2018/19 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue
MBiol, BSc Genetics (Integrated Masters)
Programme code: | MBBS-GENE | UCAS code: | C409 |
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Duration: | 4 Years | Method of Attendance: | Full Time |
Programme manager: | Dr Andrew Cuming | Contact address: | a.c.cuming@leeds.ac.uk |
Total credits: 480
Entry requirements:
A-level: AAA: Including Biology and another science or science-related subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded. Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
International Baccalaureate: 35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:
Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School (School of Biology)
Examination board through which the programme will be considered:
Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School (School of Biology)
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:
The three year BSc programmes upon which the Integrated Masters are built meet the QAA Benchmarks and meet the QAA expectations for integrated masters programmes. There are no specified QAA Benchmarks for Integrated Masters degrees in Bioscience, however the principle of such programmes is to ensure coverage of Honours level Benchmark requirements plus ensure that the higher Masters levels objectives are met including:
Research training:
- Project-specific experimental skills
- Accessing literature
- Planning, including evaluation of hazards and environmental effects
- Making oral presentations, writing reports, including critical evaluation
- Participating in colloquia
Research project:
- Implementation of planned experiments
- Recording of data and their critical analysis
- Dissertation
- Outcome potentially publishable
Advanced studies:
- In area of specialism to support research topic
- Complementary studies outside, but cognate to, area of specialism
Problem solving:
- Development of general strategies including the identification of additional information required and problems where there is not a unique solution
- Application of advanced studies to the solutions of problems
Professional studies:
- Ethics and societal responsibilities
- Environmental impact
- Sustainability
The proportion of each activity will vary depending upon the programmes learning objectives. However, research studies (training and project) are likely to form at least one-half of the masters level study.
It is important to note that for students who may elect not to complete the fourth year of the programme, or who are advised that their performance makes it unlikely that they would be successful in completing the programme will have met the University requirements for the BSc and so will be able to graduate after 3 years.
Programme specification:
The subject of genetics is highly topical with the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA and advances being made in the medical sphere using this discipline. The genetics programme aims to demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the processes of the transmission and expression of genetic information, and its variation in space (across populations) and in time (through evolution); the techniques, at the whole organism, microscopic, and molecular levels, by which this understanding has been reached and may be extended in the future and the economic and social potential of present genetic knowledge and its future development.
The MBiol, BSc Genetics programme offers students an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge plus the exceptional experience of advanced research. The initial two years of the programme follows the existing BSc Genetics programme. The year 3 will be similar to that for students enrolled on the 3 year BSc programme but will be integrated with year 4 with students undertaking a research project comprising of a 20 credit practical research project and 20 credit research literature project at Level 3. The fourth year of the programme is research focused, comprising an 80 credit research project and 40 credits of advanced research training. There is a strong emphasis on independent learning, problem solving and data analysis, taught in the context of the subject. The extended individual project allows students to develop their research skills in greater depth and produce a report containing material of publishable quality that could contribute to a research publication.
The level one core curriculum exposes students to the fundamentals of Biology. Programme-specific core topics are covered at level 2 preparing for subsequent research-led subject specialist modules. The size and diversity of Genetics at Leeds, coupled with the medical input from clinical colleagues at St James' hospital and the LGI offers extensive choice.
Core practical and IT skills are taught at level 1 in specific modules, ensuring that all students are prepared similarly. At level 2, practicals are embedded in lecture modules to aid comprehension. At Level 3 all students carry out independent research projects, which will comprise a 20 credit Research and Manuscript project and a 20 credit Research Literature Review and poster presentation.
In year 4 students will extend their specialist knowledge and research training through completion of an extended Masters level 80 credit research project and 40 credits of additional Masters level taught modules. In years 3 and 4, students will attend supervisory meetings with their research project supervisor who will guide them through their research project. The content of both projects will be specific to Genetics.
Academic tutorials are offered at levels 1 and 2 with the same tutor, who is also the personal tutor for the full 4 years, providing continuity and progressive guidance. Levels 1 and 2 tutorials include a number of workshops to teach skills eg library use, presentation skills etc.followed by assessed exercises e.g. essays, talks etc. as opportunities to practice these skills in a subject- specific context. Students will build on these over subsequent years of specialisation and training. In years 3 and 4 students will continue with their personal tutorial meetings and attend supervision meetings with their project supervisor.
MBiol, BSc Genetics is one of 5 Integrated Masters programmes in the School of Biology. Differentiation of the Genetics programme at year 4 (level 5) from the others will be through the extended research project which comprises two-thirds of the final year. Research topics will be specific to Genetics and hence substantial subject-specific specialisation will be achieved through the project. In addition, specialisation will be achieved through a range of taught module topics offered, again aligned to Genetics .
The MBiol, BSc Genetics programme is distinctive because it develops an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge in the programme area together with an exceptional experience of advanced research delivered through an integrated research project.
The most important values which inform the MBiol, BSc Genetics programme are to provide excellent students with the opportunity to gain substantial research training and experience through engagement with an individual research project conducted as part of a research team in an internationally recognised research laboratory.
The academic content of this programme concentrates on developing an understanding of research through the delivery and active engagement in taught components, practical skills development, data analysis and problem solving elements culminating in a major research project supported by further research and transferable skills training and career planning opportunities.
The most important intellectual skills developed in the programme are appreciation of the fundamental underpinning principles of Genetics leading through to the current state of the field informed by the research-based ethos of teaching and investigation.
The most useful practical skills, techniques and capabilities developed will be those underpinning the Genetics area, together with advanced level research skills expected of early stage PhD students.
Competency will be developed in a broad range of topics associated with Genetics combined with competency in research methodology, the development of hypothesis driven research, the approach to the analysis of data and ability to solve problems, appropriate practical skills in the design and execution of suitable experiments, the production of publication quality outputs and the ability to communicate effectively.
The most important ways in which a student will learn are dependent upon the level of the students as they progress through the course. Initially delivery will be more research-informed teaching in lecture and seminar/tutorial and practical class settings leading to more independent research-based learning through lectures and independent study, small class teaching and project team or individual mentoring. Students will progress from the development of research-based practical skills in teaching labs to the design and execution of independent research work.
On completing the The MBiol, BSc Genetics programme we want students to know and understand their programme specialist subject from basic principles through to cutting edge research, and to appreciate the process of research and to be able to demonstrate implementation of these principles.
On completing the The MBiol, BSc Genetics programme we want students to be able to compete worldwide with other students for high quality research opportunities within appropriate industries or for PhD positions to pursue research careers.
Year1 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Candidates will be required to study 120 credits.
Compulsory modules:
Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
BLGY1125 | Biology Practicals and Data Analysis | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY1128 | Living Planet | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY1232 | Introduction to Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY1234 | Practical Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY1303 | Tutorials for Biology and Genetics | 10 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
FOBS1135 | The Basis of Life | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Optional modules:
Candidates will be required to study up to 30 credits from the following optional modules:
BIOL1223 | Career and Professional Development for Life Scientists | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BIOL1225 | How can Biological Sciences change the world | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY1211 | Applied Biology and Agriculture | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY1238 | Exploring Whole Organism Biology in the Lab and Field | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY1300 | Coastal and Upland Habitats Field Course | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BMSC1212 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
FOBS1201 | Molecular Physiology | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
MICR1201 | Introduction to Microbiology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Students who select BLGY1238 must also select BLGY1211.
Discovery modules:
Students may select upto 10 credits of discovery modules.
Year2 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Candidates will be required to study 120 credits.
Compulsory modules:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
BIOL2110 | The Power of Genomics | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BIOL2111 | Genetic Engineering | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY2100 | Enhanced Study Skills for Biologists | 10 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
BLGY2163 | How Plants Work | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY2201 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY2262 | Animal Developmental Biology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY2296 | Human Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Optional modules:
Candidates will be required to study at least 40 credits from the following optional modules:
BIOL2210 | Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BIOL2211 | Human Diseases | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BIOL2223 | Employment, Career planning and Professional Development for Life Scientists | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY2175 | Human Populations | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY2223 | Organismal Evolution | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY2225 | Sustainable Food Production | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
FOBS2240 | Skills in Communicating Research beyond the University | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
MICR2120 | Cell Biology of Disease | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
MICR2121 | Molecular Virology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
MICR2221 | Medical Immunology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Discovery modules:
Candidates may choose up to 10 credits of discovery modules.
Year3 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Candidates will be required to study 120 credits
Compulsory modules:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
BLGY3110 | Applied Genetics | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY3152 | Advanced Topics in Human Genetics | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY3395 | Advanced Research Skills and Experience | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3396 | Research Literature Review | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Optional modules:
Candidates will be required to study 40 credits from the following optional modules:
BIOL3215 | Cancer Biology | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3205 | Applied Plant Science | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3232 | Epigenetics | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3245 | Advanced Topics in Evolution | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3246 | Evolution and Population Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3251 | Animal Developmental Biology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3252 | Plant Developmental Biology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3291 | Comparative Genomics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
MICR3211 | Advanced Topics in Microbiology 2 | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
MICR3212 | Advanced Topics in Microbiology 3 | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Students can choose either MICR3211 or MICR3212, but not both. Students must have the appropriate pre-requisite Level 1 & 2 modules in Microbiology/ Virology and obtain the approval of the Genetics and Microbiology programme leaders. Nor can students take both MICR3212 and BIOL3215.
Year4 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Candidates will be required to study a minimum of 120 credits and a maximum of 125 credits.
Compulsory modules:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module:
BLGY5380M | Extended Research Project | 80 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Optional modules:
Candidates will be required to study a minimum of 40 Credits (maximum 45 credits) of advanced research training from the following optional modules:
BIOL5112M | Bioimaging | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BIOL5152M | Topics in Plant Science | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BIOL5172M | Practical Bioinformatics | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BIOL5251M | Plant Biotechnology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BIOL5274M | High-throughput Technologies | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BIOL5276M | Medical Diagnostics Pre-requisite for: BIOL5274M | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY5104M | Conservation Genetics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Last updated: 17/05/2018
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