BSc Biomedical Sciences with a Year in Industry: Course Specification and Learning Outcome, Exercises of Physiology

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Royal Holloway, University of London

Course specification for an undergraduate award

BSc Biomedical Sciences with a Year in Industry (B991)

Section 1 – Introduction to your course

This course specification is a formal document, which provides a summary of the main features of your course and the learning outcomes that you might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if you take full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. Further information is contained in the College prospectus, and in various handbooks, all of which you will be able to access online. Alternatively, further information on the College’s academic regulations and policies can be found here. Further information on the College’s Admissions Policy can be found here.

Your degree course in Biomedical Sciences with a Year in Industry is delivered in four stages, apart from the year in industry, each stage comprises one year of full-time study, or two years of part-time study, during which you must follow modules to the value of 120 national credits. The curriculum is based around a set of mandatory modules and the course offers a strong foundation in Stages one and two, which covers the requirements of the benchmarking statements in Biosciences and Biomedical Sciences and allows for specialisation in Stage four, while at the same time allowing some degree of diversification of interests.

Stage one comprises a fixed selection of mandatory modules and seeks to provide the necessary grounding for the study of the subject at degree level with appropriate Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, and Physiology and including a strong element of laboratory training that forms the cornerstone of the subject. In Stage two you take 5 mandatory modules to the value of 75 credits in Physiology, Molecular Biology, as well as molecular studies of biomedical subjects such as Immunology, Neurology and Pharmacology and select optional modules that include Microbiology, Developmental Biology, Cell Dynamics and Bioenergetics and Metabolism. Stage two builds on the foundations laid in Stage one and provides a basis for the study of the research-led specialist options in Stage four. All the modules include a substantial element of laboratory training that prepare you for the selection and implementation of the individual research project in stage four. In Stage 3, you spend a year in a relevant industry placement, to gain valuable experience in the workplace. The assessment from this year in industry counts as 30 credits which, for the purposes of award classification, is counted in the fourth stage. In Stage four there are 2 mandatory modules the value of 45 credits, which are the Molecular Basis of Inherited Disease module and the individual research project. The project is regarded as the culmination of your training in experimental design, research techniques, data analysis and presentation. You select the remaining modules from options. Many of the modules specialise in medically oriented aspects of the subject, and have a strong element covering specific categories of disease, their underlying cause and treatment. The options include Clinical Physiology and Medicine, Clinical Diagnosis of Disease, Biology of Parasitic Diseases, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Human Embryology and others. Clinicians and other hospital experts contribute to several of the final year modules, providing teaching at the cutting-edge of clinical approaches and expertise.

The course emphasises the importance and relevance of a wide range of subject areas for medicine and the understanding and scientific investigation of human disease. It also involves training in a variety of practical techniques and skills relevant to research work in Biomedical Sciences. The system is also flexible and allows you to transfer to other degree streams within the Department up to the start of the second term, or indeed to other Molecular Bioscience degrees up to the start of the second stage. You can also take up to 30 credits from outside the Department of Biological Sciences, but within other Science departments, during stage two/four. Options are selected in consultation with your Personal Tutor and the Director of Teaching/Department Lead in UG Education.

While Royal Holloway keeps all the information made available under review, courses and the availability of individual modules, especially optional modules are necessarily subject to change at any time, and you are therefore advised to seek confirmation of any factors which might affect your decision to follow a specific course. In turn, Royal Holloway will inform you as soon as is practicable of any significant changes which might affect your studies.

The following is a brief description for some of the most important terminology for understanding the content of this document:

Degree course – May also be referred to as ‘degree programme’ or simply ‘programme’, these terms refer to the qualification you will be awarded upon successful completion of your studies. Module – May also be referred to as ‘course’, this refers to the individual units you will study each year to complete your degree course. Undergraduate degrees at Royal Holloway comprise a combination of modules in multiples of 15 credits to the value of 120 credits per year. On some degree courses a certain number of optional modules must be passed for a particular degree title.

Section 2 – Course details

Date of specification update March 2020 Location of study Egham Campus

Course award and title BSc Biomedical Sciences with a Year in Industry Level of study Undergraduate

Course code 3477 UCAS code B

Year of entry 2020/

Awarding body Royal Holloway, University of London

Department or school

Department of Biological Sciences School of Life Sciences and the Environment

Other departments or schools involved in teaching the course

N/A

Mode(s) of attendance Full-time Duration of the course Four years

Accrediting Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirement(s)

You must pass the BS3010 Individual Research Project in order to qualify for an Honours Degree in Biomedical Sciences; this is a requirement of the Royal Society of Biology for an accredited degree.

Link to Coursefinder for further information:

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying- here/

For queries on admissions: [email protected].

Section 3 – Degree course structure

3.1 Mandatory module information The following table summarises the mandatory modules which students must take in each year of study

Year Module code

Module title Contact hours*

Self- study hours

**Written exams****

**Practical assessment****

Coursework Credits** FHEQ level**

Module status (see below)

1 BS1021 Becoming a Bio scientist 66 84 25% 75% 15 4 MC

1 BS1031 Chemistry of Life 61 89 50% 20% 30% 15 4 MC

1 BS1032 Fundamental Biochemistry 59 91 70% 30% 15 4 MC

1 BS1061 Introductory Animal Physiology 39 111 70% 30% 15 4 MC

1 BS1062 Introduction to Human Physiology in Health and Disease

39 111 70% 30% 15 4 MC

1 BS1071 Cell Biology and the Origin of Life 45 105 60% 10% 30% 15 4 MC

1 BS1072 Genetics 35 115 70% 30% 15 4 MC

1 BS1091 Protein Biochemistry and Enzymology

49 101 50% 20% 30% 15 4 MC

2 BS2050 Human Physiology in Health and

Disease II

28 122 70% 8% 22% 15 5 MC

2 BS2530 Molecular Biology 46 104 70% 30% 15 5 MC

2 BS2540 Molecular and Cellular Immunology

33 117 75% 25% 15 5 MC

2 BS2550 Neuronal and Cellular Signalling 32 118 75% 25% 15 5 MC

2 BS2560 Pharmacology and Toxicology 28 122 70% 30% 15 5 MC

This table sets out the most important information for the mandatory modules on your degree course. These modules are central to achieving your learning outcomes, so they are compulsory, and all students on your degree course will be required to take them. You will be automatically registered for these modules each year. Mandatory modules fall into two categories; ‘condonable’ or ‘non-condonable’.

In the case of mandatory ‘non-condonable’ (MNC) modules, you must pass the module before you can proceed to the next year of your course, or to successfully graduate with a particular degree title. In the case of mandatory ‘condonable’ (MC) modules, these must be taken but you can still progress or graduate even if you do not pass them. Please note that

although Royal Holloway will keep changes to a minimum, changes to your degree course may be made where reasonable and necessary due to unexpected events. For example; where requirements of relevant Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies have changed and course requirements must change accordingly, or where changes are deemed necessary on the basis of student feedback and/or the advice of external advisors, to enhance academic provision.

*Contact hours come in various different forms, and may take the form of time spent with a member of staff in a lecture or seminar with other students. Contact hours may also be

laboratory or, studio-based sessions, project supervision with a member of staff, or discussion through a virtual learning environment (VLE). These contact hours may be with a lecturer or teaching assistant, but they may also be with a technician, or specialist support staff.

**The way in which each module on your degree course is assessed will also vary, however, the assessments listed above are all ‘summative’, which means you will receive a mark for it which will count towards your overall mark for the module, and potentially your degree classification, depending on your year of study. On successful completion of the module you will gain the credits listed. ‘Coursework’ might typically include a written assignment, like an essay. Coursework might also include a report, dissertation or portfolio. ‘Practical assessments’ might include an oral assessment or presentation, or a demonstration of practical skills required for the particular module.

3.2 Optional modules

In addition to mandatory modules, there will be a number of optional modules available during the course of your degree. The following table lists a selection of optional modules that are likely to be available. However, not all may be available every year. Although Royal Holloway will keep changes to a minimum, new options may be offered or existing ones may be withdrawn. For example; where reasonable and necessary due to unexpected events, where requirements of relevant Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) have changed and course requirements must change accordingly, or where changes are deemed necessary on the basis of student feedback and/or the advice of External Advisors, to enhance academic provision.There may be additional requirements around option selection, so it is important that this specification is read alongside your department’s Student Handbook, which you can access via their webpage.

3 BS3900 Year in Industry Up to 50 weeks

101 40% 60% 30 6 MNC

4 BS3010 Individual Research Project 183 117 25% 75% 30 6 MNC

4 BS3590 Molecular Basis of Inherited Disease

21 129 80% 20% 15 6 MC

Year 1 Year 2 Year 4

None BS2005: Microbiology BS3020: Special Study: Dissertation

BS2040: Cell Dynamics: Division and Movement BS3030: Biology of Parasitic Diseases BS2060: Developmental Biology BS3420 Nutrition and Medical Biochemistry BS2510: Bioenergetics and Metabolism BS3510: Molecular and Medical Microbiology BS2520: Protein Structure and Function BS3530: Applications of Genetic Engineering in Health and Disease BS3540: Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer BS3560: Functional Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics BS3570: Human Embryology and Endocrinology BS3580: Cell and Molecular Neuroscience BS3595: Clinical Physiology and Medicine BS3600: Clinical Diagnosis of Disease

3.3 Optional module requirements

During stage two, you must choose options equal to the value of 45 credits from a list of stage two modules offered by the Department. During stage four, you must choose options equal to the value of 75 credits from a list of FHEQ level 6 modules offered by the Department.

Section 4 - Progressing through each year of your degree course

For further information on the progression and award requirements for your degree, please refer to Royal Holloway’s Academic Regulations.

Year in Industry Students taking an industrial year take additional module BS3900 and thus have 150 credits in their final year.

Students on degree courses with Year in Industry need to fulfil the requirements set out in the departmental Year in Industry Handbook in order to progress to the placement and be eligible for the degree title.

Section 5 – Educational aims of the course

The aims of the Honours Degree course in Biomedical Sciences with a Year in Industry are to:

• provide, through a core of modules, a sound knowledge and understanding of those areas of Bioscience necessary for understanding the biology of diseases and the scientific investigation of human health and disease. These include biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology and anatomy, and pharmacology;
• provide a sound knowledge and understanding of those areas of the subject relevant to the diagnosis and development of therapies for a range of diseases;
• develop an insight into the current frontiers of knowledge in major aspects of the Biomedical Sciences, primarily through a series of specialised Stage 3 modules;
• develop, through a flexible and progressive structure, a range of subject-specific and transferable skills, including practical laboratory skills, self-management, information retrieval, communication and presentation skills, working with others, decision making and meeting deadlines, that equip you for future employment;
• provide professional experience in a relevant workplace environment;
• provide experience of independent research through a final year project;
• produce graduates who can work safely and responsibly with biological and chemical materials and laboratory equipment.

Section 6 - Course learning outcomes

In general terms, the courses provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate the following learning outcomes. ( _Categories – Knowledge and understanding (K), Skills and other attributes (S), and Transferable skills ())_*

1. a sound knowledge and understanding of those subjects essential for the scientific investigation and understanding of human disease, including biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology, physiology and anatomy, and pharmacology (K);
2. a critical understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of human diseases, their diagnosis, treatment and the development of novel therapeutic strategies (K);
3. a knowledge of the application of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and molecular genetics to understanding the molecular basis and diagnosis of a range of diseases (K);
4. understanding cutting edge developments in a range of areas specific to the subject (K);
5. awareness of philosophical and ethical issues arising from some of the current developments in the biosciences (K);
6. well-developed strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing their knowledge of the Biomedical Sciences (K);
7. appreciation for the relevance of biomedical sciences and the importance of the scientific (research) approach in employment settings and organisations, and an understanding of expected professional standards in the workplace (K).
8. the ability to employ and evaluate suitable experimental methods for the investigation of relevant areas of biomedical science (S);
9. a range of laboratory techniques of key importance in Biomedical Sciences (S);
10. working safely in a scientific laboratory, with some knowledge and understanding of standard safety protocols and Good Laboratory Practice (S);
11. the ability to apply relevant numerical skills, including statistics, to biological data (S);
    12. the ability to access information from a wide range of sources in order to maintain and enhance knowledge of the Biosciences and to communicate that information clearly in oral and written forms (S);
    13. assessing the merits of contrasting subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles (S);
    14. applying subject-specific knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems (S);
    15. the ability to plan, design, execute and present an independent piece of research in the final year through a theoretical or practical project in biomedical sciences, including the production of the final report (S);
    16. taking personal responsibility for learning, and developing habits of reflection on that learning (S);*
    17. identifying, retrieving (including the use of online computer searches), sorting and exchanging information (S);*
    18. abstracting and synthesising information, and developing a reasoned argument (S);*
    19. critically interpreting and evaluating experimental data and relevant literature, analysing and solving problems, and decision-making (S);*
    20. developing creativity by applying original ideas, being imaginative or using innovative approaches for tackling problems (S);*
    21. written communication and verbal presentation (S);*
    22. information technology (including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, email and WWW) (S);*
    23. interpersonal skills, including working in groups/teams and recognising and respecting the viewpoints of others (S);*
    24. CV and career preparation (S).* 25. demonstrating the key skills for successful employment to a professional standard in industry or other organisations, including good time management, team working, record keeping, showing appreciation of health and safety issues, and showing leadership or management potential (S).*

Section 7 - Teaching, learning and assessment

The overall strategy is to provide a progressive approach to biological concepts and systems of increasing complexity that underpin Biomedical Sciences and that are directly relevant to the understanding and treatment of human disease. This strategy is realised through a range of teaching methods that aid learning and stimulate interest. Specific knowledge of the molecular, cellular and biochemical bases of diseases, their diagnosis and treatment are developed through a range of specialist final stage modules dealing with particular types of disease, e.g. the molecular basis of inherited disease, the biochemical diagnosis of disease, neurological disorders (cell and molecular neuroscience). Teaching is mostly by means of lectures, laboratory classes, computer exercises, seminars, tutorials, study/revision sessions, with knowledge and understanding further developed by guided independent study.

Learning and analytical ability are developed and reinforced through problem solving, essay writing, laboratory classes, critical evaluation and by giving you the opportunity to design, execute and evaluate their own experiments. You are encouraged to acquire further knowledge beyond taught material, e.g. by reading topical reviews, original research literature and attending research seminars, especially in the final year.

The practical assignments associated with first year and second year modules provide training in a range of subject specific laboratory techniques, including safety assessment. The culmination of these skills is demonstrated in the final year research project, and for literature skills the preparation of a literature report. You have to prepare your own risk assessment prior to commencing your final year project work.

Training in intellectual and key transferable skills is embodied throughout the course and forms a strong element of the tutorial and study session programmes. You are required to meet basic standards in information technology.

Assessment is typically by formal unseen written examinations, practical exams, and a range of coursework assignments such as essays, laboratory reports, oral and poster presentations, and the individual research project. Full details of the assessments for individual modules can be obtained from the Department.

Section 8 – Additional costs

Other essential costs - £

Costs incurred by students while on a Year in Industry/Business vary depending on the nature and location of the placement. For further information please contact our Student Fees

Office.

These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree course at Royal Holloway. General costs such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing etc., have not been included, but further information is available on our website.

Section 9 – Indicators of quality and standards

QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) Level 4 - 6

Your course is designed in accordance with the FHEQ to ensure your qualification is awarded on the basis of nationally established standards of achievement, for both outcomes and attainment. The qualification descriptors within the FHEQ set out the generic outcomes and attributes expected for the award of individual qualifications. The qualification descriptors

contained in the FHEQ exemplify the outcomes and attributes expected of learning that results in the award of higher education qualifications. These outcomes represent the integration of various learning experiences resulting from designated and coherent courses of study.

QAA Subject benchmark statement(s) http://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Subject benchmark statements provide a means for the academic community to describe the nature and characteristics of courses in a specific subject or subject area. They also represent general expectations about standards for the award of qualifications at a given level in terms of the attributes and capabilities that those possessing qualifications should have demonstrated.

Section 11 – Intermediate exit awards (where available)

You may be eligible for an intermediate exit award if you complete part of the course as detailed in this document. Any additional criteria (e.g. mandatory modules, credit requirements) for intermediate awards is outlined in the sections below. Award Criteria Awarding body

Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) Pass in 210 credits of which at least 90 must be at or above FHEQ Level 4 and at least 120 of which must be at or above FHEQ Level 5

Royal Holloway and Bedford New College

Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) Pass in 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at or above FHEQ Level 4

Royal Holloway and Bedford New College

Section 10 – Further information

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate when taking full advantage of the learning opportunities that are available. More detailed information on modules, including teaching and learning methods, and methods of assessment, can be found via the online Module Catalogue. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed regularly by the university, and may also be checked routinely by external agencies, such as the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Your course will be reviewed regularly, both by the university as part of its cyclical quality enhancement processes, and/or by your department or school, who may wish to make improvements to the curriculum, or in response to resource planning. As such, your course may be revised during the course of your study at Royal Holloway. However, your department or school will take reasonable steps to consult with students via appropriate channels when considering changes. All continuing students will be routinely informed of any significant changes.

Section 12 - Associated award(s)

BSc Biomedical Sciences (B990) BSc Biomedical Sciences with a Year in Industry (B991)