SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY
ACADEMIC QUALITY AND STANDARDS
COURSE DESIGN AND APPROVAL
SUBMISSION DOCUMENT
Collaborative Partner:North Lindsey College
Proposed programmes of study:
FdSc Biosciences
FdSc Biochemistry
Date of Validation:16 May 2012
CONTENTS
In a bid to assist with the navigation of relevant sections of the validation documents, please find below a contents list of all relevant sections for the two proposed programmes of study. Given the similarity of the two programmes, it was suggested that some sections of the validation documents be combined.
Section / Description / FdSc Biosciences / FdSc BiochemistryOne / Programme Specification / 1 – 10 / 11 - 20
Two / Aims and Learning Outcomes of Intermediate Awards / 21
Three / Rationale and Supporting Information / 21 - 25
Four / Award and Assessment Regulations / 26 - 27
Five / Course Information for Corporate Systems (SI) / 28 - 30 / 31 - 33
Six / Mapping of Learning Outcomes / 34 - 36 / 37 – 38
Seven / Module Schedule (Summary Table) / 39 - 40 / 41 – 42
Module / FdSc Biosciences / FdSc Biochemistry
Level 4 / Professional Laboratory Practice and Academic Skills (40) / 43 – 48
Cells, Molecules and Metabolism (20) / 49 – 53
Introduction to Microbiology and Genetics (20) / 54 – 59
Applied Human Physiology and Kinesiology (20) / 60 – 65
Molecules for Biological Science (20) / 66 – 71
Level 5 / Biology of Disease and Immunology (20) / 72 – 78
Molecular and Microbiology (20) / 79 – 84
Human Physiological Control and Maintenance (40) – optional module / 85 – 90
Understanding Biological Reactions and Analytical Science (40) – optional module / 91 – 96
Working in Biochemistry (40) – optional module / 97 – 102
Working in Bioscience (40) – optional module / 103 - 108
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Please view the disclaimer.
AWARD and COURSE TITLE / FdSc BiosciencesINTERMEDIATE AWARDS
Foundation Degrees Only:
Title of associated honours degree / BSc (Hons) Bioscience
BSc (Hons) Human Biology
Name of the Teaching Institution / North Lindsey College
Faculty and Department / Department of Biosciences,Faculty of Health and Wellbeing
Mode(s) of Attendance
(eg. FT/PT/SW/DL) / FT/PT
UCAS CODE / C770
Professional/Statutory/Regulatory Body Recognising this Programme
QAA Subject Benchmark Statement or other relevant external reference point / Biosciences (2007)
Date of Validation / 16 May 2012
1PROGRAMME AIMS
1.1Provide an inspiring, fulfilling and enjoyable learning experience of Biosciences.
1.2Provide an opportunity to study a range of fundamental topics and develop the skills required for the understanding of biosciences at molecular, organism and community level in theory and in practice.
1.3Promote the development of up to date and work place related practical procedures and skills within a research orientated culture.
1.4Provide a course of study informed by sector needs enabling progression into a range of careers or further study.
1.5Provide opportunities for relevant work placement opportunities and the development of key employment related skills.
2PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
2.1Knowledge and understanding. On the completion of the FdSc Biosciences, students will be able to:
2.1.1Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of a range of fundamental facts principles, concepts and theories underpinning advanced study of modern biosciences.
2.1.2Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of biosciences ranging from molecular to whole organism level and applied understanding to work place contexts.
2.1.3Ability to describe, explainand apply key biosciences theories and concepts outside the context that they were originally studied and understand their application within relevant employment contexts.
2.1.4Explain and critically evaluate relevant theory, methodology, procedures and lab findings.
2.1.5Demonstrate knowledge, development and evaluation of social and ethical aspects of biosciences.
2.1.6Identify, explain and evaluate facts and concepts relevant to understanding the biochemistry of living systems and evaluate cellular control processes at the system and molecular level.
2.1.7Identify and explain aspects of protein structure and function.
2.1.8Explain basic chemical and analytical principles.
2.2Cognitive skills. On the completion of the FdSc Biosciences, students will be able to:
2.2.1Select appropriate tools to retrieve and synthesise relevant information from a variety of sources with an evidence based approach to evaluate and discuss ideas and draw reasoned conclusions and sustainable judgments.
2.2.2Review relevant research to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information and draw relevant conclusions.
2.2.3Make justified decisions to design laboratory based experiments to test experimental hypotheses, using appropriate methods and techniques, interpreting scientific information and applying it to a work place environment, drawing appropriate conclusions.
2.2.4Demonstrate the ability to consider and construct a reasoned argument towards the sociological and ethical responsibilities of professionals working in biosciences.
2.2.5Use a self-directed learning style and reflect upon your learning providing recommendations for further development.
2.2.6Explain and critically analyse, facts, principles, concepts theories and ethics in relation to key bioscience disciplines.
2.2.7Apply the facts, principles, concepts theories and ethicsto the modern bioscience work place and use different analysis and interpretation techniques used in biosciences and work environments.
2.3Subject/professional skills. On the completion of the FdSc Biosciences, students will be able to:
2.3.1Understand and perform appropriate laboratory procedures in a safe, professional and effective manner, including keeping records, carrying out calculations and data analysis and with knowledge of health and safety considerations.
2.3.2Use specified technology, techniques, processes and terminology appropriately
2.3.3Follow scientific protocol to practically and hypothetically test experimental hypotheses and problems using a range of appropriate techniques and methods. Students will also be able to interpret the scientific data and information, and apply appropriate statistical methods to present the data and findings accurately, whilst also being able to discuss these results and summarise their conclusions appropriately.
2.3.4Appreciate the diverse professional roles of biologists in employment.
2.3.5Awareness of the contribution of Biosciences to debate and controversial topics
2.3.6Demonstrate professional autonomy, responsibility and accountability (including issues of equal opportunity), whilst identifying strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge.
2.3.7Ability to reflect on strength, weaknesses limitations and ways in which to develop knowledge.
2.4Key Transferable Skills and attributes. On the completion of the FdSc Biosciences, students will be able to:
2.4.1Select, retrieve, evaluate and use information from a variety of electronic and paper based resources, and use appropriate referencing skills.
2.4.2Communicate information and support an argument by a variety written, oral and visual means to a range of audiences including academic, specialist and non-specialists.
2.4.3Demonstrate problem solving skills in both biosciences and in the work place.
2.4.4Ability to plan, manage and critically evaluate their own learning and performance, showing self-appraisal and reflection on practice and demonstrating how this has an impact on future learning opportunities and potential employment.
2.4.5Show the ability to work and applytime, project and team management skills to independent and group work and show effective numeracy, IT and information management skills as well as describing the key elements of qualitative and quantitative investigation including statistics.
3LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
3.1The approach to Learning and Teaching within the Programme
The learning and teaching methods appropriate to the modules within the programme are varied, but are individually specified for each module. In general terms, the teaching strategies employed in the programme will involve a balanced mix of the following methods:
a) Lectures, problem solving tutorials and seminars, supported by computer based
learning and open learning materials where appropriate. The teaching of some modules
may be supported by the use of internet web sites or the use of virtual learning systems
such as 'Moodle'.
b) Project and laboratory work which emphasises the application of knowledge to practical
situations and reflection upon outcomes. Workshop activities to develop practical
Bioscience / Biochemistry skills.
c) Problem based learning which requires students to discover what they need to learn
through being confronted with real problems.
d) Personal and professional skills development, delivered systematically and supported
by open learning materials.
e) Independent study which, as the course progresses, increasingly involves the student
in self or group directed learning, thereby fostering the qualities and skills necessary for
continuing personal development.
f) Work based learning will be integrated into relevant modules to ensure that the
students are able to apply to the work environment the knowledge gained within the
modules. Furthermore, and as part of scheduled work placements, it is intended that these elements will allow the students to beable to apply the knowledge gained in a commercial/industrial context.
The total study time for a 20 credit module is typically 200 hours consisting of timetabled
class contact through lectures, tutorials, seminars etc, with the remainder being delivered by
student centred, directed study.
3.2The approach to Assessment and Feedback within the Programme
Assessment is a powerful driver of student learning and is the means by which we demonstrate what students have learned. It is, therefore, always seen as integral to the realisation of the planned learning outcomes and vitally connected to the pedagogic strategy. Different types of assessment are needed to appropriately test and apply different areas of knowledge, and in particular, to enable students to demonstrate a wide range of skills.
Assessment strategieswill include written descriptive and numerical assignments, short tests, laboratory appraisals, personal projects, group work, self and peer-assessment, portfolio preparation and case studies.
The strength of the assessments within theFdSc Bioscience is the variety involved and the progressive challenge at each level. The assessments are designed to fit the learning outcomes and progression is shown by the use of higher level thinking skills of evaluation, analysis and synthesis. Throughout the programme a variety of techniques are used and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their progress in learning and development.
Assessment will remain fully aligned with the University’sStandard Assessment Regulations, including arrangements governing the submission, marking and return of work, and adopts a programme-wide approach towards the constant improvement and effectiveness of assessment as appropriate.
Summative assessments will be conducted for each module, and typically there will be no more than two assessments for each module. Summative assessments will include examinations with multiple choice, short answers and longer answer essay questions and mathematical calculations. Students will also be assessed via laboratory portfolios, laboratory reports, case studies, personal development portfolios and group and individual presentations.
The work based and placement learning activities will be assessed through completion of the required number of placement hours and on completion of a satisfactory report from the work based placement supervisor. This report will be developed following a structured meeting between a member of academic staff and the placement supervisor. In the second year of the programme, students will be invited to attend this meeting to discuss progress and achievements. Students will also be assessed via a supplementary reflective account.
The outline of each of the assessments and the marking criteria required will be provided in the module handbook, available to each student to ensure clarity. Module tutors are responsible for providing students with assignment deadlines. These will be included in the module handbooks and noted on the VLE Moodle calendar. Furthermore, assessment schedules will be provided in each programme handbook.
Emphasis will be placed upon providing quality feedback which enables the students to develop their academic and practical skills further. Academic staff will ensure that all forms of feedback are aligned with the identified learning outcomes and level descriptors, identifying areas of strength and development. The feedback process will also be aligned with the Academic Advocacy (AA) programme.
Feedback will be provided directly on the assessment scripts with a summary feedback statement appearing on the assessment sheet. Practical observations, which include laboratory techniques or presentations, will be fed back to students verbally and through use of an observation feedback sheet. Feedback on examinations will ensure that there is sufficient feedback for the students. Although this feedback may be provided on a group basis, students will not simply receive a percentage grade, but instead a verbally presented document for them to make sense of their submissions will be provided.
Whilst feedback is provided to help improve in future assessments, it also serves to motivate students further as they can see continuous improvement and praise from the tutor.
Some learning activities will provide rapid feedback. Some tutor marked work will be returned with feedback designed to feed forward into the next learning activity in the same or other modules to enable students to improve and develop.
3.3How Student Employability is supported within the Programme
Students will be working or volunteering in a diverse range of settings therefore work-based learning is a distinctive feature of this degree. The arrangements will be fully compliant with Sheffield Hallam University’s Employability Statement.
The work placements will provide students with the opportunity to develop professional and technical skills within a relevant working environment. Students will have the opportunity to apply learning to the workplace as well as develop their passion for new and extended learning opportunities.
Placements will be intgrated within the academic year with students required to complete a minimum number of work placement hours at each level of study. Students will be encouraged to continue with placement opportunities if available to them and realistic with academic pressures.
The work placement will be organised by the individual student with support and guidance from the programme team. A list of approved work experience providers will be available to all students at both levels. The Laboratory Practice and Academic Skills for Science module at level 4 and Working in Bioscience module at level 5 will aim to prepare students for the work placements as well as developing employability skills in line with current and anticipated sector needs.
Each student will be required to sign a placement agreement prior to undertaking any placement. They will also complete a placement development plan throughout, to which they will record their academic progress and reflect on their experiences, the skills they presently hold and those acquired for employment in the work place.
The work placement will complement the teaching of the individual modules and provide the students with the fundamental experiences of working in the biosciences environment. The work experience placement will provide each student with the opportunity to understand and appreciate the role of the Bioscientist.
Work placement supervisors will be provided with an employer’s handbook ensuring that they are aware of their roles and responsibilities in providing an enriching and challenging learning experience for the student. Alignment with the QAA Code of Practice on Work Based and Placement Learning will be applied to the structure of modules, assessment strategies and relevant documentation. Work placement supervisors will be required to provide written and verbal feedback at pre-set timescales for each level of study.
Students will have access to their Academic Advocate (AA) at all times throughout the work placement to provide advice, support and guidance.
3.4Main Type of Work-based or Work-related Learning featured in this Programme
The modules identified below will incorporate an integrated practice placement:
Professional Laboratory Practice and Academic Skills
Working in Bioscience
3PROGRAMME DESIGN AND STRUCTURE
The programme structure for full time students will include two levels of 120 credits (240 credits in total) taught across two academic years (part time study will typically be studied over three years). Modules will be made up of a combination of 20 and 40 credits and students will be required to successfully achieve 120 credits at each level to proceed.
The course structure will include modules delivered during a single semester (20 credit modules), and modules delivered across an academic year (40 credit modules). It is possible to complete this programme by part-time study. For students employed in a setting relevant to their course, they may be able to substitute work-based learning modules for selected aspects of the course and still meet the required programme learning outcomes.
The first year of full time study (level 4) aims to provide students with the underpinning knowledge of biological and chemical topics. The Professional Laboratory Practice and Academic Skills module aims to further develop both the students’ academic and employability skills. The module structure at level 4 is common with that of the FdSc Biochemistry, making it possible for students to change routes before the start of level 5.
The second and final year of full time study (level 5) develops the students’ knowledge across a broad range of biochemical / bioscience topics. Students will study Working in Biosciences and Human Physiological Control and Maintenanceas core modules of this pathway. Students will participate in a research proposal designed to strengthen their employability skills further while also preparing them for progression to level 6 study.
FdSc Bioscience (FHEQ Level 4)Semester 1
(September – January / Semester 2
(February – June)
Professional Laboratory Practice and Academic Skills (40)
Cells, Molecules and Metabolism (20) / Introduction to Microbiology and
Genetics (20)
Applied Human Physiology and Kinesiology (20) / Molecules for Biological Science (20)
FdSc Bioscience (FHEQ Level 5)
Semester 1
(September – January) / Semester 2
(February – June)
Biology of Disease and Immunology (20) / Molecular and Microbiology (20)
Human Physiological Control and Maintenance (40)
Working in Bioscience (40)
5PROGRESSION/CAREER ROUTES
Possible progression or career routes after you have completed this programme include
The structure of programme provides students with the opportunity to progress on to the third year (full time) of the BSc (Hons) Biosciences and BSc (Hons) Human Biology at Sheffield Hallam University. This articulation route is on the condition that students have passed the FdSc Bioscience. Similarly, having been aligned to QAA benchmark statements for Biosciences (2007), an agreed progression onto an alternative course may be possible. Assistance will be provided by academic staff, although ultimately it will be the individual student’s responsibility to secure any alternative progression.