Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences

August 2024

To produce graduates who are able to work in the broadly defined field of animal behaviour, who can operate efficiently and safely in the field and laboratory, are able to communicate and understand behavioural data and concepts, are able to apply behaviour skills to diverse biological problems, and are able to direct their own research and learning.

Overall, the animal behaviour scheme will develop and provide:

• opportunities for students to develop and further their interest and knowledge in the biological sciences with specialization in Animal Behaviour.

• an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment

• the ability to read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical understanding, while addressing such questions as content, context, aims, objectives, quality of information, and its interpretation and application;

• the capacity to give a clear and accurate account of a subject, marshal arguments in a mature way and engage in debate and dialogue both with specialists and non-specialists;

• critical and analytical skills: a recognition that statements should be tested and that evidence is subject to assessment and critical evaluation;

• the ability to employ a variety of methods of study in investigating, recording and analysing material;

• the ability to think independently, set tasks and solve problems.

• the intellectual and practical skills in preparation for employment in careers related to Animal Behaviour and the wider range of disciplines open to the graduate biologist.

• the skills necessary to allow students to adapt and respond to change and engage in life-long learning

• the ability to be creative

• in students an appreciation of the social responsibilities of graduates in biological sciences in general, and in animal behaviour in particular

A1 Describe, discuss and understand the key biological concepts and phenomena relevant to Animal Behaviour confidently, accurately and in detail, using appropriate terminology.

A2 Be aware of the full breadth of the Biosciences, from molecular to cellular, and from organism to ecosystem.

A3 Engage with literature in Animal Behaviour 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 Animal Behaviour, including aspects of sustainability, and appreciate the fluid nature of knowledge that evolves as new findings emerge.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning workshops, field and laboratory practical classes; field based practical classes; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research during a final year research project.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations involving seen and/or unseen questions. Coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentation, presentation though contemporary electronic media (e.g. video presentations, blogs, webpages, wikis), data analysis & problem-solving tasks, computer-marked tests, submission of a substantial research project.

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 Animal Behaviour 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.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning workshops, field and laboratory practical classes; field based practical classes; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research during a final year research project.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations involving seen and/or unseen questions. Coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentation, presentation though contemporary electronic media (e.g. video presentations, blogs, webpages, wikis), data analysis & problem-solving tasks, computer-marked tests, submission of a substantial research project.

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 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.

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, 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.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning workshops, field and laboratory practical classes; field based practical classes; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research during a final year research project.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations involving seen and/or unseen questions. Coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentation,presentation though contemporary electronic media (e.g. video presentations, blogs, webpages, wikis), data analysis & problem-solving tasks, computer-marked tests, submission of a substantial research project.

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.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning workshops, field and laboratory practical classes; field based practical classes; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research during a final year research project.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations involving seen and/or unseen questions. Coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentation, presentation though contemporary electronic media (e.g. video presentations, blogs, webpages, wikis), data analysis & problem-solving tasks, computer-marked tests, submission of a substantial research project.