MBiol, BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) (Integrated Masters)

Year 4

(Award available for year: Master of Biology & Bach of Sc)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students should have provided evidence of being able to:
- demonstrate in-depth, specialist knowledge of concepts and information at the forefront of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology acquired through research-based teaching, reading the scientific literature and attending research seminars;
- demonstrate independent critical understanding of entrepreneurship and enterprise development activity in relation to economic and societal outcomes on local and global contexts;
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research principles and methodologies applicable to biotechnology developed through research-based teaching including experimental planning, execution and analysis of results and the development of detailed research plans for project work including the development of a grant application style report;
- critically evaluate current issues and research literature in biological sciences and biotechnology evidenced through critical review of the research literature and hypothesis driven articulation of ideas based on the integration of concepts underpinning current research reports including in the context of the student's own work;
- proactively plan, implement and execute a research project demonstrated through the articulation of a detailed project proposal written in the form a hypothesis driven grant proposal to underpin the final project.

Transferable (key) skills

Integrated Masters students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- demonstrate advanced data analysis, interpretation and problem-solving skills demonstrated through a range of activities including the data generated during research work;
- demonstrate an enhanced ability to communicate research data and ideas in writing and verbally evidenced through the production of written reports during the programme, and a major written dissertation presenting in a coherent and articulate manner the outcomes of the final research project together with oral and poster presentations related to this project work;
- demonstrate the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in the biotechnology industry or area of professional practice;
- demonstrate self-direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- demonstrate independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- critically engage in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms;
- take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others demonstrated through regular reporting of progress during the project work, reflection in preparation for personal tutorials, maintaining individual progress records and living CV thorough Leeds for Life and showing interpersonal skills in interactions with other students and staff both within the research laboratory environment and in taught sessions.

Assessment

Achievement for the degree of Integrated Masters will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:
- evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry;
- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to complex specialist areas
- drawing on a range of perspectives within biosciences and enterprise;
- evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- make reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.
Assessment of the Project module will include; research proposal, practical performance, project report, poster presentation and viva, while the accompanying Skills module assessments will include data handling assignments, oral presentations at Journal Club and a short topical review. Assessment of biotechnology modules is through in-course assignments; the precise nature of these varies, depending on the module chosen, but typically includes a written review, plus oral presentations, problem solving exercises, or research paper critiques. Enterprise modules are also assessed through in-course assignments, including group and individual essays/written reports and oral presentations.