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1. Admissions/ Management Information
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Title of the programme – including any lower awards
Please provide the titles used for all awards relating to this programme. Note: all programmes are required to have at least a Postgraduate Certificate exit award.

See guidance on programme titles in:
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https://www.york.ac.uk/media/staffhome/learningandteaching/documents/programmedevelopment/Framework%20for%20Programme%20Design%20-%20PG.pdf
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Masters MSc in Biotechnology
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Postgraduate Diploma N/APlease indicate if the Postgraduate Diploma is available as an entry point, ie. is a programme on which a student can register, is an exit award, ie. is only available to students exiting the masters programme early, or both.N/A
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Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Certificate in BiotechnologyPlease indicate if the Postgraduate Certificate is available as an entry points, ie. is a programme on which a student can register, is an exit award, ie. is only available to students exiting the masters programme early, or both.Exit
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Level of qualificationLevel 7
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This document applies to students who commenced the programme(s) in:2021
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Awarding institutionTeaching institution
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University of York University of York
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Department(s):
Where more than one department is involved, indicate the lead department		Board of Studies
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Lead Department N/AN/A
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Other contributing Departments: N/A
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Route code
(existing programmes only)		PMBIOSIBT1
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Admissions criteria
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You should have a strong 2:1 bioscience degree (or equivalent). We also consider applicants who have a 2:2 degree with substantial industry experience. Please note that if you have completed an integrated Masters, this course is not suitable for you.
If your first language is not English you will need to show evidence that you meet our English language requirements:
IELTS: (Academic): 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each section
PTE: 61, with no less than 55 in each component
CAE and CPE (from January 2015): 176, with no less than 169 in each component
TOEFL: 87, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE: level 3 with Merit in all components
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Length and status of the programme(s) and mode(s) of study
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ProgrammeLength (years/ months) Status (full-time/ part-time)
Please select		Start dates/months
(if applicable – for programmes that have multiple intakes or start dates that differ from the usual academic year)		Mode
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Face-to-face, campus-basedDistance learningOther
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MSc in Biotechnology1 yearFull-timeSeptember- SeptemberPlease select Y/NYesPlease select Y/NNo
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Language(s) of study
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English
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Language(s) of assessment
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English
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2. Programme accreditation by Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies (PSRB)
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2.a. Is the programme recognised or accredited by a PSRB
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Please Select Y/N: Noif No move to section 3
if Yes complete the following questions
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3. Additional Professional or Vocational Standards
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Are there any additional requirements of accrediting bodies or PSRB or pre-requisite professional experience needed to study this programme?
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Please Select Y/N: Noif Yes, provide details
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4. Programme leadership and programme team
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4.a. Please name the programme leader for the year to which the programme design applies and any key members of staff responsible for designing, maintaining and overseeing the programme.
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Tim Doheny-Adams - programme leader for Biotechnology, Richard Waites - Director of Students, Richard Maguire- Programme leader for biomedical sciences, Gareth Evans - Ch BoS, Gonzalo Blanco - Chair of Teaching Committee
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5. Purpose and learning outcomes of the programme
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5.a. Statement of purpose for applicants to the Masters programme
Please express succinctly the overall aims of the programme as an applicant facing statement for a prospectus or website. This should clarify to a prospective masters student why they should choose this programme, what it will provide to them and what benefits they will gain from completing it.
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We need to reduce the dependency on old technologies and industries that are harmful to ourselves and the health of the planet. How can Biologists contribute solutions to this global problem? Biotechnology offers innovative and more efficient approaches to produce high-value products for health, food and fuel from the application of natural, modified or synthetic biological resources to industry.
Introduced in 2016, this programme draws upon the excellence in research and teaching in the Department of Biology, and provides students the opportunity to study the latest research in a supportive learning environment. On completion of your Masters programme, you will be part of the next generation of Biotechnologists having developed the necessary skills in critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis and team-working. You will be able to effectively use these skills, along with your excellent practical ability in new technologies such as modern recombinant DNA techniques, fermentation and bioreactor technology to develop new industrial products and solutions that address 21st century global challenges in areas of food security, climate change, medicine and agriculture.
Consistently ranked as one of the best departments in the UK, we have an outstanding global reputation underpinned by our research and facilities. In the laboratory, you will gain experience of experimental design and execution within a group project before undertaking an extended independent research project. The written, oral and graphical presentation of scientific data and ideas will be integral to the assessment of both projects. You will also be provided with training in statistics, quantitative biology and programming, which we consider to be key skills for the modern researcher. Projects will take place in a research facility such as the world-renowned Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, which has a strong collaboration with the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), a not-for-profit company, based at the University of York.
All this makes York one of the best places to study Biotechnology.

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5.a.i Statement of purpose for applicants registering for the Postgraduate Diploma programme
Please express succinctly the overall aims of the programme as an applicant facing statement for a prospectus or website. This should clarify to a prospective diploma student why they should choose this programme, what it will provide to them and what benefits they will gain from completing it.
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N/A
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5.b.i. Programme Learning Outcomes - Masters
Please provide six to eight statements of what a graduate of the Masters programme will be able to do.
If the document only covers a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma please specify four to six PLO statements in the sections 5.b.ii and 5.b.iii as appropriate.
Taken together, these outcomes should capture the distinctive features of the programme. They should also be outcomes for which progressive achievement through the course of the programme can be articulated, and which will therefore be reflected in the design of the whole programme.
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PLOOn successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
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1Construct critical evaluations and summaries of scientific literature that demonstrate a deep understanding of the concepts and approaches at the forefront of research in Biotechnology.
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2Competently undertake the design of experiments for the collection, analysis and modelling of data, and carry out research tasks in Biotechnology with autonomy and independence.
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3Evaluate state-of-the-art experimental and analytical approaches in Biotechnology, drawing upon first-hand practical experience working in research laboratories.
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4Work with a minimum of guidance and supervision as an individual, team member or leader in collaborative groups, and use their initiative and originality in providing sustainable and ethical solutions to feeding and fueling the world.
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5Produce written, oral and other academic communications, thoroughly evaluating the impact of Biotechnology in real-world and global issues, and reporting to a variety of audiences with clarity and precision.
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6Apply their technical expertise, practical experience and other transferable skills to a wide range of working environments including research laboratories, industries and enterprises relating to Biotechnology.
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5.c. Explanation of the choice of Programme Learning Outcomes
Please explain your rationale for choosing these PLOs in a statement that can be used for students (such as in a student handbook). Please include brief reference to:
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i) ... in what way will these PLOs result in an ambitious, challenging programme which stretches the students?
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Students will develop key research skills and be challenged by the opportunities to apply these skills with increasing autonomy as they progress through their programme. In the autumn term, students undertake the 20-credit module 'Advanced Research Topics - Biotechnology' to gain a deep and advanced understanding of Biotechnology. Alongside this theoretical module, students will undertake the modules, ‘Data analysis and programming in the biosciences’ and ‘Research, professional and team skills’ which will strengthen practical and personal skills such as communication, critical analysis and data handling. These skills will be applied and further developed during the 90-credit summer research project. By this stage, students will have the skills and confidence to plan, execute and drive forward a successful research project.
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ii) ... in what way will these PLOs produce a programme which is distinctive and advantageous to the student?
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The Biotechnology programme is centred around encouraging students to engage with the excellent research that takes place within the department. Students will explore multiple areas of Biotechnology and attend seminars given by experts in the field. In addition, students will have the opportunity to visit research facilities including the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products and the Biorenewables Development Centre. Another distinctive feature of the programme is the 90-credit research project which takes place over the summer term and summer vacation. The project will give students the opportunity to carry out a large research project independently within a supported academic environment. Students will receive training in contemporary Biotechnology processes such as modern recombinant DNA, fermentation and bioreactor technology in world-renowned research facilities.
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iii) ... how the design of the programme enables students from diverse entry routes to transition successfully into the programme? For example, how does the organisation of the programme ensure solid foundations in disciplinary knowledge and understanding of conventions, language skills, mathematics and statistics skills, writing skills, lab skills, academic integrity
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In the autumn term, students study 'Advanced Research Topics - Biotechnology' which is an amalgamation of 2 relevant H-level modules which will ensure that students have the relevant background knowledge and understanding (including knowledge of core concepts and terminology) at the start of their programme. Students will also undertake a 30-credit module entitled ‘Research, professional and team skills’. Embedded in this module are tutorials which provide training in areas such as interpreting and critically analysing research papers, research integrity, and presentation skills. Students will also undertake a 20-credit module in data analysis. Both modules provide training in generic research skills which they develop alongside scientific and lab skills. Students are required to complete the academic integrity tutorial and are also provided with a tutorial on research ethics which includes information on plagiarism and best research practice. Students will be assigned an academic supervisor (independent from their project supervisor) to support personal wellbeing. Supervisors can signpost central services as required such as the study skills centre.
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iv) ... how the programme is designed to enable students to progress successfully - in a limited time frame - through to the end of the award? For example, the development of higher level research skills; enabling students to complete an independent study module; developing competence and confidence in practical skills/ professional skills. See QAA masters characteristics doument http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Masters-Degree-Characteristics-15.pdf
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In the autumn term, knowledge and understanding in core areas of Biotechnology is developed by studying 'Advanced Research Topics - Biotechnology'. Also in the autumn term, students undertake a further 2 core modules which are designed to provide training that will enhance research skills and personal effectiveness. The structured learning which takes place in the autumn and spring terms provides students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their final research project.
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v) ... how this programme (as outlined in these PLOs) will develop students’ digital literacy skills and how technology-enhanced learning will be used to support active student learning through peer/tutor interaction, collaboration and formative (self) assessment opportunities (reference could be made to such as blogging, flipped classrooms, response 'clickers' in lectures, simulations, etc).
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Digital literacy skills are vital within scientific research, and activities that develop these skills have been built into a number of modules. For example, in the ‘Research, professional and team skills’ module, students use a collaborative online lab book for sharing and managing research data during the group project. Also, in the ‘Data analysis and programming in the biosciences’ module, students will receive extensive training in the software RStudio which they will use to analyse and present data throughout their programme. To support skill development in this module, an extensive range of external material is provided (via the VLE) and students also have access to online formative quizzes to practice their programming skills. Technology is used to enhance teaching throughout the programme. For example, where available, lectures will be recorded via Panopto and several modules use a VLE-based discussion board.
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vi) ... how this programme (as outlined in these PLOs) will support and enhance the students’ employability (for example, opportunities for students to apply their learning in a real world setting)?
The programme's employability objectives should be informed by the University's Employability Strategy:
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http://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/support-and-admin/careers/staff/
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Biotechnology is an important industry locally in Yorkshire and Humberside and is also significant nationally and internationally. The Department of Biology has significant expertise in Industrial Biotechnology and graduate research training. One of the aims of this programme is to combine these expertise to provide opportunities in training and study that will result in enhanced prospects for graduates in the workplace locally, nationally and overseas.
Modules have been designed to support skill development. Attributes that are recognised by employers such as communication, teamwork, and computer skills are developed and practiced through structured formative and summative assessments. Students will work with increasing autonomy which will culminate in a 90-credit research project. Independently undertaking a research project encourages organisational and time-management skills which can be applied to a range of careers. Students can undertake their research project in the department or in industry. An industrial research placement cannot be guaranteed, and it is the student's responsibility to source industrial partners which need prior approval from the department. We will also encourage students to attend research seminars given by external speakers which will highlight excellent potential career options.
Students will receive guidance from departmental careers advisors on how to articulate and express the skills they have developed which can be applied to a range of careers, both in science and more broadly. Further, students will be encouraged to attend careers fairs which showcase career opportunities beyond those presented in this programme. There is a seminar built into the ‘Research, professional and team skills’ module given by a departmental careers advisor and students will also be given guidance by their academic supervisor with regards to where they can access further support and careers advice.
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viii) ... how learning and teaching on the programme are informed and led by research in the department/ Centre/ University?
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Biotechnology is recognised as a cornerstone of the Department’s Research strategy, and staff who are involved will be teaching to their research interests. The 20-credit module, ‘Biotechnology’ is a defining feature of the programme. As part of this module, students will attend a series of seminars given by staff who are actively involved in cutting-edge research. Students will also be encouraged to attend departmental seminars given by external speakers who are experts in their field. In addition, students will visit research facilities at the forefront of Biotechnology research such as the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products and the Biorenewables Development Centre.
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5.d. Progression
For masters programmes where students do not incrementally 'progress' on the completion of a discrete Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma, please summarise students’ progressive development towards the achievement of the PLOs, in terms of the characteristics that you expect students to demonstrate at the end of the set of modules or part thereof. This summary may be particularly helpful to students and the programme team where there is a high proportion of option modules and in circumstances where students registered on a higher award will exit early with a lower one.

Note: it is not expected that a position statement is written for each masters PLO, but this can be done if preferred.
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On completion of modules sufficient to obtain a Postgraduate Certificate students will be able to:
If the PG Cert is an exit award only please provide information about how students will have progressed towards the diploma/masters PLOs. Please include detail of the module diet that students will have to have completed to gain this qualification as an exit award.
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Students exiting the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate will have advanced knowledge and understanding in broad areas of contemporary Biotechnology. They will have acquired skills enabling them to engage with the literature and be able to discuss and explain processes used in this area. Students will also have an awareness of technical and commercial considerations relevant to the pursuit of Biotechnology. Graduates will have acquired analytical skills enabling them to handle, interpret and present biological data effectively.
To exit the Biotechnology programme with a Postgraduate Certificate, students will have successfully completed the following modules:
• BIO00062M Advanced Research Topics - Biotechnology (20 credit)
• BIO00053M Industrial Biotechnology (20 credit)
• BIO00052M Data Analysis and Programming in the Biosciences (20 credit)
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On completion of modules sufficient to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma students will be able to:
If the PG Diploma is an exit award only please provide information about how students will have progressed towards the masters PLOs. Please include detail of the module diet that students will have to have completed to gain this qualification as an exit award.
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N/A
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6. Reference points and programme regulations
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6.a. Relevant Quality Assurance Agency benchmark statement(s) and other relevant external reference points
Please state relevant reference points consulted (e.g. Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, National Occupational Standards, Subject Benchmark Statements or the requirements of PSRBs): See also Taught Postgraduate Modular Scheme: Framework for Programme Design:
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https://www.york.ac.uk/media/staffhome/learningandteaching/documents/programmedevelopment/Framework%20for%20Programme%20Design%20-%20PG.pdf
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http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Masters-Degree-Characteristics-15.pdf
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http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements
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http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/information-and-guidance/publication?PubID=2843#.VthM1fmLS70
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Quality assurance agency for higher education http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Biosciences.pdf http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Masters-Degree-Characteristics-15.pdf
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6.b. University award regulations
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The University’s award and assessment regulations apply to all programmes: any exceptions that relate to this programme are approved by University Teaching Committee and are recorded at the end of this document.
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7. Programme Structure
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7.a. Module Structure and Summative Assessment Map
Please complete the summary table below which shows the module structure and the pattern of summative assessment through the programme.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If the structure of your programme does not fit the usual academic year (for instance students start at the beginning of September or in January) please contact your Academic Quality Team contact in the Academic Support Office for guidance on how to represent the structure in an alternative format.

To clearly present the overall programme structure, include the name and details of each individual CORE module in the rows below. For OPTION modules, ‘Option module’ or 'Option from list x' should be used in place of specifically including all named options. If the programme requires students to select option modules from specific lists by term of delivery or subject theme these lists should be provided in the next section (7.b).

From the drop-down select 'S' to indicate the start of the module, 'A' to indicate the timing of each distinct summative assessment point (eg. essay submission/ exam), and 'E' to indicate the end of teaching delivery for the module (if the end of the module coincides with the summative assessment select 'EA'). It is not expected that each summative task will be listed where an overall module might be assessed cumulatively (for example weekly problem sheets).

Summative assessment by exams should normally be scheduled in the spring week 1 and summer Common Assessment period (weeks 5-7). Where the summer CAP is used, a single ‘A’ can be used within the shaded cells as it is understood that you will not know in which week of the CAP the examination will take place. (NB: An additional resit assessment week is provided in week 10 of the summer term for postgraduate students. See Guide to Assessment, 5.4.a)
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http://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/support-and-admin/registry-services/guide/
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Full time structure
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CreditsModuleAutumn TermSpring Term Summer Term Summer Vacation
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CodeTitle12345678910123456789101234567891012345678910111213
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20BIO00062MAdvanced Research Topics - BiotechnologySEA
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20BIO00052MData analysis and programming in the BiosciencesSEAEAEAAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAE
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30BIO00055MResearch, professional and team skillsSAEAAE
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20BIO00053MIndustrial BiotechnologySEA
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90BIO00054MResearch projectSAAEA
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Full-time Route: Please indicate when the Progression Board and Final Exam board will be held and when any reassessments will be submitted.
NB: You are required to provide at least three weeks notice to students of the need for them to resubmit any required assessments, in accordance with the Guide to Assessment section 4.9
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Progression BoardSummer 2022
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ReassessmentAny reassessment will take place close to the original assessment and before the October exam board.
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Exam BoardOctober 2022
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Part time structures
Please indicate the modules undertaken in each year of the part-time version of the programme. Please use the text box below should any further explanation be required regarding structure of part-time study routes.
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Year 1 (if you offer the programme part-time over either 2 or 3 years, use the toggles to the left to show the hidden rows)
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Year 2
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Year 3
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7.b. Optional module lists

If the programme requires students to select option modules from specific lists these lists should be provided below. If you need more space, use the toggles on the left to reveal ten further hidden rows.
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Option List AOption List BOption List COption List D
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N/AN/AN/AN/A
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