UNIVERSITY OF KENT Annex 1: Programme Specifications Template with Guidance Notes Italicised comments are for guidance only, and should not be included in programme specifications. Text in square brackets indicates where specific information should be substituted. The number of bullet points provided in each list is for example only and is not an indicator of the expected length of the list. 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 passes the programme. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this specification is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Degree and Programme Title MSc in Biotechnology and Bioengineering 1. Awarding Institution/Body University of Kent 2. Teaching Institution University of Kent 3. Teaching Site Canterbury 4. Programme accredited by N/A 5. Final Award MSc/PGDip 6. Programme Biotechnology and Bioengineering 7. UCAS Code (or other code) 8. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking None group(s) 9. Date of production/revision May 2015 10. Applicable cohort(s) September 2013 11. Educational Aims of the Programme The programme aims to: 1. Attract outstanding students to develop the Centre for Molecular Processing, irrespective of race, background, gender or physical disability from both within the UK and from overseas. 2. Provide a research-led inspiring learning environment with qualified and trained staff within the CMP and across the Faculty. 3. Further develop and enhance multidisciplinary science within the CMP and Faculty at Kent. Revision approved January 2015 UNIVERSITY OF KENT 4. Enhance the development of the students’ transferable skills. 5. Develop critical and analytical problem-based learning skills to prepare the student for graduate employment. 6. Prepare the students with the knowledge, skills and techniques to equip them for a career in the area of biotechnology and bioengineering. 7. Promote engagement with industry and an understanding in the students of the translation of basic science into products and processes. 8. Inspire students to undertake further research studies and pursue scientific careers both within and outside of academia. 9. Deliver highly qualified and trained graduates in an area identified as being in need of further such graduates for industry and academia in the UK. 12. Programme Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. There are no relevant benchmarking statements. Knowledge and Understanding Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated A. Knowledge and Understanding of: 1. The fundamental principles of modern molecular techniques and technologies used in biotechnology and bioengineering and the ability to utilise and interpret the data from such approaches. 2. At the molecular and cellular level, the processes that underpin the utilisation of biological systems for the production of biodrugs (proteins, small molecules, vaccines) 3. Drug discovery and design, cell engineering to modulate cellular processes, bioenergy, protein and vaccine based drugs, regenerative medicine and bionanomaterials. 4. The use of systems levels approaches in Biotechnology and Bioengineering such that a problem can be analysed and a solution derived based upon a conceptual understanding of multiple parts of the system. 5. Current state-of-the-art strategies and technologies to improve biotechnological and bioengineering systems Revision approved January 2015 Teaching and Learning Workshops, seminars, lectures, small group work, case studies, practical classes, mini-projects, problem based learning, research project, guest industrial lecturers, self-directed learning. Assessment Examinations, practical classes, laboratory reports, oral and poster presentations, project report, viva, coursework assessment, minireview, class debate UNIVERSITY OF KENT 6. The process by which basic scientific knowledge is translated into the industrial workplace 7. The regulatory issues involved in manufacturing of biodrugs 8. The way in which scientific knowledge is disseminated to various stakeholders (e.g. other academics, industry, public, policy makers, media) Skills and Other Attributes B. Intellectual Skills: 1. Research skills: How to formulate hypotheses and design appropriate experiments to address these. How to undertake such experiments. 2. Analytical skills: Critical interpretation of ones, and others, data. Approaches to assimilate multiple data streams to reach appropriate conclusions and derive new hypotheses. 3. How to analyse a problem or question both independently and as part of a group. 4. How to use information technology to retrieve, analyse and present scientific data to required standards. Teaching and Learning Workshops, seminars, lectures, small group work, case studies, practical classes, mini-project planning, problem based learning, research project, selfdirected learning, web-based learning. Assessment Examinations, practical classes, laboratory reports, oral and poster presentations, project report, viva, coursework assessment, minireview, class debate 5. Ability to rationally argue a case and use the available evidence to support claims. 6. Be able to select and use appropriate statistical methodology to analyse and present scientific data. C. Subject-specific Skills: These should include practice and professional skills 1. Experimental skills: design of experiments in a statistically valid way to address specific hypotheses and research questions. 2. Key techniques and approaches in modern molecular Biotechnology and Bioengineering and their application to the field. 3. Appropriate data handing, recording, Revision approved January 2015 Teaching and Learning Workshops, seminars, lectures, small group work, case studies, practical classes, mini-project planning, problem based learning, research project, selfdirected learning, web-based learning. UNIVERSITY OF KENT analysis and how to assess this in line with the current literature. 4. How to write scientific research for various audiences (e.g. primary Journal based literature, non-science audiences, policy makers). 5. How to present scientific research via oral presentation and poster formats. Assessment Examinations, practical classes, laboratory reports, oral and poster presentations, project report, viva, coursework assessment, minireview, class debate 6. An ability to work independently in a scientific environment and to reach an independent conclusion. 7. The application of specific experiment and knowledge based approaches into industrialisation of biotechnology and bioengineering. 8. Recognition of career opportunities both within academia, industry and outside of the scientific laboratory. D. Transferable Skills: 1. Ability to critically evaluate and present scientific data. 2. How to organise information appropriate to the audience. 3. Development of reflective learning practices to make constructive use of ones own assessment of performance and use that of colleagues, staff and others to enhance performance and progress. 4. An ability to manage time and workload to meet deadlines and targets. 5. Enhanced understanding of group work dynamics and how to work as part of a group or independently. Teaching and Learning Workshops, seminars, lectures, small group work, case studies, practical classes, mini-project planning, problem based learning, research project, selfdirected learning, web-based learning. Assessment Examinations, practical classes, laboratory reports, oral and poster presentations, project report, viva, coursework assessment, minireview, class debate For more information on which modules provide which skills, see the module mapping "Module mapping" should provide a link to another web document or, in paper copies, it should be attached to the programme specification. Revision approved January 2015 UNIVERSITY OF KENT 13. Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards The Biotechnology and Bioengineering MSc is a one year (full time), two year (part time) course. The course focuses upon providing training underpinning the furthering of our understanding of the cellular and molecular processes (within the cell and externally) which limit or control phenotypic function relevant to Molecular Processing such that we can predict, model and manipulate these processes to improve the desired outcome (e.g. enhanced biomedicine yield, activity and efficacy). The MSc will provide training in state-ofthe-art biotechnological and bioengineering analytical and molecular technologies, systems and modelling approaches, data analysis, and how these skills align with industry and can be used to develop novel solutions to modern biotechnological issues. There is a perceived shortage of trained scientists in the Molecular Processing area in the UK (see BioprocessUK annual Reports, http://www.bioprocessuk-website.org/) and the proposed MSc will be ideally placed to deliver training in this area which requires collaboration at the interface between fundamental biology, mathematical and computer science, engineering sciences, and industrial R&D and knowledge. The UK is a world leader in this area and there are significant opportunities for graduates in academia (PhD) and industry. The programme is divided into blocks of teaching or research called modules at MSc level (M) or in the case of the optional CB612 or CB613 modules (15 credits) and level (H). The students may choose either CB612 OR CB613 but not both. The taught courses consist of both core and optional modules and have a credit value of either 15 or 30 credits. The student choice of the optional modules allows specialisation of the biotechnology and bioengineering degree in the Bioscience /Engineering /Computer /Business area. Once the taught component of the course is completed a compulsory 60-credit research project will take place during the summer term and over the summer vacation. To achieve the MSc degree a total of 180 credits must be earned with a minimum of 165 credits at (M) level and 1,800 total study hours. The proposed PGT structure has a core Autumn term (60 credits) that builds upon current modules available in the School of Biosciences (BI830 Science at Work, 30 credits) and a Biotechnology and Bioengineering specific module based upon BI836 but adapted for this course (BI850, 30 credits). BI836 will retain the core component of the Biosciences based material that would be expected in any Biotechnology MSc with the major adaptation being the removal of the cancer specific material and the introduction of site visits to biotechnology companies and industry and workshops/lectures from invited industrial experts in the area. An option is also available in the autumn term to students wishing to tailor their programme to include a business module (CB612, 15 credits) or an alternative in the spring term (CB613, 15 credits). Students may take either CB612 OR CB613 (at H level) but not both. A further existing core module that is non-credit bearing, BI803 Biotechnology and Public Affairs, will also be taken. A new CMP based Biotechnology and Bioengineering module will run in the Spring term (BI851, 30 credits) and the students will have the option of an additional 30 credits (or 15 credits if the business/enterprise CB612 or CB613 is taken in the autumn/spring term) from established modules across Biosciences and, if appropriate, other Schools (see Appendix 1 for explanation of optional modules and the approval required). A 60-credit project will take place during the summer term and over the Summer Vacation. A consumables budget of £600 will be used to support the projects and will come from the student fee. Students will have to have acquired at least 90 credits by the end of the Spring term in order to be allowed to continue to the Project and this progression will be determined by the School Graduate Studies Committee under reserved business when the student reps are not present. Students will be permitted to resit up to 30 credits in August. The award of PGDip will be available to students who achieve 120 credits. Whilst it is envisaged that the majority of projects will be supervised in Biosciences, these may be supervised from other Schools in the Faculty provided the project has relevance to Molecular Processing and the student has the required skills to undertake such a project. There will be the opportunity for projects to be undertaken in collaboration with industry although the student will remain based at Kent. The final examination board meeting will take place in October, at which the recommendations will be made for each student. The Revision Januaryand 2015 structure of approved the programme the modules which make it up, credits and the terms in which they are taught are shown below. UNIVERSITY OF KENT Code Title Level Credits Term(s) Year 1 Required Modules (* = new module) BI836 Practical and Applied Research Skills for Advanced Biologists M 30 Autumn BI830 Science at Work M 30 Autumn BI851 Advanced Molecular Processing for Biotechnologists and Bioengineers M 30 Spring BI845 Research project M 60 Summer BI803 Biotechnology and Public Affairs M Non-credit bearing Autumn Optional Modules (must choose 30 credits worth) (* = Students may take either CB612 OR CB613, not both) CB612 New Enterprise Start-up H 15 Autumn CB613 Enterprise H 15 Spring BI852 Advanced Analytical and Emerging Technologies in Biotechnology and Bioengineering M 30 Spring BI8xx Cancer research in focus M 15 Spring BI840 Cancer therapeutics: from the laboratory to the clinic M 15 Spring Given the multi-disciplinary nature of the programme, students may select up to 30 optional credits from the module catalogue upon agreement of the Programme Director and module convenor/host School. Revision approved January 2015 UNIVERSITY OF KENT 14. Work-Based Learning Where relevant to the programme of study, provide details of any work-based learning element, inclusive of employer details, delivery, assessment and support for students. There are no specific work-based learning elements to this programme; however, the research project may offer specific opportunities to work with industrial research collaborative partners (with co-supervision by Kent staff). These opportunities would be investigated and assessed on a case-by-case basis as they would be dependent upon the needs of the industrial partners, but they would not affect the assessment of the programme as they would fit within the existing module pattern. 15. Support for Students and their Learning Student: staff ratio of 10:1 Personal tutorial system Central support services, including a learning resources centre, a medical centre, Students' Union, a Careers Advisory Service, Counselling Service and Disability Support Unit. Woolf College Master, Issues relating to non-academic student welfare, e.g. accommodation Graduate School training programme available to all Biosciences postgraduate induction programme to be completed with other postgraduate students during the welcome week Student Handbook which outlines programme and module content, welfare support, assessment procedures, pastoral support, expectations of the student Biosciences Student Resource Room and Postgraduate/Staff Tea Room, providing computing facilities as well as WiFi access for informal work and social interaction (this is in addition to the space provided by the Graduate School) Seminar programme (during academic term time) Student Learning Advisory Service, Providing student support on a self-referring or, in some instances, recommended basis Postgraduate Personal Development Folder, Personal development planning resource for all postgraduate students emphasising self-directed learning, development of employability skills Adherence to Graduate School Monitoring Processes Research laboratory infrastructure and core facilities Course representatives through which feedback and issues may be raised directly with the School 16. Entry Profile Revision approved January 2015 UNIVERSITY OF KENT Entry Route We anticipate that initially this programme will draw largely on Bioscience graduates wishing to obtain further training in Biotechnology and Bioengineering, some of who may wish to expand training into Engineering and Computing. For such applicants we would expect a minimum of a 2/2 in a Biosciences related subject and interview the candidates. There may be a number of potential students from engineering or computing background who wish to ‘convert’ or obtain training in a more biological context. For these applicants we would require a minimum of a 2/2 and interview the candidates. We would also run additional catch-up workshops in the essential biology required to begin the course for any students accepted from such backgrounds in the induction week and first two weeks of the autumn term. If the market demanded and many such students were applying, we would investigate the development of an alternative to the BI836 based module as a conversion module for such students. International applicants (for whom English is not the first language) will also need to demonstrate proficiency in English. What does this programme have to offer? Training in state-of-the-art biotechnological and bioengineering analytical and molecular technologies, systems and modelling approaches, data analysis, and how these skills align with industry and can be used to develop novel solutions to modern biotechnological issues. Interaction with leading industrialists and national/global companies in the Biotechnology and Bioengineering field Workshops and seminars delivered by specialists in industry Field visits to industry A progression route to PhD study or employment in the Biotechnology and Bioengineering industry Teaching by research active and world leading experts in Biotechnology and Bioengineering State-of-the-art facilities A research project in a world-leading academic research laboratory A cross disciplinary environment whereby biologists interact with engineers, chemists, mathematicians and computer scientists. Personal Profile Students with a degree in a biosciences related subject who wish to obtained advanced training in biotechnology and bioengineering. Students in engineering or computing who wish to obtain training in biosciences. Students wishing to undertake a more indepth research project in Biotechnology and Bioengineering than may have been possible in most undergraduate degrees but do not wish to commit to PhD studies. Revision approved January 2015 UNIVERSITY OF KENT Students with a lower second class degree who wish to study for a PhD. Students who wish to undertake more applied training and research directly relevant to industry in the fields of Biotechnology and Bioengineering. 17. Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards Student evaluations Annual reports External examiners' reports Periodic programme review Peer observation External teachers from industry and academia Postgraduate Studies Board Student Representative Feedback Module team meetings Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards Staff/Student Liaison Committee School Graduate Studies Committee School Learning and Teaching Committee Faculty Graduate Studies Committee Board of Examiners Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience Student evaluations Staff/Student Liaison Committee Student representation on Graduate Studies Committee Personal tutorial system Staff Development priorities include: PGCHE requirements for new members of staff below Chair Core teaching staff research active in Biotechnology and Bioengineering field Staff appraisal scheme Staff development courses Programme team meetings Research seminars Conferences 18. Indicators of Quality and Standards Programme Director is external examiner at Newcastle University for MSc in Industrial Quality Technology and teaches at UCL on the Modular Training for the Bioprocess Revision approved January 2015 UNIVERSITY OF KENT Industries Programme (MBI). All key members of teaching staff are research active in the area of Biotechnology and Bioengineering Key members of the teaching and research team are internationally renown in the area and are amongst the most successful in the University in terms of research funding awarded Key industrial collaborators involved that underpins the impact and translational aspect of the programme Programme reviewed by highly respected external academic Revision approved January 2015 UNIVERSITY OF KENT Revision approved January 2015 UNIVERSITY OF KENT Module mapping A 1 2 3 X X X 4 B 5 6 X X 7 8 1 2 3 X X X C 4 5 6 1 2 3 X X X X 4 D 5 6 7 X X X 8 1 2 3 4 5 X X X X X X X X X X X X X CORE BI836 30 BI830 30 BI851 30 X X X BI845 60 X X BI803 0 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X OPTIONAL CB612* 15 X X X X X X X X X X X CB613* 15 X X X X X X X X X X X BI852 30 X X X X X BI8yy 15 X BI840 15 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X = Students may take either CB612 OR CB613, not both. Revision approved January 2015 X X UNIVERSITY OF KENT Code Title BI836 Practical and Applied Research Skills for Advanced Biotechnologists and Bioengineers BI830 Science at Work BI851 Advanced Molecular Processing for Biotechnologists and Bioengineers BI845 Research project BI803 Biotechnology and Public Affairs Optional Modules (must choose 30 credits worth) (* = new module) CB612* New Enterprise Start-up CB613* Enterprise BI852 Advanced Analytical and Emerging Technologies in Biotechnology and Bioengineering BI8xx Cancer research in focus BI840 Cancer therapeutics: from the laboratory to the clinic Students may take either CB612 OR CB613, not both. Revision approved January 2015