BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise)

Year 1

(Award available for year: Certificate of Higher Educ)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the year students should have provided evidence of being able to:

- demonstrate a familiarity with the basic concepts and knowledge of a range of biological sciences e.g. cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and genetics, and an awareness of their applications to biotechnology;
- demonstrate an understanding of forms of entrepreneurship and enterprising activity in relation to economic and societal outcomes on local and global levels.
- demonstrate an understanding of relevant enterprise development processes
- demonstrate practical competencies and understanding of basic techniques used to study biological molecules, cells and their components;
- design and carry out simple experiments with guidance;
- demonstrate an ability to record, analyse, interpret and evaluate quantitative data with appropriate guidance;
- be able to communicate the results of their work in a range of formats including essays, laboratory notebooks and reports;
- demonstrate an ability to use different approaches to problem solving associated with the disciplines;
- demonstrate an awareness of laboratory safety, ethical, professional and disciplinary boundaries;

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

- skills in data analysis, interpretation and presentation;
- skills in information handling, including finding information from appropriate sources, selecting relevant information and using information to solve problems;
- skills in communicating information in various formats to a limited range of audiences;
- organisational and self management skills;
- teamwork skills;
- commercial awareness
- ability to appreciate their strengths and weaknesses as learners;

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:

- demonstration of the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to the disciplines of biotechnology and enterprise at introductory level;
- demonstration of the ability to analyse and interpret quantitative data;
- work that covers a restricted area of the disciplines;
- demonstration emerging abilities, skills and competencies;

Assessment of most core modules in biological sciences/biotechnology is largely by examination, consisting of MCQ-style questions, with some opportunities for essay writing. The skills module is assessed entirely through in-course assessment of a range of assignments, including MCQ tests, laboratory book entries, practical reports, data handling problems, and essays. The core Enterprise module is assessed by a group poster presentation and essay.