PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme title: Biological Sciences Final award (BSc, MA etc): MSci (where stopping off points exist they should be detailed here and defined later in the document) UCAS code: C901 (where applicable) Cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable: Intakes from 2009 (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 (Biological Sciences) (the department responsible for the administration of the programme) Departmental web page address: (if applicable) http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciences-faculty/degreeprogrammes/biological-sciences Method of study: Full-time Full-time/Part-time/Other Criteria for admission to the programme: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduatestudy/subjects/biolosci Length of the programme: Four years (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) Masters Level (Level 7) Biosciences (see Guidance notes) Brief outline of the structure of the programme and its assessment methods: (see guidance notes) MSci: 4 years, 4 CU per year; assessment mainly by written examination and assessment of coursework/project work; pass mark for individual course units is 50% Board of Examiners: Name of Board of Examiners: Biological Sciences Professional body accreditation (if applicable): Date of next scheduled accreditation visit: EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME: The programme gives students a broad foundation in Biological Sciences in Year 1 and provides in-depth training in core areas of Biological Sciences, including Zoology, Genetics, Human Genetics and Environmental Biology, in Years 2-3. Practical experience of the subject is provided in all years. Development of intellectual and transferable skills is encouraged in all years. The option to study abroad in Year 3 provides students with the experience of living and studying in another country/university system and broadening their horizon, both personally and academically. The MSci (fourth) year will provide further training in the area of specialisation, teach important research skills and support the development of additional intellectual and key skills. MSci students are thus prepared for a career in research but also acquire skills that are widely applicable. 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: Year 1. The foundations of modern biological sciences: cellular and molecular biology, microbiology; genetics; development; biodiversity; ecology and evolution; biological inter-relationships; experiemental design and data handling; biologically relevant chemistry. Acquisition of knowledge through one-hour lectures and associated small group tutorials, practical classes, library work and preparation of coursework. In addition to attendance at lectures and tutorials, students are required to study independently. Year 2. Students take courses that reflect their specific interest in Biological Sciences – either the general degree, or specialised Zoology, Human Genetics, Genetics (see other prog. specs.). The core areas provide the training necessary for the development of a sound knowledge of the subject needed in the third year. There is also further encouragment of independent learning. The 1.5 cu of choice allows students to broaden their education and my be in Biological Sciences or from other departments within UCL. Year 3. Year 3 students are independent learners and select courses after discussion with Course Programme Tutors. Year 4. Year 4 students are independent learners, with a focus on research and select courses after discussion with Course Programme Tutors. Five 0.5 cu core courses are given in the second year. Students then have 1.5 cu of choice from courses in Biological Sciences and elsewhere within UCL. Biological Sciences MSci students must take a literature project in the third year, worth 1 cu. Students complete their final year programme of 4 cu by choosing from a list courses offered by Biological Sciences and other departments within UCL. A total of 2.5 cu in the third year should be in Biological Sciences. Biological Sciences MSci students must take a research project in the fourth year, worth 2 cu. This must include a practical, data collection and analysis component. Students complete their final year programme of 4 cu by choosing from a list courses offered by Biological Sciences and other departments within UCL. A total of 2.5 cu in the fourth year must be in Biological Sciences. One of these will include a 0.5cu Research Skills module (BIOLM019). Assessment: Students are assessed by a variety of methods, but primarily by “unseen” examinations, coursework, a project report and an oral presentation. B: Skills and other attributes Intellectual (thinking) skills: 1. 2. 3. 4. Critical reasoning Problem solving Independent learning To appreciate the cultural background of another country. Teaching/learning methods and strategies: These skills (1-3) are acquired throughout the course. Tutorial work and critical discussion during practical work are important vehicles for learning. In Biological Sciences, great importance is attached to the project (practical or literature review) as a means of developing these skills. In the third year of the programme, students are considered as independent learners and have the chance to explore the subject for themselves. Assessment: By coursework essay, assessed practical reports, field course reports, project reports and project oral presentations (as appropriate). The year abroad will help students get familiar with life in a different country and appreciate the culture of that country (see skill 4). C: Skills and other attributes Practical skills (able to): Teaching/learning methods and strategies: The programme aims to provide students with hands-on experience of the major practical components of Biology. These include good laboratory and field practise (for those generalists who opt for courses in field biology); observation and experimentation; experimental design; data analysis and interpretation; use of internet, databases and computer resources. Many courses include laboratory work. Laboratory (and field) practicals are used to teach techniques commonly used by biologists and provide training in experimentation and also in the use of different types of apparatus. Practical classes also provide the opportunity for training in the acquisition and interpretation of data. Research skills form an important component of Year 4. Assessment: Through regular assessed write-ups of practical work. Dedicated field courses result in a mixture of written work and oral/poster presentations. The final year research project is assessed by a project report plus an oral presentation. D: Skills and other attributes Transferable skills (able to): Teaching/learning methods and strategies: Throughout the programme, considerable emphasis is placed on the acquisition of skills that are relevant both to Biology and more generally. These include IT skills; reading and critical evaluation of published research material; quantitative skills; a range of very general skills such as effective communication, oral presentation; the ability to work independently; self- management; production of a CV, etc Development of transferable skills is fostered during all courses in the programme. There are two dedicated compulsory Key Skills courses, one in each of the first two years, plus personal tutorials where transferable skills are audited and targets are set and assessed. Development of transferable skills is supported by UCL’s extensive Key Skills website: www.ucl.ac.uk/keyskills Assessment: During the year abroad, students will need to develop good organisational and life management skills; this includes the ability to manage their finances, finding a place to live, navigating their way through a different academic system and a new culture etc. Key Skills are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis. Transferable skills are assessed through the normal methods of assessment in all courses, as above. All students attend one-two tutorial meetings with their personal tutors each term to discuss progress/difficulties. Discussion centres around a proforma on skills and on personal progress that students can download, complete and bring to tutorials. The various skills needed to settle into a new country and a different academic environment will be developed during the year abroad. Students will be able to discuss any difficulties with the Study Abroad Tutor. They will also need to keep a diary during their time abroad, which will be revised by and discussed with the Study Abroad Tutor. The following reference points were used in designing the programme: the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf); the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-qualitycode/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) Dr Hazel Smith Name(s): Date of Production: October 2009 Date of Review: January 2015 Date approved by Head of Department: January 2015 Date approved by Chair of Departmental Teaching Committee: Date approved by Faculty Teaching Committee January 2015 January 2015