UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme 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 takes full advantage of the learning
opportunities that are provided.
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and
Location of Delivery
3. University School/Centre
University of Central Lancashire
4. External Accreditation
None
5. Title of Final Award
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full time
7. UCAS Code
C900 BScBiol/S
8. Relevant Subject
Benchmarking Group(s)
9. Other external influences
Biosciences
10. Date of production/revision
of this form
July 2015
School of Forensic and Applied Sciences
Society of Biology
11. Aims of the Programme
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To develop a knowledge and understanding of biological science, based on a
scientific foundation, with the ability to apply knowledge and analyse and evaluate
information.
To instil an understanding of the study of biological science and its importance and
application in different contexts.
To involve the learner in a stimulating learning environment in which students are
encouraged to achieve personal growth in terms of a wide range of skills including
communication, numeracy, IT, independence, interpersonal and group-working
skills.
To develop competence in the definition, implementation and monitoring of plans for
self-development.
To prepare the learner for a career in biological science or in positions requiring
knowledge of biological science.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1 Be able to engage with some of the current developments in the biosciences and their
applications, and the philosophical and ethical issues involved. In addition to being
aware of the contribution of biosciences to debate and controversies, and how this
knowledge and understanding forms the basis for informed concern about the quality
and sustainability of life. (BB 3.2).
A2 Be able to critically discuss and evaluate the principles that underpin biological science
and the methods used for their investigation. This could include elements where
uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge within the discipline are exemplified.
A3 Be able to apply theory/knowledge to new situations, including the formulation of a
hypothesis, the design of experiments and the application of knowledge to new contexts
in the biological sciences (BB 3.2).
A4 Be able to determine an appropriate statistical test to analyse data that will be
produced from various types of study and be able to apply those tests (BB 3.2 & 3.7).
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used, including lectures, practical’s,
IT, laboratory sessions, tutorials, presentations, reading, problem solving exercises,
case studies, discussions and reflection. The final year research module will provide
students the opportunity to develop research skills.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination
of workbooks; short notes; essays; reports of various types e.g. practical reports,
summaries, data analysis; group and individual presentations and end of module
examinations. The final module mark is based on a weighted aggregate of all
assignments in that module.
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Be able to employ a variety of methods to study in investigating, recording and analysing
material (BB 3.6).
B2. Be able to make use of appropriate laboratory equipment to enable a biological study
to be undertaken (BB 3.2).
B3. Be able to discuss the safety aspects to be considered when undertaking laboratory
based investigations and to work safely within a laboratory environment.
B4. Be able to analyse a range of data derived experimentally or sourced from the literature
or databases and present them in the most appropriate format and interpret the findings
from such data (BB 3.2 & 3.7).
B5. Be able to appreciate the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study
of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and
evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment (BB 3.3).
B6. Be able to read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical understanding, while
addressing such questions as content, context, aims, objectives, quality of information,
and its interpretation and application (BB 3.3).
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used including lectures, data
interpretation exercises; laboratory practical work, using workbooks or laboratory
manuals and the production of appropriate written and/or oral material based on the
work. Write laboratory reports. Safe working practices are included in all laboratory
investigations, but particularly when designing experiments and in the final year
research project. Material will also be explored in lectures, tutorials and seminars
enabling students the opportunity to discuss and debate biological processes and place
it in a wider scientific context.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination
of laboratory competencies; laboratory notebooks; workbooks; presentations;
examinations; reports of various types e.g. practical reports, data analysis; case
studies; essays and a research project report. For some modules there will be in-class
tests taken to help ascertain their understanding. The final module mark is based on a
weighted aggregate of all assignments in that module.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Be able to locate and appraise critically relevant published literature and extract
pertinent information from such sources (BB 3.5).
C2. Be able to define and develop strategies for solving problems.
C3. Be able to analyse a range of data derived experimentally, or from the literature or
databanks, and evaluate it critically with the support of a logical and structured
argument
(BB 3.5).
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning activities will be used including lectures; practical
work, data interpretation exercises; case studies; problem based exercises;
discussions within the group and with tutors. A final year research module will give the
students the opportunity to develop their research skills, including selection and
interpretative skills and mastery of using primary and secondary sources.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination
of workbooks; short notes; essays; presentations; examinations; reports of various
types e.g. practical reports, summaries, data analysis and the final year research
project. The final module mark is based on a weighted aggregate of all assignments in
that module.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Be able to write using an appropriate scientific style (BB 3.2 & 3.7).
D2. Be able to work as a useful contributor to a group or independently (BB 3.9).
D3. Be able to use IT effectively for information retrieval, analysis, communication and
presentations (BB 3.7 & BB 3.8).
D4. Be able to communicate appropriately to a variety of audiences using a range of formats
and approaches, using appropriate scientific language (BB 3.8)
D5. Be able to develop the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning to include
working independently, time management, organisational, enterprise and knowledge
transfer skills (BB 3.10).
Teaching and Learning Methods
Coursework is generally required to be word processed; workshops developing skills in the
use of appropriate IT sources, including the World Wide Web, the use of databases and
suitable IT analytical
packages; workshops on library and literature searching;
presentations; practical work incorporating numeracy and statistics; teamwork through
tutorials, case studies, practical’s and problem solving activities. Students are given
guidance on the development of skills via the personal tutor system.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of
written reports, presentations; laboratory notebooks; group and individual project; data
analysis and presentations and a final year research project report. The final module mark
is based on a weighted aggregate of all assignments in that module.
Module
Code
Module Title
BL 3299*
Research Project (C)
or
Group Research Project (C)
or
International Research Project
(C)
40
BL 3236
Biological Control Systems (O)
20
BL 3235
Current Practices in Clinical
Microbiology (O)
10
BL 3220
Advanced Systems
Pharmacology (O)
20
BL 3219
Current Practice in
Haematology (O)
10
BL 3218
Current Practice in Clinical
Biochemistry (O)
10
6
Level
14. Awards and Credits*
BL 3217
Molecular Biomedicine (O)
10
Level
13. Programme Structures*
BL 3216
Current Practice in Cell
Science (O)
10
BL3215
Immunology (O)
10
BL 3214
Evolution (COMP)
10
BL 3213
Molecular Neurobiology (O)
20
BL3212
Drug Therapies: II
Pathophysiology & Treatment
of CNS, Cancer & Pain (O)
20
BL3206
Biology of Disease (O)
20
BL3202
Drugs: From Discovery to Use
& Abuse (O)
20
PJ3202
Microbiological &
Immunological bases of
Disease (O)
20
ELECTIVE
10
BL 3298*
BL 3297*
Credit
rating
40
40
BSc (Hons) Biological
Sciences
Requires 360 credits, including
a minimum of 220 at Level 5 or
above, and including 100 at
Level 6.
BSc Biological Sciences
Requires 320 credits including
a minimum of 180 at Level 5 or
above, and including 60 at
Level 6.
Level 5
DipHE
BL2298
International Work Placement
(O)
20
BL2297
Student Work Place Module
(O)
20
BL 2219
Genetics & Biodiversity
(COMP)
10
BL 2217
Systems Pharmacology (O)
10
BL 2216
Cellular Investigations (O)
20
BL 2215
Biostatistics (COMP)
10
BL 2214
Physiological Systems (O)
20
BL 2211
Practical Skills and their
Application to Diagnostic
Analysis (COMP)
20
BL 2210
Cell Culture Approaches to
Drug Testing & Toxicology (O)
10
BL2206
The Investigation of Disease
(O)
20
BL2203
Molecular & Cellular Biology
(COMP)
PS2860
Physiology – Organisms and
their Environment (O)
10
ELECTIVES
20
20
Level 4
BL 1221
Introduction to Healthcare
Sciences (O)
Requires 240 credits including
a minimum of 100 at Level 5 or
above.
20
CertHE
BL 1220
Integrative Biological Sciences
(COMP)
40
BL 1219
Biological Chemistry and
Foundation Mathematics
(COMP)
20
BL 1217
Introduction to Pharmacology
(COMP)
10
BL 1216
Research Skills (COMP)
10
BL 1214
Blood Bone and the Special
Senses (O)
10
BL1212
Biosciences in the News
(COMP)
10
ELECTIVE
10
Requires 120 credits at Level 4
or above.
*A project module (either BL3299, BL3298 or BL3297) is a core requirement for an honours
degree
15
Personal Development Planning
Students are introduced to the idea of PDP and career planning through sessions in induction
week, including a talk from a careers advisor or employer and meetings with their personal
tutor. Reflection and self-assessment on their achievements and goal setting is supported by
linking selected coursework to the reflection process. Students are asked to reflect (and record
their reflections) on these pieces of work both before submission and after obtaining the mark
and feedback. The students have meetings with their personal tutors who are responsible for
discussing the reflection and notifying the module tutors that it has occurred. Reflection is
encouraged and a small percentage of the coursework mark is directly linked to providing
evidence of engaging in the PDP process.
Students are advised to keep a progress file containing the reflections and examples of work.
In the 3rd year, students are asked to supply to their personal tutor their best examples and
reflections showing achievement in a list of skills. Any references are based on the information
the student has provided plus module results. Work on career development, CV writing etc is
incorporated in group sessions scheduled in induction/reading weeks.
16.
Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic
qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study.
These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to
entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you
should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
260 points including Biology or Chemistry at A2 level or Science at Advanced VCE or
appropriate combination and Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above. Other acceptable
qualifications include:
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Scottish Certificate of Higher Education Higher Grade passes
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
International Baccalaureate
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma (DDD)
Kite marked Access Course
Students where English is not the first language need to demonstrate their ability in the
English language through obtaining an IELTS score of 6 or above or equivalent.
Applications from people with relevant work or life experience and/or non-standard
qualifications are welcome.
17.
Key sources of information about the programme
 Outside the University – QAA website, including the Biosciences benchmarks statements;
UCAS handbooks and web site; National Occupational Standards.

University sources – University School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences web sites;
School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences brochures; University prospectus, Student
Handbook.
18. Curriculum Skills Map – BSc(Hons) Biological Sciences
Level Module
Code
BL3299
BL3298
BL3297
BL3236
BL3235
LEVEL 6
BL3220
BL3219
BL3218
BL3217
BL3216
Module Title
Research Project OR
Group Research Project OR
International Research Project
Biological Control Systems
Current Practices in Clinical
Microbiology
Advanced Systems
Pharmacology
Current Practice in Haematology
Current Practice in Clinical
Biochemistry
Molecular Biomedicine
Current Practice in Cell Science
BL3215
BL3214
BL3213
BL3212
Immunology
BL3206
BL3202
Biology of Disease
PJ3202
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Evolution
Molecular Neurobiology
Drug Therapies: II
Pathophysiology & Treatment of
CNS, Cancer & Pain
Drugs: From Discovery to Use &
Abuse
Microbiological & Immunological
Bases of Disease
Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and
understanding
Other skills relevant to
Thinking Skills employability and personal
development
Subject-specific Skills
A1
A2
A3
A4
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
C1
C2
C3
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
C
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C
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O
O
O
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O
O
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O
COMP
O
O
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18. Curriculum Skills Map – BSc(Hons) Biological Sciences
Level Module
Code
LEVEL 5
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and
understanding
A1
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A2
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A3
A4
O
BL2298
O
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BL2297
Student Work Place Module
O
BL2219
BL2217
BL2216
BL2215
BL2214
BL2211
Genetics & Biodiversity
Systems Pharmacology
Cellular Investigations
Biostatistics
Physiological Systems
Practical Skills & their
Application to Diagnostic
Analysis
Cell Culture Approaches to
Drug Testing & Toxicology
The Investigation of Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Introduction to Healthcare
Sciences
Integrative Biological
Sciences
Biological Chemistry &
Foundation Mathematics
Introduction to Pharmacology
Research Skills
Blood Bone and the Special
Senses
Biosciences in the News
BL2210
BL2206
BL2203
BL1221
BL1220
BL1219
BL1217
BL1216
BL1214
BL1212
B2
B3
B4
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COMP
O
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COMP
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COMP
O
O
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O
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O
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COMP
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COMP
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COMP
O
COMP
COMP
O
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COMP
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B1
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B5
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B6
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C1
C2
C3
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D3
D4
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Other skills relevant to
Thinking Skills employability and personal
development
Subject-specific Skills
Physiology – Organisms &
their Environment
International Work Placement
PS2860
LEVEL 4
Module Title
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