PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
BSc (Hons)
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
Not applicable. Integrated medical students only
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
2011 intake onwards
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Life Sciences
Parent Department:
DIVISION OF BIOSCIENCES
CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences/
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full-time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Successful completion of phase 1 MBBS
Length of the programme:
1 year full time
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
Level 6
Biosciences
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences/degreeprogrammes/prospectivestudents/anatomy_ibsc
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Anatomy
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The aims of this programme are to train students in the biology of anatomy, cell and development, including both
“systems” (comparative anatomy, evolution, physiology) and cell/molecular aspects. They will also acquire basic
research skills mainly through their Experimental Research Project.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
A broad-based core covering the major
elements of anatomy and developmental
biology, together with specialised in-depth
study of some aspects of the subject.
Engagement with the essential facts, major
concepts, principles and theories associated
with anatomy and developmental biology.
Understanding of information and data, and
their setting within a theoretical framework,
accompanied by critical analysis and
assessment to enable understanding of the
area of anatomy, cell and developmental
biology as a coherent whole.
Familiarity with the terminology and
nomenclature of the areas of anatomy, cell
and developmental biology.
Methods of acquiring, interpreting and
analysing biological information with a critical
understanding of the appropriate contexts for
their use through the study of texts, original
papers, reports and data sets.
Knowledge of a range of practical and
presentational techniques and methodologies
relevant to anatomy and developmental
biology, including data analysis and the use of
statistics.
Engagement with some of the current
developments in the biosciences and their
applications, and the philosophical and ethical
issues involved.
Awareness of the contribution of biosciences
to debate and controversies.
The applicability of the biosciences to the
careers to which graduates will be
progressing.
Self directed study
Lectures and audio-visual presentations
Laboratory classes
Computing/bioinformatics sessions
Seminars and workshops
Tutorials
Projects
Access to information, research papers, and data (including
information on the internet)
Problem-based learning
Assessment: Set assignments, essays and project write-ups
Unseen timed written examinations
Oral/PowerPoint presentation (as part of the final year project)
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Recognise and apply theories, paradigms,
concepts and principles related to anatomy
and developmental biology.
Analyse, synthesise and summarise
information critically, including published
research and reports.
Obtain and integrate several lines of evidence
related to anatomy and developmental biology
to formulate and test hypotheses.
Apply subject knowledge and understanding
to address familiar and unfamiliar problems.
Recognise the moral and ethical issues of
investigations and appreciate the need for
ethical standards and professional codes of
conduct.
Self directed study
Lectures and audio-visual presentations
Laboratory classes
Computing/bioinformatics sessions
Seminars and workshops
Tutorials
Experimental Project
Access to information, research papers, and data (including
information on the internet)
Problem-based learning
Assessment:
Set assignments, essays and project write-ups
Unseen timed written examinations
Oral examination (as part of the research project)
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Design, plan, conduct and report on
investigations.
Obtain, record, collate and analyse data using
appropriate techniques (working by
themselves or in a group).
Undertake laboratory investigations of living
systems in a responsible, safe and ethical
manner. Students must pay due attention to
risk assessment, relevant health and safety
regulations, and procedures for obtaining
informed consent.
Self directed study
Lectures and audio-visual presentations
Laboratory classes
Computing/bioinformatics sessions
Seminars and workshops
Tutorials
Projects, including original experimental work
Access to information, research papers, and data (including
information on the internet)
Problem-based learning
Assessment:
Set assignments, essays and project write-ups
Unseen timed written examinations
Oral/PowerPoint presentation (as part of the research project)
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Develop the skills necessary for self-managed
and lifelong learning (e.g. working
independently, time management and
organisation skills).
Identify and work towards targets for personal,
academic and career development.
Develop an adaptable, flexible and effective
approach to study and work.
Self directed study
Lectures and audio-visual presentations
Laboratory classes
Computing/bioinformatics sessions
Seminars and workshops
Tutorials
Projects
Access to information, research papers, and data (including
information on the internet)
Problem-based learning
Assessment:
Set assignments, essays and project write-ups
Unseen timed written examinations
Oral examination (as part of the final year project)
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This 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. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Prof. Tim Arnett
Name(s):
Date of Production:
February 2003 (originally; altered several times)
Date of Review:
July 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
July 2015 (Dr Leslie Dale)
July 2015