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AWARD and COURSE TITLE / BSc(Hons) in Biotechnology (Top-up)
INTERMEDIATE AWARDS / BSc Biosciences
Name of Teaching Institution / Sheffield Hallam University
Faculty and Department / Health and Wellbeing
Department of Biosciences
Mode(s) of Attendance
(eg. FT/PT/SW/DL) / Full time/Part-time
UCAS CODE / J702
Professional/Statutory/Regulatory Body Recognising this Programme
QAA Subject Benchmark Statement or other relevant external reference point / Bioscience Subject Benchmark (2007)
Date of Validation / 25 June 2012
1PROGRAMME AIMS
The BSc(Hons) programme aims to
1.1provide a top-up award to students with an appropriate HND/diploma focused on the needs of international students
1.2provide a stimulating, challenging and enjoyable experience of studying biotechnology
1.3provide a broad and balanced study of a range of fundamental and applied topics required for the understanding of biotechnology
1.4develop an in depth knowledge and understanding of molecular, environmental, biomedical, pharmaceutical and plant aspects of biotechnology
1.5develop up to date practical skills within a culture of active research
1.6develop research skills by undertaking a major research project as an integral aspect of this degree scheme
1.7provide opportunities to apply skills and knowledge to solve problems
2PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
2.1Knowledge and understanding covered within the Programme. By the end of the BSc(Hons) programme you will be able to
2.1.1identify, explain and critically evaluate facts and concepts relevant to fundamental and applied aspects of relevant areas of molecular and systems biology to underpin understanding of biotechnology
2.1.2critically discuss key concepts of molecular and cell biology that underpin applications of biotechnology
2.1.3explain and evaluate biotechnological procedures to study and manipulate genomes, and critically evaluate their potential applications
2.1.4explain the application of biotechnologies to the development of new products and processes
2.2 Intellectual/Subject/Professional/Key skills covered within the Programme. By the end of the BSc(Hons) programme you will be able to
2.2.1select, retrieve, review and critically evaluate relevant information from a variety of sources, draw reasoned conclusions and sustainable judgements, and reference and cite sources appropriately.
2.2.2carry out laboratory procedures in a safe, professional and effective manner, keep appropriate records and follow protocols to test a hypothesis or obtain diagnostic results
2.2.3design experiments, interpret scientific data and information and apply appropriate numerical skills including statistical methods, and make effective use of IT and information management skills
2.2.4review relevant research and current practice and critically evaluate the methods used, the results obtained, and the conclusions drawn and demonstrate your ability to synthesise learning from a variety of sources
2.2.5learn independently and reflect upon your learning to critically evaluate your own performance and review how this affects future learning and potential employment
2.2.6communicate information and support an argument by a variety of written, oral and visual means, effectively utilising appropriate IT and information management tools, and present the findings of investigations, analyse and discuss these results and summarise the conclusions.
2.2.7 manage your time and resources working both independently and as a member of a group
2.2.8apply your knowledge and skills to solving problems
3LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
3.1The approach to Learning and Teaching within the Programme
A vibrant, challenging but supportive learning environment has been designed by the course team. Lectures in core subjects are integrated with laboratory work and skill development supported by academic tutorials. As you progress through the course you will systematically acquire the skills required for you to learn with increasing independence so that you can continue to learn and develop after successful completion of your degree. The course is designed to embed professional skills and so develop you for future employment.
You will prepare for and attend lectures, laboratory classes and small group tutorials, undertake group activities and learn how to improve your understanding and skills by reviewing your own work and that of fellow students. We expect you to participate in all timetabled activities and you must normally attend a minimum of 70% of classes.
Attending and participating in the practical classes and research project is central to your course as it is where you will develop not only practical skills but also learn to keep effective records, analyse data, design and plan procedures and work both independently and with others.
The laboratory classes are whole day activities and are based around extended topics over several days. These lead to a major research project during the final semester.
We also make extensive use of 'BlackBoard' an on-line virtual learning environment (VLE). This system accessed via the student portal, Shuspace which also provides access to information about a whole range of University services including timetables, rules and regulations, assessment schedules and the library catalogue and on-line publications. This system can be accessed from any internet-connected computer or tablet and in a mobile version to most smart-phones. All course modules will use Blackboard in some of the following ways:
- undertake on-line learning activities
- complete on-line assessments
- carry out private study to address your individual needs
- work with others to carry out group work
- communicate with staff and your fellow students
- submit work and receive feedback
Slides from lectures and powerpoint, video and audio content relating to taught materials will be available via the individual module blackboard sites. Important reference materials will be indexed or linked and assignment submission and academic integrity tools will also be accessible on the sites. Various group work resources such as individual group sites containing a file-sharing service, a blog site, discussion boards and wiki's will be made available. Course announcements and important resources information will be presented on the course blackboard site, as will contact information for the course and module leadership teams and details on how to contact academic tutors.
In addition to individual module sites the course will have a Blackboard 'Organisation' site which provides information and communication across your whole year of study.
You will be supported in your learning by an academic tutor who will work in conjunction with your course leader and specialist staff from individual modules to help you make the most from the learning activities. Regular academic tutorials will provide discussion on key aspects of employability as identified by their laboratory experience and planning and professional skills development. Additional support on literature research skills, job application processes and interview technique will be provided by the Adsetts centre and integration into professional development classes with our MSc students will offer guidance on best practice with exams and coursework.
3.2The approach to Assessment and Feedback within the Programme
Assessment of your learning will include both continuous assessment in the form of coursework completed out of classes, short in class tests and formal examinations. Some examinations will include 'preseen' topics so that you can learn and prepare in depth for these questions.
Some assessment tasks will be formative in that they will not provide marks towards your degree but will provide feedback to enable you to improve your performance in summative assessments later in the year, i.e assessments with marks contributing to your degree. You will also take part in in some self-assessment and peer-assessment activities which will develop your abilities to assess your own work and so improve your knowledge, understanding and communication skills.
Coursework will include the writing of case-studies, proposals, reports on practical activities including the preparation of work in the form of scientific papers and posters. Some assessments will be based on a portfolio of evidence collected during a period of study including a range of related activities. You will also be assessed on your ability to reflect on your performance and your plans for improvement or consolidation of your abilities. Most work will be word processed and some will include the use of spreadsheets and presentation software. You will also reference information sources in a standard format. Some assessment tasks may include giving short talks or oral presentation of information. Some tasks will involve the use of on-line systems including those of the ‘Blackboard’ virtual learning environment (VLE).
Summative Assessment for BSc (Hons) Biotechnology (Top up)
Level 6Formal lab report
In-depth case studies
Biotechnology proposal
Research skills and notebook
Project report and viva/presentation
Examinations
Most work will be individual but some will involve working with others in small groups.
You will get feedback on your work in a variety of forms. This will include individual written and oral comments about your work and how future work can be improved. For some large coursework tasks eg a project report, feedback on draft work will be provided to enable you to enhance your final submission.
Generic feedback to the class about common mistakes and how to produce work to a high standard will also be provided in some cases. This may include feedback given via the Blackboard VLE. The feedback is to help you improve future work which may be later in that module, in another module, or in a later year of the course.
The timing of feedback for exams and summative assessment will be in line with university policy.
Written work submitted for assessment will normally be checked electronically for plagiarism and collusion to ensure that it is your own work. You will be able to check draft work yourself before formal submission.
3.3How Student Employability is supported within the Programme
As a learner at Sheffield Hallam you will be entitled to, and be expected to engage with as part of your course of study, three inter connected elements. These are shown in the table below with an indication of the main way we support these during your course.
Most of the students on this programme are expected to be international. The teaching on this degree scheme will integrate students from a variety of backgrounds and will deliver a global perspective on the biotechnology industry which will provide a strong foundation for future employment in this sector. This will include specific work
The eight-week full-time research project in semester three, supervised by leading researchers in the field of biotechnology, will provide you with an opportunity to develop specific technical skills which are directly transferrable to a career in biotechnology and biotechnology related industries.
Entitlement / Supporting activitiesWell structured, supported and accredited work-related or work-based learning / Work-related content will be included in all modules in this programme and the research project module will involve the utilisation and development of processes and techniques routinely used commercially and industrially in the biotechnology sector
Development of high-level employability-related transferable ‘skills’ and attributes embedded within the curriculum / We specifically enhance your employability within the Advancing Cell and Molecular Biology module which integrates it with laboratory skills development. In this module you will prepare and reflect on your professional development. You will complete industrially applicable problem-based learning exercises, develop your skills in information technology and enhance your literature searching skills.
You will undertake a full-time project period in which you will develop, enhance, and consolidate skills which are valued by employers. These include areas such as problem solving, independent working, application of knowledge and integration of information from a variety of sources.
Integrated and timetabled career planning and preparation for employment / You will undertake an extended induction covering aspects of career planning and relevant skills development.
This is also embedded into the Advancing Cell and Molecular Biology module.
Personal and professional development planning and personal academic tutorial support to monitor their progress and support your transition to the world of work / Your academic tutor will guide you in your career planning and personal development assisted by a member of staff in the department who is responsible for enhancing employability and by staff with specialist knowledge of potential employment areas or relevant further study.
Courses run in conjuction with the Adsetts centre on research skills and job application processes will enhance graduate employability and are embedded in the extended induction.
3.4Main Type of Work-related Learning featured in this Programme
Work-related Learning
All routes: Laboratory and Research Project work
4PROGRAMME DESIGN AND STRUCTURE
Course Structure.
Full time route
The course consists of four core 20 credit modules covering fundamental and applied topics in biotechnology encompassing environmental, industrial and biomedical applications. You will engage in activities that will enhance your employability and you will reflect on your skill development and potential areas of employment. The year is completed with a 40 credit research project in a biotechnology-related field. This programme aims to provide the knowledge base, research tools and laboratory skills required for specialisation as a biotechnologist.
BSc (Hons) Biotechnology (Top up)Level 6
Semester 1 / Semester 2 / Semester 3
Advancing Cell and Molecular Biology (20 credits) / Applied Biochemistry
(20 credits) / Environmental Biotechnology
(20 credits) / Plant Biotechnology (20 credits) / Research Project (40 credits)
Part-time route:
Students will take modules as they are scheduled for the full-time route.
You can take the BSc(Hons) course part-time over 2 years although this is not available for international students.
5PROGRESSION/CAREER ROUTES
Possible progression or career routes after you have completed this programme include
Biotechnology graduates are employed in a wide range of biologically based industries. A wide range of international industries require biotechnologists including pharmaceutical, food and agrochemical manufacturing and processing businesses. Some graduates continue on specialised MSc courses, some to obtain entry into related professions. Graduates also go into research, some via a PhD programme.
6ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ENTRY PROFILE
6.1.1Specific Entry Requirements for entry to the initial stage of this programme are
Academic Qualifications including GCE A / AS level grades and subjects, where applicable / Not applicableLevel of English language capability / If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Any other specific, formally certified qualifications (eg. BTEC HNs) / BTEC National Diploma
HND
International equivalent of 240 credits as determined by NARIC and mapped to the indicative content and learning outcomes specified in section 6.1.2
Previous relevant work or work-related experience / Not applicable
Any specific articulation arrangements recognised for this programme / Not applicable
Professional qualifications / Not applicable
Any other specific entry requirements / Not applicable
6.1.2Prerequisite Content of Prior Qualification
Students will be expected to have covered equivalent indicative content and achieved comparable learning outcomes during their prior HND/diploma-equivalent qualification which map to the list of examples outlined below. The department of Biosciences will establish a database of suitable qualifications from partner institutions for entry to this programme. Qualifications from non-partner institutions will be assessed for prerequisite suitability on a case by case basis by comparing the content and skills learned with the example indicative content and learning outcomes.
Indicative Content of Prior Study
Introduction to key bioscience disciplines (biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology)
Basic chemistry eg: water cycle, nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle & nutrient cycle, knowledge of ionic and covalent bonds; dipolar molecules; solvents; pH & buffers, osmolarity; basic atomic structure, isotopes and use of the periodic table
Molecular biology, clinical molecular genetic methods including PCR and real-time PCR
Biomolecules - Amino acids, protein structure and folding, Nucleic acids and recombinant DNA Technology, Sugars and polysaccharides, Lipids and membranes
Mechanisms of enzyme action
Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen containing compounds.
Expression and transmission of genetic information
Cell Biology: Life cycle, division, self-replication and death.
Principles and applications of visualisation and imaging techniques.
Genetics: identification and regulation of genes.
Fermentation processes.
Cell and tissue preparation, histology immunohistochemistry and microscopy
Immunological techniques (ELISA, Flow cytometry, Luminex based methods)
Analytical techniques used to analyse biological samples.
Separation techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Concepts of specificity, sensitivity and calibration. Need for sample preparation of biological samples.
Study a range of bio-molecules (ions to atoms to organic molecules to macromolecules + water) and their bonds and relate this to methods of quantification and description
Study of the properties of water and gain an appreciation of pH and buffers, and other solvents.
Bio-analytical methods - immunoassay types, enzyme assays (substrate & activity), biosensors.
Calculations and numerical manipulation necessary to chemically, analyse biological samples, e.g. molarity, concentration, ppm etc
Interrelate the theory of analytical techniques with the chemistry of the moiety under investigation
Structure and chemical properties of lipids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, DNA, RNA, and carbohydrates
Structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells their walls and membranes
Structure and function of organelles peroxisomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria