BSc/MSci Natural Sciences specialising in Biology (ABE/ABCE pathway) 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/MSci Natural Sciences specialising in Biology.
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8	This document applies to students who commenced the programme(s) in:			2023		Award type			BSc/MSci
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10	What level is this qualification?			6/7		Length of programme			3/4 years
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12	Mode of study (Full / Part Time)			Full-time
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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			Natural Sciences
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18	Lead department			Natural Sciences		Other contributing departments			Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environment & Geography.
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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
26	N/A
27	N/A
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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	All programmes and pathways for Natural Sciences have been designed according to the University’s Framework for Programme design for undergraduates. The Academic Quality team have been consulted about any queries that have arisen. The modules are taken from contributing departments and therefore the programmes and pathways will consist of modules that conform to specific benchmark statements. All Natural Sciences programmes and pathways are accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences. The Society has been consulted about the proposed changes and will reassess the programmes once they are finalised. Key to accreditation is the ethos within the programmes of interdisciplinarity and this has been maintained.
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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:	Yes
48			No				Yes
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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	All Natural Sciences programmes at the University of York aim to produce leaders in science, technology and industry who will have the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to succeed in complex research and business environments. You will learn how science is conducted in different disciplines, how to operate within different methodological communities, and how to apply techniques and ideas across multiple disciplines A Natural Sciences student who specialises in biology studies life. From the chemical properties of single molecules to understanding how populations of different species respond to changes in the environment. Driven by cutting-edge technologies, we now live in an era where medicines can be tailored to individuals and whole genomes of novel organisms can be sequenced in less than a day. An explosion of discoveries relating to how cancer develops, predicting the effects of climate change and harnessing the biotechnological potential of organisms to produce fuels, food and novel medicines makes biosciences one of the most exciting and relevant subjects of the 21st century. As a Natural Sciences student specialising in Biology you will spend the majority of your time studying in The Department of Biology. A department which is consistently ranked as one of the best departments in the UK, and has an outstanding global reputation underpinned by cutting edge research and excellent facilities. There you will move through the stages from the foundations of Biology in Stage 1, all the way to a final year research project which will enable you to practice and hone your research skills as you work with active research scientists in cutting edge research labs. You Will be able to utilise your experiences of other scientific disciplines and their interactions with Biological sciences. As a student on the MSci programme you will achieve all the above, but your skills will be developed even further and to a deeper level as you undertake an extended final year research project that will move you towards the research frontier in Biology, giving you the expertise, skills and experience necessary to pursue graduate level research in Biology both within and outside academia.
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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	BSc(Hons)			No				360 credits
66	MSci(Hons)			No				480 credits
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68	Programme Learning Outcomes
69	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...'
70	1 - BSc	Provide thorough explanations that demonstrate a deep understanding of the principles, concepts and theories taken from the origin, evolution, structure, function, development, and distribution of living organisms, through critical evaluations of the primary scientific literature in Biology
71	2- BSc	Formulate hypotheses, design and execute experiments for the collection, analysis and modelling of biological data, that tests biological systems and produce figures, graphs and tables that are explained in comprehensive laboratory reports
72	3- BSc	Evaluate experimental, analytical and quantitative techniques and methodologies, by engaging with practical 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 Biology of the 21st century.
73	4- BSc	Work effectively as an individual, in teams or 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.
74	5- BSc	Communicate and interpret complex information with clarity and precision through critical reviews in written, oral and other explanations, demonstrating impact at the forefront of research in Biology to real-world and global issues, for expert, professional, business, industrial and/or lay audiences.
75	6- BSc	Demonstrate independence, originality, creativity, and 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.
76	7- BSc	Exploit the synergies between biological science and other science-based disciplines by using the principles themes, concepts and methodologies of Biology as appropriate to a Natural Scientist.
77	8- BSc
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79	1 - MSci	Provide systematic explanations that demonstrate a deep understanding of key Biological principles, concepts and theories taken from the origin, evolution, structure, function, development, and distribution of living organisms through critical evaluations of the scientific literature at the forefront of Biological research.
80	2 - MSci	Formulate hypotheses, design and execute experiments for the collection, analysis and modelling of experimental biological data, testing current understanding of biological systems, to produce figures, graphs and tables explained in comprehensive research reports. Use such skills across disciplines.
81	3 - MSci	Identify and critically evaluate state-of-the-art experimental, analytical and quantitative techniques and methods by engaging with practical training in laboratories or the field, providing detailed explanations of how these approaches can be used to tackle the major global challenges in Biology of the 21st century.
82	4 - MSci	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.
83	5 - MSci	Communicate and interpret complex information with confidence, clarity and precision through critical reviews in written, oral and other explanations, thoroughly evaluating the impact of biological research in real-world and global issues, for expert, professional, business, industrial and/or lay audiences.
84	6- MSci	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.
85	7- MSci	Exploit the synergies between biological science and other science-based disciplines by using the principles themes, concepts and methodologies of Biology as appropriate to a Natural Scientist.
86	8- MSci	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	All our students are welcomed by a dedicated induction session that sets out overall expectations, but importantly also signposts the various ways in which help is available to students. Given the interdisciplinary nature of our programmes, the support is layered on three levels. First port of call for each student is their pastoral supervisor. We ensure that students from non-typical entry routes are assigned an experienced supervisor. Secondly, the chair of BoS and student support team can field more generic questions about learning support and advise on accessing the Academic Skills Community that is essential for our students to fill gaps of skills knowledge. Finally, our set of dedicated subject facilitators and pathway leaders can help students with deeper discipline specific issues. Importantly, we dedicate 30 min of direct face-to-face time between students and subject facilitators in the first week, to make sure the lines of communication are open from the get-go and no student is left behind.
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99	Inclusion
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