UDBIOSCI - BSc Biological Science
Course Specification
Validation status | Validated | |||||||||||
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Highest award | Bachelor of Science | Level | Honours | |||||||||
Possible interim awards | Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
Total credits for course | 360 | |||||||||||
Awarding institution | London Metropolitan University | |||||||||||
Teaching institutions | London Metropolitan University | |||||||||||
School | School of Human Sciences | |||||||||||
Subject Area | Biosciences | |||||||||||
Attendance options |
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Course leader |
About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning
The BSc course is will promote a broad understanding of the range of subject areas allied to Biological Science. Knowledge and understanding of Biological Science is summatively assessed by time-constrained unseen examinations and by coursework comprising elements such as essays, practical reports, progress tests, poster presentations and seminar presentations completed during the course of the 30 week module. Coursework and online tests are also used to provide formative feedback. Formative diagnostic assessment of knowledge and understanding is carried out, particularly during the initial stages of the course.
Utilisation of the University’s VLE, WebLearn has become an invaluable tool with which to disseminate information and to support and assess student learning. Online progress tests will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress. Exams in several modules are delivered as online exams.
Feedback will be delivered on line and through provision of tutorial questions and answer sessions and other formative exercises.
Practical skills exercises at each level are used to monitor proficiency at experimental work. Assessment of Data handling skills are embedded in practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations and seminar presentations.
The level 6 Research Project provides the ultimate measure of experimental and other practical skills. The excellent science centre also provides an unrivalled facility in which to carry out the level 6 Research Project module. BSc project assessment will culminate in the presentation of a dissertation and a viva exam, designed to allow the student to demonstrate their depth of knowledge and understanding.
Course aims
The BSc (Hons) Biological Science degree has been designed to produce graduates with extensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of health and disease together with skills and competence in the associated technical and transferable skills. Graduates will be equipped for employment in the medical and allied research institutes, health agency laboratories*, in bioanalytical medical genetics and forensic units, in the pharmaceutical industry, and in information services, health and safety and science education. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed by Biological Science graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as those in the financial services sector, marketing and company administration.
* Students whose specific intention is to pursue a career as a Registered Biomedical Scientist in the NHS pathology services should transfer to the narrower IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Sciences) accredited BSc Biomedical Sciences, if their entry qualifications allow.
Course learning outcomes
On the BSc Biological Science has been designed to reflect the elements required in the QAA outcomes for Biosciences.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed:
- an appreciation of the fundamental concepts and principles of Biological Science .
- an understanding of the range and complexity of living systems and their relationships .
- skills of self-evaluation and reflection, and an awareness of the ethical dimension within which contemporary biological issues are explored .
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By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to:
critically evaluate and integrate information and develop ideas on issues, methodologies and processes within the context of Biological Science - devise working hypotheses and test these within specified constraints
- undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, self-presentation and decision making
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By the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:
communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral, written and visual means with clarity and confidence . - recognise personal responsibility, whether working individually or as a member of a team and respect the ethical standards and professional codes of conduct established within the scientific community
- identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills .
- Appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including communication, consideration for others, creativity, dedication and self-discipline.
Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference
By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed:
1. an appreciation of the fundamental concepts and principles of Biological Science:
AS4004 Anatomy and Physiology (for Applied Biology)
AS4003 Cell and Molecular Biology (for Applied Biology)
AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry (for Applied Biology)
AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS5005 Molecules of Heredity and Defence
an understanding of the range and complexity of living systems and their relationships. BS5052 Parasitology
AS6005 Biochemical Pathology: AS6006 Microbial Biotechnology
2. skills of self-evaluation and reflection, and an awareness of the ethical dimension within which contemporary biological issues are explored:
AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to:
4. critically evaluate and integrate information and develop ideas on issues, methodologies and processes within the context of Biological Science:
AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry (for Applied Biology)
AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
5. devise working hypotheses and test these within specified constraints.
6. AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
7. undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, self-presentation and decision making:
AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
By the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:
7. communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral, written and visual means with clarity and confidence:
AS4004 Anatomy and Physiology (for Applied Biology)
AS4003 Cell and Molecular Biology (for Applied Biology)
AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry (for Applied Biology)
AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
BS5K55 Ethics for Science, BS5001 Blood Science
AS5005 Molecules of Heredity and Defence
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
BS5052 Parasitology
AS6005 Biochemical Pathology:
AS6006 Microbial Biotechnology
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
AS6056 Bioinformatics and Molecular Modelling
8. recognise personal responsibility whether working individually or as a member of a team and respect the ethical standards and professional codes of conduct established within the scientific community:
AS6W54 Work Placement
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
• identify and work towards targets for personal development academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills:
AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
• Appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including communication, consideration for others, creativity, dedication and self-discipline:
AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
Principle QAA benchmark statements
Biosciences
Assessment strategy
Students are assessed through a variety of methods including problem solving exercises, in-class test, data analysis, practical reports, case studies, extended essays, examinations, research project interim report, oral examination and dissertation.
Practical skills are summatively assessed through coursework assignments, including those in the project module. Data handling skills are summatively assessed by practical reports, problem solving exercises, oral presentations and examinations.
Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad
Course specific regulations
If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.
Modules required for interim awards
Module Code |
Module title |
Highest possible award gained if modules taken |
AS4004 |
Anatomy and Physiology (for Applied Biology) |
CertHE Biosciences
|
AS4003 |
Cell and Molecular Biology (for Applied Biology) |
|
AS4002 |
Chemistry and Biochemistry (for Applied Biology) |
|
AS4001 |
Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology) |
|
AS5004 |
Metabolism and Microbiology |
DipHE Biological Science
|
AS5005 |
Molecules of Heredity and Defence |
|
BS5001 |
Blood Science |
|
BS5K55 |
Ethics for Science |
|
BS5052 |
Parasitology |
|
AS6005 |
Biochemical Pathology |
BSc Biological Science
|
AS6006 |
Microbial Biotechnology |
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AS6P01 |
Research Project (for Applied Biology) |
Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions
On graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Graduate or Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology, depending on your degree classification.
Career opportunities
You'll complete the course equipped for a career in medical and biological research, in hospital and public health laboratories or in the pharmaceutical, food, water and agricultural industries. Previous graduates have gone on to find work at companies such as the Royal Society of Biology.
You'll also develop analytical, numerical and communication skills that are in demand in other careers such as accountancy, journalism, marketing and teaching.
Entry requirements
In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:
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240 or more UCAS points from two or more A levels, including Biology and Chemistry at grade C or above (or equivalent, eg Applied Science A level Double Award at grade CC or BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with MMM) -
English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent)
Entry from appropriate foundation and access courses will also be considered.
If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the BSc Biological Sciences Extended Degree.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.
Official use and codes
Approved to run from | 2013/14 | Specification version | 1 | Specification status | Validated |
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Original validation date | 01 Sep 2013 | Last validation date | 01 Sep 2013 | ||
Sources of funding | HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND | ||||
JACS codes | C100 (Biology): 100% | ||||
Route code | BIOSCI |
Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AS4001 | Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology) | Core | 30 | |||||
AS4002 | Chemistry and Biochemistry (for Applied Biology) | Core | 30 | |||||
AS4003 | Cell and Molecular Biology (for Applied Biology) | Core | 30 | |||||
AS4004 | Anatomy and Physiology (for Applied Biology) | Core | 30 |
Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AS5004 | Metabolism and Microbiology | Core | 30 | |||||
AS5005 | Molecules of Heredity and Defence | Core | 30 | |||||
BS5001 | Blood Science | Core | 30 | |||||
BS5052 | Parasitology | Core | 15 | |||||
BS5K55 | Ethics for Science | Core | 15 |
Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BC6060 | Infection Control | Core | 15 | NORTH | SPR | WED | PM | |
BC6P01 | Project | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | WED | PM | |
BE6005 | Biochemical Pathology | Core | 30 | |||||
BE6061 | Fundamentals of Biotechnology | Core | 15 | |||||
BE6063 | Energy Metabolism & Endocrinology | Core | 15 | NORTH | SPR | WED | AM | |
BC6051 | Systems Pathology | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | MON | PM | |
BC6W54 | Work Placement | Option | 15 | |||||
BE6056 | Bioinformatics & Molecular Modelling | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | WED | AM |