, are able to communicate and understand data and concepts, are able to utilise specific applied skills and are able to direct their own research and learning.

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

A1 A knowledge of parasite biology, encompassing an understanding of the differing evolutionary backgrounds, transmission methods and host immune responses for a range of parasitic diseases

A2 An ability to critically assess the various control and treatment options for parasitic diseases.

A3 An understanding of the theories and practical application of scientific research.

A4 An ability to critically assess which techniques are appropriate for data sampling and analysis.

Learning and Teaching
Subject knowledge is delivered via lectures; staff-led seminars; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation. Specific teaching input by parasitology researchers in multiple modules will allow students to learn specific knowledge related to a range of parasite research areas.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: Unseen essay examination, data manipulation, exercise-based assignments, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project and seminar presentations.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

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

B1 Well developed strategies for updating, critically analysing and enhancing their knowledge of the parasitology field and its interaction with other biological disciplines. This LO overlaps with the QAA benchmark standard “Develop, integrate, synthesise and apply the systematic and broad understanding of relevant and state-of-the-art biological concepts to solve complex problems.”

B2 The ability to access and evaluate biological information from a variety of sources and to communicate the principles orally and in writing to peers and non-scientists in a clear and effective way. This LO overlaps with the QAA benchmark standards “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” and “Discuss the background, context, methods, results and potential impact of a significant research project”.

B3 An understanding of how to design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test a hypothesis or proposition. This LO overlaps with the QAA benchmark standards “Develop advanced experimental and investigative skills as appropriate for the project” and “Project plan, including, as appropriate, evaluation of ethics, hazards, environmental effects, sustainability and appreciation of costs”.

B4 That they can plan, execute and present an extended independent piece of work in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident, as well as interpretation and critical awareness of the quality of the evidence.

Learning and Teaching
Student development towards these outcomes is primarily promoted through lectures; staff-led seminars; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation. Specific teaching input by parasitology researchers in multiple modules will allow students to learn key aspects in the design, research and funding within parasitology.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Intellectual skills are assessed by a variety of methods throughout the degree scheme. Depending upon the module and the nature of the specific assessment, they are assessed using unseen essay examination, data manipulation, exercise-based assignments, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project and seminar presentations.

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 Experience and competence in a broad range of practical techniques and skills relevant to parasitology, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of data, and the designing of experiments to test hypotheses.

C2 An ability to access bioscience databases and use appropriate selection criteria to mine, manipulate, and interpret data/findings.

C3 The ability to 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.

C4 The ability to record information or data accurately, and to apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques for analysis including basic data manipulation, graphical and statistical analysis.

Learning and Teaching
The teaching and learning of these skills are promoted with lectures; staff-led seminars; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation. Specific teaching input by parasitology researchers in multiple modules will allow students to learn academic and industry-related applications to a range of parasite research areas.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Depending upon the module and the nature of the specific assessment, professional practical skills are assessed using unseen essay examination, data manipulation, exercise-based assignments, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project and seminar presentations.

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

D1 The skills necessary for independent lifelong learning, e.g. the ability to work independently, time management, flexibility, target setting etc.

D2 The ability to analyse data, solve problems and present conclusions by a variety of methods including the use of specialised software

D3 That they can communicate about their subject appropriately and clearly to a variety of audiences.

D4 That they can critically evaluate sources of information, cite and reference these in the appropriate manner, ensuring academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism.

Learning and Teaching

Elements of these skills are embedded in all modules and are taught/learned through a variety of methods including lectures; Staff-led seminars; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation. Teaching will emphasise that skills gained can be applied to many areas of the scientific field not just parasitology.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Transferable/key skills are assessed by a variety of methods throughout the degree scheme. Depending upon the module and the nature of the specific assessment, they are assessed using unseen essay examination, data manipulation, exercise-based assignments, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project and seminar presentations.