BSc and MBiol Molecular Cell Biology Programme Specification 2023-24

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1	ACADEMIC QUALITY TEAM
2	Programme Specifications 2023-24
3	Revised February 2023
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6	Programme Title			BSc and MBiol Molecular Cell Biology
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8	This document applies to students who commenced the programme(s) in:			2023		Award type			BSc and MBiol
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10	What level is this qualification?			6/7		Length of programme			3 years (BSc) or 4 years (MBiol). Year abroad/industry additional year options.
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12	Mode of study (Full / Part Time)			Full
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14	Will the programme use standard University semester dates?			Yes		For York Online programmes, will standard dates for such programmes be used?
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16	Awarding institution			University of York		Board of Studies for the programme			Biology
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18	Lead department			Biology		Other contributing departments
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20	Language of study and assessment			English		Language(s) of assessment			English
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22	Is this a campus-based or online programme?			Campus
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24	Partner organisations
25	If there are any partner organisations involved in the delivery of the programme, please outline the nature of their involvement. You may wish to refer to the Policy on Collaborative Provision
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29	Reference points
30	Please state relevant reference points consulted in the design of this programme (for example, relevant documentation setting out PSRB requirements; the University's Frameworks for Programme Design (UG or PGT); QAA Subject Benchmark Statements; QAA Qualifications and Credit Frameworks).
31	QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Biosciences; requirements for Royal Society of Biology degree accreditation as stated in the RSB degree accrediation handbook; University's Framework for Programme Design
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34	Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
35	Will this programme involve any exemptions from the University Policy and Procedures on Credit Transfer and the Recognition of Prior Learning? If so, please specify and give a rationale
36	No
37	No
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39	Exceptions to Regulations
40	Please detail any exceptions to University Award Regulations and Frameworks that need to be approved (or are already approved) for this programme. This should include any that have been approved for related programmes and should be extended to this programme.
41	N/A
42	N/A
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44	Internal Transfers
45	Please use the boxes below to specify if transfers into / out of the programme from / to other programmes within the University are possible by indicating yes or no and listing any restrictions. These boxes can also be used to highlight any common transfer routes which it would be useful for students to know.
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47		Transfers in:	No			Transfers out:	No
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50	Statement of Purpose
51	Please briefly outline the overall aims of the programme. This should clarify to a prospective student why they should choose this programme, what it will provide to them and what benefits they will gain from completing it.
52	Massive innovation in biochemical, imaging and genetic tools has revolutionised our understanding of living systems. We now live in an era where we routinely probe the inner workings of cells, to understand how they communicate, how processes are controlled to build tissues and whole organisms, and how diseases develop. Our increasing knowledge of human and other organisms has a great impact on biotechnology and medicine, making Molecular Cell Biology one of the most exciting and relevant subjects of the 21st century. At York, the Molecular Cell Biology course focuses on providing a molecular understanding of life, from the structure/function relationships of proteins and nucleic acids through to the molecular mechanisms of immunology, genetic engineering and cancer. You will learn both the fundamental concepts that underpin these topics, and the applied science that enables us to solve global challenges in health and sustainability, culminating with a capstone research project. Our innovative, evidenced-based teaching is strongly research-led and aligned to the Department’s global research challenges. A focus on creative problem solving and skills development will ensure you are well prepared and competitive for postgraduate study, science or health-related careers, and for a wide range of other occupations and professions from management and finance, to journalism and teaching. We offer both BSc and MBiol degrees in Molecular Cell Biology. Both degrees can be taken with either an additional year in industry, year abroad, or a placement year in an alternative work setting, and are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. The MBiol adds an extra year to the BSc programmes and specifically focuses on the skills needed for a career as a research scientist. During this time you will carry out further work with research scientists to learn specialised research techniques and gain experience in cutting edge experimentation.
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63	If there are additional awards associated with the programme upon which students can register, please specify the Statement of Purpose for that programme. This will be most relevant for PGT programmes with exit awards that are also available as entry points. Use additional rows to include more than one additional award. Do not include years in industry / abroad (for which there are separate boxes).
64	Exit Award Title			Is the exit award also available as an entry point?	Outcomes: what will the student be able to do on exit with this award?			Specify the module diet that the student will need to complete to obtain this exit award
65	Certificate of Higher Education			No	Progress will have been made towards all the PLOs to differing extents. Students will be able to: provide explanations that demonstrate understanding of the principles, concepts and theories on the origin, evolution, structure, function, development, and distribution of living organisms, through evaluations of lecture content and basic scientific literature; formulate basic hypotheses, design and execute simple experiments for the collection and analysis of biological data to produce figures, graphs and tables that are explained in structured reports and posters; having gained practical experience and training in teaching laboratories demonstrate understanding of how these approaches are used in biology; apply logical reasoning and creative thinking to address biological problems; communicate and interpret information with clarity through reviews in written, oral and other explanations; understand the relevance of numerical, quantitative, and computer-based transferable skills to a range of working environments. . .			120 credits (Stage 1)
66	Diploma of Higher Education			No	Progress will have been made towards all PLOs. Students will be able to: provide explanations that demonstrate deeper understanding of the principles, concepts and theories on the origin, evolution, structure, function, development, and distribution of living organisms, drawing upon a range of scientific literature; formulate hypotheses, design and execute experiments for the collection, analysis and modelling of biological data to produce figures, graphs and tables that are explained in laboratory reports; evaluate experimental, analytical, epidemiological and quantitative techniques and methodologies, having had first-hand practical experience and training in teaching laboratories, demonstrating an awareness and appreciation of the application of these approaches in tackling current biological challenges; evaluate the effectiveness of their work, as an individual, in teams and in collaborative groups, by applying reasoning and creative thinking to develop solutions to molecular cell biology problems; communicate and interpret information with clarity and precision through critical reviews in written, oral and other explanations, demonstrating the impact of molecular cell biology for real-world and global issues for diverse audiences; demonstrate independence, originality, creativity and a deep understanding of current practice and technology in molecular cell biology, and apply numerical, quantitative, and computer-based transferable skills to a range of working environments.			240 credits (Stages 1 & 2)
67	Ordinary Degree			No	Students will have met most of the PLOs though not all to the full extent. Completion of 300 credits will ensure that students graduate with substantial knowledge of molecular cell biology having given thorough explanations of the principles, concepts and theories on the origin, evolution, structure, function, development, and distribution of living organisms. They will have engaged critically with a range of scientific literature including primary research articles. They will have gained a greater depth of knowledge compared with the Diploma of Higher Education students with enhanced skills in data collection and analysis.			300 credits (240 credits from Stages 1 & 2, 60 credits from Stage 3)
68	BSc. (from Integrated Masters)			No	The BSc. PLOs will have been met.			360 credits (120 credits in each of Stages 1, 2 & 3 but not progressing to Stage 4)
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70	Programme Learning Outcomes for BSc.
71	What are the programme learning outcomes (PLOs) for the programme? (Normally a minimum of 6, maximum of 8). Taken together, these outcomes should capture the distinctive features of the programme and represent the outcomes that students progressively develop in the programme and achieve at graduation. PLOs should be worded to follow the stem 'Graduates will be able to...'
72	1	Provide thorough explanations that demonstrate a deep understanding of the principles, concepts and theories on the origin, evolution, structure, function, development, and distribution of living organisms, through critical evaluations of the primary scientific literature in Biology.
73	2	Formulate hypotheses, design and execute experiments for the collection, analysis and modelling of biological data, that tests biological systems to produce figures, graphs and tables that are explained in comprehensive laboratory reports.
74	3	Thoroughly evaluate experimental, analytical and quantitative techniques and methodologies, by engaging with practical experience and training in laboratories or the field, to demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the application of these approaches in tackling the major global challenges in molecular cell biology of the 21st century.
75	4	Work effectively as an individual, in teams and laboratory groups to develop creative and innovative solutions to biological problems by applying logical reasoning, lateral thinking and critical reflection to develop safe, ethical and socially responsible solutions that may benefit humankind.
76	5	Communicate and interpret complex information with clarity and precision through critical reviews in written, oral and other explanations, questioning dogma and demonstrating impact at the forefront of research in molecular cell biology to real-world and global issues, for expert, professional, business, industrial and lay audiences.
77	6	Demonstrate independence, originality, creativity, and a deep understanding of cutting-edge practice and technology in Biology, and apply numerical, quantitative, and computer-based transferable skills to a range of working environments including laboratories, fieldwork, education, industry, business, health services, policy, government, and media.
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79	Programme Learning Outcomes for MBiol.
80	1	Provide systematic explanations that demonstrate a deep understanding of the principles, concepts and theories on the origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms through critical evaluations of the scientific literature at the forefront of Biological research.
81	2	Formulate hypotheses, design and execute experiments for the collection, analysis and modelling of biological data, that tests the current understanding of biological systems, to produce figures, graphs and tables explained in comprehensive research reports.
82	3	Identify and critically evaluate state-of-the-art experimental, analytical and quantitative techniques and methods through knowledge and by engaging with practical experience in laboratories and the field, providing detailed explanations of how these approaches can be used to tackle the major global challenges in molecular cell biology of the 21st century.
83	4	Work effectively as an individual, a team member or leader in collaborative groups, by applying logical and critical thinking and reflection to develop creative and innovative solutions to complex problems in biological research, and proactively develop and implement safe, ethical, sustainable and socially responsible solutions that would benefit humankind.
84	5	Communicate and interpret complex information with confidence, clarity and precision through critical reviews in written, oral and other explanations, questioning dogma and thoroughly evaluating the impact of molecular cell biology research in real-world and global issues, for expert, professional, business, industrial and lay audiences.
85	6	Demonstrate self-direction, originality, creativity, and a critical understanding of cutting-edge practice and technology in biological research, and apply numerical, quantitative, and computer-based transferable skills to a range of working environments including laboratories, fieldwork, education, industry, business, health services, policy, government, and media.
86	7	Specialise in research topics through in-depth critique of the literature, acquisition of advanced data analysis skills, sustained independent investigation of a research question, developing interdisciplinary research proposals to solve global challenges and reflecting on their own and other's research processes and approaches.
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88	Diverse entry routes
89	Detail how you would support students from diverse entry routes to transition into the programme. For example, disciplinary knowledge and conventions of the discipline, language skills, academic and writing skills, lab skills, academic integrity.
90	Stage 1 includes 2 x 20 credit skills modules that introduce core laboratory and data analysis skills with no assumption of prior knowledge. The level of complexity is built up slowly over the year. Small group tutorials are embedded in the skills modules and will include formative work in writing, communication, academic integrity and skills such as literature searching and creative thinking. The tutorials provide a supportive environment to develop both scientific and transferable skills. The Stage 1 subject modules provide teaching in diverse formats with a high number of interactive workshop sessions. Students have a variety of ways to interact with staff and ask questions - from face-to-face through to anonymous discussion boards or Menti. The VLE-based Biology Skills Hub complements the University's Study Guides in providing subject specific learning support ranging from writing and presentation skills, through to chemistry and maths. This resource is available throughout the degree.
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99	Inclusion
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