Programme Specifications

N/A

Bioscience, Health Studies

August 2024

The degree is designed to increase the student’s understanding of the core disciplines of Human biology and Health via an increasingly integrated programme of study. Students will study modules in the subject areas of cell biology, physiology, microbiology, immunology, psychology, biomechanics, metabolism and genetics. They will develop understanding of research methods and the ability to apply this to new and interesting topics. Students will also undertake modules which encourage personal and professional development.

Subject specific skills

The degree aims to develop subject specific skills through the many student-centred activities such as projects, workshops, problem-solving sessions and tutorials. Laboratory classes feature extensively, with students working in groups of four or five. Students will become skilled in using scientific equipment for sophisticated testing and analysis of biological and health concepts. All modules are designed to develop independence in the appropriate application and use of the equipment.

Generic and graduate skills

Key skills are integrated into all our modules. These will develop the students’ ability to give presentations and speak confidently, to analyse data and produce reports, develop creativity, to write clearly and with substance, to research and analyse information, to solve problems and to work productively with others.

Throughout the three years, students will receive special sessions on developing employability skills such as job search strategies, interview techniques, and corporate culture.

Students will develop a strong scientific and analytical mind along with team-working skills, meaning that graduates are well-placed to enter a wide range of general careers. The skills acquired in biology-based degrees are highly valued by employers and will enable a wide range of career choices including those within the health sector as viable career paths.

In addition to the core modules, examples of careers directed module choices include:

1) Exercise practitioner; Lifestyle Health Adviser; Health promotion specialist related modules

2) Research/lab technician related modules

3) Pharmacologist related modules

4) Molecular Biologist related modules

5) Microbiologist Biologist related modules

The proposed degree aims to meet the following objectives:

Provide a broad understanding of biological disciplines such as physiology, microbiology, disease, immunology, genetics, showing how they relate to the body and health.

Ensure students see the link between biological processes and disease and the role exercise and nutrition plays therein.

Demonstrate the important link between biology and health and its quantification.

Integrate and emphasize exercise participation and lifestyle change to limit the biological processes which result in diseased states such as diabetes or cancer.

A1 Describe, discuss and understand the key biological concepts and phenomena relevant to the Human Biology and Health programme confidently, accurately and in detail, using appropriate terminology.

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

A3 Engage with literature from the Biosciences to develop insight into the subject.

A4 Appreciate the contribution of Human Biology and Health 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 Human Biology and Health, 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 scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

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 Human Biology and Health 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 and Human Biology and Health, 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 scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

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 Human Biology and Health programme, 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 this 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 scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

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 scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.