UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Annex 1: Programme Specifications Template with Guidance Notes
Italicised comments are for guidance only, and should not be included in programme
specifications. Text in square brackets indicates where specific information should be
substituted.
The number of bullet points provided in each list is for example only and is not an
indicator of the expected length of the list.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected
to achieve and demonstrate if he/she passes the programme.
More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and
assessment methods of each module can be found in the programme handbook. The
accuracy of the information contained in this specification is reviewed by the University and
may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Degree and Programme Title MSc in Biotechnology and Bioengineering
1. Awarding Institution/Body
University of Kent
2. Teaching Institution
University of Kent
3. Teaching Site
Canterbury
4. Programme accredited by
N/A
5. Final Award
MSc/PGDip
6. Programme
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
7. UCAS Code (or other code)
8. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking
None
group(s)
9. Date of production/revision
May 2015
10. Applicable cohort(s)
September 2013
11. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:
1. Attract outstanding students to develop the Centre for Molecular Processing,
irrespective of race, background, gender or physical disability from both within
the UK and from overseas.
2. Provide a research-led inspiring learning environment with qualified and trained
staff within the CMP and across the Faculty.
3. Further develop and enhance multidisciplinary science within the CMP and
Faculty at Kent.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
4. Enhance the development of the students’ transferable skills.
5. Develop critical and analytical problem-based learning skills to prepare the
student for graduate employment.
6. Prepare the students with the knowledge, skills and techniques to equip them for
a career in the area of biotechnology and bioengineering.
7. Promote engagement with industry and an understanding in the students of the
translation of basic science into products and processes.
8. Inspire students to undertake further research studies and pursue scientific
careers both within and outside of academia.
9. Deliver highly qualified and trained graduates in an area identified as being in
need of further such graduates for industry and academia in the UK.
12. Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge
and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. There are no
relevant benchmarking statements.
Knowledge and Understanding
Teaching/learning and assessment
methods and strategies used to enable
outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
A. Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. The fundamental principles of modern
molecular techniques and technologies
used in biotechnology and
bioengineering and the ability to utilise
and interpret the data from such
approaches.
2. At the molecular and cellular level, the
processes that underpin the utilisation of
biological systems for the production of
biodrugs (proteins, small molecules,
vaccines)
3. Drug discovery and design, cell
engineering to modulate cellular
processes, bioenergy, protein and
vaccine based drugs, regenerative
medicine and bionanomaterials.
4. The use of systems levels approaches in
Biotechnology and Bioengineering such
that a problem can be analysed and a
solution derived based upon a
conceptual understanding of multiple
parts of the system.
5. Current state-of-the-art strategies and
technologies to improve biotechnological
and bioengineering systems
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Teaching and Learning
Workshops, seminars, lectures, small
group work, case studies, practical
classes, mini-projects, problem based
learning, research project, guest
industrial lecturers, self-directed learning.
Assessment
Examinations, practical classes,
laboratory reports, oral and poster
presentations, project report, viva,
coursework assessment, minireview,
class debate
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
6. The process by which basic scientific
knowledge is translated into the
industrial workplace
7. The regulatory issues involved in
manufacturing of biodrugs
8. The way in which scientific knowledge is
disseminated to various stakeholders
(e.g. other academics, industry, public,
policy makers, media)
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills:
1. Research skills: How to formulate
hypotheses and design appropriate
experiments to address these. How
to undertake such experiments.
2. Analytical skills: Critical interpretation
of ones, and others, data.
Approaches to assimilate multiple
data streams to reach appropriate
conclusions and derive new
hypotheses.
3. How to analyse a problem or
question both independently and as
part of a group.
4. How to use information technology to
retrieve, analyse and present
scientific data to required standards.
Teaching and Learning
Workshops, seminars, lectures, small
group work, case studies, practical
classes, mini-project planning, problem
based learning, research project, selfdirected learning, web-based learning.
Assessment
Examinations, practical classes,
laboratory reports, oral and poster
presentations, project report, viva,
coursework assessment, minireview,
class debate
5. Ability to rationally argue a case and
use the available evidence to support
claims.
6. Be able to select and use appropriate
statistical methodology to analyse
and present scientific data.
C. Subject-specific Skills: These should
include practice and professional skills
1. Experimental skills: design of
experiments in a statistically valid
way to address specific hypotheses
and research questions.
2. Key techniques and approaches in
modern molecular Biotechnology and
Bioengineering and their application
to the field.
3. Appropriate data handing, recording,
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Teaching and Learning
Workshops, seminars, lectures, small
group work, case studies, practical
classes, mini-project planning, problem
based learning, research project, selfdirected learning, web-based learning.
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
analysis and how to assess this in
line with the current literature.
4. How to write scientific research for
various audiences (e.g. primary
Journal based literature, non-science
audiences, policy makers).
5. How to present scientific research via
oral presentation and poster formats.
Assessment
Examinations, practical classes,
laboratory reports, oral and poster
presentations, project report, viva,
coursework assessment, minireview,
class debate
6. An ability to work independently in a
scientific environment and to reach
an independent conclusion.
7. The application of specific
experiment and knowledge based
approaches into industrialisation of
biotechnology and bioengineering.
8. Recognition of career opportunities
both within academia, industry and
outside of the scientific laboratory.
D. Transferable Skills:
1. Ability to critically evaluate and
present scientific data.
2. How to organise information
appropriate to the audience.
3. Development of reflective learning
practices to make constructive use of
ones own assessment of
performance and use that of
colleagues, staff and others to
enhance performance and progress.
4. An ability to manage time and
workload to meet deadlines and
targets.
5. Enhanced understanding of group
work dynamics and how to work as
part of a group or independently.
Teaching and Learning
Workshops, seminars, lectures, small
group work, case studies, practical
classes, mini-project planning, problem
based learning, research project, selfdirected learning, web-based learning.
Assessment
Examinations, practical classes,
laboratory reports, oral and poster
presentations, project report, viva,
coursework assessment, minireview,
class debate
For more information on which modules provide which skills, see the module mapping
"Module mapping" should provide a link to another web document or, in paper copies, it
should be attached to the programme specification.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
13. Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards
The Biotechnology and Bioengineering MSc is a one year (full time), two year (part time)
course. The course focuses upon providing training underpinning the furthering of our
understanding of the cellular and molecular processes (within the cell and externally) which
limit or control phenotypic function relevant to Molecular Processing such that we can
predict, model and manipulate these processes to improve the desired outcome (e.g.
enhanced biomedicine yield, activity and efficacy). The MSc will provide training in state-ofthe-art biotechnological and bioengineering analytical and molecular technologies, systems
and modelling approaches, data analysis, and how these skills align with industry and can
be used to develop novel solutions to modern biotechnological issues. There is a perceived
shortage of trained scientists in the Molecular Processing area in the UK (see BioprocessUK
annual Reports, http://www.bioprocessuk-website.org/) and the proposed MSc will be ideally
placed to deliver training in this area which requires collaboration at the interface between
fundamental biology, mathematical and computer science, engineering sciences, and
industrial R&D and knowledge. The UK is a world leader in this area and there are
significant opportunities for graduates in academia (PhD) and industry.
The programme is divided into blocks of teaching or research called modules at MSc
level (M) or in the case of the optional CB612 or CB613 modules (15 credits) and level (H).
The students may choose either CB612 OR CB613 but not both. The taught courses consist
of both core and optional modules and have a credit value of either 15 or 30 credits. The
student choice of the optional modules allows specialisation of the biotechnology and
bioengineering degree in the Bioscience /Engineering /Computer /Business area. Once the
taught component of the course is completed a compulsory 60-credit research project will
take place during the summer term and over the summer vacation. To achieve the MSc
degree a total of 180 credits must be earned with a minimum of 165 credits at (M) level and
1,800 total study hours.
The proposed PGT structure has a core Autumn term (60 credits) that builds upon
current modules available in the School of Biosciences (BI830 Science at Work, 30 credits)
and a Biotechnology and Bioengineering specific module based upon BI836 but adapted for
this course (BI850, 30 credits). BI836 will retain the core component of the Biosciences
based material that would be expected in any Biotechnology MSc with the major adaptation
being the removal of the cancer specific material and the introduction of site visits to
biotechnology companies and industry and workshops/lectures from invited industrial
experts in the area. An option is also available in the autumn term to students wishing to
tailor their programme to include a business module (CB612, 15 credits) or an alternative in
the spring term (CB613, 15 credits). Students may take either CB612 OR CB613 (at H level)
but not both. A further existing core module that is non-credit bearing, BI803 Biotechnology
and Public Affairs, will also be taken. A new CMP based Biotechnology and Bioengineering
module will run in the Spring term (BI851, 30 credits) and the students will have the option of
an additional 30 credits (or 15 credits if the business/enterprise CB612 or CB613 is taken in
the autumn/spring term) from established modules across Biosciences and, if appropriate,
other Schools (see Appendix 1 for explanation of optional modules and the approval
required). A 60-credit project will take place during the summer term and over the Summer
Vacation. A consumables budget of £600 will be used to support the projects and will come
from the student fee. Students will have to have acquired at least 90 credits by the end of
the Spring term in order to be allowed to continue to the Project and this progression will be
determined by the School Graduate Studies Committee under reserved business when the
student reps are not present. Students will be permitted to resit up to 30 credits in August.
The award of PGDip will be available to students who achieve 120 credits. Whilst it is
envisaged that the majority of projects will be supervised in Biosciences, these may be
supervised from other Schools in the Faculty provided the project has relevance to
Molecular Processing and the student has the required skills to undertake such a project.
There will be the opportunity for projects to be undertaken in collaboration with industry
although the student will remain based at Kent. The final examination board meeting will
take place in October, at which the recommendations will be made for each student. The
Revision
Januaryand
2015
structure
of approved
the programme
the modules which make it up, credits and the terms in
which they are taught are shown below.
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Code
Title
Level
Credits
Term(s)
Year 1
Required Modules (* = new module)
BI836
Practical and Applied Research Skills for
Advanced Biologists
M
30
Autumn
BI830
Science at Work
M
30
Autumn
BI851
Advanced Molecular Processing for
Biotechnologists and Bioengineers
M
30
Spring
BI845
Research project
M
60
Summer
BI803
Biotechnology and Public Affairs
M
Non-credit
bearing
Autumn
Optional Modules (must choose 30 credits worth) (* = Students may take either CB612
OR CB613, not both)
CB612
New Enterprise Start-up
H
15
Autumn
CB613
Enterprise
H
15
Spring
BI852
Advanced Analytical and Emerging
Technologies in Biotechnology and
Bioengineering
M
30
Spring
BI8xx
Cancer research in focus
M
15
Spring
BI840
Cancer therapeutics: from the laboratory
to the clinic
M
15
Spring
Given the multi-disciplinary nature of the programme, students may select up to 30
optional credits from the module catalogue upon agreement of the Programme
Director and module convenor/host School.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
14. Work-Based Learning
Where relevant to the programme of study, provide details of any work-based learning
element, inclusive of employer details, delivery, assessment and support for students.
There are no specific work-based learning elements to this programme; however, the
research project may offer specific opportunities to work with industrial research collaborative
partners (with co-supervision by Kent staff). These opportunities would be investigated and
assessed on a case-by-case basis as they would be dependent upon the needs of the
industrial partners, but they would not affect the assessment of the programme as they would
fit within the existing module pattern.
15. Support for Students and their Learning
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Student: staff ratio of 10:1
Personal tutorial system
Central support services, including a learning resources centre, a medical centre,
Students' Union, a Careers Advisory Service, Counselling Service and Disability Support
Unit.
Woolf College Master, Issues relating to non-academic student welfare, e.g.
accommodation
Graduate School training programme available to all
Biosciences postgraduate induction programme to be completed with other postgraduate
students during the welcome week
Student Handbook which outlines programme and module content, welfare support,
assessment procedures, pastoral support, expectations of the student
Biosciences Student Resource Room and Postgraduate/Staff Tea Room, providing
computing facilities as well as WiFi access for informal work and social interaction (this is
in addition to the space provided by the Graduate School)
Seminar programme (during academic term time)
Student Learning Advisory Service, Providing student support on a self-referring or, in
some instances, recommended basis
Postgraduate Personal Development Folder, Personal development planning resource for
all postgraduate students emphasising self-directed learning, development of
employability skills
Adherence to Graduate School Monitoring Processes
Research laboratory infrastructure and core facilities
Course representatives through which feedback and issues may be raised directly with
the School
16. Entry Profile
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Entry Route
We anticipate that initially this programme will draw largely on Bioscience graduates wishing
to obtain further training in Biotechnology and Bioengineering, some of who may wish
to expand training into Engineering and Computing. For such applicants we would
expect a minimum of a 2/2 in a Biosciences related subject and interview the
candidates. There may be a number of potential students from engineering or
computing background who wish to ‘convert’ or obtain training in a more biological
context. For these applicants we would require a minimum of a 2/2 and interview the
candidates. We would also run additional catch-up workshops in the essential biology
required to begin the course for any students accepted from such backgrounds in the
induction week and first two weeks of the autumn term. If the market demanded and
many such students were applying, we would investigate the development of an
alternative to the BI836 based module as a conversion module for such students.
International applicants (for whom English is not the first language) will also need to
demonstrate proficiency in English.
What does this programme have to offer?
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Training in state-of-the-art biotechnological and bioengineering analytical and
molecular technologies, systems and modelling approaches, data analysis, and how these
skills align with industry and can be used to develop novel solutions to modern
biotechnological issues.
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Interaction with leading industrialists and national/global companies in the
Biotechnology and Bioengineering field
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Workshops and seminars delivered by specialists in industry
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Field visits to industry
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A progression route to PhD study or employment in the Biotechnology and
Bioengineering industry
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Teaching by research active and world leading experts in Biotechnology and
Bioengineering
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State-of-the-art facilities
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A research project in a world-leading academic research laboratory
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A cross disciplinary environment whereby biologists interact with engineers, chemists,
mathematicians and computer scientists.
Personal Profile
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Students with a degree in a biosciences related subject who wish to obtained advanced
training in biotechnology and bioengineering.
Students in engineering or computing who wish to obtain training in biosciences.
Students wishing to undertake a more indepth research project in Biotechnology and
Bioengineering than may have been possible in most undergraduate degrees but do not
wish to commit to PhD studies.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
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Students with a lower second class degree who wish to study for a PhD.
Students who wish to undertake more applied training and research directly relevant to
industry in the fields of Biotechnology and Bioengineering.
17. Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and
Learning
Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the
curriculum and outcome standards
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Student evaluations
Annual reports
External examiners' reports
Periodic programme review
Peer observation
External teachers from industry and academia
Postgraduate Studies Board Student Representative Feedback
Module team meetings
Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards
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Staff/Student Liaison Committee
School Graduate Studies Committee
School Learning and Teaching Committee
Faculty Graduate Studies Committee
Board of Examiners
Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning
experience
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Student evaluations
Staff/Student Liaison Committee
Student representation on Graduate Studies Committee
Personal tutorial system
Staff Development priorities include:
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PGCHE requirements for new members of staff below Chair
Core teaching staff research active in Biotechnology and Bioengineering field
Staff appraisal scheme
Staff development courses
Programme team meetings
Research seminars
Conferences
18. Indicators of Quality and Standards
Programme Director is external examiner at Newcastle University for MSc in Industrial
Quality Technology and teaches at UCL on the Modular Training for the Bioprocess
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Industries Programme (MBI).
All key members of teaching staff are research active in the area of Biotechnology and
Bioengineering
Key members of the teaching and research team are internationally renown in the area and
are amongst the most successful in the University in terms of research funding awarded
Key industrial collaborators involved that underpins the impact and translational aspect of
the programme
Programme reviewed by highly respected external academic
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module mapping
A
1
2
3
X
X
X
4
B
5
6
X
X
7
8
1
2
3
X
X
X
C
4
5
6
1
2
3
X
X
X
X
4
D
5
6
7
X
X
X
8
1
2
3
4
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CORE
BI836
30
BI830
30
BI851
30
X
X
X
BI845
60
X
X
BI803
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OPTIONAL
CB612*
15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CB613*
15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
BI852
30
X
X
X
X
X
BI8yy
15
X
BI840
15
X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
= Students may take either CB612 OR CB613, not both.
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X
X
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Code
Title
BI836
Practical and Applied Research Skills for
Advanced Biotechnologists and
Bioengineers
BI830
Science at Work
BI851
Advanced Molecular Processing for
Biotechnologists and Bioengineers
BI845
Research project
BI803
Biotechnology and Public Affairs
Optional Modules (must choose 30 credits worth) (* = new module)
CB612*
New Enterprise Start-up
CB613*
Enterprise
BI852
Advanced Analytical and Emerging
Technologies in Biotechnology and
Bioengineering
BI8xx
Cancer research in focus
BI840
Cancer therapeutics: from the laboratory
to the clinic

Students may take either CB612 OR CB613, not both.
Revision approved January 2015