Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences

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 3/4 year 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 overall aim of the scheme is to provide students with pre-degree level study skills and knowledge (CQFW Level 3) to meet and exceed the generic standards given in the QAA Biosciences Benchmark Statement including those generic to biosciences and specific to courses based on the study of organisms. The scheme features all core modules covering study and communication skills, field and laboratory techniques, together with two specific modules covering genetics, cell biology, microbiology, biological chemistry, physiology, plant biology, ecology, conservation, mathematics etc. This broad basis is necessary given the variety of non-traditional backgrounds, including mature students, from which this scheme recruits.

The Learning Outcomes of the C990 Life Sciences scheme is to provide students with the required pre-degree level study skills and knowledge (CQFW Level 3) to be able to successfully transfer over onto any of the Department of Life Sciences 3 /4 year degree schemes (excluding Nursing and Veterinary Sciences).

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

A4 Stay up to date with advances in the Biosciences, including aspects of sustainability, and appreciate the fluid nature of knowledge that evolves as new findings emerge.

A5 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.).

A6 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 workshops, field and laboratory practical classes; literature-based research and computer-assisted learning.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations involving seen and 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.

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 Biosciences 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; workshops; tutorials; directed independent study; problem-based learning workshops, field and laboratory practical classes; literature-based research and computer-assisted learning.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations involving seen and 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.

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; workshops; tutorials; directed independent study; problem-based learning workshops, field and laboratory practical classes; literature-based research and computer-assisted learning.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations involving seen and 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.

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.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; workshops; tutorials; directed independent study; problem-based learning workshops, field and laboratory practical classes; literature-based research and computer-assisted learning.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations involving seen and 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.