UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1. The title of the module
BI856 Viral Pathogens
2. The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Biosciences
3. The Start Date of the Module
September 2014
4. The number of students expected to take the module
10-30
5. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6. The level of the module
M
7. The number of credits which the module represents
15 (7.5 ECTS)
8. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Spring
9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
MSc Infectious Diseases
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
11.1. Knowledge and understanding of key principles in virology (Programme outcome A1-5)
11.2. Understanding of modern virology and its application to solve research problems
(Programme outcomes B1, B2, B4, C1, C2, C4, D4)
11.3. Experimental design within a biological research context (Programme outcomes B1, B2, B3,
C1, C2, C4, C5, D1, D2, D3)
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11.4. Interpretation of biological data (Programme outcomes A6, B2, B3, B4, C3, C4, C5, D1, D2,
D4)
11.5. Organisation and presentation of experimental data (Programme outcomes A6, B2, B3, B4,
C3, C4, C5, D1, D2, D4)
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
12.1. Communication: ability to organise information clearly, present information in oral and
written form, adapt presentation for different audiences (Programme outcome D1)
12.2. Analytical skills: interpretation of data, marshalling of information from published sources,
critical evaluation of own research and that of others (Programme outcome B2)
12.3. Team work: the ability to work both independently and as part of a research group using
peer support, diplomacy and collective responsibility (Programme outcome D4)
12.4. Self-motivation and independence: time and workload management in order to meet
personal targets and imposed deadlines (Programme outcome D3)
12.5. Information technology: use of appropriate technology to retrieve, analyse and present
scientific information (Programme outcome B3)
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The module aims to develop understanding and analytical skills in virology, based around
seminars and interactive workshops. The initial stages of the module will involve an intensive
rotation of seminars covering key practical and transferable skills in virology and molecular biology.
These will be accompanied by interactive workshops wherein students will analyse, present and
discuss the relevant research literature. The students will gain experience in scientific design,
literature analysis, scientific communication and the analysis and statistical interpretation of
complex experimental data.
14. Indicative Reading List
The reading list will be research articles, which will be used to drive a case-study based approach
to learning. Students will be provided with their own copies of this reading material, but in some
cases they will be set tasks for receiving appropriate journal articles to which we already have
access.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the
intended module learning outcomes
The subject specific knowledge and generic skills will be delivered and developed through a
combination of lectures and interactive presentation/discussions of scientific publications
(programme learning outcomes A-C). Oral communication skills, and the ability to assess orallypresented data, will be developed though formal case-study presentations with evaluation and
discussion based on recent scientific literature (programme learning outcomes A-D).
Contact hours 28: 9 x 3h seminar/discussion sessions, 1h Presentation session
Total study hours: 150
Seminars, including preparation time (40 h). Module learning outcomes 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4.
11.5, 12.1, 12.2, 12.4
Preparation for journal club presentations (35 h). Module learning outcomes 11.2, 11.3, 11.4,
11.5, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Self-study (75 h). Module learning outcomes 12.3, 12.4
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
Methods:
Article evaluation worksheets (short worksheets to be used for preparation of weekly in class
discussions) 20%: 11.1-11.4, 12.1, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5
Class participation (in-class discussions) 10%: 11.1-11.5, 12.1, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5
Oral presentation (2 separate 20 min journal club-style presentations, each worth 25%) 50%:
11.1-11.5, 12.1-12.5
Presentation evaluation worksheets (short worksheets evaluating in-class journal-club
presentations) 10%: 11.1-11.4, 12.1-12.5
Peer marking on oral presentation (score obtain from peer presentation evaluation worksheets,
5% from each of 2 presentations) 10%: 11.1-11.4, 12.1-12.5
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
This module will feature small-group workshops, journal clubs and seminars rather than traditional
lectures, and emphasis will be placed on self directed reading and study.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including
additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have
declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
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Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of School
Date
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Print Name