UEBIOIND - BSc Biology of Infectious Disease Extended Degree

The Preparatory Year of the four year Biology of Infectious Disease Extended Degree Programme is a level three course intended to introduce students to the fundamentals of science to enable them to study Biology of Infectious Disease at level four. It makes no assumptions about prior scientific study. Students will gain a solid grounding in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and numeracy relevant to these subject areas. Practical sessions in the Science Centre help students gain proficiency at experimental work, and are delivered within PR3001 (Scientific Studies).
The material will be delivered by a range of mechanisms designed to allow the student to maximise the use of their preferred learning style (traditional lecture/tutorial sessions, guided independent learning, use of IT-based material such as VLOs, peer-assisted sessions).

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 formative and summative feedback on their progress. Exams in several modules are delivered as online exams.

Feedback will be delivered online and through provision of tutorial question-and-answer sessions and other formative exercises.

Students have access to the Learning Centre situated on the North campus which provides specific group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive and regularly reviewed range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources

The aims of the Preparatory Year are to equip students with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills in the areas of Biology and Chemistry to enable them to embark with well-founded confidence on to the second year of the Extended Degree course.
It will provide students with a broad, varied and stimulating experience which allows them to assess their own aptitudes and interests and develop the ability to apply principles learned in the classroom and laboratory in unfamiliar situations. It will help to develop in students the ability to communicate material of a technical nature both clearly and appropriately.

By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed:

1. an appreciation of the fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and numeracy;
2. fundamental laboratory-based skills including awareness of relevant health and safety issues;
3. competence in accessing and evaluating information independently and making effective use of paper-based and electronic sources of scientific information and data;
4. the capacity to communicate a subject clearly and accurately orally, and/or in writing;
5. an ability to analyse information and make reasoned judgements;
6. an ability to employ a range of responses to well defined but often unpredictable or unfamiliar problems;
7. a sense of responsibility for quantity and quality of output.

Module Title Module Code

Scientific Studies PR3001
Biology PR3002
Chemistry PR3003
Biochemistry PR3007

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO7

Biosciences

Students are assessed through a variety of methods including problem solving exercises, in-class tests, practical datasheets, oral presentations, essays and examinations. Formative assessments include regular on-line tests.

Model CVs, covering letters, graduation statements, job adverts, job descriptions and person specifications for use by PATs and students are provided within course and module VLE pages. A number of employer and alumni-led career events will be organised by the School and each Subject Group. Also process of personal development planning takes place throughout the course to help students to crystallise their aims, reflect on their progress and plan ahead in the context of employability and career goals. In addition there are formal arrangements for Practitioners and the Careers Service to contribute to the embedded Employability skills throughout the degree programme. Further careers input will also be provided for those electing for the Work Placement module.

To progress to level 4 of BSc Biology of Infectious Disease, students are required to attain at least 40% in all four of their level 3 modules, and thus achieve 120 credits.

All modules are core. For intermediate awards; for a Preparatory Certificate, 60 credits must have been awarded, and for a Preparatory Diploma 120 credits must have been awarded and in either case the student is not continuing with study at the university.

During the induction phase of the programme students will be introduced to structured reflection on their development of Undergraduate Skills which constitute much as the substance of personal development planning. Students will undertake to produce their personal development plan (PDP) during their undergraduate career or in the workplace. PDP can include other activities outside of the academic aspect of university life. The option exists for students to undertake an additional 30 credit module BC6W04 sandwich Placement module to enhance employability. This would normally be undertaken between level 5 and 6, this would extend the period of study to four years. PDP is designed to allow students to articulate the skills developed during their undergraduate career and encourages them to critically reflect on their learning experience, to set new personal and academic goals and evaluate progress made in achieving those goals. Progress with Undergraduate Skills will be articulated to students as the programme progresses through feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. This process assists students in developing as independent learners, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This will be of benefit throughout their future career. By way of modules: Anatomy and Physiology (Level 4); Infection Science (Level 5); and, Project (Level 6) students will progressively develop their PDP which will culminate in a CV and graduation statement. Students will take part in tutorials at all levels designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs. In addition, at Level 6 in the research project module the supervisor will initially assist with the clarifying the terms of the research project, establishing a timetable for the research and subsequent meetings, directed background reading as well as report format and writing and statistical analysis and students will also develop their graduate statement.

Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology to be arranged.

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. Graduates will also be in the position to apply for Graduate entry to Medicine. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed by Biology of Infectious Disease graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as those in the financial services sector, marketing and company administration.

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 Medical Bioscience graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers, such as those in the financial services sector, marketing and company administration.

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

• at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Applicants who meet the UCAS points criteria but who obtained a D/grade 3 in English and/or Maths at GCSE may be offered a University test in these areas.

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.