Minutes of Biology Programme Committee
meeting held on Friday 31 October in Biology Williamson Rooms
1.
Present: Daniela Barilla, Christoph Baumann, Colin Beale, Gonzalo Blanco,
James Chong, Kanchon Dasmahapatra, Calvin Dytham, Julia Ferrari,
Adrian Harrison, Mike Haydon, Thorunn Helgason, Pen Holland, Harv
Isaacs (Chair), James Moir, Betsy Pownall, Sean Sweeney, Gavin Thomas,
Richard Waites, Pegine Walrad, Marjan van der Woude, Carol Wales,
Jenny White (secretary), Peter Young
2.
Apologies: Ian Bancroft, Neil Bruce, Leo Caves, Sangeeta Chawla, Seth
Davis, Pierre Dechant, Gareth Evans, Dan Franks, Paul Genever, Angela
Hodge, Louise Jones, Jon Pitchford, Emma Rand, Ellena Snell, Dani
Ungar.
3.
Minutes of the last meeting of Biology Programme Committee
The Programme Committee approved the minutes of the meeting held on 2
June 2014, with matters arising below.
4.
Matters arising
a)
15H Global change ecology (arising from 14/09d)
The Programme Committee noted that staffing and assessment
arrangements for this module were still being resolved, with Kelly
Redeker delivering most of module.
b)
05I Environmental ecology (arising from 14/09g)
James Moir confirmed that this module is part of the course plan for
Environment students, and not an elective module.
c)
Module reports for 2013/14 (arising from 144/10)
The Programme Committee noted the following module reports
which were not available for its June meeting
23I Animal and plant ecology - report received; noted that this
module is not running 2014 onwards
32I Evolutionary trees - report received, no issues
32I Environmental field skills - report not received, noted that this
module is not running 2014 onwards
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d)
32I Bioenterprise - the Committee noted that Norman Maitland is the
new organiser for 2014 onwards
e)
32I Genomics - Harv Isaacs noted this this module, organised by
Emma Rand, may have revisions in future years, and the introduction
of a workshop on micro array analysis.
f)
32I Systems biology - the Committee noted that this module had
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been planned as an introduction for a stage 3 module however 26H
Systems and synthetic biology did not attract the same students. It
was noted that Biology Teaching Committee had decided that the
module 26H will be offered for 2015/16 provided it is selected by a
minimum of 15 students
g)
4.
Demonstrating (arising from 14/12) - to note that Teaching
Committee reported an improvement in the situation, actions taken
eg TAP forms include a statement to advise should consider, Betsy
also mentions to students, staff need to be aware when planning
practicals
Outstanding issues regarding modules for current academic year 2014/15
The Committee noted that the fly sex linkage practical previously offered in
09C Genetics and evolution had transferred to the autumn term , leaving a
space in the spring term synopsis. Richard Waites proposed running a
paper based workshop, following his lectures; it was agreed that this should
be developed for 2016/17.
The Committee also noted that bioinformatics teaching which used to be in
07C Genetics in the autumn term, and was still offered to Biochemistry
students in their skills module, had not been taught in autumn 2014. After
discussion of the best place for this teaching, it was decided that it would
be taught in the Spring term in 09C Genetics and evolution as a transition
arrangement, with input from Gavin Thomas and Mike Haydon. It was
agreed that long term plans for reinstatement of bioinformatics in 07C
Genetics should be made, since this also affected Natural Sciences
students.
ACTION: Peter Young, Louise Jones, Richard Waites, Gavin Thomas, Mike
Haydon; b/f at Teaching Committee.
5.
Modules for the Annual Plan for academic year 2015/16 approval of module
synopses under the BIO PC remit (Harv Isaacs and module organisers)
a.
Stage 1
12C Animal and plant biology - Richard Waites reported that this
module is running for first time and started with lectures from Sue
Hartley.
06C Scientific skills - Adrian Harrison reported on the merger to
incorporate teaching for Biomedical Sciences students. The
Committee noted that Emma Rand has updated the statistics
element of the practicals, and reduced the lecture content. The
timing of “catch-up chemistry” teaching was discussed at
Biochemistry Programme Committee, and Carol Wales is checking
whether any adjustment can be made to ensure teaching is
delivered to match with the requirements of other Stage 1 modules.
Staffing for the Pocklington Canal practical was still to be confirmed.
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ACTION: Adrian Harrison to agree staffing with Calvin Dytham.
07C Genetics - Louise Jones may need to amend the synopsis after
discussion on practicals (see note above)
ACTION: Louise Jones, Richard Waites, Peter Young and Mike
Haydon.
10C Microbiology - Daniela Barilla noted that more resources (staff,
demonstrators) were needed for practical teaching, with an
increasing number of students. Daniela also commented that
assessment of lab work for a relatively small amount of marks (10%)
was difficult to administer, and proposed moving to assessment by
closed exam in January only, to include problem based questions.
The Committee noted that module organisers should bear in mind
the Departmental aim to have 20% open assessment across the
year.
Staff raised difficulties of teaching in Central Hall and the Committee
noted that the University should be made aware of problems
encountered (AV and writing surfaces).
It was noted that Carol Wales will organise training sessions on AV
facilities for those who will be teaching in Central Hall in the Spring
term.
09C Genetics and evolution - Peter Young will clarify the situation
with practical teaching before finalising the module synopsis for
2015/16.
ACTION: Peter Young.
11C Cell and developmental biology - Harv Isaacs reported no
changes for 2015/16.
b.
Stage 2
04I Developmental biology - Harv Isaacs reported no changes for
2015/16.
05I Environmental ecology - the Committee noted that the module
synopsis needed updating, recommending that more than one
lecturer should be involved in teaching, and that 16 lectures plus
seminars is more contact than a typical 10 credit module.
ACTION: Kelly Redeker
17I Evolutionary and population genetics - Julia Ferrari reported no
changes to the module synopsis.
20I Behavioural ecology - Dan Franks and Carol Wales will modify
the comment on numbers on this module; otherwise no changes to
the synopsis.
ACTION: Dan Franks, Carol Wales
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21I Marine and coastal biology field course - Julia Ferrari reported a
change of name for the module. The field course will take place in
week 10 of the Summer term (end of Stage 1), with teaching
continuing in the Autumn term.
22I Species-environment interactions - Angela Hodge reported no
changes for 2015/16.
36I Organisms in their environment - new organiser Pen Holland
reported that the number of lectures had been reduced (from 13 to 8)
and a session introduced on “what to do if things go wrong”.
37I Population biology - Calvin Dytham reported that R is introduced,
and material follows on from teaching in Stage 1.
32I Skills - Organisers Angela Hodge T4 and Gonzalo Blanco T5
reported on arrangements to merge teaching for Biology and
Biomedical Sciences students in 2015/16. The Committee noted
that additional group practicals were needed in term 4, primarily to
accommodate BMS students, in areas which are already popular with
BIO students. Chris Elliott offered to be involved.
ACTION: Calvin Dytham and James Moir to discuss staffing and
allocation of Term 4 group and Term 5 practicals between Biology
and Biomedical Sciences.
In Term 5, it was noted that Cell signalling/Cell imaging practicals
would be merged, with students allocated to one set run by Sangeeta
Chawla or Gonzalo Blanco depending on their degree course.
Module organisers were reminded that modules needed details of
reassessment.
ACTION: Module organisers to include details of reassessment
where not already on synopses.
Group A 32I GIS - the Committee noted this new module organised
by Colin Beale had not yet run, so no changes were proposed.
Group A 32I Taxonomy and collections - the Committee noted that
this new module organised by Thorunn Helgason had not yet run.
Group B Modelling biological and biochemical dynamics - the
synopsis for this module offered by Jon Pitchford had not yet been
updated.
ACTION: Jon Pitchford.
Group B 32I Bioenterprise - the Committee noted that the synopsis
for this module organised by Norman Maitland had not yet been
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updated.
ACTION: Norman Maitland
Group B 32I Communicating science to the public - Adrian Harrison
reported that this module may be renamed to reflect work with school
students.
Group B 32I Evolutionary trees - Peter Mayhew reported no changes
to the module synopsis.
Group B 32I Genomics - Emma Rand reported minor changes to the
synopsis; the long term future of this module is under review.
Group B 32I Molecular imaging -Frans Maathuis reported no
changes to the synopsis for 2015/16.
Group B 32I Systems biology - it was noted that this module had no
changes but reassessment details were needed.
ACTION: Leo Caves.
Group B 32I Digital media - Richard Waites proposed a new module
for 2015/16 which included novel ways of assessing students. The
Committee supported the introduction of this module, noting that it
was likely to be popular. Assessment would be 40% peer
assessment and 60% reflective report. Contributors were invited;
Pen Holland volunteered.
ACTION: Richard Waites and contributors to finalise module
synopsis.
c. Stage 3
29H BIO/BCH Research skills - James Moir reported on the merged
module, enabling easier access to VLE and Echo material. The
Committee noted that the Open essay had moved to Autumn term
and therefore questions could not be based on material in open
lectures
28H Research Project - the Committee noted that the Chair of
Biology PC will be organiser, and will liaise with Gavin Thomas
(organiser for Biochemistry).
New Stage 3 module for Integrated Masters - James Moir introduced
the synopsis for this new module for Stage 3 project (40 credits) and
skills (20 cr group of 6-8 running in teaching labs). Staff may offer
projects as an alternative to stage 3 undergraduate projects for
15/16; this will be more complicated to balance when stage 4 IM
come into the equation, when staff might expect to take IM and UG
stage 3 projects, or IM stage 3 and IM stage 4 projects.
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01H Advanced topics in developmental biology - Betsy Pownall
reported no changes.
05H Bioremediation - Adrian Harrison reported minor changes to the
aims/outcomes of the module.
10H Conservation ecology and diversity - in Jane Hill’s absence,
changes to the module synopsis proposed by Colin Beale were
noted.
12H Ecological genetics - Kanchon Dasmahapatra reported no
changes.
14H Evolutionary ecology - Peter Mayhew reported no changes. The
Committee noted that best practice would be to have two lecturers in
a Stage 3 module, bearing in mind the danger of fragmentation if
more staff are involved, the benefit of spreading the
teaching/assessment load, and allowing staff the opportunity to teach
at advanced level.
15H Global change ecology - the Committee noted that this module
synopsis needed modification before it could be taken to Teaching
Committee
ACTION: Kelly Redeker.
22H Nutrient acquisition - Angela Hodge. The Committee again
noted concern about single lecturer offering this module.
26H Systems and synthetic biology - Jamie Wood reported that this
module also featured in Masters level and Maths programmes, so if
not taken by Biology undergraduates the content would be revised.
The Committee noted that the new skills module offered by Jon
Pitchford may boost numbers choosing the Stage 3 module.
38H Environmental microbiology - Thorunn Helgason noted some
minor changes to the module’s timetable, with inclusion of a question
and answer session.
39H Advanced topics in behaviour - Elva Robinson proposed no
changes to the synopsis for this new module.
Plant biology module - Richard Waites proposed a new module,
probably more suitable for Stage 2, to build on research strengths of
the Department. The Committee noted that Teaching
Committee/Board of Studies has set up a group chaired by Gareth
Evans to review material included, student choice, and assessment,
in Stage 2, and agreed that this group should consider any new
proposal alongside timetable limitations. It was noted that BCH and
BMS Programme Committees had already considered and approved
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module options for 2015/16 and would need to reconsider if a new
module were offered.
ACTION: Richard Waites to develop a synopsis as soon as possible,
showing links to other modules, for discussion at Teaching
Committee if it were to be considered for 2015/16.
6.
Planning for 2016/17 onwards
Discussion of proposals for new modules and/or changes to existing
modules was deferred to the Spring meeting of Biology Programme
Committee.
8.
Dates of next meetings
● Teaching Committee - Wednesday 26 November - considers modules from
all PCs, and finalises course plans for 2015/16
● Biology Board of Studies - Friday 5 December - approves modules and
course plans for 2015/16
● BIO PC - Spring term 2015 tba week 8 - receives reports from Autumn
term modules associated with BIO, begins planning for 2016/17 modules
● BIO PC - Summer term 2015 tba week 2-3 - receives reports from
Spring/Summer term modules associated with BIO, continues planning for
2016/17 modules
jew/HVI
7.11.14
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