PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Molecular 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:
C720
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
Intakes from 1998 onwards
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Life Sciences
Parent Department:
Biosciences Division
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full Time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prosp-students/prospectus/lifesciences/biochemistry/degree/
Length of the programme:
3 years full time or 4 years full time if Industrial Placement or
Equivalent is selected as an option between years 2 and 3
(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:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciences-faculty/degreeprogrammes/molecular-biosciences/our-programmes
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
Learners should, by the end of:
Year 1 - acquired an adequate knowledge of the biological and chemical principles that underpin the discipline
of molecular biology; begun to develop understanding of the essential 'core' of molecular biological knowledge;
been helped to strengthen their skills in problem solving and critical thought; been introduced to basic
laboratory skills in molecular biology and how to write laboratory reports; embarked on a continuing
programme of acquisition of transferable skills.
Year 2 - developed, at the level presented in standard undergraduate textbooks, knowledge and understanding
of the major areas of molecular biology that we consider to be 'core' ; namely: recombinant DNA technology;
gene expression (prokaryotes and eukaryotes); control of physiological processes at the molecular level;
immune system; biomolecular structure; enzymology; acquired the skill of expressing this knowledge cogently
in essay form; mastered general molecular biological practical techniques and be familiar with their application
and limitations; further developed their transferable skills; become equipped with the necessary skills to
undertake a year placement in industry.
Year 3 - extended their knowledge of selected areas of molecular biology to the level presented in scientific
papers and reviews, with particular emphasis on critical evaluation of the experimental basis of current ideas
and models; learned how to analyze, appreciate and interpret scientific literature; learned the principles of
experimental design and execution using current research methods either in the environment of an active
research laboratory or by writing an in-depth problem-based dissertation; learned how to make written, oral and
visual presentation of experimental findings and scientific knowledge; acquired the study skills necessary for
life-long learning.
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:
1. A broad understanding of the topics
that constitute the recognized 'core' of
molecular biological knowledge and
to allow detailed specialization in
advanced topics selected by the
student.
2. Practical skills that are deemed
necessary to pursue a future career
in molecular biology.
3. The design and execution of
experiments, the analysis of
experimental data, the drawing of
qualitative and quantitative
conclusions from available data and
the discernment as to whether such
conclusions are justified.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Acquisition of 1 is from lectures, small-group tutorials
and regular assessed coursework and/or in-course.
Small-group tutorials provide additional support for
lecture-based sessions and provide a forum for
discussion and student presentations.
Acquisition of 2-3 is from laboratory-based practicals; a
final year research project; and post-exam skills weeks
in years 1, 2 and 3. Laboratory-based practicals are
regularly assessed and in some courses small-group
tutorials form a focal point for discussion of practical
exercises. The research project is discussed one-one
between learner and supervisor.
The extra-mural year allows students to spend time
dedicated to a research project and to gain valuable
work experience (the year away is optional).
Throughout the learner is encouraged to undertake
independent reading to both supplement and
consolidate taught/learnt components and to broaden
their knowledge.
Assessment:
Knowledge is tested through a combination of unseen
written examinations (1); assessed coursework (1 -3) in
the form of essays (1 and 3); problem-solving exercises
(1-3); other set exercises (1-3); laboratory skills (2 - 3).
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
reason critically
analyze and interpret scientific data
solve problems
apply knowledge to research project
demonstrate and exercise
independence of thought
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching
and learning programme outlined above. Each core
course involves the discussion of key concepts, practice
of applying these concepts to the laboratory situation
and in writing and interpretation of material, and
feedback on work students have produced.
Assessment:
The variety of assessment methods employed all place
great emphasis (as listed in the assessment criteria) on
the learner’s ability to demonstrate skills 1-5. This is
through the production of coherent written and oral
responses either to problems or tasks set and the ability
to carry out laboratory exercises in years 1 and 2 and in
year 3, independent research. The research project and
its report provide the vehicle for the demonstration of the
skills listed in 1-5.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
1. Design and execute experiments
2. Analyze experimental data
3. Draw qualitative and quantitative
conclusions from available data and
the discernment as to whether such
conclusions are justified.
4. Retrieve, sift and select information
from a variety of sources
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
All learners receive initial guidance on how to identify,
locate and use material in the library and elsewhere.
Comprehensive reading lists are provided for each
course at the outset in years 1 and 2 where each course
has an associated course booklet(s) containing
important lecture; tutorial and practical information.
Deadlines for work submission are stated in the course
booklets and learners are encouraged to meet their
targets. In year 3 each lecture set is accompanied by a
reading list which comprises, primarily, original literature
sources.
In laboratory classes students are instructed in
techniques and safety. The independent research
project is overseen by the supervisor.
Assessment:
Skills 1 - 3 are primarily assessed in years 1 and 2 by
written reports of laboratory exercises or by analysis and
interpretation of a given set of data with follow-up
discussions in small-group tutorials. In year 3
assessment is made of the learners ability to carry out
independent research (1) and by a written report (2 -4).
Additionally, skill 4 is assessed in unseen written
examinations and in essay writing and problem-solving
exercises.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. structure and communicate ideas
effectively both orally and in writing;
2. manage time and work to deadlines;
3. participate in discussion groups
4. work independently and be selfreliant;
5. work as a member of a team;
6. solve research problems;
7. solve numerical problems;
8. find information and use information
technology;
9. prepare and present a poster
10. present a research talk
All learners receive initial guidance on how to identify,
locate and use material in the library and elsewhere.
Comprehensive reading lists are provided for each
course at the outset in years 1 and 2 where each course
has an associated course booklet(s) containing
important lecture; tutorial and practical information.
Deadlines for work submission are stated in the course
booklets and learners are encouraged to meet their
targets. In year 3 each lecture set is accompanied by a
reading list which comprises, primarily, original literature
sources.
In laboratory classes students are instructed in
techniques and safety. The independent research
project is overseen by the supervisor.
Assessment:
Effective communication of ideas is an important
criterion in assessing all areas of a learner’s work, and
regular feedback and the final mark reflect this. Skill 1 is
assessed throughout the course. Skills 2 - 5 are not
formally assessed. Skills 6 - 8 are assessed through
problem-based exercises and essay and laboratorybased write-ups. Skills 9 - 10 are not assessed but
reinforce computer skills such as the use of Power point
to present a talk and a poster and Word for written work.
The use of computers in specific bioscience applications
is assessed by unseen written examinations and
laboratory-exercises.
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)
Dr Chris Taylorson
Name(s):
Date of Production:
20th May 2008
Date of Review:
June 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
June 2015
June 2015