Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences

August 2024

This programme aims to provide its graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet and exceed the generic statements as outlined in the Biosciences Benchmark Statement. Given the focus of the postgraduate degree there will an emphasis on biodiversity and conservation learning and knowledge.

The programme aims to:

• Provide opportunities for students to further develop their interest, knowledge and understanding with a specialisation in biodiversity and conservation management.

• Provide the skills necessary to allow students to undertake work and research within the areas of biodiversity and conservation management as well as allowing them to adapt and respond to change, and to engage in life-long learning.

• Develop in students an appreciation of the social responsibilities of graduates in biological sciences in general, and in the area of biodiversity and conservation biology in particular as well as associated fields like climate change.

These are focused on producing skilled conservation scientists who will be capable of applying their skills and knowledge the associated problems related to biodiversity loss and subsequent conservation management.

A1 Taxonomic knowledge of the diversity of organisms in the natural world as well as their form and function.

A2 Knowledge of the ecological monitoring for conservation purposes

A3 Knowledge of ecological and conservation management strategies on natural populations, communities, habitats and ecosystems

A4 An awareness of policy and relevant to the field of environmental law

A5 An ability to critically analyse and evaluate the effects of human interactions on natural populations and ecosystems, as well as proposed evidence-based solutions

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; practical laboratory and field classes, including workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; problem based learning; self-directed study and research; oral and poster presentations; research projects; peer and collaborative learning; feedback from coursework assignments

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

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

B1 Experience and competence in a broad range of practical skills and techniques used in the biodiversity and conservation research. This LO overlaps with the QAA benchmark standard “Develop, integrate, synthesise and apply the systematic and broad understanding of relevant and state-of-the-art biological concepts to solve complex problems”.

B2 The application of the scientific method including the development of hypotheses, appropriate experimental design, data collection, data analysis and presentation and the ability to critically evaluate the results in the light of current scientific understanding. This LO overlaps with the QAA benchmark standards “Discuss the background, context, methods, results and potential impact of a significant research project” and “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”.

B3 The ability to record data accurately and to carry out basic data manipulation, including statistical analysis as well as an appreciation of the use of bio/ecoinformatics in the analysis of large datasets.

B4 The ability to plan and execute a body of work within a framework in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident. This LO overlaps with the QAA benchmark standards “Develop advanced experimental and investigative skills as appropriate for the project” and “Project plan, including, as appropriate, evaluation of ethics, hazards, environmental effects, sustainability and appreciation of costs”.

B5 The ability to synthesise and critically evaluate biosciences literature from a variety of sources and communicate the principles through written and oral means using appropriate citations, ensuring academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism whether intentional or not.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; self-directed study and research; laboratory and fieldtrips; research projects; problem-based learning; peer and collaborative learning; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations; online activities.


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 Safe working practices in the laboratory and/or the field

C2 A wide variety of laboratory and field skills and techniques used by professionals working within the fields of conservation and management

C3 The ability to obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory, working individually or in a group as is most appropriate for the subject under study

C4 The ability to work with students to practically achieve a common goal

Learning and Teaching
Field and laboratory practicals; residential field courses; peer and collaborative learning; research projects; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; oral and poster presentations.

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

1 The skills for independent life-long working e.g. time management, independent and group working, critical analysis, problem solving, good written and spoken communication skills, organisational and knowledge transfer/exchange skills

D2 The ability to identify and work towards targets for personal and professional career development

D3 Use of the internet and other electronic sources to identify, critically evaluate and communicate sources of information

D4 The ability to work in a cross-disciplinary way to achieve common goals

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; self-directed study and research; laboratory and fieldtrips; research projects; problem-based learning; peer and collaborative learning; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations; online activities.