MSc Plant Science and Biotechnology

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students should have shown evidence of being able to:

- demonstrate in-depth specialist knowledge of techniques relevant to plant science and biotechnology, or
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of concepts, information and techniques informed by knowledge across or in aspects of, the forefront of plant science and biotechnology;
- exhibit competence in the exercise of generic and subject-specific intellectual abilities;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of techniques applicable to their own research, advanced scholarship or area of specific interest within the broader discipline of plant science and biotechnology;
- take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others;
- proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses and to evaluate these;
- evaluate current issues and research in plant science and biotechnology.

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities through the research training, projects and
modules specified for the programme:
- self direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- the skills necessary to:
> undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or the public sector or area of professional practice in plant science and biotechnology;
> evaluate their own achievement and that of others;
> engage critically in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.

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 involve the achievement of the students in:
- evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within different aspects of plant science and biotechnology;
- drawing on, and selecting appropriately from, a range of research techniques and methodologies in their enquiries into plant science and biotechnology;
- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area in plant science and biotechnology;
- drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study in plant science and biotechnology;
- evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- making reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.