On completion of this course students should be able to make sound scientific judgments in the absence of complete data and be able to retrieve, analyse and apply scientific information from various sources.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students will develop the cognitive skills of analysis and evaluation through six of the modules: Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (BBC8042), Biotechnology (BBC8038), Protein Structure and Function (BBC8039), Advanced Molecular Biology (BBC8046) BBC8042, BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046 are classroom based, with lectures, directed reading and seminars. Skills in judgement of evidence and synthesis are practiced and demonstrated through group learning activities and problem-based exercises.

Methods of Assessment

Cognitive skills are assessed throughout the programme, including the submission of written course work in BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046. Evaluation and analysis skills are emphasized in the exams for BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046 (details above) and are specifically mentioned in the marking criteria for the project and literature review.

On completion of this course students should be able to deal with complex problems in molecular biology and biotechnology in a logical and scientific manner
a) to make sound scientific judgements based on the proper analysis of available data;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific knowledge is principally taught through the specialist modules in Biotechnology, Protein Structure and Function and Advanced Molecular Biology (BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046). BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046 are taught through lectures and seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of knowledge is carried out by continuous assessment of written work and in the exams associated with BBC8038, 8039 and 8046.

b) to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific knowledge is principally taught through the specialist modules in Biotechnology, Protein Structure and Function and Advanced Molecular Biology (BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046). BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046 are taught through lectures and seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of knowledge is carried out by continuous assessment of written work and in the exams associated with BBC8038, 8039 and 8046.

c) to demonstrate personal initiative, independent and team-oriented skills in tackling and solving problems and to demonstrate the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific knowledge is principally taught through the specialist modules in Biotechnology, Protein Structure and Function and Advanced Molecular Biology (BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046). BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046 are taught through lectures and seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of knowledge is carried out by continuous assessment of written work and in the exams associated with BBC8038, 8039 and 8046.

Students will be able to demonstrate subject specific knowledge of molecular biology and biotechnology. In particular, students will be able to appreciate a range of methodologies used in modern life science research including their application, strengths, weaknesses and appropriateness.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The underlying skills for research are emphasized in Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (BBC8042). These lectures are supplemented by learning in the other modules of the programme. Students practice bibliographic search skills through a comparison of different online databases. The underlying subject specific science taught in the specialist modules in Biotechnology, Protein Structure and Function and Advanced Molecular Biology (BBC8038, 8039 and BBC8046) is augmented by in-depth knowledge of a specific area BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046 are taught through lectures and seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles. Database skills are taught with individual students completing a structured online literature search.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of subject specific skills is carried out by continuous assessment of written work and in the exams associated with BBC8038, BBC8039 and BBC8046.

Students will develop their transferable skills to a NQF M-level standard. These skills can be subdivided as:

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Most elements of the course require interacting sets of skills to reach the learning outcomes. With reference to the key skills standards the practice and assessment of skills can be summarized as follows:

Methods of Assessment

Written course work and exams

a) Application of number skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students develop numerical skills through discussions of the evidence underlying different pieces of scientific research (in lectures and seminars), and through practice in statistics workshops and the research project.

Methods of Assessment

Written course work, tutorials, seminars

b) Communication

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students practise and develop communication skills throughout the course. Skills development is facilitated through feedback. Students prepare work for different audiences. Communication skills include the preparation of slides for scientific talks and posters.

Methods of Assessment

Tutorials and seminars

c) Information technology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning is generally supported through IT-based resources. Students therefore develop skills in internet searching for literature and other web-based material. Email is used to communicate with the students and use of this resource is covered (along with online databases and use of library catalogues) in BBC8042. Students produce coursework assessments using different packages (word-processing, graphics).

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is carried out in formative and summative contexts.

d) Improving own learning and performance

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning through feedback given formally and informally. Research projects and literature reviews are chosen following discussion and reflection on personal goals and motivation for different types of research. Personal goals and effectiveness are discussed as part of the teaching in generic module.

Methods of Assessment

Students are expected to assess their own performance using evidence from course work and interactions with peers and teaching staff.

e) Problem solving

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Problem solving is practiced in course work assignments and in the research project. Intellectual and practical flexibility, along with creativity, are necessary for much scientific research. Students are directed to generic sources of assistance and guidance within the University.

Methods of Assessment

Assessments in the subject specific module include elements of problem solving.

f) Working with others

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Working in different modes, on individual research and in collaborative groups is discussed with students at various points in the programme. Different elements of course work contain group-based activities.

Methods of Assessment

Feedback and assessment on group performance is given by teaching staff.