Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences

August 2024

Provide knowledge and enable critical understanding of key academic disciplines which comprise microbiology.

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

Subject specific skills

• Knowledge of the importance of microorganisms in environment, health and biotechnology.

• Ability to handle Hazard Group 1 microorganisms safely in the laboratory.

• Generic and graduate skills

• 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;

• 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.

• 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 communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

• Develop creativity

• Provide opportunities for specialisation in selected theoretical and applied topics.

• Enhance student employability through the development of knowledge, subject-specific skills, transferable skills, and opportunities for work experience.

Overall aim of the scheme

To produce graduates who are able to work in the field of microbiology, who can operate efficiently and safely in a laboratory, are able to communicate and understand microbiological data and concepts, are able to develop creative ways of applying microbiological skills to diverse biological problems, and are able to direct their own research/learning.

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

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

A5 Stay up to date with advances in Microbiology, 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
Student development towards these outcomes is promoted through a range of teaching activities. These include: small group tutorials, laboratory practical classes, one-to-one tutoring for the research project, lectures and problem-based learning scenarios. Additionally, feedback from assessments, literature-based research and computer-assisted learning also support the teaching and learning of these outcomes.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: Unseen examination, essays, multiple choice questions and short answer examinations, exercise-based and essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, posters, the dissertation project and presentations.

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 Microbiology 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.

B3 Develop, integrate, synthesise and apply the systematic and broad understanding of relevant and state-of-the-art biological concepts to solve complex problems.

B4 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.

B5 Discuss the background, context, methods, results and potential impact of a significant research project.

Learning and Teaching
Student development towards these outcomes is promoted through a range of teaching activities. These include: small group tutorials, laboratory practical classes, one-to-one tutoring for the dissertation project, lectures and problem-based learning scenarios. Additionally, feedback from assessments, literature based research and computer-assisted learning also support the teaching and learning of these outcomes.

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 essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the research project, presentations, seen examination essays, unseen examinations essays and unseen short answer examinations.

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 microbiology, 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 Microbiology, 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.

C6 Develop advanced experimental and investigative skills as appropriate for the project.

Learning and Teaching
The teaching and learning of these skills are promoted during laboratory practical classes, small group tutorial classes, feedback from assessments, lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, problem-based learning scenarios and case studies, literature-based research, computer-assisted learning and experimental research during the dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Discipline-specific 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 essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project, seminar presentations, seen examination essays, unseen examinations essays and unseen short answer examinations.

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.

D11 Project plan, including, as appropriate, evaluation of ethics, hazards, environmental effects, sustainability and appreciation of costs.

Learning and Teaching
Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students learn and develop skills through student and tutor-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations and experimental dissertation work. Students will be encouraged to undertake work experience, including access to the Year in Employment Scheme. Students will also have access to an optional study exchange programme which will also develop transferable skills of communication, personal development and career planning.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
The skills listed above are assessed using exercise-based and essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project, seminar presentations, unseen examinations essays and unseen short answer examinations.