Programme Specifications

N/A

QAA with Biological Sciences with an emphasis on Plant Biology

August 2024

The course aims to provide students with a core and breadth of knowledge in plant biology. Through optional modules, students can gain more specialist knowledge focussing on molecular, agricultural and environmental skills. They also acquire strong research skills developing creativity, scientific rigour and attention to detail. The scheme will equip students to develop further their creativity in the field of plant biology.

Subject specific skills include a practical and theoretical knowledge in Plant Biology from cell processes to physiology to production with implications for agriculture, food / fuel production and biodiversity.

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 creativity and be able to communicate their understanding.

To 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 the theoretical knowledge and practical (field) and transferable skills required for various careers in Plant Biology including agriculture, horticulture, 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 the Plant Biology programme confidently, accurately and in detail, using appropriate terminology.

A2 Be aware of the full breadth of Plant Biology, 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 Plant Biology 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 Plant Biology, including aspects of sustainability, and appreciate the fluid nature of knowledge that evolves as new findings emerge.

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.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

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

B1 Recognise the relationships and interfaces between Plant Biology 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 Plant Biology, 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, 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 Plant Biology 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
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.

Lectures; tutorials; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature-based research and computer-assisted learning.

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.

Students are expected to demonstrate critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their course work and written examinations. The dissertation should demonstrate student competence in practical and academic skills.

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 lectures; tutorials / seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; self-directed learning, oral presentations, field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Transferable / key skills are embedded throughout the various assessments. Generic skills include note taking, researching, problem solving, 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.