Affiliate

Biology (Molecular and Cellular) with Research Placement - UH-000337

<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-000337 - Biology (Molecular and Cellular) with Research Placement

Honours Optional

Honours Core

Honours Compulsory

Honours Level

Sandwich Year Out Optional

Sandwich Year Out

Intermediate Core

Intermediate Optional

Intermediate Compulsory

Intermediate Level

Foundation Optional

Foundation Compulsory

Foundation Core

Foundation Level

Structure

apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems

recognise and respect the views and opinions of other team members 

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 

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

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

express relevant biological reactions in chemical terms 

explain the principles of gene expression and how it is controlled 

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 

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

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) 

determine the validity and rigour of statistical outcomes

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

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

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

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) 

understand and manipulate numerical data 

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

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 

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

awareness of the boundaries and limitations of their learning

describe protein structures and functions and their control mechanisms.

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

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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

describe cell metabolism, including the main anabolic and catabolic pathways 

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

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

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

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

understand the importance of academic and research integrity. 

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

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

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

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.

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

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

evaluate their own performance as an individual and a team member 

<ul>
<li>There is a comprehensive framework for the monitoring and improvement in quality and standards.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<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-000337

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 University Library provides students with full access to a wide range of books, journals, electronic information, IT facilities and staff support (available evenings and weekends). Services can be accessed electronically from home or workplace and orders/requests can be made by e-mail, fax or telephone. In some instances, orders can be delivered for a nominal charge.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Supervised Work Experience is organised jointly by administrative staff and SWE tutor, as well as the Personal Tutor. They assist students with all aspects of the placement year, but especially with the process of gaining suitable employment/research placements.</li>
<li>The Department of Biological Sciences has a long tradition of placing SWE students with major employers and in world class research facilities. These include The Wellcome Trust at The Sanger Institute, Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Syngenta, Avecia, GlaxoWellcome, Pfizer, EliLily, Covance, Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust the LIGHT and LIMM Institutes at Leeds, and widespread international placements e.g. in Australia (Monash University) Tokyo (Women’s Medical School) as well as internal research and technical placements at the University of Huddersfield.</li>
<li>Final Year students attend specialist sessions designed to give expert guidance on future careers.</li>
<li>Graduates have excellent employment prospects. Many of our graduates now work for multinational companies or are carrying out research in international laboratories.  Many have gone on to further study, either at Huddersfield or in other universities, and it is now routine for our best students to undertake PhDs or similar further level training such as the NHS Science training programme, or Medicine and Dentistry.</li>
<li>Student Services provide specialist advice in the areas of careers advice, pastoral care and chaplaincy, counselling, accommodation and welfare, financial support, disability support and sports facilities etc.  In compliance with SENDA, for students with disabilities, arrangements can be made to alter the pattern and nature of assessment activities and provide an extended range of learning resources and support where helpful.</li>
</ul>

The School of Applied Science provides additional student support using a variety of approaches:
 
<ul>
<li>Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) assigned to each student who maintains regular contact with the student throughout each academic session, especially at key times of the year for Personal Development Planning (PDP), offering students a clearly identified and accessible ‘contact person’ for academic and pastoral concerns (or directing them to the appropriate School/University support services). PATs advise students to make use of all of the University support services for teaching and learning and pastoral support as well as the Students’ Union. Personal Tutors also hold a series of small group tutorials to cover soft skills, feedback and assessment advice and personal development planning.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Induction week - 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 and their first meeting with their Personal Academic Tutor, when they are given a Course handbook and a timetable along with advice about relevant topics such as time management</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Support and Guidance Officers work with the University Student Support systems to provide pastoral support as required.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>School Student Support Office (Room JPGS/25) for course enquiries.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Academic Skills tutors can give one to one support to students requiring help with study skills.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Student attendance is monitored in accordance with the University regulations.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>A modern, purpose-built suite of chemistry and biology laboratories with technical support for students. </li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Networked PC laboratories which host specialist software.</li>
</ul>