UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Life Sciences for University Study
LZ0xx
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1
The title of the module: LZ045 Life Sciences for University Study.
2
The School which will be responsible for management of the module: CEWL.
3
The Start Date of the Module: September 2012.
4
The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable. 2012 entry.
5
The number of students expected to take the module: 20.
6
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal: None.
7
The level of the module: F.
8
The number of credits which the module represents: 30.
9
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern): Autumn, Spring &
Summer.
10
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules:
IFP cohort:
Co-requisite modules include: LZ036 Academic Skills Development (15 Credit), either LZ037
English for Academic Study (15 Credit) or LZ035 Foundation Project (15 Credit) and 2 other
subject modules selected from the options available on the International Foundation
Programme.
JYA English Plus Programme Students:
Co-requisite modules include: if taking English language and skills modules on the IFP, LZ036
Academic Skills Development (15 credits) and LZ035 Foundation Project (15 credits) OR
LZ037 English for Academic Study (15 credits), along with two other 30 credit modules on the
IFP. JYA Students with the equivalent of IELTS 6.5 can select modules provided by a wide
range of other academic schools instead.
11
The programmes of study to which the module contributes: International Foundation
programme, Junior Year Abroad programme (JYA)
12
The intended subject-specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes: [see Programme Specification]
By the end of the course students will be able to:
i.
Demonstrate introductory understanding and knowledge of Biosciences and its research
methods. [6, 7, A4, C17]
ii.
Show a familiarity and awareness of how key concepts in Biosciences relate to current
and contemporary issues. [4, 5, 7, B8, B10, C17]
New module specification approved by Faculty 06 August 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
13
iii.
Show an awareness of sub-disciplines within Biosciences and how these relate to each
other. [5, 6, B9, B11]
iv.
Demonstrate introductory understanding and knowledge of Biosciences
v.
Select, evaluate and use relevant information from a range of textual formats (e.g.
quantitative, tabular and graphic data, reports, textbooks and articles) relevant to the
study of Biosciences. [6, B7, B8, B10, B12, B13, C14, C15, C16, C18]
vi.
Demonstrate introductory understanding and knowledge of data handling processes and
descriptive statistics relevant to Biosciences
The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes: [see Programme Specification]
By the end of the course students will be able to:
14
i.
Show knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the diversity of theoretical and
empirical approaches in university study. [5, A4, A5, C14, C17, D22, D24]
ii.
Understand the quality of theories, methods and findings in published research. [6, 7,
C14, C16]
iii.
Comply with methods of assessment, deadlines, homework, seminars, workshops, and
tutorials, as appropriate. [10, A5, D20]
iv.
Appropriately manage and organise their time. [10, D25]
v.
Work effectively in a group. [11, A5]
vi.
Use information technology and library resources to support learning and personal
understanding. [10, A5, C15, C16, D25, D26]
A synopsis of the curriculum:
This module introduces students to the study of Biosciences, with the aim of providing an
introductory understanding of key topics in this filed. This module is predominantly theoretical
and is class-room based. The module will explore Biosciences and the research methods
common in its research. The lectures will cover some of the key concepts and theories in the
study of Biosciences. The module encourages students to explore Biosciences in a manner
which is relevant for University undergraduate study.
The module is subdivided into 5 units, the topics covered in the specific modules are outlined
as follows: diversity of life, the environment, essential chemistry, the cell, and data handling.
15
Indicative Reading List:
Campbell, Essential Biology with Physiology, Benjamin Cummings; 4 edition (14 Feb 2012)
ISBN-10: 0321763327 (core text)
Reed, Practical Skills in Biology, Benjamin Cummings; 5 edition (5 April 2012), ISBN10: 1408245477
Barnard, Asking Questions in Biology: A Guide to Hypothesis Testing, Experimental Design
and Presentation in Practical Work and Research Projects, Benjamin Cummings; 4 edition (7
April 2011), ISBN-10: 0273734687
New module specification approved by Faculty 06 August 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Fisher, BIOS Instant Notes in Chemistry for Biologists, Taylor & Francis; 3 edition (28 Mar
2012), ISBN-10: 0415680034
16
Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended learning outcomes:
Two hours of lecture, one hour of seminar per week over 12 weeks in the Autumn & 12 weeks
in the Spring Term (72hrs), 4 weeks in the Summer Term (12hrs)
In addition, students will be expected to spend 8 hours of private study per week over 27
weeks (total 216hrs)
The total number of study hours equals 300.
Lectures will introduce the key concepts, research and issues in different sub-areas of
Biosciences. They will make the students aware of different perspectives and methods
common in Biosciences, specifically relating them to contemporary and controversial issues in
modern society. Seminar sessions will give students a chance to discuss these concepts with
a more practical outlook and work as a group to analyse and evaluate the differing
perspectives and methods used in Biosciences. Independent study will be guided by the
recommended text book and the on-line resources which specifically refer to the lecture
content in order to give students further opportunity to understand the concepts, theories and
methods used in Biosciences.
17
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes:
Assessment and examination consists of 40% coursework and 60% final examination.
The assessments for this module take the following form:
Week Due*
Week 7
Week 12
Week 19
Week 24
Weeks 28-30
Assessment type
Written Assignment 1 (1,000 words)
In-class Test 1 (1 hour)
Written Assignment 2 (1,500 words)
In-class Test 2 (2 hours)
Final Examination (3 hours)**
Weighting
8%
8%
12%
12%
60%
* Please note that these are indicative due dates
**Junior Year abroad students who leave at the end of the Spring term and are therefore
unable to sit the final exams will be asked to write three short essays from a choice of 12
essay questions (the same format as the exam), totalling around 2000 words. These will be
submitted online as a single assignment in Week 25.
18
Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, and IT space:
Staff: 1 member of academic staff from CEWL per group of 20 students,
1 classroom with IT resources per group of 20 students
19
The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary,
New module specification approved by Faculty 06 August 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for
students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for
students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the
University’s/Collaborative Partner’s (delete as applicable) disability/dyslexia support service,
and specialist support will be provided where needed.
20 Campus where module will be delivered: Canterbury
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the
above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of
module proposals"
................................................................
Director of Learning and Teaching
..............................................
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the
introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by Departmental staff, will be
responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
Head of Department
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
New module specification approved by Faculty 06 August 2012
..............................................
Date