PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
BSc Human Genetics
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
BSc
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
C420
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From 2003 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 (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:
3 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)
Advanced Level (Level 6)
Biosciences
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/default.asp
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
BSc: 3 years, 4 CU per year; assessment mainly by written
examination and assessment of coursework/project work; pass mark
for individual course units is 40%
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:
To provide students with an education in scientific approaches to problem solving and specific knowledge in a
range of areas of genetics with an emphasis on modern human aspects of genetics. The first year gives a broad
foundation in Biological Sciences. The 2nd year provides a grounding into topics such as molecular biology,
evolutionary genetics, human genetics, genetic systems, development and immunity and a range of options relating
to human genetics. The 3rd year provides a greater degree of specialisation in human genetics research with an
emphasis on medicine, bioinformatics, development and evolution.
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 genetics and
Human Genetics. The core & highly
recommended courses provide the
grouding necessary for the more
specialised subject areas covered in the
third year. In addition to the core and
highly recommended courses, there is
also further encouragment of independent
learning and diversification of interests
through a 0.5 cu of free choice, This
allows students to broaden their
education and my be in Biological
Sciences or from other departments
within UCL.
In the 2nd year, 2.5cu core courses are taught within
Biological Sciences.
Students are strongly recommended to take at least two
out of three 0.5 cu courses, one in Biology of
Development, one in Immunology (the latter is taught by
Infection and Immunity) and one in Cell Biology. They
then choose one 0.5 cu from a list of courses offered in
Sciences and elsewhere within UCL.
Year 3. Third year students are
independent learners and select courses
after discussion with course programme
tutors. The third year enables students to
further their knowledge in specialised
subject areas of Human Genetics.
Human Genetics students must take a project in the
third year and one 0.5 cu mandatory course. The project
may be lab-based (1.5 cu) or a literature review (1 cu).
The mandatory course is Advanced Human Genetics.
Students complete their final year programme of 4 cu by
choosing from a list courses offered by the Biological
Sciences and other departments within UCL, in areas of
medicine, bioinformatics, development, evolution and
societal / ethical issues relating to biology / genetics /
human genetics. A total of 2.5 cu in the third year must
be in Biosciences.
Assessment:
Students are assessed by a variety of methods, but
primarily by “unseen” examinations, coursework (which
may include essays, problem solving, debate, group
presentations), a project report and an oral presentation.
Oral understanding is assessed by oral examination.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
1. Critical reasoning
2. Problem solving
3. Independent learning
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 the Biology
Department (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 specialised
subject areas in Human Genetics for themselves.
Assessment:
By coursework essay, assessed practical reports, field
course reports, project reports and project oral
presentations (as appropriate).
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,
Genetics and Human Genetics. These
include good laboratory and field practise
(for those who opt for the 2nd year field
course(s) in ecological genetics or field
methods in Biological Sciences);
observation and experimentation;
experimental design; data analysis and
interpretation; use of internet, databases
and computer resources, and the oral and
written presentation of their results.
Many courses include laboratory work. Laboratory (and
field) practicals are used to teach techniques commonly
used by geneticists 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.
Assessment:
Through regular assessed write-ups of practical work.
Field courses result in a mixture of written work and
oral/poster presentations. The final year research project
is assessed by a project report, laboratory performance
and 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 within science
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:
Core 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 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 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)
Name(s):
Dr Hazel Smith
Date of Production:
March 2003
Date of Review:
Date approved by Head of
Department:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
January 2015
January 2015
January 2015
January 2015