Senior Lecturer

Biology (Molecular and Cellular) - UH-000336

<ul>
<li>BBC at A Level including two relevant Science subjects. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A-level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course. For the Advanced Accredited Courses BBB at ‘A’ Level including an ‘A’ level in chemistry and 2 other sciences subjects.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science. Alternatively, a BTEC Health and Social Care is acceptable but must be accompanied by another Science A Level at grade C or above.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a grade B in a Chemistry A-Level, plus another relevant Science subject.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above to include modules in relevant science subjects.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>International Baccalaureate with an overall score of 31 points to include modules in relevant science subjects.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Successful completion of the University of Huddersfield Science Extended degree course.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Applications are also welcomed from mature candidates capable of benefiting from the course.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Advanced Accredited courses require ABB at ‘A’ level with the ‘A’ grade in Chemistry or Biology and the remaining 2 ‘A’ levels in relevant science subjects.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Full details of entry requirements are given in the University Prospectus Entry requirements for all courses in the Biological Sciences Suite are covered by the regulations of the University.</li>
</ul>

UH-000336 - Biology (Molecular and Cellular)

Intermediate Optional

Intermediate Core

Intermediate Compulsory

Intermediate Level

Honours Core

Honours Optional

Honours Compulsory

Honours Level

Sandwich Year Out Optional

Sandwich Year Out

Foundation Compulsory

Foundation Core

Foundation Optional

Foundation Level

Structure

recognise the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct. 

the ability to think independently, set tasks and solve problems. 

recognise and explain the need for procedures for obtaining informed consent and appreciate the underlying ethical issues, including respect for the rights of access, for example, in field work or in order to map the genes of a community, family or group of plants or animals, including humans

develop an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view. 

design, plan, conduct and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data (for example from a survey database) 

practical and theoretical methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing biological information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use through the study of texts, original papers, reports and data sets 

evaluate their own performance as an individual and a team member 

apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems

engagement with some of the current developments in the biosciences and their applications, and the philosophical and ethical issues involved

use the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information.

critical and analytical skills including a recognition that statements should be tested and that evidence is subject to assessment and critical evaluation 

cite and reference work in an appropriate manner, ensuring academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism whether intentional or not 

build on knowledge and understanding of the role and impact of intellectual property (IP) within a research environment. 

obtain and integrate several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses

identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities and perform in a manner appropriate to these roles, in particular those being developed through practical, laboratory and/or field studies 

the capacity to give a clear and accurate account of a subject, marshal arguments in a sophisticated way and engage in debate and dialogue both with specialists and non-specialists, using appropriate scientific language 

use and interpret a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal, graphical

awareness of intellectual property (IP) and how scientific advances may be secured and progressed by the application of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) 

know and explain the structure and function of various types of cells in unicellular and multicellular organisms, the structure and function of cell membranes, cell differentiation 

an appreciation of how their skills and learning contribute to the many careers to which graduates will be progressing

awareness of the boundaries and limitations of their learning

communicate about their subject appropriately to a variety of audiences, including the general public, using a range of formats and approaches and employing appropriate scientific language 

develop the skills necessary for independent lifelong learning (for example working independently, time management, organisational, enterprise and knowledge transfer skills) 

explain the chemistry and structure of the major biological macromolecules and how that determines their biological properties 

familiarity with the terminology, nomenclature and classification systems, as appropriate 

explain how the principles of genetics underlie much of the basis of molecular biology 

recognise and apply subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts or principles (for example the relationship between genes and proteins, or the nature of essential nutrients in microbes, cells, plants and animals) 

awareness of the contribution of their subject to the development of knowledge about the diversity of life and its evolution

comply with health and safety policies, Good Laboratory Practice, risk, and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessments, recognise and explain the importance of quality control and quality assurance

understanding of information and data, and their setting within a theoretical framework, accompanied by critical analysis and assessment to enable understanding of the subject area as a coherent whole

the ability to read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical understanding, while addressing such questions as content, context, aims, objectives, quality of information, and its interpretation and application 

prepare, process, interpret and present data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programmes for presenting data visually

the ability to employ a variety of methods of study in investigating, recording and analysing material 

demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and other issues relating to animal welfare.

engagement with the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with the chosen subject area, including knowledge of the processes and mechanisms that have shaped the natural world in terms, for example, of the spread of time from the geological to the present and of complexity from the environmental to the sub-cellular, including consideration of interactions between living systems and human activities

determine the validity and rigour of statistical outcomes. 

knowledge of a range of communication techniques and methodologies relevant to the particular subject, including data analysis and the use of statistics (where this is appropriate) 

understanding of how biosciences knowledge forms the basis for informed concern about the quality and sustainability of life

explain and justify the impact of investigations on the environment, on the organisms or subjects under investigation, and on other stakeholders.

explain a range of appropriate and relevant experimental techniques and how they are used; and be able to perform some of them 

competence in the core experimental and/or survey skills appropriate to the subject under study 

an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment 

consider issues from a number of perspectives and values and arrive at a considered critical judgement stating assumptions and limitations

describe cell metabolism, including the main anabolic and catabolic pathways 

understand and manipulate numerical data 

undertake field and/or laboratory investigations of living systems in a responsible, safe and ethical manner

construct grammatically correct documents in an appropriate academic style and format, using and referencing relevant ideas and evidence

awareness of the contribution of biosciences to policy and other debates and controversies

describe protein structures and functions and their control mechanisms.

express relevant biological reactions in chemical terms 

develop an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work 

explain the principles of gene expression and how it is controlled 

receive and respond to a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal, graphical 

identify and work towards targets for personal, academic, professional and career development

obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory, working individually or in a group, as is most appropriate for the subject under study

carry out sample selection; record and analyse data in the field and/or the laboratory; ensure validity, accuracy, calibration, precision, replicability and highlight uncertainty and possible bias during collection

analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically from a variety of sources  

solve problems by the most appropriate method. 

demonstrate competence and progressive development in the basic and core experimental skills appropriate to the programme of study 

analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including published research or reports

understand the importance of academic and research integrity. 

recognise and respect the views and opinions of other team members 

an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach in advancing knowledge and understanding of the processes and mechanisms of life, from molecular to cellular, and from organism to ecosystem

<ul>
<li>There is a comprehensive framework for the monitoring and improvement in quality and standards.</li>
<li>The School of Applied Sciences Board monitors quality and standards, with a devolved responsibility being taken by the School Teaching and Learning Committee. The Biology Suite Course Committee manages the courses.  This is a sub-committee of the School Board.  The Course Committee considers all feedback and evaluation.</li>
<li>Student Feedback is an integral part of course evaluation and improvement. Students provide feedback through a variety of means including formal module and course evaluation questionnaires, the Student Panel and membership of the Course Committee. The final Year National Student Survey is now a key metric of student satisfaction published by the Government annually.</li>
<li>Employer Feedback is sought through feedback questionnaires involving employers of our graduates and through monitoring from placement providers.</li>
<li>External Examiners provide evaluation of the standards achieved by the students. The course team is required to formally respond to comments raised by External Examiners and to report on progress made in addressing any areas on concern.</li>
<li>All forms of feedback, including a review of progression and completion rates are included in the annual course monitoring report. This is considered through the process of annual evaluation of courses and enables areas of weakness to be identified and clear action plans to be determined and monitored.  In addition to the annual monitoring processes the University organises a quinquennial review at School level.</li>
</ul>

UH-000336

The report of the Review Panel for the Subject Review/Re-Validation of the of the Biological Sciences subject area, held on Monday 14 March 2016 was recently published. The review was undertaken in accordance with Section G of the University’s handbook of Quality Assurance Procedures for Taught Courses, September 2015. The panel recommended to the University Teaching and Learning Committee that the courses within the Biological Sciences subject area should be revalidated.  The panel were unanimous in their decision to revalidate the course within the subject area.
The panel wished to specifically commend the teaching team on:
<ul>
<li>The facilities available to students and staff</li>
<li>The Resource Centre</li>
<li>The student representatives and their work ethic</li>
<li>Their extensive efforts in trying to improve the engagement with students from within the subject area</li>
</ul>
.

<ul>
<li>The personal tutor role is seen as an important one, offering students a clearly identified and accessible ‘contact person’ for pastoral and academic concerns. The personal tutor is responsible for providing students with advice and guidance concerning academic performance and progress, supporting and advising students with personal difficulties. Personal tutors report to the Year Tutor or Course Leader about any student whose progress is a cause for concern which can initiate a chain of events and processes, involving the academic skills tutors, disability and welfare support, counselling service, student services, and the Students’ Union (each where appropriate) as well as the School’s own Student Guidance and Support Officer.</li>
<li>Students attend an induction week at the start of their course, during which they are given information about the rules, regulations, practices and procedures of the University. A meeting with their Personal Tutor is scheduled, when they are given a Course Guide and a timetable along with advice about relevant topics such as time management.</li>
<li>Flying Start is a key programme of all courses. This is an intensive programme of lectures, laboratory practicals, problem solving sessions, group work and social activities with several objectives and aims: to build the student community by building social cohesion within the cohort and by meeting with all members of staff within the Department; to familiarize the students with good laboratory practice, local H&amp;S procedures and build responsibility within the cohort; to demonstrate learning strategy and build clear expectations of rigour and self-discipline amongst the cohort particularly with respect to independent study, library use and problem solving individually and in set groups. The programme also covers key elements of biodiversity and the concept of evolution by natural selection through a tutorial and problem solving session involving small group work, library research and then feedback from the groups on a specific problem in biodiversity and evolution.</li>
<li>A special feature of these courses is the inclusion of “self-study” modules, the first of which systematic and timetabled sessions with the student’s Personal Tutor to address specific key points in the students development including: PDP, CV and career planning skills (enterprise and employability), promotion of independent study requiring each student to investigate a chosen topic and produce written reports early in Year 1 as well as oral presentations to build confidence in key transferable and subject specific skills. These appear in all levels of the courses, are designed to develop the students’ capacity for independent study (in the context of their chosen subject), in addition to their communication skills, and culminate in the Research Project in the Final Year, which requires students to undertake an individual and original piece of work.</li>
<li>The Personal Development Planning (PDP) process is facilitated by the Personal Tutor in the context of these self-study modules.</li>
<li>Student attendance is monitored in accordance with the University regulations. Attendance at lectures is monitored electronically and students who fail to attend regularly are contacted to ensure that there are no major problems being encountered.</li>
<li>The School of Applied Sciences possesses modern purpose-built suites of chemistry, biology and pharmacy laboratories. These have equipment that students are likely to meet in a typical industry, hospital or research laboratory.</li>
</ul>
This section is continued in the attachment.