UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme 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.
  1. Awarding Institution / Body
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
/ University of Central Lancashire
Preston Campus
  1. University School/Centre
/ School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
  1. External Accreditation
/ Not applicable
  1. Title of Final Award
/ BSc (Hons) Applied Biomolecular Sciences with Biotechnology
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full time
  1. UCAS Code
/ C700
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ Biosciences
  1. Other external influences
/ Not applicable
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ 16/02/2012 (Revised Sept 2012 – Minor change)
  1. Aims of the Programme

  • To develop a knowledge and understanding of biomolecular science and key areas of biotechnology, based on a scientific foundation, with the ability to apply knowledge and analyse and evaluate information.

  • To understand the application of biomolecular sciences to the biotechnology industry.

  • To involve the student in a stimulating learning environment where they are encouraged to achieve personal growth in terms of a wide range of skills including communication, numeracy, IT, independence, interpersonal and group-working skills.

  • To develop competence in the definition, implementation and monitoring of plans for self-development.

  • To prepare the learner for a career in biomolecular science or in positions requiring knowledge of biomolecular science.

  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1.Be able to explain and critically discuss the principles of applied biomolecular sciences and the underpinning science behind them.
A2.Be able to apply theory/knowledge to new situations, including the formulation of a hypothesis, the design of experiments and the application of knowledge to new contexts within biomolecular sciences (Biosciences Benchmark 3.2 [BB 3.2]).
A3.Be able to identify, appraise and evaluate the areas of study covered within applied biomolecular science, and discuss associated ethical issues (BB 3.2).
A4.Be able to determine an appropriate statistical test to analyse data that will be produced from various types of study and be able to use those tests (BB 3.2 & 3.7).
A5.Discuss the multidisciplinary nature of biotechnology and evaluate its varied applications
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used; these include: lectures, practicals, IT, laboratory sessions, tutorials, presentations, reading, problem solving exercises, case studies, discussions and reflection.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of workbooks; short notes; essays; reports of various types e.g. practical reports, summaries, data analysis; group and individual presentations; end of module examinations. The final module mark is based on a weighted aggregate of all assignments in that module.
B.Subject-specific skills
B1.Be able to appreciate the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment (BB 3.3).
B2.Be ableto employ a variety of methods of study in investigating, recording and analysing material (BB 3.6).
B3.Be able to make use of appropriate laboratory equipment to enable a scientific study to be undertaken (BB 3.2).
B4.Be able to read and use appropriate specialist knowledge of biomolecular science, with a full and critical understanding, and apply it to new situations (BB 3.2).
B5.Be able to recognise that statements should be tested and that evidence is subject to assessment and critical evaluation.
B6.Be able to discuss the safety aspects to be considered when undertaking laboratory based investigations and to work safely within a laboratory environment.
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used; these include: lectures, workshops and tutorials which will include reference to experimental evidence and arguments for and against specific hypotheses;interactive computer based exercises (e.g. modelling and data mining) will encourage student participation; data interpretation exercises; laboratory practical work, using workbooks or laboratory manuals and the production of appropriate written and/or oral material based on the work. Write laboratory reports. Safe working practices are included in all laboratory investigations, but particularly when designing experiments and in the main research project.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of laboratory competencies; laboratory notebooks; workbooks; presentations; unseen and seen examinations; reports of various types e.g. practical reports, data analysis; case studies; research project report. The final module mark is based on a weighted aggregate of all assignments in that module.
C.Thinking Skills
C1.Be able to locate and appraise critically relevant published literature and extract pertinent information from such sources (BB 3.5).
C2.Be able to define and develop strategies for solving problems.
C3.Be able to analyse a range of data derived experimentally, or sources from the literature or databanks, and evaluate it critically supported by logical and structured argument (BB 3.2).
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used; these include: lectures; practical work, research project; data interpretation exercises; PBL exercises; case studies; discussions within the group and with tutors. A final year research module will give the students the opportunity to develop their research skills, including selection and interpretative skills and mastery of using primary and secondary sources. The final module mark is based on a weighted aggregate of all assignments in that module.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of: workbooks; short notes; essays; presentations; examinations; reports of various types e.g. practical reports, summaries, data analysis; the research project.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1.Be able to write using appropriate scientific style (BB 3.2 & 3.7).
D2.Be able to work as a useful contributor to a group (BB 3.8) or independently (BB 3.9).
D3.Be able to use IT effectively for information retrieval, analysis, communication and presentation (BB 3.7).
D4.Be able to communicate effectively to transmit ideas and conclusions (BB 3.7).
D5.Be able to demonstrate planning, carry out independent learning, including areas of PDP (BB 3.9).
Teaching and Learning Methods
Coursework is generally required to be word processed; workshops developing skills in the use of appropriate IT sources, including the World Wide Web, the use of databases and suitable IT analytical packages; workshops on the library and literature searching; presentations; practical work incorporating numeracy and statistics; teamwork through tutorials, case studies, practicals and problem solving activities. Students are given guidance on the development of skills via the personal tutor system and associated portfolio. The final module mark is based on a weighted aggregate of all assignments in that module.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of written reports, presentations; laboratory notebooks; group and individual project work; data analysis and presentation; final year research project report.

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13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 6 / BL3299
BL3298
BL3297
PJ3100
PJ3200
PJ3202
BL3236
BL3215
BL3235
BL3206
BL3216
BL3219
BL3218
BL3217
FZ3017
FZ3120
FZ3122 / Research Project
Or
Group Research Project
Or
International Research Project
Biopharmaceutics
Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics
Microbiological and Immunological Bases of Disease
Biological Control Systems
Immunology
Current Practices in Clinical Microbiology
Biology of Disease
Current Practice in Cell Science
Current Practice in Haematology
Current Practice in Clinical Biochemistry
Molecular Biomedicine
Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Medicinal Bioinorganic Chemistry
Organic Synthetic Methods / 40
40
40
20
20
20
20
10
10
20
10
10
10
10
20
20
20 / BSc (Hons) Applied BiomolecularSciences with Biotechnology
Requires 360 credits, including a minimum of 220 at Level 5 or above, and including 100 at Level 6.
BSc Applied Biomolecular Sciences with Biotechnology
Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 180 at Level 5 or above, and including 60 at Level 6.
Level 5 / BL2218
BL2215
BL2211
BL2203
BL2206
BL2216
BL2214
PJ2100
PJ2101
FZ2024
FZ2026 / Social Impacts of Biomolecular Science
Biostatistics
Practical Skills and their Application to Diagnostic Analysis
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Investigation of Disease
Cellular Investigations
Physiological Systems
Medicinal Chemistry
Dosage Forms 2
Laboratory Studies of Chemical Concepts
Elements of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry / 10
10
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20 / Dip H.E Applied Biomolecular Sciences
Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 5.
Level 4 / PJ1100 PJ1101
BL1212
BL1214
BL1215
BL1216
BL1217
BL1220 / Foundation Maths and Chemistry
Dosage Forms
Biosciences in the News
Supplementary Physiology and Pharmacology
Biological solutions to Life’s Problems
Research Skills
Introduction to Pharmacology
Integrative Biological Sciences / 20
20
10
10
20
10
10
40 / Cert. H.E.
Requires 120 credits at Level 4.
15.Personal Development Planning
The PDP programme is based around core modules and assessments rather than stand-alone modules. Students are introduced to the idea of PDP and career planning through sessions in induction week, including a talk from a careers advisor or employer and meetings with their personal tutor. Reflection and self-assessment on their achievements and goal setting is supported by linking selected coursework to the reflection process. Students are asked to reflect (and record their reflections) on these pieces of work both before submission and after obtaining the mark and feedback. The students have meetings with their personal tutors who are responsible for discussing the reflection and notifying the module tutors that it has occurred. Reflection is encouraged by assessing its occurrence by modifying coursework marks.
Students are advised to keep a progress file containing the reflections and examples of work. In the 3rd year, students are asked to supply to their personal tutor their best examples and reflections showing achievement in a list of skills. Any references are based on the information the student has provided plus module results. Work on career development, CV writing etc is incorporated in group sessions scheduled in induction/reading weeks.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
280 points or above including Biology or Chemistry at A2 level Grade B or above or Science at Advanced VCE or appropriate combination andMaths and English GCSE Grade C or above. Other acceptable qualifications include:
  • Scottish Certificate of Higher Education Higher Grade passes.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade.
  • International Baccalaureate.
  • BTEC National Certificate/Diploma (DDD).
  • Kite marked Access Course.
Applications from people with relevant work or life experience and/or non standard qualifications are welcome.
For students where English is not their first language, a score of at least 6.0 on IELTS (or equivalent) is required.
17.Key sources of information about the programme
  • Outside the University – QAA website, including the Biosciences benchmarks statements; UCAS handbooks and web site

  • University sources – University/School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences web sites; School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences brochures; Student Handbook and University prospectus.

  • Student Handbook.

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18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / B6 / C1 / C2 / C3 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5
e.g. LEVEL 6 / BL3299 / Research Project / C /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
OR
BL3298 / Group Research Project / C /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
OR
BL3297 / International Research Project / C /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
FZ3017 / Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL3217 / Molecular Biomedicine / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL3236 / Biological Control Systems / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
FZ3122 / Organic Synthetic Methods / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
FZ3120 / Medicinal & Bioinorganic Chemistry / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL3215 / Immunology / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL3235 / Current Practice in Clinical Microbiology / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL3206 / Biology of Disease / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL3216 / Current Practice in Cell Science / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL3219 / Current Practice in Haematology / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL3218 / Current Practice in Clinical Biochemistry / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
PJ3202 / Microbiological and Immunological Bases of Disease / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
PJ3100 / Biopharmaceutics / O /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
PJ3200 / Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
e.g. LEVEL 5 / BL2218 / Social Impacts of BIomolecular Science / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL2215 / Biostatistics / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL2211 / Practical Skills and their Application to Diagnostic Analysis / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL2203 / Molecular and Cellular Biology / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL2216 / Cellular Investigations / COMP /  /  /  /  /  / 
PJ2101 / Dosage Forms 2 / O /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL2206 / Investigation of Disease / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL2214 / Physiological Systems / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
PJ2100 / Medicinal Chemistry / O /  /  /  /  / 
FZ2026 / Elements of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry / O /  /  /  / 
FZ2024 / Laboratory Studies of Chemical Concepts / O /  /  /  /  / 
e.g. LEVEL 4 / PJ1100 / Foundation Maths and Chemistry / COMP /  /  /  /  / 
PJ1101 / Dosage Forms / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL1220 / Integrative Biological Sciences / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL1217 / Introduction to Pharmacology / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL1212 / Biosciences in the News / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL1214 / Supplementary Physiology and Pharmacology / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL1215 / Biological solutions to Life’s Problems / O /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
BL1216 / Research Skills / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 

Note:Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks

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