Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 18/07/2022
College College Life and Env Sci
School School of Bioscience
Department School of Biosciences
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title M.Sci. Biological Sciences Full-time
Programme Code 7149
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations Society of Biology
Aims of the Programme
  • To stimulate students to acquire a long-term interest in, and enthusiasm for, biology and scientific scholarship;
  • To develop a broad appreciation in UG students of the scope of modern biology, encompassing levels of biological organisation from molecules to ecosystems, and major groups of organisms;
  • To maximise flexibility and opportunities for choice of modules and degree programmes so that Undergraduate students develop from an initial understanding of a broad core of biological sciences, and maintain that breadth of study throughout the programme or move towards increasing specialisation building on areas of research strength and expertise in the School of Biosciences
  • To provide students with the opportunity of experiencing current research, its methodology and significance;
  • To encourage students to progress from dependent to independent learners and critical thinkers;
  • To enable students to move into a range of biological careers, either immediately after graduation or following further specialist training;
  • To encourage the development of transferable skills (e.g. intellectual, numerical, analytical, communication) enabling students to move into diverse contemporary occupations;
  • To provide pastoral support and guidance to enable students to maximise their achievements within their degree programme.
  • To provide opportunity for developing creativity and innovation

Specific aim for MSci (University Path)

The fourth year will provide in-depth training in research skills and methodologies and an extended opportunity to experience research in an appropriate area of Biology and an extended opportunity to experience research first hand.

Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
1. Fundamental principles governing biology, at the molecular, cellular and organismal level through to ecosystems.
2. One or more specialised areas of biology represented in the School of Biosciences
3. The conceptual framework of biological research and the application of experimental procedures
4. Techniques of data analysis and interpretation appropriate to the discipline
5. Specific for MSci:
A specialist knowledge reflecting our current understanding of biological
Knowledge will mainly be acquired through lectures and practical classes. Support for and extension of lecture based learning is provided by workshops and tutorials (1-4)

Specialist knowledge reflecting recent developments in research is mainly provided in final year modules (5)

Students are encouraged to read primary research literature related to the courses that they are following (5)

Students will attend research seminars and a series of short courses covering core concepts in research methodology and entrepreneurship (5)

Students will carry out an extended research project (5)
Online, open-book exams at the ends of Years 1, 2, 3. and 4 (1-5).

Laboratory reports and in-class tests, various forms of coursework including (but not limited to) presentations, written reports and posters (1-5).

By a combination of an extended project report, an oral viva and a series of short summaries of seminars (5).

The extended project report will include an in-depth literature search and presentation and analysis of results (5).
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
1. The critical analysis and reflective practice required by all graduates, independent of career path preference.
2. The capacity to further their education and training through independent study
3. Transferable communication skills such as written, oral communication and IT skills needed for further study, research or employment
4. Analytical numerical and problem solving skills which they can apply in a wide range of situations, including using information technology to access and analyse data.
5. Competence in a set of technical skills that underpin laboratory-based research.
6. Outcome specific for MSci
Ability to work effectively in the research environment showing self motivation and the ability to work as part of a team
In addition to the skills components embedded in all modules, dedicated skills modules in years 1 and 2 include maths, IT, laboratory skills and understanding scientific literature. Essay writing and presentation skills teaching is delivered through the tutorial system and assessed as part of the skills modules (1-5).

Extended research project in year 4 (6).
Assessed essays; practical reports (1-4)

oral presentations (1-4)

test in IT skills (1-4)

assessed exercises on experimental design (1-4)

information retrieval and interpretation (1-4)

assessed dissertation and project reports during year 3 (1-4)

end of year exams in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 (1-4)

Technical skills assessment in laboratory or field setting (5)

Extended research project report and oral presentation (6)