Programme Specifications

N/A

Based primarily on QAA Biosciences but with consideration of QAA Earth Science, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies

August 2024

The foundation year provides opportunities for students to develop further the foundation of their interest and knowledge in the biological sciences. It aims to develop the intellectual and practical skills of the student in preparation for the DLS degree schemes and the wider range of disciplines open to the graduate biologist. It provides the skills necessary to allow students to adapt and to respond to change, and to engage in life-long learning. Students will develop an appreciation of the social responsibilities of graduates in biological sciences in general.

The degree course aims to provide students with a core and breadth of in-depth knowledge in Ecology. A detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of the subject is provided to develop a holistic view of Ecology and its components ranging from micro-scale systems and processes to global scale issues, resources and energy. Through optional modules, students can gain more specialist knowledge and experiences on understanding novel habitats, education and in-depth zoological knowledge leading to threats to wildlife and biodiversity conservation. The scheme will equip students to develop further their creativity in the field of ecology.

Subject specific skills

To provide students with the knowledge that helps them understand how ecosystems work, processes and interactions, energy / nutrient flow and biogeochemistry.

To understand what dictates the abundance and distribution of specific organisms and systems including geology, climate and human influences (direct and indirect impacts).

To place the above against the context of global challenges and threats including human impacts, pollution, global climate change, habitat loss and biodiversity loss.

To acquire relevant and up to date field and ID skills for surveying of species, populations, communities and ecosystems.

To develop an awareness of the legal, moral, ethical and social elements of Ecology alongside other human activities including leisure and agriculture.

Generic and graduate skills

To develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving, including the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and be able to communicate their understanding.

To enable and develop effective teamwork and communication skills, particularly via field and laboratory activities.

To engender a confidence to learn by responding positively and proactively to feedback provided.

To develop strong communication skills both orally and in writing.

To show awareness of associated industries, stakeholders needs and impacts.

To provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical (field) and transferable skills required for a career in ecological sciences including nature conservation, teaching, research and development, and advisory work within the field.

A1 Describe, discuss and understand the key biological concepts and phenomena relevant to Ecology 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 Ecology to develop insight into the subject.

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

A5 Stay up to date with advances in Ecology, 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; workshops; seminars; tutorials; directed independent study; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: survey assessment and report writing, short-answer questions, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation.

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 Ecology 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; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: survey assessment and report writing, short-answer questions, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation.

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 within the area of Ecology, 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 Ecology, 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; directed independent study; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation

Practical skills are acquired and promoted through practical laboratory classes, field visits, class activities, case studies undertaken in a range of real-life situations and experimental research for the dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Coursework to include: the submission of survey assessment, scientific / practical reports and submission of a dissertation, oral presentations, research posters, short-answer questions and essays. Students are expected to demonstrate critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their course work and written.

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
Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students further learn and develop skills through tutorials / seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations, case studies, field excursions, computer-assisted learning and experimental dissertation work.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Transferable / key skills are embedded throughout the various assessments Generic skills include note taking, researching, problem solving, report writing, oral presentation, interview and communication skills.

Written examinations and coursework to include: survey assessment and report writing, short-answer questions, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation.