Programme Specification
A statement of the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin a
taught programme of study leading to an award from
The University of Sheffield
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Programme Title
Mechanistic Biology
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Programme Code
MBBT02 (MSc), MBBT08 (PhD with Integrated Studies)
3
JACS Code
C700
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Level of Study
Postgraduate
5a
Final Qualification
Master of Science (MSc)
PhD with Integrated Studies
5b
QAA FHEQ Level
6
Intermediate Qualification(s)
7
Teaching Institution (if not Sheffield)
Masters (MSc)
Doctoral Level (PhD with Integrated Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
(MSc)
Master of Science (MSc), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip),
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) (PhD with Integrated Studies)
Not applicable
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Faculty
Science and Engineering
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Department
Krebs Institute within Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
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Other Department(s) involved in
teaching the programme
Chemistry, Physics, Biomedical Science, Computer Science
11
Mode(s) of Attendance
Full-time (MSc)
Full-time (PhD with Integrated Studies)
12
Duration of the Programme
One year full-time (MSc)
Four years (PhD with Integrated Studies)
13
Accrediting Professional or
Statutory Body
None
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Date of production/revision
June 2011
15. Background to the programme and subject area
Mechanistic Biology focuses on basic, life-governing, processes from the cellular to the atomic level. This approach
calls for a synergy of skills and expertise from across the scientific disciplines. Rapidly advancing technological
developments have led to an explosion in genomic and biological data. Progress also increasingly requires the
capacity to employ mathematical methods, computational modelling techniques, and to integrate these with the
deployment of advanced physical characterization tools. Molecular bioscience undergraduates have a good grasp of
the fundamental principles of their subject and its application. However how do we equip these graduates for the new
outlook in interdisciplinary science that will drive future achievements? It is at the Masters level that this can be
optimally developed. The proposed Masters in “Mechanistic Biology” fulfils all the requirements in establishing our
students with the skills, expertise and mindset to be able to cross disciplines both technically and academically,
allowing them to drive forward new science and its application. The Masters in Mechanistic Biology will also address
key interdisciplinary strategic priorities for science across the UK. The Mechanistic Biology programme will equip
students to be able to tackle the key proposed issues of the day as outlined by the themes of the BBSRC ( in their
bioenergy and biorenewables, food security and bioscience for health strands) via provision of a core set of skills and
capabilities. Specifically the course will address the enabling themes of integrative and systems biology; exploiting
big data; tools, technologies and facilities; translation innovation and skills; and finally partnerships across disciplines
and out into industry and other users. This will undoubtedly lead to dynamic and responsive graduates better suited
to the rapidly changing science landscape that currently presents itself. Graduates will have improved mathematical
skills to meet the increasing demand, experience that fits the requirements of end users and most importantly the
confidence and expertise to move between disciplines in order to make the right decisions, take the right approaches
and succeed in a competitive and challenging environment.
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16. Programme aims
1) To provide an integrated training in mechanistic biology suitable for graduate students from a range of
backgrounds and disciplines.
2) To provide students with a firm theoretical background and practical skills and knowledge in fundamental areas
of mechanistic biology.
3) To equip graduates with the skills and expertise to contribute to the development of interdisciplinary approaches
to science and be competitive internationally.
4) To provide students with an opportunity to undertake and report upon an advanced practical project in a topical
area of mechanistic biology of their choosing (MSc only);
5) To equip students with the experience and knowledge to make distinctive contributions in future careers in
emerging areas of mechanistic biology, whether in industry or academia;
6) Improve and augment the existing transferable skills of graduate students, especially in areas of mathematics,
data acquisition and handling, computational biology, literature searching, report writing and oral presentational
skills.
The PhD with Integrated Studies programme has the following aim
7) To enable and support students in undertaking an extended period of research on a topic within mechanistic
biology so that they can submit and defend a doctoral level thesis.
17. Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
Candidates for MSc, PG Dip and PG Cert will be able to demonstrate:
K1
Sound knowledge and understanding of the important fundamental principles that underpin the evolution,
structures, properties and functions of biological systems;
K2
Familiarity with essential primary and secondary source materials appropriate to the programme of study.
In addition, candidates for MSc will be able to demonstrate:
K3
Sound knowledge and critical understanding in a current and topical area of research in mechanistic biology.
In addition, candidates for the PhD with Integrated Studies will be able to demonstrate:
K4
A deep knowledge and understanding of a specific research topic in the realm of mechanistic biology.
Skills and other attributes:
Candidates for MSc, PG Dip and PG Cert will be able to demonstrate:
S1
Practical mathematical, computational and workshop skills in important aspects of mechanistic biology;
S2
Expertise in the use of computational packages (eg Matlab) to solve mathematical problems in biology;
S3
The ability to critically evaluate information contained within source materials, to assimilate it and to precis it
in reports, both written and oral;
S4
The ability to carry out individual directed and self-directed study, and to participate effectively in group
activities such as seminars and workshops;
S5
Subject specific IT skills such as effective use of chemical drawing software, and ability to retrieve relevant
material via electronic databases such as SciFinder, Web of Science, MDL Crossfire, etc;
S6
Further transferable skills, valuable for employment, including the development of individual resourcefulness,
analytical thinking, and the ability to construct and sustain logical argument in both oral and written forms.
In addition, candidates for MSc will be able to demonstrate:
S7
Skills in designing and executing an original piece of research;
S8
Skills in preparing an extended written report/dissertation, to a deadline, based upon an original piece of
research.
In addition, candidates for the PhD with Integrated Studies will be able to demonstrate:
S9
The ability, with appropriate supervision, to undertake a programme of research;
S10
The ability to obtain publishable data from a wide range of appropriate experimental techniques;
S11
The ability to present and defend a PhD thesis based on their own research.
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18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Development of the learning outcomes is promoted through the following teaching and learning methods:
1. Induction procedures in the first few weeks of the programmes are designed to familiarise students with the
important facilities and services within the University and within the Departments contributing to the programme.
These procedures include an introduction to library resources, and to departmental stores, workshop and laboratory
facilities. Valuable information is available also through the relevant departmental web pages and in the Student
Handbook for the programme.
2. Traditional lectures are used to impart essential knowledge relating to K1-K2 above.
3. Seminars and workshops, which may be staff-led or student led, are used throughout the programmes to
reinforce material imparted through lectures. They allow students to undertake problem-solving exercises, both
ahead of the class and during the class, which are designed to reinforce understanding and to aid confidence in
discussion. Seminars and workshops thus contribute both to the attainment of knowledge and understanding, K1-K4,
and to the development of key skills, particularly S1-4.
4. Tutorials are smaller-group versions of the seminar and they serve a similar purpose and deliver similar learning
outcomes. However, tutorials can also better address individual learning needs and allow discussion of individual
problems. They particularly address skills S1 and S2.
5. The individual research project is viewed as a very important contributor to the learning outcomes of the MSc
programme, contributing to all elements of knowledge and understanding, K1-K3, and to all skills, S1-S8. Each
project is carried out under the guidance of two supervisors, one from a biological science department and one from
a physical science discipline. For those continuing onto the PhD with Integrated Studies the thesis builds upon the
knowledge and skills acquired during the MSc in addition to specialist knowledge K4 and skills S9-S11.
6. Independent study is essential to the successful completion of the MSc and PhD with Integrated Studies. New
students are introduced to study skills during the induction procedures and these are reinforced through seminar,
workshop, tutorial and practical assignments. Such study is vital to the proper attainment of all the knowledge,
understanding and skills outcomes. Students are positively encouraged to undertake independent study, and are
given feedback on the results of this study, particularly through seminars, workshops and tutorials, but also by
supervisors during the extended research project and if applicable during the PhD thesis.
Opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the programme learning outcomes are provided through the
following assessment methods:
Regular formative assessment, in the form of periodic tests, and written exercises prepared for discussion in
seminars, workshops and tutorials, are used to monitor student progression through the taught modules of the
programmes, and to pick up and rectify areas of potential weakness, especially with regard to K1, K3 and S1-S4.
Summative assessment is mainly through the medium of conventional, end-of-semester, written examinations, but
programme work elements also contribute.
The assessment of the extended research project is via a dissertation. Students will be able, through this, to
demonstrate specialist knowledge (K3) and a wide range of skills. Project supervisors are able to monitor student
performance during the research project and to provide feedback to students and to arrange additional tuition if this
proves necessary.
19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
Subject Benchmark Statements
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/subject-guidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statements.aspx
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008)
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/The-framework-for-higher-educationqualifications-in-England-Wales-and-Northern-Ireland.aspx
University Strategic Plan
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/strategicplan
Learning and Teaching Strategy (2011-16)
http://www.shef.ac.uk/lets/staff/lts
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The research interests of the academic staff and the research strategies of the Krebs Institute;
The growing requirement in the UK for life science graduates trained in mathematical and computation techniques,
and capable of deploying physical science tools to solve biological problems, as identified by BBSRC in its policy
documents.
20. Programme structure and regulations
For the MSc
The MSc programme consists, in the Autumn Semester of five compulsory modules (15 credits each), two of which
are spread across both Autumn and Spring Semesters. In the Spring Semester, students also study five modules,
including the two that span both semesters (ie the credit weighting between Semesters is equal).
These taught modules, between them, contribute 120 credits to the programme.
During the summer, students undertake an extended research project. This project contributes a further 60 credits,
making 180 credits for the programme as a whole.
For the PhD with Integrated Studies
Students complete the MSc programme as outlined above. This is followed by a three year period of research
leading to submission of a thesis for a PhD. Over the four years students will also engage in the Doctoral
Development Programme as outlined in the Doctoral Development Programme regulations.
Students who fail to obtain a weighted mean grade of at least 59.5 in the MSc will not be eligible to proceed to the
PhD component of the programme. In this case the degree award will be based purely on the MSc structure outlined
above.
Initially in year 2 students are registered for an MPhil and at the end of the second year they will submit, and be
assessed on, an upgrading report. Successful outcome of this process will enable them to go on to continue their
research and submit a PhD thesis; alternatively they may be required to submit for an MPhil.
Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression and
descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html.
21. Student development over the course of study
Normally, it is expected that students joining the course will possess A-level mathematics or its equivalent. However,
additional mathematical capability will be required for significant elements of the course, so appropriate mathematical
methods will be taught during semester 1. In the same way, essential computational skills (for example, training in
packages such as Matlab) will be provided during the first semester. Other modules will provide advanced training in
a range of cross-disciplinary areas considered to be central to mechanistic biology, including physical tools for
biological science. In semester 2, further intensive training will be provided in biophysical chemistry,
nanotechnological tools for biology, modelling and systems biology. A cross-disciplinary research module will provide
an intensive introduction to a broad range of research at the forefront of mechanistic biology. A module on
translational mechanistic biology will provide insights into the mechanisms for deploying advances in crossdisciplinary biological science to the benefit of society through commercialisation.
During the summer, students undertake a research project in an area, and on a topic, of their choosing. This choice,
which is made after appropriate consultation with members of staff contributing to the programme, can be made
early in the programme. Each project will be supervised by a biologist and a physical scientist, both of whom will be
members of the Krebs Institute, to reinforce the cross-disciplinarity of the training programme. To graduate with MSc,
students are required to pass also this project module which contributes a further 60 credits to the programme,
making 180 in total.
It is expected that students who proceed onto the PhD with Integrated Studies will have developed extensive
independent research and study skills by the end of the programme. These transferable skills will enable students to
pursue a variety of careers in industry or academia.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme
Detailed information regarding admission to the programme will be made available at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/prospective/
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23. Additional information
For further information, students are directed to the Krebs Institute web site at http://www.krebs.group.shef.ac.uk/
and to the web sites of the contributing Departments: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Physics and Astronomy,
Chemistry, and Biomedical Science.
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be
considered alongside other sources of information provided by the teaching department(s) and the University. In
addition to programme specific information, further information about studying at The University of Sheffield can be
accessed via our Student Services web site at http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid.
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