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
University of Central Lancashire
Preston Campus
3. University School/Centre
School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
4. External Accreditation
Not applicable
5. Title of Final Award
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomolecular Sciences with
Biotechnology
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full time
7. UCAS Code
C700
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
Biosciences
9. Other external influences
Not applicable
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
16/02/2012 (Revised Sept 2012 – Minor change)
11. Aims of the Programme
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To develop a knowledge and understanding of biomolecular science and key areas of
biotechnology, based on a scientific foundation, with the ability to apply knowledge and
analyse and evaluate information.
To understand the application of biomolecular sciences to the biotechnology industry.
To involve the student in a stimulating learning environment where they 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-
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development.
 To prepare the learner for a career in biomolecular science or in positions requiring
knowledge of biomolecular science.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Be able to explain and critically discuss the principles of applied biomolecular sciences and
the underpinning science behind them.
A2. 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
within biomolecular sciences (Biosciences Benchmark 3.2 [BB 3.2]).
A3. Be able to identify, appraise and evaluate the areas of study covered within applied
biomolecular science, and discuss associated ethical issues (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 use those tests (BB 3.2 & 3.7).
A5. Discuss the multidisciplinary nature of biotechnology and evaluate its varied applications
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used; these include: lectures, practicals, IT,
laboratory sessions, tutorials, presentations, reading, problem solving exercises, case studies,
discussions and reflection.
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; 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 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).
B2. Be able to employ a variety of methods of study in investigating, recording and analysing
material (BB 3.6).
B3. Be able to make use of appropriate laboratory equipment to enable a scientific study to be
undertaken (BB 3.2).
B4. Be able to read and use appropriate specialist knowledge of biomolecular science, with a full
and critical understanding, and apply it to new situations (BB 3.2).
B5. Be able to recognise that statements should be tested and that evidence is subject to
assessment and critical evaluation.
B6. Be able to discuss the safety aspects to be considered when undertaking laboratory based
investigations and to work safely within a laboratory environment.
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used; these include: lectures, workshops and
tutorials which will include reference to experimental evidence and arguments for and against
specific hypotheses; interactive computer based exercises (e.g. modelling and data mining) will
encourage student participation; 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
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investigations, but particularly when designing experiments and in the main research project.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of laboratory
competencies; laboratory notebooks; workbooks; presentations; unseen and seen examinations;
reports of various types e.g. practical reports, data analysis; case studies; research project report.
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 sources from the literature or
databanks, and evaluate it critically supported by logical and structured argument (BB 3.2).
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used; these include: lectures; practical work,
research project; data interpretation exercises; PBL exercises; case studies; 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. The final module mark is based on a weighted aggregate of all
assignments in that module.
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; the research project.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Be able to write using appropriate scientific style (BB 3.2 & 3.7).
D2. Be able to work as a useful contributor to a group (BB 3.8) or independently (BB 3.9).
D3. Be able to use IT effectively for information retrieval, analysis, communication and
presentation (BB 3.7).
D4. Be able to communicate effectively to transmit ideas and conclusions (BB 3.7).
D5. Be able to demonstrate planning, carry out independent learning, including areas of PDP
(BB 3.9).
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 the library and literature searching; presentations; practical
work incorporating numeracy and statistics; teamwork through tutorials, case studies, practicals
and problem solving activities. Students are given guidance on the development of skills via the
personal tutor system and associated portfolio. The final module mark is based on a weighted
aggregate of all assignments in that module.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of written
reports, presentations; laboratory notebooks; group and individual project work; data analysis and
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presentation; final year research project report.
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13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 6
Module
Code
BL3299
BL3298
BL3297
PJ3100
PJ3200
PJ3202
BL3236
BL3215
BL3235
BL3206
BL3216
BL3219
BL3218
BL3217
FZ3017
Level 5
FZ3120
FZ3122
BL2218
BL2215
BL2211
BL2203
BL2206
BL2216
BL2214
PJ2100
PJ2101
FZ2024
FZ2026
Level 4
PJ1100
PJ1101
BL1212
BL1214
BL1215
BL1216
Module Title
Research Project
Or
Group Research Project
Or
International Research Project
Biopharmaceutics
Drug Metabolism and
Pharmacokinetics
Microbiological and Immunological
Bases of Disease
Biological Control Systems
Immunology
Current Practices in Clinical
Microbiology
Biology of Disease
Current Practice in Cell Science
Current Practice in Haematology
Current Practice in Clinical
Biochemistry
Molecular Biomedicine
Molecular Biotechnology and
Bioinformatics
Medicinal & Bioinorganic Chemistry
Organic Synthetic Methods
Social Impacts of Biomolecular
Science
Biostatistics
Practical Skills and their Application
to Diagnostic Analysis
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Investigation of Disease
Cellular Investigations
Physiological Systems
Medicinal Chemistry
Dosage Forms 2
Laboratory Studies of Chemical
Concepts
Elements of Inorganic and Organic
Chemistry
Foundation Maths and Chemistry
Dosage Forms
Biosciences in the News
Supplementary Physiology and
Pharmacology
Biological solutions to Life’s
Problems
Research Skills
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
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BSc (Hons) Applied
BiomolecularSciences with
Biotechnology
Requires 360 credits, including
a minimum of 220 at Level 5 or
above, and including 100 at
Level 6.
BSc Applied Biomolecular
Sciences with Biotechnology
Requires 320 credits including
a minimum of 180 at Level 5 or
above, and including 60 at
Level 6.
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10
20
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20
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20
Dip
H.E
Applied
Biomolecular Sciences
Requires 240 credits including
a minimum of 100 at Level 5.
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20
20
20
20
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20
20
20
20
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Cert. H.E.
Requires 120 credits at Level 4.
20
10
5
BL1217
BL1220
Introduction to Pharmacology
Integrative Biological Sciences
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40
15. Personal Development Planning
The PDP programme is based around core modules and assessments rather than stand-alone
modules. 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 by assessing its occurrence by modifying coursework marks.
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.
280 points or above including Biology or Chemistry at A2 level Grade B or above or Science at
Advanced VCE or appropriate combination and Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above.
Other acceptable qualifications include:
 Scottish Certificate of Higher Education Higher Grade passes.
 Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade.
 International Baccalaureate.
 BTEC National Certificate/Diploma (DDD).
 Kite marked Access Course.
Applications from people with relevant work or life experience and/or non standard qualifications
are welcome.
For students where English is not their first language, a score of at least 6.0 on IELTS (or
equivalent) is required.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
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Outside the University – QAA website, including the Biosciences benchmarks statements; UCAS
handbooks and web site
University sources – University/School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences web sites; School
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences brochures; Student Handbook and University prospectus.
Student Handbook.
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18. Curriculum Skills Map
e.g. LEVEL 6
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C),
Compulsory
Module
(COMP) or
Knowledge and
Thinking
Level Code
Module Title
Option (O)
understanding
Subject-specific Skills
Skills
BL3299 Research Project
OR
BL3298 Group Research Project
OR
International Research
BL3297
Project
FZ3017 Molecular Biotechnology and
Bioinformatics
BL3217 Molecular Biomedicine
BL3236 Biological Control Systems
FZ3122 Organic Synthetic Methods
FZ3120 Medicinal & Bioinorganic
Chemistry
BL3215 Immunology
BL3235 Current Practice in Clinical
Microbiology
BL3206 Biology of Disease
Current Practice in Cell
BL3216
Science
Current Practice in
BL3219
Haematology
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Other skills relevant to
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personal development
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e.g. LEVEL
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e.g. LEVEL 5
BL3218 Current Practice in Clinical
Biochemistry
Microbiological and
PJ3202
Immunological Bases of
Disease
PJ3100 Biopharmaceutics
PJ3200 Drug Metabolism and
Pharmacokinetics
Social Impacts of
BL2218
BIomolecular Science
BL2215 Biostatistics
Practical Skills and their
BL2211 Application to Diagnostic
Analysis
BL2203 Molecular and Cellular
Biology
BL2216 Cellular Investigations
PJ2101 Dosage Forms 2
BL2206 Investigation of Disease
BL2214 Physiological Systems
PJ2100 Medicinal Chemistry
Elements of Inorganic and
FZ2026
Organic Chemistry
FZ2024 Laboratory Studies of Chemical
Concepts
Foundation Maths and
PJ1100
Chemistry
PJ1101 Dosage Forms
Integrative Biological
BL1220
Sciences
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BL1217
BL1212
BL1214
BL1215
BL1216
Introduction to
Pharmacology
Biosciences in the News
Supplementary Physiology
and Pharmacology
Biological solutions to Life’s
Problems
Research Skills
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Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
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