Programme Specification (Undergraduate) Date amended: August 2012

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1 Programme Specification (Undergraduate) Date amended: August Programme Title(s) and UCAS code(s): BSc Biological Sciences C100 BSc Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) C700 BSc Biological Sciences (Genetics) C400 BSc Biological Sciences (Microbiology) C500 BSc Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) B1B2 BSc Biological Sciences (Zoology) C300 With optional Year in Industry or Year Abroad (in Europe, USA or Japan) 2. Awarding body or institution: University of Leicester 3. a) Mode of study: Full-time or Part-time b) Type of study: Campus-based 4. Registration periods: Full-time The normal period of registration is three years (four years for degrees with a year in industry/abroad ) The maximum period of registration is five years (six years for degrees with a year in industry/abroad ) Part-time The normal period of registration for the BSc in Biological Sciences when studied part-time is five years The maximum period of registration for the BSc in Biological Sciences when studied part-time is seven years 5. Typical entry requirements: AAB-ABB at A2 level, normally including 2 from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths with GCSE English Language and Mathematics, if not held at A/AS level. International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with points, inc. 2 sciences at HL with 6 points. Access: Pass with 45 credits at level 3, plus Distinctions in 30 credits at level 3 in relevant sciences European Baccalaureate: Pass with 77% overall. 6. Accreditation of Prior Learning: Direct 2 nd year entry is considered subject to completion of a level 4 programme of comparable content to those studies in year 1 of this programme, passing all modules and with a year mark of 65%. 7. Programme aims: The programme aims to provide: a teaching and learning programme of high quality that is informed by an active research environment in which students develop their own interests. a stimulating and supportive working environment. an education that will enable graduates to follow a variety of careers including higher degrees and research.

2 and to enable students to: BSc Biological Sciences degrees have a broad appreciation of Biological Sciences or of biomedical and related disciplines with an emphasis on human health and disease, and advanced knowledge of one or more areas including appreciation of aspects of the underpinning research. develop a range of skills including practical and transferable skills. experience, within the 4 year Industry/abroad options, work in an external research laboratory or an American or another European University. 8. Reference points used to inform the programme specification: QAA Benchmarking statement for Biosciences (note, the learning outcomes are matched to the skills identified in section 3 of the statement.): Biosciences.aspx QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008). (note, learning outcomes are matched to Annex 1 Honours descriptors) QAA Institutional Audit (2009) University of Leicester Learning & Teaching Strategy ( ): National Student Survey (NSS) University of Leicester Periodic Developmental Review of the School of Biological Sciences Report May 2012 Annual Developmental Review First Destination Survey - Annual External Examiners Reports - Annual 9. Programme Outcomes: Intended Learning Teaching and Learning How Demonstrated? Outcomes Methods (a) Discipline specific knowledge and competencies (i) Mastery of an appropriate body of knowledge Demonstrate an awareness of main principles of Biological Sciences and explain core concepts of their chosen discipline (Benchmark Statement (BS) 3.2) Describe current areas of advance in their chosen specialisation(s). (BS 3.2) Common first year modules as a broad foundation for specialist study in subsequent years c.f. Benchmark Statement (BS) 3.2. Progressive development in learning and teaching methods: Yr 1- provision of factual information; Yrs 2 & 3 - increasing emphasis on current research; and, Yr 3 -final year projects requiring independent learning and in-depth investigation. Diverse modular programme Yrs learning through lectures, practicals, tutorials and seminars, field work and private study associated with degree streams. laboratory & field reports, seminar/tutorial presentations, essays, data handling exercises. Examinations: Yr 1 MCQs and SAQs, progressing to Yr 2 & 3 essay-based examinations. Final year independent research projects.

3 BSc Biological Sciences degrees Intended Learning Teaching and Learning How Demonstrated? Outcomes Methods (ii) Understanding and application of key concepts and techniques Describe and apply safely appropriate experimental procedures in Biological Sciences (BS 3.2, 3.4, 3.6) Apply a scientific approach to the solution of problems in the context of their chosen specializations and appreciate the rationale of experimental design (BS 3.3, 3.4, 3.6). Explain core concepts of their chosen discipline (BS 3.2, 3.3, 3.4). Demonstrate a capacity for critical scientific analysis of issues in the context of Biological Sciences (BS 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8). Communicate orally and in writing concepts and arguments in Biological Sciences (BS 3.4, 3.6, 3.7). Demonstrate the capacity to analyse and criticize evidence from both experimental procedures and the literature (BS 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, ). In the year in industry/abroad programmes, demonstrate the capacity to work in an industrial or other research laboratory or study in another European or American University (BS ) Communicate orally, with clarity and coherence, concepts and arguments in Biological Sciences (BS 3.7, 3.8) Practical classes, field work, independent project, also lectures and private study. Practical classes, data handling, field work, independent project, also lectures and private study. Material is presented through subject-based and core skills modules. Lectures, practical classes, tutorials and seminars, field work, project work and private study associated with degree streams. (iii) Critical analysis of key issues Lectures, practicals, tutorials and seminars, field work project work and private study associated with degree streams. There is a progression in terms of the teaching and learning processes whereby the first year material is predominantly factually-based with a progression towards more analytical evaluation of current material in the 3 rd year. (iv) Clear and concise presentation of material Key skills lectures, tutorials, seminars, project work, private study. (v) Critical appraisal of evidence with appropriate insight Lectures, practicals, tutorials and seminars, field work, project work and private study associated with degree streams. (vi) Other discipline specific competencies Year placement in a research or industrial laboratory/following taught courses in another European or American University (b) Transferable skills (i) Oral communication Tutorials, seminars, key skills lectures. Laboratory, field work and project reports Laboratory, field work and project reports, data handling exercises. laboratory & field reports, seminar/tutorial presentations, essays, independent project. Examinations. laboratory & field reports, seminar/tutorial presentations, essays, independent project. Examinations essays. The transition from factual to analytical approaches is reflected in the generic marking criteria for coursework and examination essays. laboratory & field reports, seminar/tutorial presentations, essays, independent project. Examination essays. laboratory & field reports, seminar/tutorial presentations, essays, independent project. Examination essays. Practical work and year in industry/abroad placement report/completion of taught programmes in another European or American University. Individual and group oral and poster presentations.

4 Intended Learning Outcomes Communicate in writing, with clarity and coherence, concepts and arguments in Biological Sciences (BS 3.7) Demonstrate the effective use of IT for accessing databases and scientific literature; manipulating, processing and presenting data; presenting written assignments (BS ) Demonstrate the capacity to analyse and criticise evidence from experimental procedures (BS ). Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a group (BS 3.8, 3.9). Apply a scientific approach to the solution of problems in the context of their chosen specialisations and appreciate the rationale of experimental design (BS ). Demonstrate the capacity to access a variety of resource materials and to analyse evidence from both experimental procedures and the literature (BS , 3.7). Demonstrate the acquisition of the skills and attributes necessary for lifelong learning, including: intellectual independence, effective time management, the ability to work as part of a team, the use of IT and the capacity to access and utilise a variety of resource materials (BS ). Teaching and Learning Methods (ii) Written communication Tutorials, key skills lectures, practicals, research project. (iii) Information technology Key skills teaching, practical classes, field work, independent project, data handling exercises, tutorials (iv) Numeracy Key skills teaching, practical classes, field work, independent project, data handling exercises, tutorials. (v) Team working Practical classes, field work, tutorials and seminars. (vi) Problem solving Lectures, problem-solving exercises, data handling exercises, practical classes, field work, independent project (vii) Information handling Key skills teaching, practical classes, field work, independent project, data handling exercises, tutorials. (viii) Skills for lifelong learning Key skills teaching, practical classes, field work, independent project, data handling exercises, tutorials. For year in industry/abroad (Europe) variants, study in another European or American University or industrial research laboratory. BSc Biological Sciences degrees How Demonstrated? laboratory & field reports, essays, independent project. Examinations essays. laboratory & field reports, data handling exercises, essays, independent project. laboratory & field reports, data handling exercises, independent project. Practical work, field work, group presentations. laboratory & field reports, data handling exercises, independent project. laboratory & field reports, data handling exercises, independent project. laboratory & field reports, data handling exercises, essays, tutorial presentations and, particularly, the independent project and year in industry/abroad (Europe) projects. 10. Progression points: In cases where a student has failed to meet a requirement to progress he or she will be required to withdraw from the course

5 11. Special features: BSc Biological Sciences degrees Students receive a broad education in Biological Sciences in the first year, with the flexibility to specialise progressively within subject streams or to retain a broader perspective. Opportunities are available to take placements within related industries, or to study in other European universities. The School has a strong reputation for research and the range of staff expertise enables provision of research-led programmes that offer breadth and depth. 12. Indications of programme quality The teaching programmes have received consistent commendation from external examiners for the quality of the teaching provision. The School was awarded status as a Centre of Excellence for Teaching & Learning (CETL) by HEFCE for GENIE in The undergraduate provision of Biosciences education has been ranked consistently in the top 10 for Overall Satisfaction in the National Student Surveys ( ), it was ranked 1st for Physiology in 2009 and for Genetics in The School of Biological Sciences was ranked 3rd in the UK in the Sunday Times University Guide for 2012 and 4th in the Guardian. Appendix 1: Programme structure (programme regulations) BSc Biological Sciences FIRST YEAR MODULES Semester 1 Core modules Credits BS1020 Study and Communication Skills* 0 BS1015 An Introduction to Biochemistry 20 BS1003 Cell and Developmental Biology 10 BS1012 Animal and Plant Diversity 10 BS1010 I.T. and Numeracy Skills for Biologists A 5 CH1070 Chemistry for Biologists 20 Semester total 65 * There are no formal credits for this module Semester 2 Core modules Credits BS1005 Genes 10 BS1006 An Introduction to Physiology 10 BS1013 Animal and Plant Physiology 10 BS1008 Environmental and Evolutionary Biology 10 BS1009 Microbiology 10 BS1011 I.T. and Numeracy Skills for Biologists B 5 Semester total 55 SECOND YEAR MODULES Semester 1 Optional modules Credits Modules to the value of 60 credits from the following selection: 60

6 BSc Biological Sciences degrees BS2009 Genomes (20) BS2010 Microbiology 1 (20) BS2013 Physiology and Pharmacology 1 (20) BS2018 Plant Identification Skills (20) BS2025 Developmental Biology (20) BS2052 From Genes to Proteins (10) BS2064 Bioinformatics of Genes (10) BS2066 Behavioural Neurobiology (20) BS2071 Evolution in Health and Disease (20) BS2091 Biochemistry I: From Genes to Proteins (20) BS2092 Biochemistry II: Molecular Cell Biology (20) Semester total 60 Semester 2 Core module Credits BS2060 Research Skills 20 Optional modules Modules to the value of 40 credits from the following selection: 40 BS2014 Physiology and Pharmacology 2 (20) BS2024 Microbiology II (20) BS2026 Genes, Development and Inheritance (20) BS2070 Island Biology and Speciation (20) BS2081 Ecology and Biodiversity (20) BS2093 Biochemistry III: Cellular Regulation of Energy and Metabolism (20) Semester total 60 THIRD YEAR MODULES Year Long Core module Credits Research Project: 40 BS3100 Research Project (Experimental) (40) BS3200 Research Project (Analytical) (40) BS3300 Research Project (Education) (40) Semester 1 Optional modules Modules to the value of 40 credits from the following selection: 40 BS3012 Infection and Immunity (20) BS3031 Human Genetics (20) BS3041 Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology (10) BS3055 Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience (20) BS3058 Ecology for Sustainability (20) BS3061 Mutagenesis (10) BS3064 Comparative Neurobiology (20) BS3068 Microbial Biotechnology (20) BS3070 Protein Complexes: From Cells to Molecules (20) BS3071 Oceanic Biology: From Plankton to Whales (20) Semester 2 Optional modules Modules to the value of 40 credits from the following selection: 40 BS3003 Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology (20)

7 BSc Biological Sciences degrees BS3009 Genomics: A Microbial Perspective (20) BS3010 Gene Expression: Molecular Basis and Medical Relevance (20) BS3013 Environmental Microbiology (20) BS3018 Genes and Development (20) BS3033 Brain and Behaviour (20) BS3035 Virology (20) BS3056 Cellular Physiology of the Cardiovascular System (20) BS3066 Behavioural Ecology in Nature (10) BS3067 Current Research Topics in Animal Behaviour (10) BS3073 Molecular Ecology and Evolution (20) Year total 120 Note: No more than 20 credits of options from any one group may be taken in any semester. Students will be required to register by the third year of the course for one of the specific degrees listed below: Biological Sciences Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) Biological Sciences (Genetics) Biological Sciences (Microbiology) Biological Sciences (Zoology) The choice of degree depends solely on the selection of qualifying third-year options (and second-year prerequisites). BSc Biological Sciences with a Year in Industry Students may only enter this course by transferring at the end of the first-year from one of the BSc degrees in Biological Sciences and on the recommendation of the Director of Biological Sciences. Transfer is conditional on successful completion of first-year modules. FIRST- SECOND- AND FOURTH-YEAR MODULES As for the first-, second- and third-year modules for the BSc degrees in Biological Sciences. THIRD YEAR The third year will be spent with an industrial company, during which time students will carry out a project which will be written up and will form one of the requirements for the award of the degree. BSc Biological Sciences with a Year Abroad Students may only enter this course by transferring from the Biological Sciences BSc programme at the start of the second year of study. Transfer will be on the recommendation of the Director of Studies of the School of Biological Sciences and will be conditional on successful completion of first-year modules to an appropriate standard. Prior to embarking on the year abroad students must have successfully completed their second year of study. Students may spend their year abroad at an approved institution within the European Union, North America or Japan. The work undertaken in the year abroad will not be included in the assessment of the final degree classification. FIRST, SECOND AND FOURTH YEAR MODULES As for first, second and third year modules for the BSc in Biological Sciences. It may be possible for students due to spend their year abroad in the EU to substitute language modules, in a language

8 BSc Biological Sciences degrees relevant to the host country (where this is not English), for up to 20 credits of modules in the second year. THIRD YEAR MODULES Year abroad spent in the European Union or in Japan: Students may follow one of two routes: they may undertake an approved research project in a research laboratory in the partner Universities or follow an approved programme of study based on taught modules. For students undertaking a research project, admission is conditional only on the students availing themselves of the introductory language courses offered by the Language Centre and/or the intensive courses run by Erasmus at the host, or a neighbouring university immediately prior to commencing the project. Satisfactory completion of the third year will be credited on receipt of an approved report of the research project or achievement of the appropriate level in the taught modules. Note: Students undertaking taught programmes in the language of the host country (where this is not English) will be required to have a pass at A level in the relevant language and to pass a minimum of 10 credits in the language at intermediate level, or equivalent, as offered by the School of Modern Languages. Students who do not have an A level pass in the relevant language must take at least 20 credits of language modules. Students may substitute up to 20 credits of second year Biological Science modules for language modules; additional modules may be taken but as supplemental to the normal credit load. Failure to achieve passes in the language modules will result in transfer back to the three year programme. Year Abroad spent in North America: The third year will be spent taking approved modules at an approved North American University with established exchange links with the School of Biological Sciences. Successful completion of the year is required which will be credited on receipt of an approved report of achievement at an appropriate level in the modules undertaken. BSc Biological Sciences (part-time) Part-time students may only follow the generic Biological Sciences programme, equating to C100, and are required to take a total of 120 credits of modules from each of the first, second and third year module lists, the choice being determined in consultation with their personal tutor and with the agreement of the Director of Biological Studies. In any one year, a part-time student must take a minimum of 40 and no more than 100 credits and may not take modules from more than one year s list; the normal and maximum periods of registration apply with these limits. The Research Project is only available as an analytical project (BS3200), normally over two years. Appendix 2: Module specifications See module specification database Appendix 3: Skills matrix See below

9 BS1015 BS1003 BS1005 BS1006 BS1008 BS1009 BS1010/1011 BS1020 CH1070 BS1012 BS1013 Programme Specification Appendix 3 Skills Matrix: BSc Biological Sciences C100, Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) C700, BSc Biological Sciences (Genetics) C400, Biological Sciences (Microbiology) C500, Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) B1B2, Biological Sciences (Zoology) C300 Date amended: November 2011 Year 1 Programme Learning Outcomes (a) Discipline specific knowledge and competencies (vi) Other discipline specific competencies (b) Transferable skills (i) Oral communication Communicate orally, with clarity and coherence, concepts (ii) Written communication Communicate in writing, with clarity and coherence concepts (iii) Information technology Demonstrate the effective use of IT for accessing databases and scientific literature; manipulating, processing and presenting data; presenting written assignments (iv) Numeracy Demonstrate the capacity to analyse and criticise data from experimental procedures. (v) Team working Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a group. (vi) Problem solving Apply a scientific approach to the solution of problems in the context of their chosen specialisations and appreciate the rationale of experimental design (vii) Information handling Demonstrate the capacity to access a variety of resource materials and to analyse evidence from both experimental procedures and the literature. (viii) Skills for lifelong learning Demonstrate the acquisition of the skills and attributes necessary for lifelong learning, including: intellectual independence, effective time management, the ability to work as part of a team, the use of IT and the capacity to access and utilise a variety of resource materials.

10 BS2009 BS2010 BS2013 BS2014 BS2018 BS2024 BS2025 BS2026 BS2052 BS2053 BS2057 BS2058 BS2060 BS2064 BS2066 BS2068 BS2070 BS2071 BS2072 Year 2 Programme Learning Outcomes (a) Discipline specific knowledge and competencies (vi) Other discipline specific competencies (b) Transferable skills (i) Oral communication Communicate orally, with clarity and coherence, concepts (ii) Written communication Communicate in writing, with clarity and coherence concepts (iii) Information technology Demonstrate the effective use of IT for accessing databases and scientific literature; manipulating, processing and presenting data; presenting written assignments (iv) Numeracy Demonstrate the capacity to analyse and criticise evidence from experimental procedures. (v) Team working Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a group. (vi) Problem solving Apply a scientific approach to the solution of problems in the context of their chosen specialisations and appreciate the rationale of experimental design (vii) Information handling Demonstrate the capacity to access a variety of resource materials and to analyse evidence from both experimental procedures and the literature. (viii) Skills for lifelong learning Demonstrate the acquisition of the skills and attributes necessary for lifelong learning, including: intellectual independence, effective time management,

11 Industrial Placement European/U SA Year Year in Industry/Year Abroad Programme Learning Outcomes (a) Discipline specific knowledge and competencies (vi) Other discipline specific competencies Industrial laboratory techniques Experience of industrial project development Experience of working in another European/American University (i) Oral communication Communicate orally, with clarity and coherence, concepts (ii) Written communication Communicate in writing, with clarity and coherence concepts (iii) Information technology Demonstrate the effective use of IT for accessing databases, presenting data; presenting written assignments. (iv) Numeracy Demonstrate the capacity to analyse and criticise evidence from experimental procedures. (v) Team working Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a group. (vi) Problem solving Apply a scientific approach to the solution of problems in the context of their chosen specialisations and appreciate the rationale of experimental design

12 BS3003 BS3009 BS3010 BS3012 BS3013 BS3018 BS3031 BS3033 BS3035 BS3041 BS3051 BS3054 BS3055 BS3056 BS3058 BS3061 BS3064 BS3065 BS3066 BS3067 BS3068 BS3070 BS3071 BS3098/3099 Final Year Programme Learning Outcomes (a) Discipline specific knowledge and competencies (vi) Other discipline specific competencies (b) Transferable skills (i) Oral communication Communicate orally, with clarity and coherence, concepts (ii) Written communication Communicate in writing, with clarity and coherence concepts (iii) Information technology Demonstrate the effective use of IT for accessing databases and scientific literature; manipulating, processing and presenting data; presenting written assignments (iv) Numeracy Demonstrate the capacity to analyse and criticise evidence from experimental procedures. (v) Team working Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a group. (vi) Problem solving Apply a scientific approach to the solution of problems in the context of their chosen specialisations and appreciate the rationale of experimental design (vii) Information handling Demonstrate the capacity to access a variety of resource materials and to analyse evidence from both experimental procedures and the literature. (viii) Skills for lifelong learning Demonstrate the acquisition of the skills and attributes necessary for lifelong learning, including: intellectual independence, effective time management,