Biomedical Sciences at University of Southampton: Degree Overview & Requirements, Lecture notes of Printing

Download Biomedical Sciences at University of Southampton: Degree Overview & Requirements and more Lecture notes Printing in PDF only on Docsity! Master of Biomedical Sciences Programme Specification: 2019/20 Page 1 of 12 Programme Specification Master of Biomedical Sciences: 2019-20 This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. Awarding Institution University of Southampton Teaching Institution University of Southampton Mode of Study Full-time Duration in Years 4 years, following standard progression for a full-time student Accreditation details Not applicable Final award Integrated Masters (MBiomedSci) Name of award Biomedical Sciences Interim Exit awards Certificate in Higher Education Diploma in Higher Education Bachelor of Science (Ordinary) Bachelor of Science (Hons) FHEQ level of final award 7 UCAS code B991 QAA Subject Benchmark or other external reference QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Biomedical Science (2007), QAA: Master’s degree characteristics (2010) QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) Programme Lead Dr N Smyth Date specification was written 2005/2006 Date specification was validated April 2013 Date specification was last updated July 2017 Programme Overview Brief outline of the programme Biomedical Sciences is the study of the biological basis of disease. Our integrated Masters Degree programme allows you to focus on selected aspects of physiology and/or biochemistry to a research level. Graduates in biomedical science are in demand in a variety of areas of employment. In Southampton you will undertake a balanced programme where you will gain the relevant skills and knowledge required for a career in this subject area. Investigating potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease, finding the causes of cystic fibrosis, improving our understanding of cancer - just a few of the vital areas where biomedical science is making a difference today. Biomedical scientists study the mechanisms of life and the underlying causes of disease, and seek to develop and improve treatments for populations of patients. Learning and teaching You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, coursework and projects. In year 3 you will undertake independent research project. In your final year you will take another extended research-based project and two library-based dissertations. In addition you will study two modules in depth allowing you to critically assess research papers and write an overview of one aspect of the field. Throughout the programme you will undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate the taught material and to broaden your knowledge and understanding of biomedical sciences. Assessment You are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and written examinations at the end of each semester to test your knowledge and understanding of the lecture and tutorial material. Continuous assessment is based on performance in tutorials and practicals. Master of Biomedical Sciences Programme Specification: 2019/20 Page 2 of 12 Please note: As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, this programme may be revised during a student’s period of registration, however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student’s programme. Programmes and major changes to programmes are approved through the University’s programme validation process which is described in the University’s Quality handbook. Educational Aims of the Programme The aims of the programme are to provide: 1. a stimulating, informed environment through a wide range of interesting and contemporary courses with flexibility and choice, but allowing you to focus increasingly as you progress from level to level; 2. a sound scientific knowledge base in Biochemistry and Physiology to masters level to enable you to show critical awareness of current problems and new insights in biomedical science research; 3. an appreciation of the limits of knowledge of biomedical processes and how these limits may be extended by further relevant research; 4. training in biochemical and physiological laboratory skills; 5. an opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills (information and communication technology, team working, written and oral communication, time management, planning, data collection and presentation); 6. opportunities for you to develop skills of critical thinking and analysis and to show that you can pursue independent study; 7. an opportunity to undertake a number of projects on biomedical topics, including two in an academic research laboratory; 8. an education and training suitable for a wide variety of careers and that will prepare you for higher degrees and careers in biochemical research – or graduate entry to medicine; 9. the capability of life-long learning, study and enquiry. Programme Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding Having successfully completed this programme you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: Systems Physiology 1. the principal functions of the major organs in the body; 2. the respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, reproductive and cardiovascular systems; 3. muscles and the control of muscle contraction; 4. the regulation of blood flow and the formation of new blood vessels; 5. the cellular interactions which underlie the immune response in normal and pathophysiology; 6. the nervous system; 7. the intracellular signalling pathways, and how cell surface receptors activate major signalling pathways and how these pathways are modified in disease states; 8. the mechanisms of protein targeting within cells and role played by receptor cascades and oncogenes in normal and aberrant cell signalling; Homeostasis and Cell Communication 9. the principles of homeostasis; 10. hormones and their importance in physiological processes; 11. cell-cell communication in the autocrine, paracrine, endocrine and nervous systems; Metabolism and Molecular Biology 12. how the information stored in DNA is used to make proteins; 13. the basic principles of molecular cell biology; 14. the properties of enzymes; 15. genome projects and their impact on normal and pathophysiology; 16. the basic experimental approaches used to monitor gene expression at the protein level (proteomics); 17. strategies used in the production and use of antibodies for human therapy; 18. the pathways involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins; 19. how the various metabolic pathways are integrated in the body; Master of Biomedical Sciences Programme Specification: 2019/20 Page 5 of 12 Year Handbooks, http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/academic-life/faculty-handbooks.page and are briefly summarised below. As for all students studying for degrees in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, you will take a common Part 1. This gives you the flexibility to change your programme of study at any time before the start of Part 2. This is an indicative list of options/modules. We cannot guarantee to offer every option each year. Part 1 (FHEQ Level 4) (60 ECTS/120 Credits) You will take the following FOUR core modules (30 ECTS, 7.5 each): (i.e. a minimum pass mark of 40% is required) BIOL1007 Macromolecules of Life (Semester 1) BIOL1008 Metabolism and Metabolic Disorders (Semester 2) BIOL1011 Systems Physiology (Semester 1) BIOL1013 Integrative Mammalian Physiology (Semester 2) In addition you will take the following FOUR compulsory modules (30 ECTS, 7.5 each): (i.e. a minimum pass mark of 25% is required) BIOL1006 Cell Biology and Genetics (Semester 2) BIOL1020 Core Skills in Life Sciences (Full academic year) BIOL1021 Behaviour of Biomolecules (Semester 2) CHEM1039 Chemistry for Biological Sciences (Semester 1) Without A level chemistry - CHEM 1012 introduction to chemistry will be taken in place of CHEM 1039 Without A level chemistry - BIOL1023 Cell and Tissue Histology will be taken in place of BIOL 1021 Part 2 (FHEQ Level 5) (60 ECTS/120 Credits) You will take the following ONE module which spans the whole academic year: BIOL2046 Quantitative Skills Biomed Science (7.5 ECTS) Please select a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 2 from these highly recommended Semester 1 modules: BIOL2010 Flow of genetic information BIOL2016 Pharmacology A Please select a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 2 modules from these Semester 1 BIOL Level 5 modules: BIOL2012 Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function BIOL2014 Neuroscience BIOL2043 Biotechnology and the Living Cell Please select a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 2 of these highly recommended Semester 2 modules: BIOL2011 Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry BIOL2022 Immunology, Infection and Inflammation Please select 1-3 of the following Semester 2 BIOL modules: BIOL2013 Bioinformatics & DNA Technology BIOL2017 Pharmacology B BIOL2018 Adaptive Physiology BIOL2044 Medical Microbiology BIOL2045 Vertebrate Development A maximum of TWO elective modules can be selected from a range of suitable courses from Academic Units other than CfBS, but no more than one UOSM should be taken. We strongly encourage you to discuss electives with your tutor before pursuing such options. Part 3 (FHEQ Level 6) (60 ECTS/120 Credits) Master of Biomedical Sciences Programme Specification: 2019/20 Page 6 of 12 Please select a minimum of four and a maximum of 6 modules from the below modules: Semester 1 BIOL3001 Current Topics in Cell Biology BIOL3014 Molecular Cell Biology BIOL3015 Regulation of Gene Expression BIOL3021 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience BIOL3025 Neuropharmacology of CNS Disorders BIOL3026 The Pathophysiology of The Lung BIOL3027 Selective Toxicity BIOL3037 Immunology BIOL3043 Cellular and Molecular Pathology BIOL3054 Nutrition in Health & Disease: Part 1 BIOL3063 Bioinformatics and Systems Biology BIOL3064 Cancer Chromosome Biology BIOL3067 Evolution and Development Semester 2 BIOL3006 Cellular & Genetic Aspects of Animal Development BIOL3013 Molecular Recognition BIOL3017 The Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease BIOL3018 Molecular Pharmacology BIOL3020 Systems Neuroscience BIOL3022 Cell Signalling in Health and Disease BIOL3044 Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Physiology BIOL3048 Neurodegenerative Disease BIOL3052 Biomedical Technology BIOL3055 Nutrition in Health & Disease: Part 2 BIOL3057 Biofilms and Microbial Communities BIOL3065 Biomedical Parasitology If only four modules are selected from the above BIOL modules, TWO elective modules (7.5ECTS each) can be selected from a range of suitable courses from other Academic Units or UOSM. We strongly encourage you to discuss electives with your tutor before pursuing such options. Project module selection, which covers 15 ECTS over the third year, is done via a separate system. You will be contacted about this at the appropriate time. Part 4 (FHEQ Level 7) (60 ECTS/120 Credits) The following modules (total 37.5 ECTS) are compulsory (i.e. a minimum pass mark of 25%) and must be taken: Module ECTS BIOL6053 Current Research 7.5 BIOL6013 Advanced Research Project 30 Two further 22.5 ECTS are chosen from optional modules. Progression Requirements The University regulations governing progression, determination and classification of results in general can be found in the University Calendar (Section IV – General Regulations) http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/sectionIV/progression-regs.html. Those specific to the Faculty and your programme are in Section IX – Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/sectionIX/sectIX-index.html. Intermediate exit points You will be eligible for an interim exit award if you complete part of the programme but not all of it, as follows: Qualification FHEQ level Minimum overall credit in ECTS credits Minimum ECTS credits required at level of award Master of Biomedical Sciences Programme Specification: 2019/20 Page 7 of 12 Honours degree 6 at least 180 45 Ordinary degree 6 at least 150 30 Diploma of Higher Education 5 at least 120 45 Certificate of Higher Education 4 at least 60 45 Learning outcomes specific to each intermediate exit point correspond to a sub-set of those for the programme as a whole and may be determined by consulting the module map at the end of this document. Support for student learning There are facilities and services to support your learning some of which are accessible to students across the University and some of which will be geared more particularly to students in your particular Faculty or discipline area. The University provides: • library resources, including e-books, on-line journals and databases, which are comprehensive and up- to-date together with assistance from Library staff to enable you to make the best use of these resources • high speed access to online electronic learning resources on the Internet from dedicated PC Workstations onsite and from your own devices laptops, smartphones and tablet PCs via the Eduroam wireless network. There is a wide range of application software available from the Student Public Workstations. • computer accounts which will connect you to a number of learning technologies for example, the Blackboard virtual learning environment (which facilitates online learning and access to specific learning resources) • standard ICT tools such as Email, secure filestore and calendars. • access to key information through the MySouthampton Student Mobile Portal which delivers timetables, Module information, Locations, Tutor details, Library account, bus timetables etc. while you are on the move. • IT support through a comprehensive website, telephone and online ticketed support and a dedicated helpdesk in the Hartley Library. • Enabling Services offering support services and resources via a triage model to access crisis management, mental health support and counselling. • assessment and support (including specialist IT support) facilities if you have a disability, long term health problem or Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. dyslexia); • the Student Services Centre (SSC) to assist you with a range of general enquiries including financial matters, accommodation, exams, graduation, student visas, ID cards • Career Destinations, advising on job search, applications, interviews, paid work, volunteering and internship opportunities and getting the most out of your extra-curricular activities alongside your degree programme when writing your CV • Other support that includes health services (GPs), chaplaincy (for all faiths) and ‘out of hours’ support for students in Halls (18.00-08.00); a Centre for Language Study, providing assistance in the development of English language and study skills for non-native speakers. The Students’ Union provides • an academic student representation system, consisting of Course Representatives, Academic Presidents, Faculty Officers and the Vice-President Education SUSU provides training and support for all these representatives, whose role is to represent students’ views to the University. • opportunities for extracurricular activities and volunteering • an Advice Centre offering free and confidential advice including support if you need to make an academic appeal • Support for student peer-to-peer groups, such as Nightline. Associated with your programme you will be able to access: • An induction programme at the start of the course, which will provide orientation, information on modules, courses, library and computer facilities. • Handbooks, module handbooks and material on the web. • Library and academic skill packages. • Well-equipped laboratories. • Academic and pastoral support from members of staff, including your personal tutor which will include scheduled meetings at appropriate occasions during the academic year. • Access to all administrative and academic material on the CBS, Programme and individual module web sites and/or Blackboard (http://www.blackboard.soton.ac.uk). Master of Biomedical Sciences Programme Specification: 2019/20 Page 10 of 12 With a Biomedical Sciences degree you could be expected to find work in the following areas: • Laboratory scientist in forensic, pathology, veterinary, toxicology or haematology laboratory • Research in academic, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors • Business, legal or management roles in health care and health and safety • Clinical research organisations running clinical trials and surveys • Graduate entry to medical school • Graduate assistant role to physicians or other health professionals • Laboratory science in NGOs and voluntary services overseas • Science writer or journalist in biological and biomedical topics • Teaching science nationally and internationally External Examiners(s) for the programme Name Dr Pauline Phelan Institution University of Kent Name Dr Stuart Knight Institution Kings College London Students must not contact External Examiner(s) directly, and external examiners have been advised to refer any such communications back to the University. Students should raise any general queries about the assessment and examination process for the programme with their Course Representative, for consideration through Staff: Student Liaison Committee in the first instance, and Student representatives on Staff: Student Liaison Committees will have the opportunity to consider external examiners’ reports as part of the University’s quality assurance process. External examiners do not have a direct role in determining results for individual students, and students wishing to discuss their own performance in assessment should contact their personal tutor in the first instance. Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide) or online at (give URL). Master of Biomedical Sciences Programme Specification: 2018/19 Page 11 of 12 Additional Costs Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study. In addition to this, students registered for this programme typically also have to pay for the items listed in the table below In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Details of such costs will be listed in the Module Profile. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/. Main Item Sub-section PROGRAMME SPECIFIC COSTS Approved Calculators Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers. The University approved models are Casio FX- 570 and Casio FX-85GT Plus. These may be purchased from any source and no longer need to carry the University logo. Stationery You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationary items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile. Textbooks Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module. Equipment and Materials Laboratory Equipment and Materials: All materials required for laboratory work are provided. Where necessary, suitable specialist safety equipment will be provided. IT Computer Discs or USB drives Students are expected to provide their own portable data storage device. Software Licenses All software is provided Hardware It is advisable that students provide their own laptop or personal computer, although shared facilities are available across the University campus. Clothing Lab Coats and safety spectacles One laboratory coat and a pair of safety spectacles are provided at the start of the programme to each student. If these are lost the student must replace them at their own expense. The Students Union Shop stock these items. Printing and Photocopying Costs Coursework such as essays; projects; dissertations may be submitted on line. In the majority of cases, though, students will be asked to provide a printed copy. The University printing costs are currently: A4 - 5p per side (black and white) or 25p per side (colour) A3 - 10p per side (black and white) or 50p per side (colour) Please Note: Paper sizes not recognised by the printing devices will prompt you to select the size and then Master of Biomedical Sciences Programme Specification: 2019/20 Page 12 of 12 Main Item Sub-section PROGRAMME SPECIFIC COSTS charge a minimum of 50p per black and white copy and a maximum of £1 per colour copy. You can pay for your printing by using the money loaders or by using print copy payment service by going to www.printcopypayments.soton.ac.uk Please remember that we are unable to refund any credit that has not been used by the end of your course, so please consider this when topping up your printing/copy account Students entering year 1 2015/16 will be given a printing allowance of £3 per 7.5 ECTS BIOL towards the costs of printing lecture handouts. Practical handouts and module guides will be provided by the university. The University Print Centre also offers a printing and copying service as well as a dissertation/binding service. Current printing and copying costs can be found here. They also provide a large format printing service, e.g. Academic posters. Details of current costs can be found here. Placements (including Industrial Year out) Students who choose to go on an industrial placement at the end of Part 2 can expect to cover costs for health and travel insurance, accommodation and living expenses; travel costs; visa costs. This will vary depending on which country you are travelling to. Parking Costs There may be a requirement to undertake work at Southampton General Hospital (SGH), for example during a final year research project. Students may need to cover costs for transport to travel to SGH or for car parking. Revision History 1. Minor revisions (including title) 10 July 2007 (SCK) 2. New Brand added July 2008 3. Updated to reflect University restructuring June 2011 AB. 4. Revisions approved by Senate 19 June 2013 as part of new programme validation process 5. Minor changes made to form guidance on completion of Intended Learning Outcomes, and Learning outcomes and Assessment Mapping document template, for clarity; and changes to wording of support for student learning section, altering to second person throughout – agreed with the Chair and to be reported to UPC October 2013 6. Version 2013/14 Academic Year CQA 7. Version 2015/16 Academic Year NRS 8. Updated to take account of new Programme Specification template, September 2015 9. Minor Revisions July 2017