Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
1.
Programme or Pathway Title, & Award
BSc (Hons) Biotechnology
2.
UCAS or Other
Admissions Code
J700 BSc/Biot
3.
Northumbria
Programme Code
21SBMS BTN1
4.
Mode of Delivery
On Site
Yes
Distance Learning
5.
Mode of Attendance
Full Time
Yes
Sandwich
6.
Location of Delivery
Northumbria
Yes
Other UK please
specify
7.
Collaborative Provision if applicable
Franchised
Yes
Partner Institution
Distance Delivery
Yes
Part Time
Overseas please
specify
MDIS Singapore
Validated
Joint
Yes
Dual
Articulation agreement for level 5 & 6 students from INTI college,
Hong Kong and Taylors College Malaysia, Franchised to MDIS
Singapore, 2011
8.
Date(s) of Approval/ Review
MAY 2001 Updated February 2011, Updated February 2012
9.
QAA Subject Benchmark Group
Biosciences
10.
PSRB accreditation if applicable
NA
11.
Educational Aims of the Programme
Biotechnology is one of the most rapidly growing fields of applied science, having applications from the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions
to enhancement of food production. The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology is designed to give students the knowledge and skills that will enable them to take
full advantage of opportunities that will ensue from the expansion of this area. The main focus of the course will be on 'molecular biotechnology',
which includes the themes of molecular biology, immunology, and bioinformatics. There will also be an emphasis on laboratory-scale biotechnology
and the course will foster an awareness of biotechnological applications e.g. food production, medicine, and production of renewable fuel. In addition
to developing subject-based expertise and skills, consideration of the many global issues associated with recent biotechnological advances will
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
ensure that this programme is relevant to an international community of students as well as providing local student with access to a field of study
which will have a major impact in the future of science.
For students wishing to enter the programme who do not have the required science background, it is possible to undertake an extended degree
programme which incorporates a foundation year of study at Level 3. The foundation year is common across science based programme in the
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and is designed to provide an introduction to the basic concepts of biology, chemistry and food science along with
basic numeracy skills and data handling, ICT and study skills. Although students are encouraged to identify their preferred programme of study at the
outset, the foundation year does provide flexibility for students to progress to Level 4 (BSc Hons) on a number of programmes within the Faculty.
Aims
1. To provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the basic science that underpins biotechnology, including molecular biology and
bioinformatics.
2. To advance students' knowledge of the science that is in the forefront of developments in biotechnology.
3. To develop in students the practical skills including information technology skills that will enable them to pursue careers in the biotechnology
industry.
4. To prepare students for employment, by developing transferable skills, including: self-management & reflective practice, independence,
communication, IT, numeracy, data analysis, interpersonal & teamwork skills, alongside an awareness of current issues within the taught
programme.
5. To develop an appreciation of the role of scientific research in the advancement of Biotechnology and to encourage an understanding of the
potential economic, ethical, and political impact of modern biotechnology on society.
12.
How Students are Supported in their Learning/Employability/Career Development
Support for Learning:

The curriculum has been designed to provide a solid foundation in the first year of study, so that students can progressively develop their
intellectual skills throughout the programme: the induction programme in week 1 gives students an outline of the key features of the programme &
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION







introduces key members of the teaching team, including tutor, with subject-specific sessions, e.g. dealing with the operation of the programme,
alongside more general guidance, e.g. University procedures, library provision, learning styles.
Each student is allocated a guidance tutor during induction, with regular meetings in formal timetabled sessions in year 1. Guidance tutors provide
pastoral support & academic guidance, working closely with module tutors & programme leaders to oversee the educational welfare of students,
e.g. in monitoring attendance, performance & progression of students. Guidance tutors will also liaise with central support services, where
necessary. In the final year, the project tutor provides a further point of contact between the teaching team & individual students. Staff within the
department operate an ‘open door’ policy to students, making every effort to be available on an informal basis, thereby providing a supportive
learning environment.
Personal development planning is embedded within key modules of the programme, forming an important component of the skills modules.
Students are required to carry out self-evaluation at various stages during the programme, reflecting on their progress to date & their future plans &
aspirations. In several instances, such self-evaluation is linked directly to the assessed work in that module.
Students are provided with written support in the form of a programme handbook, giving key information, e.g. term dates, staff details, & more
general guidance, e.g. on essays, practical reports, examinations. Similarly, each module has a module guide, giving full details of the taught
provision, timetables, guided reading, assessments, submission deadlines
The information specialist (learning resources) is involved in key aspects of the programme, including skill-based modules, and preparation for the
project in the final year , providing students with specialist guidance on an individual basis where necessary, e.g. in relation to information retrieval.
The Study Advice Service and web based Skills+ resource also provides students with additional support in key areas such as numeracy & literacy,
while school-based technical staff provide support for practical classes.
All teaching staff provide comprehensive & constructive feedback on coursework assignments & examinations, enabling students to reflect on their
performance & to develop their skills for subsequent assessments.
Regular meetings are held between staff & students, across the whole programme (programme management meetings with all teaching staff), to
consider the operation of current programmes & receive student feedback.
Blackboard (the University’s web-based learning platform) is used to support the taught programme, with tutors posting relevant learning &
teaching materials appropriate to the module. In many instances, this is the means of delivering formative assessment (e.g. through quizzes &
other exercises) & for providing general feedback, e.g. by posting the previous year’s module review, so that students can see how the feedback of
previous cohorts has altered the current provision. Rather than taking the same approach in all modules, Blackboard use is tailored to the needs of
each module & to the teaching styles of individual members of staff.
Support for employability/career development:

The taught programme provides opportunities for the development of specific practical skills & experience of a range of specific techniques &
methods used in Biotechnology, including the role of data analysis & interpretation. Students are introduced to relevant aspects of numeracy, data
handling & IT in year 1 skills module & these are further developed in those year 2 modules with a practical orientation, including the specialist
biotechnological subjects. The final year programme provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills in scientific research,
experimentation, observation & interpretation, e.g. in the project
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

13.
Other key transferable skills are embedded within the programme: the course team has ensured that opportunities are provided for the
development of a broad range of communication skills (e.g. with assignment presentations in written, oral & poster formats in different modules) ,
interpersonal skills & teamwork (e.g. in practical group work, seminars, case study presentations and team exercises).
Students are introduced to the University Careers Service & to work-related exercises including the preparation of a CV in year 1, & are then kept
aware of provision, e.g. through talks by careers service staff to final year students.
Learning Outcomes of Programme Specified in terms of performance capabilities to be shown on completion of the programme/pathway. Numbers
correspond to the map of learning outcomes in section 18.
Students completing this programme will have command of a body of core knowledge relating to Biotechnology, including an understanding of aspects
at the forefront of their discipline. They will be able to evaluate scientific information, consider the relative merits of alternative theories and views,
formulate personal opinions, exercise personal responsibility and be able to communicate their findings effectively.
a) Knowledge & Understanding
Students will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Understand and apply advanced knowledge in the basic sciences that underpin biotechnology.
Assess how the principles of genetics are the basis of modern molecular biology.
Explain the principles of the immune response in the context of advanced applications of immunological components.
Critically evaluate the role of molecular biology, immunology, and bioinformatics in current and future developments in biotechnological disciplines.
Show a knowledge of the applications of biotechnology and an appreciation of how this has impacted on scientific research and more widely on
society as a whole
6. Relate knowledge and understanding of the ethical issues associated with advances in biotechnology to their impact on society.
b) Intellectual Skills
Students will be able to:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Recognise & apply concepts, theories, principles & models in the context of Biotechnology.
Gather & interpret information from various sources, including printed publications & electronic sources, with appropriate citation & referencing.
Use subject-specific knowledge to address problems & case studies.
Analyse, synthesize & critically evaluate information relevant to Biotechnology.
Formulate & test ideas/hypotheses & use research, reasoning & problem-solving skills in the context of Biotechnology.
Recognise & consider moral, ethical and/or legal issues in Biotechnological applications and/or research.
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
c) Practical Skills
Students will be able to:
1
2
3
4
5
Carry out laboratory procedures with due regard for risk assessment, health & safety regulations & procedures for obtaining consent, where
necessary.
Use a range of assessment techniques, laboratory equipment & methods to carry out investigations & experiments, with appropriate analysis &
evaluation of the information obtained.
Maintain appropriate records of the outcomes of laboratory investigations, in written and/or electronic formats.
Carry out procedures to obtain, collate, interpret, analyse & evaluate relevant data.
Plan & carry out a research-based scientific project, including data analysis.
d) Transferable/Key Skills
Students will be able to:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Develop effective approaches to study & learning, including self-management and self-evaluation.
Understand the need for & be able to demonstrate effective communication of information, advice, instruction & opinion using an appropriate format
(e.g. written, numerical, graphical, visual) to colleagues, staff & others.
Record & analyse scientific data using appropriate techniques, including statistical software & graphical packages.
Use computers to communicate source information, analyse numerical data & solve problems.
Contribute effectively in partnership with others as a member of a team.
Audit, reflect on & review personal practice & the performance of others.
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
14.
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Strategy
Learning:
The programme is designed to enable the progressive development of cognitive, intellectual, practical & transferable skills across the three year period,
facilitating the transition from dependent to independent learner. An important aspect is the successful development of practical skills & related abilities
(e.g. interpretation & record-keeping) & these aspects form a significant & distinctive part of the provision. These aspects are reflected in the nature of
the material covered at each level, as follows:
Level 4 (year 1)
Students enter the programme from a variety of backgrounds, with different levels of knowledge & skills. The first year modules provide a coherent
foundation in all of the core subjects that form the knowledge base of the discipline (e.g. Cell Biology and Genetics (BS0400), Biochemistry, (BS0407)
Principles of Immunology (BS0401), Plant Biology BF0400 and Biodiversity (BF0407) & an opportunity for students to adapt to the requirements of
higher education in a supportive environment, with sufficient directed learning, formative feedback & other aids to learning. The first year kills in
Applied Sciences module (BF0408) enables students to develop laboratory practical skills (e.g. microscopy, spectrophotometry) alongside a broader
range of skills (e.g. numeracy, data handling, information retrieval, scientific writing) while the timetabled guidance tutorials provide an opportunity for
individual personal support. The inclusion of comprehensive support materials for directed study (e.g. reading lists, lecture summaries & handouts,
Blackboard support material & quizzes) is an important feature of the first year modules, as is the use of Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences as a
key text. The applied aspects of the programme are delivered by a taught module that provides a broad introduction to the key disciplines of
Biotechnology (Scope of Biotechnology BF0403). The marks from year 1 do not play a part in deciding the final degree classification and, as a result,
can be seen as providing useful feedback & an indication as to whether student performance is satisfactory (students are invited to discuss their marks
with their guidance tutor, so that individual concerns about performance can be discussed).
Level 5 (year 2)
In the second year, students are introduced to some of the more advanced topics of Biotechnology: The fundamental knowledge & understanding
developed in year 1 can now be applied to such aspects as Food Biotechnology (BF0503), alongside an appreciation of the biology of disease
(BS0501). Similarly, the basic biochemical principles learned in year 1 are extended to aspects of metabolism (BS0508)& bioinformatics and molecular
biology are explored further (BS0508). In addition, applied aspects of the discipline are developed in looking at the industrial applications of
biotechnology. Students will further develop their practical skills beyond the basic principles, with hands-on experience of a range of relevant cellular
and immunological methods (BS0505). The data handling & IT skills required to interpret & analyse results are covered alongside the practical
programme in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biotechnology (BS0518), so that students appreciate the contextual application of such methods from the
outset. In general, there is a move away from the textbook-oriented approach of year 1 towards greater use of a broader range of learning materials,
including journal articles, & students are encouraged to take greater responsibility for their own learning. Problem-solving skills are also introduced at
this level (e.g. in Research methods (BF0512), to broaden the range of transferable skills.
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Level 6 (year 3)
The final year of the programme provides a focus on current developments & recent research into Biotechnology and its impact on society through
several modules including Current topics in Biotechnology (BF0610) & Bioethics (BF0614). The final year project (BF0616) gives students the
opportunity to carry out an extended period of research activity & independent learning in an area of Biotechnology of their choice. Applied
Bioinformatics (BF0611), provides students with the opportunity to exploit their knowledge of bioinformatics and data manipulation by interrogating
databases to critically evaluate sequence data in a research context, while Analytical Methods & Applied Genetics (BS0603) provides theoretical
principles and practical experience of a number of more advanced procedures used in Biomedical Sciences. Overall, the amount of taught & directed
learning decreases as students progress from year 1 to year 3, while the amount of independent learning is approximately doubled over the same
period.
Teaching & learning methods:
While lectures provide an effective and efficient framework for many of the taught modules, a wide range of other methods of delivery are used. The
department is committed to the ethos of ‘learning by doing’ & this is reflected in the time allocated to practical exercises across the programme, thereby
enabling students to enhance & refine their practical skills & abilities, in line with the aims of the programme. Workbooks & worksheets are used in the
early stages, to direct students in their learning, while in later years the activities are more open-ended, e.g. in projects, case studies & problem-solving
exercises. The progressive nature of the teaching programme is also evident in the tasks carried out at each level, with year 1 focussing on activities
linked to comprehension & understanding such as descriptive essay-writing, often supported by electronic resources (e.g. via the Blackboard learning
platform), while the activities in year 2 develop a greater emphasis on application & analysis, with the introduction of case studies [e.g. in Research
Methods (BF0512) & assessed practical sessions (e.g. Biotechniques and Practical Molecular Biology (BS0500), Food Biotechnology (BF0503),
Cellular and Immunological Methods (BS0505)] & the tasks within the final year are designed to encourage independent thought, evaluation & critical
interpretation (e.g. in the Project (BF0616) & in Applied Bioinformatics (BF0611 and Investigative Microbiology BF0604). Seminars, debates & group
exercises also provide students with opportunities to develop transferable skills & abilities across the programme, while personal development is
facilitated by a structured approach to self-analysis & reflection within selected modules of the programme (e.g. in Practical Skills (BF0408) at level 4,
Biotechniques, (BS0501) at level 5.
Assessment:
Assessments have been designed to become more demanding as the programme progresses, e.g. through the use of multiple choice exam questions
and assessed practical exercises at level 4 through to dianoetic written assignments (e.g. project dissertation) & extended exam essays in the final
year. In this respect, assessment acts as an aid to student motivation & progression across levels, as well as giving feedback on current performance.
Overall, the teaching team uses a broad range of assessment methods including short in-class tests & longer formal examinations (seen & unseen),
written assignments & essays, data analysis, practical reports, workbooks & case studies, oral & poster presentations (group & individual), aiming to
spread student workload by staggering the submission deadlines for the various modules within each year. Departmental marking guidelines
(assessment criteria) are used to ensure consistency of marking, being especially useful for new staff, part-time/visiting specialist lecturers & work-
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based assessors. Formative assessment provides students with feedback in advance of the end assessment. In addition, comprehensive feedback on
written assignments & examinations gives students the opportunity to improve their performance in subsequent assessments. Similarly, past
examination papers are provided (e.g. through Blackboard websites for individual modules) & ‘revision’ sessions are scheduled to give students
guidance & instruction on exam technique using past questions as examples.
Reflective evaluation of the content & delivery of modules is undertaken by module teaching teams as part of the University’s annual review process, &
individual module reviews give details of the various changes that have been made to enhance the learning process in subsequent years.
15.
Programme Structure.
Nb The level 5 modules include six 10 credit modules, whereas the University recommendation is for a maximum of four 10 credit modules at each
level. The variation is to allow the sharing of modules with other programmes taught in the division. (Note also that the final year at level 6 has only two
10 credit modules, counterbalancing the higher number at level 5). Assessment loads will be carefully monitored to ensure that students are not over
assessed and that assessment tasks are timed to occur at reasonable intervals.
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Programme Structure (attached diagram at end of document shows timetable)
Progression for Honours Programme
BF0407 Biodiversity (20 credits) - core
BS0407 Biochemistry (20 credits) - core
BF0400 Plant Biology (10 credits) - core
BS0400 Cell Biology and Genetics (20 credits)
BS0401 Principles of Immunology (10 credits) - core
BF0403 Scope of Biotechnology (10 credits) - core
BF0408 Skills for Applied Sciences (20 credits) - core
BF0415 Introductory Bioinformatics (10 credits) – core
Progression point at level 4: 120 credits,
BS0500 Biotechniques and Practical Molecular Genetics (20 credits) - core
BS0501 The Biology of Disease (20 credits) - core
BS0508 Metabolic Biochemistry (10 credits) - core
BF0512 Research Methods (20 Credits) - core
BS0505 Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry (10 credits) - core
BS0518 Bioinformatics and Molecular Biotechnology (10 credits) - core
BF0503 Food Biotechnology (10 credits) - core
BS0505 Microbial and Mammalian (20 credits) – core
Progression point at level 5: 120 credits at level
5.
BF0616 BFN Project (30 credits) - core
Honours Degree awarded for total of 360
Certificate in Higher Education awarded for 120
credits.
Diploma in Higher Education awarded for 240
credits.
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BF0614 Bioethics (20 credits) - core
BF0610 Current Topics in Biotechnology (10 credits) - core
BF0600 Plant Biotechnology (10 credits) - core
BF0611 Applied Bioinformatics (10 credits) - core
BS0603 Analytical Methods and Applied Genetics (20 credits) – core
BF0606 Animal Biotechnology (10 credits) - core
BF0604 Investigative Microbiology (10 credits) - core
16.
credits, including a minimum of 120 at level 5 &
120 at level 4
Interim Awards Credit Structure & Programme Learning Outcomes for Interim Awards.
Award
Certificate in Higher
Education
Credit Structure
120 credits.
Programme Learning Outcomes (Note: modified programme learning
outcomes identified with the appropriate code in each instance – see
section 13)
Students will have demonstrated knowledge of basic concepts in
Biotechnology, will have shown themselves able to (i) address selected
problems and issues, (ii) exercise some personal responsibility and (iii)
communicate information accurately.
Knowledge and Understanding
Explain Key concepts and fundamental principles in basic sciences
relevant to Biotechnology. (a1)
Explain the genetic principles underlying molecular biology. (a2)
Explain the principles underpinning the immune response. (a3)
Explain applications and impact of biotechnology in science and on
society. (a4, a5)
Explain the legal, moral and ethical framework governing the use of
Biotechnology. (a6)
Intellectual Skills
Explain concepts theories, principles and models in the context of
Biotechnology. (b1)
Locate and collate information from a variety of sources including
printed published and electronic sources to address specific problems
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma in Higher
Education
240 credits. 120 at level 4; 120 at level 5.
(b2, b3)
Analyse simple problems, identify sources of relevant information, and
collate this to solve the problem. (b3,b4)
Identify ethical, moral and legal issues relating to the use of
Biotechnology in science and society. (b6)
Practical Skills
Carry out simple laboratory procedures and experiments safely and
within the policies of the laboratory/institution where the work is done.
(c1, c2)
Collect and analyse data from laboratory procedures/experiments using
appropriate techniques, and draw and report conclusions as instructed.
(c3, c4)
Record scientific data in an appropriate manner, either manual or ITbased. (c3)
Transferable /Key Skills
Manage own time/workload to meet deadlines and plan personal
development over short time periods e.g. 1-12 weeks. (d1)
Demonstrate effective communication of information including
experimental data in an appropriate manner. (d2)
Record and analyse scientific data manually and using statistical
software and graphical packages. (d3)
Use computers to communicate, source information, and analyse
numerical data. (d4)
Audit own weaknesses, needs, aspirations & knowledge, and plan
remedial actions under guidance form tutors. (d6)
Students will have knowledge and understanding of key concepts in
Biotechnology, will have demonstrated application to decision making
and problem solving in a subject-related environment., and will have
shown themselves able to communicating their findings effectively.
Knowledge & Understanding
Describe key concepts and fundamental principles in basic sciences
relevant to Biotechnological disciplines. (a1)
Describe the molecular principles underlying the use of genetics and
immunology in biotechnology (a 2,a 3).
Describe the role of bioinformatics in molecular and immunological
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science. (a 4)
Describe the impact of Biotechnology on society (a 5)
Describe the legal, moral and ethical framework governing the use of
Biotechnology in science and society. (a 6)
Intellectual Skills
Discuss concepts theories, principles and models in the context of
Biotechnology. (b1)
Locate, assess and collate information from a variety of sources
including printed published and electronic sources. (b2, b3)
Analyse problems, identify relevant scientific information and organise
this to construct a solution to the problem. (b3)
Discuss ethical, moral and legal issues relating to the Biotechnological
Sciences. (b6)
Practical Skills
Carry out laboratory analyses and experiments safely and within the
policies of the laboratory/ institution where the work is done. (c1, c2)
Record scientific data in an appropriate manner, either manual or ITbased. (c3)
Collect, analyse data from laboratory procedures/ experiments using
appropriate techniques, draw and report conclusions as instructed. (c3,
c4)
Identify results of analyses which lie outside of the acceptable
parameters. (c4)
Transferable /Key Skills
Manage own time/workload to meet deadlines and plan personal
development over short time periods e.g. 1-12 weeks. (d1)
Demonstrate effective communication of information including
experimental data in an appropriate manner. (d2)
Record, analyse and identify out of limits scientific data both manually
and using statistical software and graphical packages. (d3)
Use computers to communicate, source information, and analyse
numerical data. (d4)
Identify weaknesses, needs, aspirations and knowledge, then formulate
and implement remedial actions plans. (d6)
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17.
Variation From Assessment Regulations Provide details of any approved variations from the standard University regulations.
None
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
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Mapping of Learning Outcomes
18.
This section shows how the individual modules (with module learning outcomes as written in the module descriptor) together contribute to programme
learning outcomes, presented as a matrix of programme learning outcomes (as identified numerically in section 13), against modules. Where a module
contributes to a programme learning outcome, this is indicated with an asterisk.
Module
a) Knowledge &
Understanding
Level 4
1
BF0403
BF0407
BF0408
BS0407
BS0401
BF0415
BS0400
C
C
C
C
C
C
2
3
*
*
*
*
*
*
4
*
b) Intellectual Skills
5
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1
2
3
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
4
5
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
6
c) Practical Skills
*
*
*
6
2
3
4
5
1
*
*
*
*
1
d) Transferable/Key Skills
2
3
4
5
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
6
*
*
*
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Module
a) Knowledge &
Understanding
1
Level 5
BS0505
BS0500
BS0501
BS0508
BS0518
BF0503
BS0505
BF0512
Level 6
BS0603
BF0610
BF0611
BF0600
BF0606
BF0614
BF0616
CH0133*
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
*
*
*
2
*
4
*
5
6
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
3
b) Intellectual Skills
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1
2
3
4
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
c) Practical Skills
5
6
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1
*
*
2
3
4
d) Transferable/Key Skills
5
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
2
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
3
4
5
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
6
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
19.
Admission Requirements
The ability to benefit from Northumbria University programmes is assessed on a combination of academic & personal qualities which can be
demonstrated in a number of ways. Successful completion of a GCE or VCE Advanced level course of study (or some other equivalent qualification) is
just one way. Students who can in other ways demonstrate their ability to benefit from a Northumbria University programme, in particular mature
students without formal qualifications will always be considered & are invited to contact the admissions tutor to discuss their application.
Applicants should use the personal statement on their application to illustrate their abilities, aptitudes, skills, qualifications & experiences which might be
taken into account as well as or instead of any of the formal qualifications listed below. It is University policy to recognise a wide variety of evidence, &
potential applicants may wish to discuss this aspect of their application with the admission tutor.
A student’s particular combination of qualifications (including key skills) will always be taken into account in making an offer.
Compulsory Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language and Mathematics.
Plus one of the following:

GCE and VCE Advanced Level:
300 UCAS Tariff points including 100 points in Biology.

Edexcel/BTEC National:
Distinction, Distinction, Merit. Must include a significant amount of Biology.

Scottish Highers:
BBBBC at Higher level including grade B in Biology, BBC at Advanced Higher, including grade B in Biology.

Irish Highers:
ABBBB including Biology.
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Progression Diploma:
Only acceptable in conjunction with Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL).

Advanced Diploma:
Grade C in the Progression Diploma, plus 100 UCAS Tariff points from GCE A level Biology.

IB Diploma:
26 points including Biology at Higher level.

HEFC Access:
Two Distinctions and four Merits including Human Biology, plus Toolbox.

Other QAA-recognised access programme:
Full Access award to include a significant component of Biology at Level 3. Some units should be achieved at Distinction, others at Merit.
Access course students without GCSEs are not required to take these qualifications in addition to their Access award, but must ensure that any
required subjects are fully met within their access course.

Return to Learning:
We welcome applications from mature students and are willing to consider, on an individual basis, those who do not meet traditional entry
criteria. We are strongly supportive of the University's Higher Education Foundation Course (HEFC), which provides an excellent basis for
preparing adult students for entry to Higher Education - more details are available from the Return to Learning Service.
Where English is not the first language, applicants should normally possess a standard of English IELTS 5.5 or equivalent for level 3 entry or 6.0 for
level 4 entry
20.
Application Procedure
Applications are processed by the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
BSc Hons Biotechnology
Programme Structure:
Level 4
Biodiversity (BF0407) (20 credits)
Biochemistry (BS0407) (20 credits)
Skills for Applied Sciences (BF0408) (20 credits)
Plant biology BF0400 (10 credits)
Introductory Bioinformatics BF0415
(10 credits)
Scope of Biotechnology BF0403
Principles of immunology (BS0401)
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
Cell Biology and Genetics BS0400 (20 Credits)
Level 5
Cellular and Immunological Methods BS0505 (20 credits)
Biotechniques and Practical Molecular Genetics (BS0500) (20 credits)
Biology of Disease (BS0501) (20 credits)
Research Methods BF0512 (20 credits)
Metabolic Biochemistry (BS0508) (10
credits)
Biotechnology & Applied Biochemistry
(BF0505) (10 credits)
Bioinformatics & Molecular Biotechnology
(BS0518) (10 credits)
Food Biotechnology BF0503 (10 credits)
Level 6
Analytical Methods and Applied Genetics BS0603 (20 credits)
Bioethics (BF0614)
(20 credits)
Plant Biotechnology (BF0600) (10 credits)
Animal Biotechnology (BF0606)
(10 credits)
Current Topics in Biotechnology (BF0610)
(10 credits)
Biological and Food Sciences Project
(BF0616) (30 credits)
Applied Bioinformatics (BF0611)
Investigative Microbiology 10 credits
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(10 credits)
(BF0604)
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
1
Section 16
Opening statement for Foundation Diploma
learning outcomes has been modified to indicate
how the wording reflects the level, and which
programme learning outcome they contribute to.
Wording of intellectual skills has been changed
from “Explain the relationship…” to “Appreciate
the relationship” because there is no overall
assessment requiring the student to explain.
“Describe basic concepts….” changed to
“Describe fundamental concepts” to fit with
knowledge and skills statement.
Introduce “fieldwork” as an area of practical work.
Added a transferrable skill learning outcome to
cover the introduction of PDP in the skills module.
BTN1
BSc(Hons) Biotechnology
Administrative changes are defined in section of Approval Processes for Taught Programmes and Modules
http://northumbria.ac.uk/sd/central/ar/lts/approval/
August
2008
Y
Change takes
effect
Semester/
academic
year
eg S2;05/06
Programme title(s)
Admin change1
Y/N
Programme
code(s)
affected by
change
Stage/year of
programme
eg Year 3
1.
Brief summary of change to Programme
Specification
(including section number)
Date of approval /
amendment
LOG OF CHANGES
Any changes made to an approved Programme Specification (other than typographical corrections) should be logged below and the sheet appended to the
Programme Specification. Subsequent changes can then be added. Where it is not practicable to change an existing Programme Specification, a new
version is required.
3
2008-09
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
2.
3.
4.
5.
Section 18
Learning outcomes grid has been updated to
reflect year 0 (Foundation Diploma) more
accurately, and to complete omissions for some
modules at levels 4, 5 and 6.
Section 16 - Section 16 – Interim Awards.
Updated to reflect changes in ARNA Regs relating
to Ordinary Degrees
Section 19 - Admissions requirements updated for
2010-11 entry
Errors corrected in Sections 12, 14, 15, 18, 19.
BTN1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
August
2008
Y
3
2008-09
BTN1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
Dec 09
Y
All
2009-10
BTN1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
Dec 09
Y
All
2010-11
BTN1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
Sept 10
Y
3
All
2010-11
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
6
Sections 7 - franchised to MDIS
Section 11 – removal of level 3 degree foundation
year
Section 14 - removal of level 3 degree foundation
year and insertion of new module Cell Biology and
Genetics (BS0400), to replace Cell Biology
(CH0305) and Introductory Genetics (CH0048)
Section 15 - removal of level 3 degree foundation
year and insertion of new module Cell Biology and
Genetics (BS0400), to replace Cell Biology
(CH0305) and Introductory Genetics (CH0048)
Section 16 - removal of level 3 degree foundation
year
Section 18 - removal of level 3 degree foundation
year and insertion of new module Cell Biology and
Genetics (BS0400), to replace Cell Biology
(CH0305) and Introductory Genetics (CH0048)
Section 19 – removal of extended degree related
paragraph plus addition of or successful
completion of the Applied Sciences extended
degree programme ( level 3) to entry
requirements
BTN1 &
DDSO1
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
7.
Sections – 12,14,15,18 and programme structure
tables, new module codes to reflect the ownership
of the modules between the Biomedical Science
department (BS codes) and the Biology, Food and
Nutrition department (BF codes)
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
8.
Sections – 12,14,15,18 and programme structure
Level 5 - removal of module Microbial and
Mammalian Cell Culture (CH0582) 20 credits and
insertion of new module Cellular and
Immunological Methods (BS0505)
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
9.
Sections – 14,15,18 and programme structure
Level 5 - removal of module Clinical Immunology
(CH0054) 10 credits
BTN1 &
DDSO1
10.
Sections – 15,18 and programme structure Level
5 - removal of module Medical Microbiology
(CH0578) 10 credits
11.
Y
All
S1
2011-12
Dec 11
L5
S1
2012-13
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
L5
S1
2012-13
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
L5
S1
2012-13
Sections –14,15, 8 and programme structure
Level 5 insertion of 20 credit module Research
Methods- (BF0512)
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
L5
S1
2012-13
12.
Sections – 14,15,18 and programme structure
Level 6 - removal of module Analytical and
Immunological Methods (CH0588) 10 credits
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
L6
S1
2012-13
13.
Sections –15,18 and programme structure Level 6
- removal of module Research topics in
Biomedical Sciences (CH0585) 10 credits
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
L6
S1
2012-13
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
providing a dynamic, innovative and confident environment for success
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
14.
Sections – 12,14,15,18 and programme structure
Level 6 – Removal of module Biomedical
Sciences Project (CH0584)
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
L6
S1
2012-13
15.
Sections – 14,15,18 and programme structure
Level 6, insertion of new module Analytical
Methods and Applied Genetics (BS0603)
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
L6
S1
2012-13
16.
Sections – 12,14,15,18 and programme structure
Level 6, insertion of BFN project module (BF0616)
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
L6
S1
2012-13
17.
Sections – 15,18 and programme structure Level
6, insertion of new module Investigative
Microbiology (BF0604)
BTN1 &
DDSO1
BSc Hons Biotechnology
BSc Biomedical Sciences
Dec 11
L6
S1
2012-13