Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences

August 2024

Subject Knowledge

• students with subject specific vocational, practical, academic and transferable skills required for careers that are underpinned by the equine industry

• To develop a knowledge and understanding of the subject matter that relates to the equine industry

• To develop an ability to synthesise concepts and ideas across disciplines and to take a holistic view of animal function, from the sub-cellular to animal group behaviour.

• To integrate theory, experiment, investigation, fieldwork, and the development of principles into practice.

• To develop an awareness of the legal, moral, ethical and social issues associated with the use of horses for sport, companionship and research

• To develop an understanding of the role of horses in commercial enterprises.

• To develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving.

• To provide an appropriate foundation for progression to a related degree scheme in Equine Studies or Equine Science

Subject-Specific Skills

To produce graduates competent to apply their vocational experience and theoretical knowledge of equine science, business and the commercial industry gained throughout the scheme via practical equine-related activities, theoretical learning, the design, implementation, and analysis of experiments, and the critical appraisal of information from a variety of sources.

The following transferable skills will be developed and assessed in the proposed BSc Equine Science degree:

• Problem solving

• Research skills

• Communication

• Improving own learning and performance

• Teamwork

• Information technology

• Application of number

• Personal development and career planning

The course aims to provide students with a broad vocational experience and in-depth knowledge of some of the common aspects of equine management, industry and science. To produce graduates who can work in a range of fields relating to horse management, who can operate efficiently and safely in the commercial industry, are able to communicate and understand data and concepts, are able to utilise specific applied skills to address diverse biological or practical problems and are able to direct their own research and learning.

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

A2 Be aware of the full breadth of Equine science, 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 Equine Science 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 Equine Science, 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; work experience.

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 demonstrate:

B1 Recognise the relationships and interfaces between Equine Science 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 Equine Sciences, appreciate the historical context of the subject and the societal impacts of advances in the Biosciences.

Learning and Teaching
Student development towards these outcomes is primarily promoted through small group tutorials, laboratory practical classes and one-to-one tutoring for the dissertation project. In addition lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; case studies; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; and the opportunity to undertake work experience also support the teaching and learning of these outcomes.

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 demonstrate:

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 Equine science 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
The teaching and learning of these skills are promoted with laboratory practical classes, one-to-one tutoring for the first year skills modules, research methodologies and dissertation project, lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, problem-based learning scenarios and case studies, literature based research, computer-assisted learning, work experience, practical skills development specifically taught and assessed within the Horsemastership module, where yard duties are a requisite component.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Coursework to include: the submission of scientific reports, oral presentations and essays. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their coursework 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 tutorials / seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations, continuous assessment of practical skills and teamwork in the field, and work experience.

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.

N/A

Biosciences

August 2024

Subject Knowledge

• students with subject specific vocational, practical, academic and transferable skills required for careers that are underpinned by the equine industry

• To develop a knowledge and understanding of the subject matter that relates to the equine industry

• To develop an ability to synthesise concepts and ideas across disciplines and to take a holistic view of animal function, from the sub-cellular to animal group behaviour.

• To integrate theory, experiment, investigation, fieldwork, and the development of principles into practice.

• To develop an awareness of the legal, moral, ethical and social issues associated with the use of horses for sport, companionship and research

• To develop an understanding of the role of horses in commercial enterprises.

• To develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving.

• To provide an appropriate foundation for progression to a related degree scheme in Equine Studies or Equine Science

Subject-Specific Skills

To produce graduates competent to apply their vocational experience and theoretical knowledge of equine science, business and the commercial industry gained throughout the scheme via practical equine-related activities, theoretical learning, the design, implementation, and analysis of experiments, and the critical appraisal of information from a variety of sources.

The following transferable skills will be developed and assessed in the proposed BSc Equine Science degree:

• Problem solving

• Research skills

• Communication

• Improving own learning and performance

• Teamwork

• Information technology

• Application of number

• Personal development and career planning

The course aims to provide students with a broad vocational experience and in-depth knowledge of some of the common aspects of equine management, industry and science. To produce graduates who can work in a range of fields relating to horse management, who can operate efficiently and safely in the commercial industry, are able to communicate and understand data and concepts, are able to utilise specific applied skills to address diverse biological or practical problems and are able to direct their own research and learning.

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

A2 Be aware of the full breadth of Equine science, 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 Equine Science 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 Equine Science, 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; work experience.

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 demonstrate:

B1 Recognise the relationships and interfaces between Equine Science 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 Equine Sciences, appreciate the historical context of the subject and the societal impacts of advances in the Biosciences.

Learning and Teaching
Student development towards these outcomes is primarily promoted through small group tutorials, laboratory practical classes and one-to-one tutoring for the dissertation project. In addition lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; case studies; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; and the opportunity to undertake work experience also support the teaching and learning of these outcomes.

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 demonstrate:

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 Equine science 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
The teaching and learning of these skills are promoted with laboratory practical classes, one-to-one tutoring for the first year skills modules, research methodologies and dissertation project, lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, problem-based learning scenarios and case studies, literature based research, computer-assisted learning, work experience, practical skills development specifically taught and assessed within the Horsemastership module, where yard duties are a requisite component.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Coursework to include: the submission of scientific reports, oral presentations and essays. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their coursework 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 tutorials / seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations, continuous assessment of practical skills and teamwork in the field, and work experience.

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.