BSc Biology and History and Philosophy of Science

Year 2

(Award available for year: Diploma of Higher Education)

Learning outcomes

HPS LOs

1. Construct coherent, detailed explanations and evaluations of historical and philosophical accounts of science and scientific development/change.

2. Identify connections between historical/cultural and philosophical accounts of science and scientific development/change

3. Make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources to deepen understanding, and improve the quality, of your academic work

4. Demonstrate a more advanced ability to coherently develop, articulate and defend your own view

Biology LOs

5. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the concepts, information, practical competencies and techniques which are standard features in a range of aspects of biology;

6. Appreciate and employ the main methods of enquiry in biology and critically evaluate the appropriateness of different methods of enquiry;

7. Use a range of techniques to initiate and undertake the analysis of data and information;

8. Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms.

Skills Learning Outcomes

Express yourself orally and in writing in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner (Academic and Work Ready skill)

Manage your time, prioritise tasks, organise academic and personal commitments effectively to meet deadlines (Academic and Work Ready Skill)

Use reasoning and judgement to make decisions and solve problems (Academic, Work Ready and Enterprise skill)

Work independently, and on own initiative (Academic and Work Ready skill)

Learn proactively and adopt effective learning strategies (Academic and Work Ready skill)

Be aware of your own strengths and development needs and seek/accept feedback (Academic and Work Ready skill)

Set and achieve goals (Work Ready skill)

Search for, evaluate and use relevant information and data from a range of sources to strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research (Academic, Work Ready and Enterprise skill)

Analyse data and write scientific reports (Academic and Work Ready Skill)

Identify when, why and how to appropriately acknowledge someone else’s work and ideas (Academic and Work Ready skill)

Collaborate with others and build positive relationships to enable successful projects (Work Ready and Enterprise skill)

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year and enable students to demonstrate they have achieved the programme level learning outcomes through their optional and core modules. Assessments include essays, exams, text analysis, presentations, posters, literature reviews, reports, multiple-choice tests, practical work, data handling or analysis, problem-solving exercises, group work, discussion groups, and computer-based simulations.

Students will be provided with a range of unassessed formative exercises and assessment support sessions, allowing them to make progress with the LOs and skills outside an assessment context. Opportunities for explicit discussion and support will be made available by module leaders in office hours and in routine meetings with academic personal tutors.