UDBIOTEC - BSc Biotechnology

The BSc course is will promote a broad understanding of the range of subject areas allied to Biotechnology. Knowledge and understanding of biotechnology 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.

Students have access to the North campus library, which has recently been comprehensively refurbished. It provides specific group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive and regularly reviewed range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. In addition, there are newly fitted ‘all access’ areas on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge at Benwell Road. These areas come with comfortable seating and IT facilities.

The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology course has been designed to produce graduates with a sound knowledge base and a high standard of cognitive, practical and transferable skills, who will be equipped to take up employment in medical research, in hospital and public health laboratories, and in the pharmaceutical, food and agricultural industries. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed by biotechnology graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as accountancy, journalism and marketing.

The aims of the single honours Biotechnology course are to provide the opportunity to explore the molecular, cellular and physiological bases of life processes emphasizing biotechnological aspects. As well as enhance intellectual and practical skills necessary for the collection, analysis, interpretation and understanding of biotechnology information and data. Students will develop awareness of the ethical implications of the complex biotechnological issues presented in the contemporary world, as well as develop skills of reflection and self-evaluation. Students will enhance employability awareness, professional performance and transferable evaluative, problem-solving and communication skills.

On the BSc Biotechnology degree, the QAA outcomes for Biosciences have been referred to, figures in brackets indicating the generic area(s) each specific outcome addresses.

1. to have developed an understanding of the structure and chemical functioning of biological molecules, of information storage, transfer and processing in living systems and of metabolic processes and their control [1]
2. to have developed a knowledge of the diversity of cell types, and be able to relate genetics and biochemistry to cellular structure and function, and of the mechanisms by which individual cells interact in complex organs and multicellular organisms [1]
3. to have developed an awareness of the ethical dimensions within which contemporary biotechnology operates [3]
4. 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 a biotechnology context [2,3]
5. to have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to construct logical and reasoned arguments to support their position on the social and ethical impact of advances in biotechnology [1,3]
6. to have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, self-presentation and decision making [1]
7. to be able to communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral, written and visual means with clarity and confidence [4]
8. to be able to identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills [5]
9. to be able to undertake the collection and analysis of biotechnology data with due regard to validity, accuracy, calibration, precision and reproducibility [2,3]
10. to be able to devise and execute an independent project in a responsible, safe and ethical manner, and interpret and contextualise the findings within a contemporary understanding of biotechnology [2,3,5]

- To have developed an understanding of the structure and chemical functioning of biological molecules, of information storage, transfer and processing in living systems and of metabolic processes and their control [1]:

AS4001 Laboratory Science(for Applied Biology)
AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry(for Applied
Biology)
AS4003 Cell and Molecular Biology(for Applied
Biology)
AS4004 Anatomy and Physiology
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS5005 Molecules of Heredity and Defence

- To have developed a knowledge of the diversity of cell types, and be able to relate genetics and biochemistry to cellular structure and function, and of the mechanisms by which individual cells interact in complex organs and multicellular organisms [1]:

AS4003 Cell and Molecular Biology(for Applied
Biology)
AS4004 Anatomy and Physiology(for Applied
Biology)
AS6055 Medical Genetics
AS6006 Microbial Biotechnology
BS6054 Systems Pathology

- To have developed an awareness of the ethical dimensions within which contemporary biotechnology operates [3]:

AS4001 Laboratory Science
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
AS6P01 Research Project(for Applied Biology)

- 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 a biotechnology context [2,3]:

AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry(for Applied
Biology)
AS4001 Laboratory Science(for Applied Biology)
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
AS6P01 Research Project(for Applied Biology)

- To have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to construct logical and reasoned arguments to support their position on the social and ethical impact of advances in biotechnology [2, 3]:

AS4004 Laboratory Science(for Applied Biology)
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
AS6055 Medical Genetics

- To have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to undertake self reflection and demonstrate the skills of self management, self presentation and decision making [3,5]:

AS4001 Laboratory Science
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS6P01 Research Project(for Applied Biology)

- Yo be able to communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral, written and visual means with clarity and confidence [4]:

AS4001 Laboratory Science(for Applied Biology)
AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry(for Applied
Biology)
AS4003 Cell and Molecular Biology(for Applied
Biology)
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS5005 Molecules of Heredity and Defence
CH5007 Bioanalytical Science
CH5008 Organic Chemistry
AS6P01 Research Project(for Applied Biology)
AS6056 Bioinformatics and Molecular Modelling
CH6009 Natural Products and Medicinal
Chemistry
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
AS6055 Medical Genetics

- To be able to identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career
development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing
knowledge and skills [5]:

AS4001 Laboratory Science
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS6P01 Research Project(for Applied Biology)

- To be able to undertake the collection and analysis of biochemical data with due regard to validity, accuracy, calibration, precision and reproducibility [3]:

AS4001 Laboratory Science
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS6P01 Research Project(for Applied Biology)

- To be able to devise and execute an independent project in a responsible, safe and
ethical manner, and interpret and contextualise the findings within a contemporary
understanding of Biotechnology [2, 3,5]:

AS4001 Laboratory Science(for Applied Biology)
BS5K55 Ethics for Science
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)

Biosciences

Students are assessed through a variety of methods including problem solving exercises, in-class test, data analysis, practical reports, case studies, oral presentations, extended essays, examinations, research project interim report, oral examination and dissertation.

Practical s kills are summatively assessed through coursework assignments, including those in the Research Project module. Data handling skills are summatively assessed by practical reports, problem solving exercises, oral presentations and examinations.

Formative assessments include group activities in tutorial classes, mini-tests and project workshops.

The course includes the option to take either a 15 credit Work Placement module at level 6 or a 30 credit Sandwich Placement module between level 5 and level 6. Students are not allowed to register for both these modules.

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.

On graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Graduate or Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology, depending on your degree classification.

Demand for biotechnology graduates is ever-increasing and you will complete the course with knowledge that places you in a strong position in the job market. You'll be equipped to enter a career in biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, bioinformatics or molecular genetics.

The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study.

Previous graduates have found work in hospital and public health laboratories, in medical research, and also in the pharmaceutical, food and agricultural industries.

The analytical, numerical and communication skills you'll develop through this course are also in demand in careers outside the science sector, such as accountancy, journalism and marketing.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• a minimum of grades CCC in three A levels in academic subjects including Biology and Chemistry (or a minimum of 96 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.

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 Biotechnology 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.