Programme aims
1. To develop and acquire the productive and receptive language and study skills needed for successful participation at graduate level in a British university.
These include both linguistic and communicative competence skills; academic writing; reading efficiency; summarising, paraphrasing, quoting and referencing skills; avoiding plagiarism; the ability to work independently.
2. To develop knowledge of key aspects of the biological sciences (molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, microbiology, plant biology and marine biology).
3. To enable students to understand the underlying biology of diverse biotechnological processes.
4. To enable students to retrieve, critically analyse and interpret biological data using appropriate bioinformatic and statistical tools.
5. To develop students' experimental skills, such that they can perform, record, synthesise and interpret laboratory experiments safely and with attention to detail.
6. To acquire the knowledge and skills (i.e. critical, analytical, research, problem-solving and study skills; argument and communication) that will not only stand students in good stead for more specialised academic careers, but will also enhance their opportunities for employment in a wide range of other careers.
7. To develop in students the research skills appropriate to the study of biological sciences, and to provide the basis for them to develop the necessary levels of skill and knowledge required to progress to Masters degree level.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Improve language accuracy and fluency to C1 level
A2: Recognise and use the appropriate lexical and discourse structures of their subject area
A3: Demonstrate understanding of how genomes are organised and evolve
A4: Demonstrate understanding of the principles behind the analysis and interpretation of gene and protein sequence data, gene-expression data
A5: Demonstrate knowledge of gene cloning technologies including the techniques used in plant transformation and their application in genetic engineering
A6: Demonstrate understanding of the physiological and genetic adaptations of microorganisms that enable them to grow in diverse, including extreme, environments
A7: Demonstrate understanding of the current limitations on agricultural productivity and how they can be alleviated
A8: Describe how microbial genetic diversity can be assessed and accessed with and without cultivation
A9: Describe the applications of plants, microbes and marine organisms in diverse biotechnological processes
A10: Discuss the origins, detection methods, biological and ecological effects, and control options for major environmental pollutants
Learning methods
Lectures and classes Directed reading Individual and group tasks Laboratory classes Computer-based classes Modules are taught through lectures, classes, laboratory classes, computer classes, seminar discussions, tutorials and student presentations, with both peer and tutor feedback.
Where feasible, input in the EAP modules will be based on material provided by academic module teachers, and some classes may be team-taught.
A3-A10 are acquired through lectures, seminars, independent reading and coursework.
A4will employ computer classes.
A5 and A8 in particular are developed in laboratory classes.
Assessment methods
Unseen written examinations, assessed essays and class tests
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Use language accurately and appropriately, using a variety of lexis, grammatical structure and communication strategies
B2: Demonstrate an awareness of the language and discourse structure of their subject area
B3: Synthesise information from a variety of sources with appropriate acknowledgement and integrate this into presentations or written work
B4: Create a structured argument based on appropriate research methods
B5: Develop the ability to be reflective, independent learners and to organise their time in an efficient and effective manner
B6: Systematically retrieve, select and integrate a variety of biotechnological and molecular information
B7: Analyse and interpret quantitative information such as molecular data, graphs, figures, tables and apply appropriate statistical tests
Learning methods
Intellectual and cognitive skills B1-B7 are practised in discussion and presentations, as well as through assessed written work.
Students are given advice in tutorials on research skills and have the opportunity to analyse model assignments.
The ability to develop a coherent argument, supported by evidence, is practised in group discussion and is also a requirement of all assessed written work.
All of these skills are taught and reinforced continually by a variety of methods - classes involving pair and group work, individual tutorials, taped lectures and student-led workshops.
Input ranges from print to audio and video materials.
Students also use interactive web-based teaching materials.
Oral presentations are video-recorded and students are given group and individual feedback, from peers and tutors.
B5-B7 are addressed in classes, including laboratory classes, and included in oral or written feedback.
All skills are introduced and developed through lectures, in-class discussions, essays, and other written and oral assignments.
The teaching environment of seminars, which emphasises student-focused discussion, enables students to develop all skills through discussion and practice, and to receive feedback from peers and tutors.
The essays prepare students for the exam.
As the summative assessment for any given module, the exam tests their ability both to demonstrate and to sustain their skills in controlled conditions.
Assessment methods
B1-B4 students are assessed by two end-of-module examinations on knowledge of grammatical structures, listening and note-taking, and there is an integrated English for Academic Purposes skills examination covering reading, vocabulary and writing.
The EAP coursework portfolio also requires demonstration of learning outcomes B1-B4.
B1-B5 outcomes are assessed via an extended project in IA933.
This is designed to examine students' ability to produce an extended piece of writing which demonstrates the ability to present a coherent argument based on a range of sources drawn from key texts in the target academic discipline.
B6-B7 are assessed by means of the Biological Sciences' coursework outlined in Section A, but especially by computer-based data analysis and interpretation written up in scientific paper format and laboratory worksheets.
Examinations include questions involving data analysis and interpretation (minimum 10% of exam mark).
C: Practical skills
C1: Demonstrate a range of academic skills, including effective note-taking, accurate listening skills and active participation in class discussion
C2: Identify, select and gather information using relevant sources, including the library and online searches
C3: Present an argument in oral presentations; plan, draft and revise written assignments in an appropriate style, referenced according to academic conventions
C4: Be competent in the use of on-line databases
C5: Able to carry out basic experiments in the laboratory, including gene cloning and microbial manipulation, safely and effectively following a written schedule
Learning methods
C1 IA 931-933: students practise these skills using audio and video materials.
They are also expected to make notes during classmates’‘ presentations.
They are then required to write up a selection of these notes at a later date, to check their accuracy and effectiveness.
The teaching materials and methodology place great emphasis on pair and group work and student participation - this is explicitly addressed in tutors’‘ reports and students are encouraged to discuss these reports in tutorials.
C2 IA932: students select texts from a variety of sources for class discussion - these texts are then read for content and also evaluated for the quality and reliability of the evidence they contain and the structure of their argument.
There is also some analysis of the varying requirements of specific academic genres.
C3 IA933 preparation for project work in plenary sessions and in 1:1 tutorials and feedback on process, editing and drafting.
All of these skills are also practised both directly and indirectly in the Biological Sciences modules.
C4 Students will be taught while working in front of a PC, and will have access to databases etc.
For independent learning.
C5 Theoretical aspects are taught in lectures, and experience is acquired using wet and dry laboratory classes.
Assessment methods
Assessment of IA modules is based on a mixture of oral and written assignments which test students' ability to implement these skills effectively.
C2-C3 are an integral part of Biological Sciences' assessments.
C4 is assessed by computer-based data analysis and interpretation written up in scientific paper format and laboratory worksheets.
C5 is assessed by laboratory worksheets.
D: Key skills
D1: A fundamental aim of the course is effective communication in English; orally, through class participation and presentations, in writing and reading. Skills in the communication of arguments and ideas in a range of different contexts is a specific objective. Students must write clear, concise structured reports, including graphical material, describing complex data.
D2: An ability to perform a variety of word-processing operations and to use the Internet for research. Students use PowerPoint for presentations and communicate with tutors by email e.g. sending drafts of work as attachments. Ability to locate and use on-line catalogues, databases and appropriate software packages, e.g. for nucleotide sequence analysis, protein structure-function analysis.
D3: An ability to apply appropriate statistical and quantitative methods to analyse data.
D4: An ability to identify and evaluate various source materials, to apply concepts and solve problems, and to work out objectives and priorities. Students should be able to apply knowledge and understanding in order to make judgements and offer solutions in a range of contexts.
D5: Working with others - Pair and group work are an integral part of the course, and peer evaluation is also built in. There are opportunities for group projects in some modules.
D6: Students are encouraged to keep both learner diaries and records of their own learning and to work independently. Students should have the ability to work to briefs and deadlines; take responsibility for their own work; reflect on their own learning and performance and make constructive use of feedback. Improving time management, prioritising critical tasks, meeting deadlines, and evaluating self-learning.
Learning methods
D1 There is a continuous emphasis on effective communication.
Awareness of audience and appropriate linguistic and discourse choices is the focus of all work, especially in writing.
D2 Students are trained in the use of PowerPoint for presentations and in using the Internet for research purposes.
They have hands-on classes for bioinformatic analysis.
D3 is taught through lectures and reinforced through data analysis exercises, computer and laboratory classes.
D4-D6 Students are expected to work in pairs and groups on a variety of information- and opinion-gap tasks, analysis of texts and in some laboratory classes.
In presentations students give and receive peer feedback, both oral and written.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, especially in individual tutorials.
Reflective tasks are also part of the portfolio requirement.
Assessment methods
D1-D6 are assessed as an integral part of class work and assignments in both IA and BS modules, with the exception of D3 which is not applicable to IA modules.
Students are required to word process their work and to use PowerPoint for oral presentations.
Peer evaluation and feedback are an important part of the informal assessment of students' performance.
D6: IA931-IA933 include reflective tasks in the portfolio of assessed work.