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UNITED KINGDOM · CHINA · MALAYSIA
School of Biosciences
2013-2014
QUALIFYING YEARHANDBOOK
Please note that all of the information given in this Student Course Handbook wascorrect at the time of going to press; Schools reserve the right to amend coursestructures or information and amend, substitute or withdraw modules detailed inthis publication.
Comments or feedback on the contents of this handbook are welcome, and will beused in the revised edition for 2014-2015. Any comments concerning thispublication should be addressed to Kathy Wilson (Undergraduate Recruitment andCourses Manager) at the Sutton Bonington Campus or [email protected].
This handbook is available in alternative formats. Please contact Kathy Wilsonby emailing [email protected] or telephone 0115 951 6002 torequest an alternative format.
CONTENTS
1 Academic year 2013-2014 ...........................................................................3
2 Course Handbook .......................................................................................4
3 The School of Biosciences ............................................................................4
4 Advice.......................................................................................................4
5 Student Commitment ..................................................................................5
6 Your School and Your Studies.......................................................................6
7 Staff Roles .................................................................................................7
8 Academic Staff and Locations.......................................................................9
9 Course Structure, Organisation and Choosing Your Modules ........................... 11
10 Course Structures .................................................................................... 14
10.1 Agriculture ................................................................................ 15
10.2 Agricultural and Crop Science....................................................... 17
10.3 Agricultural and Environmental Science ........................................ 19
10.4 Agricultural and Livestock Science ................................................ 21
10.5 Animal Science........................................................................... 23
10.6 Applied Biology .......................................................................... 25
10.7 Biotechnology ............................................................................ 30
10.8 Environmental Biology ............................................................... 33
10.9 Environmental Science ............................................................... 35
10.10 Food Microbiology....................................................................... 37
10.11 Food Science ............................................................................. 39
10.12 Microbiology .............................................................................. 41
10.13 Nutrition.................................................................................... 43
10.14 Nutritional Biochemistry .............................................................. 45
10.15 Nutrition and Food Science .......................................................... 47
10.16 Plant Science ............................................................................ 49
11 Table of Modules Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring) ................... 51
12 Timetable Information............................................................................... 54
13 Teaching Methods..................................................................................... 55
14 Assessment, Progression, Compensation and Reassessment .......................... 57
15 Extenuating Circumstances ........................................................................ 61
16 Plagiarism and Paraphrasing ...................................................................... 63
17 Personal and Academic Development .......................................................... 69
18 The Personal and Academic Development Scheme ....................................... 70
19 Academic Tutoring in the School of Biosciences ............................................ 73
20 Attendance Monitoring .............................................................................. 75
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21 Complaints Procedure................................................................................ 75
22 Industry Placements ................................................................................. 76
23 Study Abroad Opportunities ....................................................................... 76
23.1 Erasmus.......................................................................................... 76
23.2 Studying Outside of the UK................................................................ 79
24 Channels of Communication ...................................................................... 80
25 Student/Staff Consultation......................................................................... 80
26 Office Hours ............................................................................................. 81
27 Quality Assurance .................................................................................... 81
28 Coursework and Examination Feedback ....................................................... 82
29 Student Services/Departments ................................................................... 83
29.1 Student Services Centre.................................................................... 83
29.2 School Office.................................................................................... 83
29.3 Libraries ......................................................................................... 84
29.4 IT Facilities ..................................................................................... 85
29.5 Photographic Section ....................................................................... 86
29.6 Academic and Disability Support........................................................ 87
29.7 Careers and Employability Service ...................................................... 89
30 Health, Safety and Security ....................................................................... 90
31 Modules................................................................................................... 91
31.1 Year Long Semester Modules ............................................................. 92
31.2 Autumn Semester Modules ............................................................. 100
31.3 Autumn Semester Modules from other Schools ................................... 113
31.4 Spring Semester Modules ................................................................ 115
31.5 Spring Semester Modules from Other Schools .................................... 135
32 Appendices: ......................................................................................... 140
33 Index .................................................................................................... 155
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1 ACADEMIC YEAR 2013 - 2014
SEMESTER DATES
AUTUMN SEMESTER: Monday 23 September 2013 – Saturday 25 January 2014SPRING SEMESTER: Monday 27 January 2014 - Friday 20 June 2014
TERM DATES
AUTUMN TERM: Monday 23 September 2013 – Friday 13 December 2013SPRING TERM: Monday 13 January 2014 - Friday 11 April 2014SUMMER TERM: Monday 12 May 2014 - Friday 20 June 2014
TEACHING BEGINS
AUTUMN SEMESTER Monday 30 September 2013SPRING SEMESTER Monday 27 January 2014
EXAMINATIONS (Provisional dates)
Autumn Semester Exams13 January 2014 - Saturday 25 January 2014 - including Saturday 18 January 2014
Spring Semester Exams19 May 2014 - Friday 6 June 2014 - including Saturdays 24 May and 31 May 2014
Late summer resits18 August 2014 to Wednesday 27 August 2014 – excluding Saturday 23 August 2014
REGISTRATION
Tuesday 24 September 2013
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2 COURSE HANDBOOK
This Manual is designed to give you all the information you need to allow you to progress yourstudies at Nottingham. It describes the various procedures and practices that are in place whichare designed to help you achieve your goals. From time to time these have to be changed to meetnew requirements put upon us by the University and on occasions changes are made based onstudent opinion. Therefore at any time if you have a positive suggestion, which can bring aboutsome improvement in what we do, please bring these to the attention of the Student Guild who arerepresented on a number of School Committees.
3 THE SCHOOL OF BIOSCIENCES
The School of Biosciences is part of the Faculty of Science and is based mainly on the SuttonBonington campus; the BSc/MSci Environmental Science degree is located at the University Parkcampus.
The School of Biosciences has over 50 academic members of staff, 850 undergraduate studentsand about 400 research and taught postgraduate students. Academic staff are allotted to one of 5Divisions which reflect specific areas of teaching and research; Agricultural and EnvironmentalSciences, Animal Sciences, Food Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Plant and Crop Sciences.
You can find full and detailed information about the School and its staff on our Website –www.nottingham.ac.uk/Biosciences.
4 ADVICE
One of the first people you will meet is your Personal Tutor. Your Personal Tutor will be a memberof academic staff with whom you have regular meetings, sometimes as part of a group. Your Tutoris there to give you help and support in person as well as guidance in academic matters. Youshould make every effort to establish a good working relationship. Your Tutor will provide you withdetails of your exam performance and it is essential that you discuss your progress, in confidence,with him/her at regular intervals.
Here are a few pieces of free advice; they come from fellow undergraduate students andfrom academic staff who helped us prepare this document.
• Most lecturers teach at a faster pace than you may be used to from school or college. Develop good note taking skills early in your university career.• Lectures are progressive, i.e. each one builds on the last. Missing lectures is therefore
dangerous, as is ignoring things that you didn’t fully understand at the time.• Module Conveners may issue a book list. Check with academic staff and 2nd and 3rd year
students which are the most valuable to buy. You may not be able to afford them all. Bookson your reading lists can be borrowed from the Libraries.
• You should expect to work outside of class time. This may include reading, rewriting yournotes, doing coursework, writing reports, etc.
• Don’t be afraid of asking questions in lectures. Lecturers like to know that students arefollowing what they are saying. The question you ask may be exactly what other studentswere wondering but were afraid to ask. Most lecturers will provide opportunities forquestions. You can also ask for help outside of lecture time.
• Don’t be afraid to approach staff for help. Their offices are accessible to you (knock and wait)and they have telephones and email. They are busy people but a large part of their workinvolves dealing with students.
• Make use of their time, advice, experience and expertise.• Remember that activities continue after the exams and that you are required to remain at
the University until the end of each semester.• Never hesitate to see the lecturer if you are having difficulty with his / her module or don’t
understand why you were given a particular mark• Handing in coursework late means losing marks. 5% will be lost for every working day late.
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• The School has an undergraduate Learning Community Forum with staff and studentrepresentatives from each year. Use this system to make constructive comments about yourcourse.
• If you become ill and have to miss more than a couple of days, or a coursework deadline, orif your performance in an exam is affected, go to see your tutor and complete anExtenuating Circumstances Form (forms available from outside the School Office at SuttonBonington) and on the website:www.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/assessment/extenuatingcircumstances.aspxsd
• Missing an exam for any reason is extremely serious and should be avoided if at all possible.Let your Tutor know IMMEDIATELY and complete an extenuating circumstances formavailable as above.
• Read notice boards and check your email daily; otherwise you may miss vital information.
5 STUDENT COMMITMENT
Students are expected to access their e-mail accounts regularly as this is the main means of
communication. Please do not use any other personal email account which you may have for
communication within the University. If you do, you risk losing out on important information
You are required to:
Read this handbook and other documents referred to so that you are clear about the structureof your degree course and what is expected of you.
Abide by University Ordinances, Regulations and other codes of practice (e.g. Computing,Safety etc.).
Open and maintain a portfolio containing all information notes issued by module convenersand course lecturers, continuous assessment exercises (essays, projects, lab reports, field tripreports), staff comments on assignments, records of meetings with staff etc. The portfolioshould be properly filed, classified and indexed. A separate coursework portfolio that containsyour coursework completed during the course, including qualifying year work, will be submittedin your final year. This may be inspected by the External Examiner.
Consider maintaining an electronic Personal Academic Record (ePAR) in collaboration withyour tutor (see ePar section). It records details of exam performance but also recordsmeetings and items discussed and any significant events occurring during the academic year.The record is important because it allows you to appreciate the progress you have made. Itwill also form your tutor’s record of your period at the University. Tutors are frequently askedto act as referees for their students in connection with applications for accommodation,summer employment and jobs in later years; the ePAR allows this information to be providedquickly and accurately. See section 18 for further details.
Read notices placed on official notice boards. These provide an important primary channel ofgeneral communication and may advertise such information as re-arrangements to theteaching timetable.
It is wise to carry a diary in which to note appointments with tutors, module conveners, coursemanagers, etc.
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6 YOUR SCHOOL AND YOUR STUDIES
Teaching Staff - Lecturers are responsible for teaching components of modules and for settingand marking assignments and examinations.
Each module has a Convener who is responsible for its organisation. At the start of the module,the Convener will issue to each student a document describing its aims, content, objectives,transferable skills, methods of assessment, dates for submission and return of coursework andpenalties for late submission. Students will be given coursework turnaround details. S/he will alsoconduct a feedback exercise at the end of the module to gauge student opinion.
Each course has a Course Manager, responsible for overseeing its structure and smooth running.The Course Manager ensures balance between modules and liaises regularly with other staff toensure that appropriate teaching and learning are provided. The Course Managers are directlyresponsible to the Head of School for ensuring that all levels of the teaching managementstructure operate efficiently. They should be notified of any significant problems. Heads ofDivision are ultimately responsible for the services provided by their staff.
The Director of Teaching overseas the organisation and management of teaching across theSchool.
The Semester 1 Tutor is responsible for maintaining a balance of work between the coreSemester 1 modules. S/he appoints student representatives and holds meetings at which anymatters which students may wish to raise can be discussed. Don’t be afraid to make your viewsknown!
A list of the staff who hold these positions are included in this handbook (see Staff Roles section).
Students should feel able to approach any of them with concerns they may have about aspects of
their education. Your Personal Tutor can advise you and make the appropriate contacts.
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7 STAFF ROLES
Role In School Staff Member Location Tel Email
@nottingham
.ac.uk
Head of School Prof Neil CroutGateway Building 16253
neil.crout
School Manager Dr Sarah JohnsonMain Building 16000
Sarah.johnson
Undergraduate Recruitment
& Courses Manager
Ms K J Wilson Main Building 16002 kathy.wilson
Marketing Manager Ms H Rotherforth Main Building 16607 helen.rotherforth
Courses and Modules Administrator Mrs G Fox Main Building 16007 Gillian.fox
IT Support Officer Mr D Walters Main Building 16511 Dave.walters
Undergraduate IT Advisor Mr J Craigon South Lab Building 16252 jim.craigon
Undergraduate Recruitment
Administrator
Mrs E Staves School Office 16005 elena.staves
Erasmus Co-ordinator
(European Cert.)
Mrs E Staves School Office 16005 elena.staves
Exams & Prizes Mrs L Eaves School Office 16001 linda.eaves
Heads of Division
Animal Sciences Prof J Wiseman South Lab 16054 julian.wiseman
Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences
Prof G Shaw Gateway Building 13206 george.shaw
Food Sciences Prof C E R Dodd Food Sciences Building 16163 christine.dodd
Nutritional Sciences Prof A Salter North Lab 16120 Andrew.salter
Plant and Crop Sciences Prof G Seymour Plant & Crop Sciences Blg 16323 graham.seymour
Warden Bonington Hall Dr I Hardy South Lab 16052 ian.hardy
Senior Tutors Dr M R Luck
Dr L Bailey
South Lab
Gateway Building
16309
16255
martin.luck
liz.bailey
Semester 1 Tutor Dr K Pyke Plant & Crop Sciences Blg 13216 kevin.pyke
Exam. Officer Dr P Wilson South Lab 16075 paul.wilson
4-Year Degree Tutor (Euro. Cert.) Dr Gonzalez-Carranza Plant and Crop ScienceBlg
16374 Zinnia.Gonzalez-carranza
Director of Teaching and Learning Prof M Dickinson Plant and Crop ScienceBlg
13236 matthew.dickinson
U21 Co-ordinator Dr Gonzalez-Carranza Plant and Crop ScienceBlg
16374 Zinnia.Gonzalez-carranza
Malaysia School Coordinator Dr P Alderson Plant and Crop SciencesBlg
16059 Peter.alderson
Industrial Placement Officer Dr J Wayte Bioenergy Building 16171 judith.wayte
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Course Managers
Agriculture
Agricultural and Crop Science
Agricultural and EnvironmentalScience Agricultural and LivestockScience
Dr P Wilson South Lab 16075 paul.wilson
Animal Science Dr G Mann South Lab 16326 george.mann
Applied Biology & Biotechnology Dr G W Lycett Plant & Crop SciencesBuilding
16340 grantley.lycett
Environmental Biology Prof M Broadley Plant & Crop SciencesBuilding
16382 Martin.broadley
Environmental Science Dr S Young Gateway Building, SB 16257 Scott.young
Food Microbiology & Microbiology Dr J Hobman Food Sciences Building 16166 Jon.hobman
Master of Nutrition Dr F McCullough North Lab 16118 fiona.mccullough
Nutrition, Nutritional Biochemistry Dr S McMullen North Lab 16106 sarah.mcmullen
Nutrition & Food Science
Food Science
Dr D Gray Food Sciences Building 16147 david.gray
Plant Science Dr Kevin Pyke Plant & Crop SciencesBuilding
13216 Kevin.pyke
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8 ACADEMIC STAFF AND LOCATIONS
Name Room Telephone No Department
Dr R Alberio B223, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6304 Animal Sciences
Dr M Alcocer 49E, 2nd Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6103 Nutritional Sciences
Dr P Alderson B213, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6056 Plant & Crop Sciences
Mrs A Avery 49D, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6238 Nutritional Sciences
Dr E Bailey C21, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6255 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Dr L Band A14, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6108 Plant & Crop Sciences
Ms A Barton 28 North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6125 Nutritional Sciences
Prof M J Bennett A04, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 3255 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr A Bishopp A14, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6108 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof C R Black C06, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6337 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr J Brameld 43, 1st Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6133 Nutritional Sciences
Prof M Broadley C34, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6382 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr L Coneyworth 49G, 2nd Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6124 Nutritional Sciences
Prof I F Connerton B28, Food Scences Bldg 0115 951 6119 Food Sciences
Dr D Cook C04, Bioenergy & Brewing Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6245 Food Sciences
Prof N Crout C19, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6253 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Dr I De Smet C30, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6681 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof M J Dickinson C32, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 3236 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof C E R Dodd B30, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6163 Food Sciences
Dr C Du C05, Bioenergy & Brewing Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6694 Food Sciences
Dr M Elmes 53, 2nd Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6183 Nutritional Sciences
Dr I Fisk A23, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6037 Food Sciences
Dr T Foster A20, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6246 Food Sciences
Dr M J Foulkes 312, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6024 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr R G Fray C33, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6371 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr A P French A14, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6108 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof P C Garnsworthy B205, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6065 Animal Sciences
Ms N Gilbert Room 30, First Floor, North Lab 0115 951 6756 Nutritional Sciences
Dr Z Gonzalez-Carranza C11, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6335 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr N Graham C30, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6681 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr D Gray A24, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6147 Food Sciences
Prof S E Harding A15, The Limes 0115 951 6148 Food Sciences
Dr I Hardy C26, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6052 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Dr J Harris C18, Vet School 0115 951 6316 Animal Sciences
Dr P J Hill B21, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6169 Food Sciences
Prof S E Hill A28, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6145 Food Sciences
Dr J L Hobman B22, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6166 Food Sciences
Prof T C Hodgman C30, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6290 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Prof M J Holdsworth 301B, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6046 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof J Hort A27, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6222 Food Sciences
Dr P Jethwa 55, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6604 Nutritional Sciences
Dr S Kelly C23, Vet School 0115 951 6130 Animal Sciences
Prof I P King C21, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6372 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr J King C21, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 3205 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof S Langley-Evans 57, 2nd Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6139 Nutritional Sciences
Dr B Lomax C24, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6258 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Dr C L Lu C23, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6293 My CIB
Dr M R Luck B207, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6309 Animal Sciences
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Dr G W Lycett C10, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6340 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr S Lydon A14, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6289 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr G Mann B208, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6326 Animal Sciences
Prof S T May NASC 0115 951 3306 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr S Mayes 301C, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6234 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr F S W McCullogh 26,1st Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6118 Nutritional Sciences
Dr S McMullen 37, 1st Floor, North Lab 0115 951 6016 Nutritional Sciences
Dr K Mellits B26, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6172 Food Sciences
DR D Mellor 49F, North Lab 0115 951 6098 Nutritional Sciences
Dr K M Millar B67, Vet School 0115 951 6303 Animal Sciences
Prof S Mooney C31, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6257 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Dr E H Murchie 306, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6082 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr A Murton 49H, 2nd Floor, North Lab Blgd 0115 823 6592 Nutritional Sciences
Dr T Parr 53A, 2nd Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6128 Nutritional Sciences
Dr C Powell C03, Bioenergy & Brewing Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6191 Food Sciences
Dr K Pyke C09, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 3216 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr S Ramsden 308, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6078 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Dr R Ray 303, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6094 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr C E D Rees B23, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6167 Food Sciences
Dr T P Robbins C27, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6329 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof J A Roberts A06, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6339 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr S Rossall C12, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6338 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof A M Salter 32, 1st Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6120 Nutritional Sciences
Dr D Scott B19, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6221 Food Sciences
Prof G B Seymour A03, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6323 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof G Shaw C29, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 3206 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Prof K D Sinclair B210, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6053 Animal Sciences
Dr M S Sjogersten C27, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6239 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Dr D Smith C22, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6288 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Dr D L Sparkes 330, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6074 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr D Stekel C20, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6294 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Dr C Stevenson A57, Vet School 0115 951 6055 Animal Sciences
Dr R Stoger B232, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6232 Animal Sciences
Dr A Swali A18, Ground Floor, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6578 Food Sciences
Dr R Swarup C31, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6284 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr D Sweetman B234, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6019 Animal Sciences
Dr J A Swift 58, Second Floor, North Lab 0115 951 6178 Nutritional Sciences
Dr M Taylor 52, 2nd Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 95 16104 Nutritional Sciences
Prof G A Tucker 09, Floor C, Bioenergy & Brewing Sciences Bldg0115 951 6126 Nutritional Sciences
Dr A Waterfall B224, South Lab Buiilding 0115 951 6307 Animal Sciences
Dr S Welham 24, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6129 Nutritional Sciences
Dr D Wells A14, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6108 Plant & Crop Sciences
Dr H West C28, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6268 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Mrs E Weston A29, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6146 Food Sciences
Mrs K Whitehead 28A, 1st Floor, North Lab Bldg 0115 951 6136 Nutritional Sciences
Dr P Wilson 332, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6075 Agric & Environmental Sciences
Prof Z A Wilson C28, Plant Sciences Bldg 0115 951 3235 Plant & Crop Sciences
Prof J Wiseman B203, South Lab Bldg 0115 951 6054 Animal Sciences
Dr B Wolf A22, Ground Floor, Food Sciences Bldg 0115 951 6134 Food Sciences
Dr S Young C25, The Gateway Bldg 0115 951 6256 Agric & Environmental Sciences
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9 COURSE STRUCTURES, ORGANISATION AND CHOOSING YOUR MODULES
The Academic Year
The academic year at Nottingham is based on 2 semesters (autumn and spring) spread over threeterms. See Timetable section for dates.
The following definitions might be helpful to you:
Credits indicate a quantity of assessed learning. They contribute to a cumulative indication ofmodules which a student has completed. One credit equates to approximately 10 hours of study.
A Module is a specified programme of study which is self- contained and which attracts aspecified number of credits. Examinations are held at the end of most modules. A ten creditmodule accounts for approximately 100 hours of your time, of which usually no more than 40hours will be spent in the lecture room or laboratory
A Course of Study is a set of modules satisfying the requirements for a particular degree andattracting 320 credits for an Ordinary Bachelor degree and 360 credits for an Honours degree.
• The levels in a course of study leading to an Honours degree are as follows
• Year 1 (120 credits) Level 1• Year 2 (120 credits) Level 2• Year 3 (120 credits) Level 3
And for a Master of Nutrition or MSci degree
• Year 4 (120 credits) Level 4
Credits achieved in Year 1 are for progression purposes only and will not contribute to the finaldegree classification.
• A semester is a division of the academic year. It consists of twelve weeks of teaching,coursework and revision, plus two (Autumn Semester) or four (Spring Semester) weeks ofassessment and consultation.Note: Although each academic year is divided for teaching purposes into two semesters, there isstill a three-term pattern of attendance, with breaks at Christmas, Easter and during theSummer.
A year is period of study consisting of an Autumn Semester followed by a Spring Semester.Assessment may be by means of written examination papers, oral examinations or coursework.Progression and/or degree classification are based on the outcome of the assessment.
A mark module a numerical indication of the quality of the assessed work completed by astudent in each. Marks awarded are subject to the approval of the Board of Examiners and areratified by an External Examiner.
11
MODULE SELECTION
You must select your modules in accordance with the relevant programme specification (see coursestructures) and the University's Qualifications Framework, seewww.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/qastructures/unqf.aspx
A choice of modules will be available whichever degree programme you are taking, although theextent of the choice does differ. The modules have been designed to enable you to make aselection which best suits your needs and interests. Inevitably there are constraints because oftimetable clashes and the limits set by degree regulations, but subject to these you have a choiceof modules. When making your choice you must seek help from your Course Manager, who willauthorise your choice. It is also necessary to look forward to future years to ensure that you willfulfill the pre-requisites for the modules which you are likely to choose. Details are available in theCatalogue of Modules to be found at modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham/
You must accumulate 120 credits over the two semesters. The degree regulations may permit you(depending on your degree course) to collect 60 credits out of the total 360 credits for your degreefrom modules offered by other Schools in the University, seewww.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/studyregulations/index.aspx
Students should note the regulation below:
If you are considering taking a module in any School other than the School of Biosciences, then youwill need to register your module choice(s) with that School and in accordance with their moduleregistration arrangements; choice(s) must also be discussed with, and approved, by yourCourse Manager. Registration details for other Schools are published on the University ofNottingham websitewww.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/currentstudents/moduleenrolment/moduleenrolment.aspx
MODULE REGISTRATION PROCESS
At module registration days you will be asked to complete a module registration form that detailsyour chosen optional modules for ALL PERIODS, i.e. for modules totalling 120 credits. All entriesmust include the module code. All optional choices must be approved and signed by yourCourse Manager. You will have an opportunity at the beginning of the Autumn/Spring Semestersto make adjustments to your choices for that semester; you will also need to check that there areno timetable clashes.
Your choice of modules must normally total 60 credits per semester, and in any event not less than50 credits or more than 70 credits per semester. To determine how a Full Year modulecontributes to the number of credits in a given semester, check the semester credit split for thatmodule in the Module Catalogue.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to see that your combination of modules accords with the Regulationsfor your course and teaching timetable. Failure to do so could prevent you from progressingto the next year of the course or from graduating.
Once you have chosen your optional modules and they have been approved, IT IS YOURRESPONSIBILITY to ensure that you read the Declaration, sign the form and hand it to SchoolOffice staff. After that date changes to Full Year and Autumn Semester choices will not be allowed.Failure to hand in the form by the date displayed may lead to incorrect examinationentries and records.
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WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?
When you register in September 2013 you will receive details of your core and optional modulesand will be asked to confirm your options for both semesters. The ‘change of mind’ period remainsas the first 2 weeks of the semester. During this time, students can change their moduleenrolments in accordance with the first degree and supplementary regulations. This requires theapproval of all Schools/Departments concerned.
Please note that a number of modules have restricted places on them (unless core for yourdegree); Details of capped modules will be given to you at module registration Day
REMEMBER:
YOUR MODULE CHOICE MUST BE RECORDED ACCURATELY AT THE END OF EACH TWO WEEK"MAKE-YOUR-MIND-UP" PERIOD AS THE EXAMINATION TIMETABLE IS BASED ON MODULEENTRIES
Please collect and check your module confirmation forms and examination timetables whenrequested to do so. Unreported errors cause a lot of work in the School and may result in clasheson your exam timetable.
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10 COURSE STRUCTURES
14
10.1. AGRICULTURE
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Applications of Biology D211A1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 0 or 10 credits normally chosen from:Principles of Ecology D211E4 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Global Environmental Processes (UP) C111E1 10Genetics, Ecology and Evolution (UP) C11120 10
Semester 2
Core modules (25 credits)Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Academic Development and Employability(Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10Contemporary Agricultural Systems D212A2 10
and a further 30 or 40 credits normally chosen from:Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Applied Entomology D212P4 10Grassland Management D212A1 10Regulation and Organisation in Animals D212Z6 10Plant Science C112P1 10Environmental Science and Society (UP) C111E4 10Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10Genetics (with specialism) D212P3 10
Semester 3
Core modules (40 credits)Applied Crop Science D223A5 10Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences D223A6 10Soil Science (UP) C123E3 10Plant Physiology: Principles of Resource Capture D223P8 10
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Molecular Pharming C123P3 10Introductory Plant Pathology C123P1 10Plant Biotechnology D223P5 10Practical Animal Physiology D223Z6 10Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Climate Change Science (UP) C123E7 10Food Commodities D223F1 10
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Semester 4
Core Modules (20 credits)Research Project in Agriculture D224AP 10Research Techniques in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science D224Z4 10
and 40 credits normally chosen from:Agricultural and Food Marketing D224A1 10Endocrinology D224Z1 10World Agroecosystems D224P4 10Principles of Animal Nutrition D224N3 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Environmental Physiology C12474 10Molecular Biology of the Cell C124P1 10Crop Management Challenge D224A4 10Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction D224E4 10
Semester 5
Core year-long Research Project (40 Credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:Rural Business Management D235A4 10Field Crops Cereals D235A5 10Plant Cell Signalling D235P2 10Plants and the Light Environment D235P6 10Coordinated Physiological Functions D235Z7 10Soil and Water Science C135E3 10Plant Microbe Interactions C135P1 10Molecular Plant Pathology C135P2 10Companion Animal Science D235A8 10Livestock Production Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BA1 10/20Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Animal Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN2 10/20Current Issues in Crop Science D235A9 10
Semester 6
Core year-long Research Project (40 Credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:Management Consultancy D236A2 10Field Crops D236A5 10Plant Disease Control D236P3 10Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology D236P4 10Plants and the Soil Environment D236P7 10Reproduction and Fertility D236Z5 10Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants D236A7 20Systems Neurophysiology D236Z4 10Livestock Production Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BA1 10/20Animal Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN2 10/20Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, D236Z6 10Biotechnology and the Environment
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10.2 AGRICULTURAL AND CROP SCIENCE
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Applications of Biology D211A1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 0 or 10 credits normally chosen from:Global Environmental Processes (UP) C111E1 10Genetics, Ecology and Evolution (UP) C11120 10Principles of Ecology D211E4 10
Semester 2
Core modules (35 credits)Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Contemporary Agricultural Systems D212A2 10Plant Science C112P1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 20 or 30 credits normally chosen from:Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Applied Entomology D212P4 10Grassland Management D212A1 10Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10Genetics (with specialism) D212P3 10Environmental Science and Society (UP) C111E4 10
Semester 3
Core modules (50 credits)Applied Crop Science D223A5 10Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences D223A6 10Soil Science (UP) C123E3 10Plant Physiology: Principles of Resource Capture D223P8 10Introductory Plant Pathology C123P1 10
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Molecular Pharming C123P3 10Plant Biotechnology D223P5 10Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Climate Change Science (UP) C123E7 10Food Commodities D223F1 10
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Semester 4
Core Modules (40 credits)Research Project in Agriculture D224AP 10Research Techniques in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science D224Z4 10Crop Management Challenge D224A4 10World Agroecosystems D224P4 10
and 20 credits normally chosen from:
Agricultural and Food Marketing D224A1 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Molecular Biology of the Cell C124P1 10Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction D224E4 10Tutorials in Biosciences (with options) D224P2 10
Semester 5
Core Modules (30 credits)Core year-long Research Project (20 Credits of 40)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40Field Crop Cereals D235A5 10
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Rural Business Management D235A4 10Plant Cell Signalling D235P2 10Plants and the Light Environment D235P6 10Soil and Water Science C135E3 10Plant Microbe Interactions C135P1 10Molecular Plant Pathology C135P2 10Current Issues in Crop Science D235A9 10
Semester 6
Core Modules (30 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40Field Crops D236A5 10
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Management Consultancy D236A2 10Plant Disease Control D236P3 10Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology D236P4 10Plants and the Soil Environment D236P7 10Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants D236A7 20
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10.3 AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Applications of Biology D211A1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Principles of Ecology D211E4 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 0 or 10 credits normally chosen from:Dissertation in Environmental Science (UP) (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring)C11BE1 10/20Global Environmental Processes (UP) C111E1 10
Semester 2
Core modules (55 credits)Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10Contemporary Agricultural Systems D212A2 10Grassland Management D212A1 10Plant Science C112P1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 0 or 10 credits normally chosen from:Applied Entomology D212P4 10Genetics (with specialism) D212P3 10Dissertation in Environmental Science UP) (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) C11BE1 10/20Regulation and Organisation in Animals D212Z6 10Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Environmental Science and Society (UP) C111E4 10
Semester 3
Core modules (40 credits)Applied Crop Science D223A5 10Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences D223A6 10Soil Science (UP) C123E3 10Climate Change Science (UP) C123E7 10
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Applied Animal Science (20 credits - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Plant Physiology: Principles of Resource Capture D223P8 10Environmental Change F82229 10
19
Semester 4
Core Modules (30 credits)Research Project in Agriculture D224AP 10Research Techniques in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science D224Z4 10Communicating Environmental Science C124E6 10
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Crop Management Challenge D224A4 10Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction D224E4 10Biological Photography and Imaging 1 C12458 10Rural Environmental Geography B L82262 10Agricultural and Food Marketing D224A1 10World Agroecosystems D224P4 10
Semester 5
Core year-long Research Project (20 Credits of 40)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:Rural Business Management D235A4 10Field Crops Cereals D235A5 10Plants and the Light Environment D235P6 10Soil and Water Science C135E3 10Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Environmental Pollution Field Course C135E5 10Remote Sensing of Environment F83169 10Current Issues in Crop Science D235A9 10Computer Modelling in Science: Applications C135E9 10
Semester 6
Core year-long Research Project (20 Credits of 40)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:Management Consultancy D236A2 10Field Crops D236A5 10Plant Disease Control D236P3 10Plants and the Soil Environment D236P7 10Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants D236A7 10/20Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, D236Z6 10
Biotechnology and the EnvironmentSoil and Water Pollution and Reclamation C136E1 10Applied Environmental Physiology C13687 10Computer Modelling in Science: Mini-Project C136E3 10
20
10.4 AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK SCIENCE
Semester 1
Core Modules (65 credits)Applications of Biology D211A1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 2
Core modules (45 credits)Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10Contemporary Agricultural Systems D212A2 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Grassland Management D212A1 10Genetics (with Animal Specialist option) D212P3 10
Semester 3
Core modules (40 credits)Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences D223A6 10Practical Animal Physiology D223Z6 10Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Reproductive Physiology D223Z7 10
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Soil Science (UP) C123E3 10Applied Crop Science D223A5 10Climate Change Science (UP) C123E7 10Food Commodities D223F1 10Animal Behaviour (UP) C12321 10
Semester 4
Core Modules (30 credits)Research Project in Agriculture D224AP 10Research Techniques in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science D224Z4 10Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Agricultural and Food Marketing D224A1 10Endocrinology D224Z1 10Principles of Animal Nutrition D224N3 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Environmental Physiology C12474 10Crop Management Challenge D224A4 10Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction D224E4 10Neurophysiology and Pharmacology D224Z5 10
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Semester 5
Core Modules (30 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
Livestock Production Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BA1 10/20
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Rural Business Management D235A4 10Field Crops Cereals D235A5 10Coordinated Physiological Functions D235Z7 10Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Animal Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN2 10/20Companion Animal Science D235A8 10
Semester 6
Core Modules (30 credits)Core year-long Research Project (20 credits of 40)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40Livestock Production Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BA1 10/20
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Management Consultancy D236A2 10Field Crops D236A5 10Systems Neurophysiology D236Z4 10Animal Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN2 10/20Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, D236Z6 10Biotechnology and the EnvironmentReproduction and Fertility D236Z5 10
22
10.5 ANIMAL SCIENCE
Semester 1
Core Modules (65 credits)Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Applications of Biology D211A1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 2
Core modules (55 credits)Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics (with Animal Specialist option) D212P3 10Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10Regulation and Organisation in Animals D212Z6 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 3
Core modules (50 credits)Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Endocrinology and Metabolism D223Z8 10Biochemistry of Mammalian Development D223N1 10Practical Animal Physiology D223Z6 10Reproductive Physiology D223Z7 10
and 10 credits normally chosen from (students can choose alternative modulesfrom the module catalogue providing that they are in line with course anduniversity regulations and approved by the Course ManagerPrinciples of Immunology D223N6 10Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences D223A6 10Animal Behaviour (UP) C12321 10
Semester 4
Core modules (40 credits)Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Research Techniques in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science D224Z4 10Endocrinology D224Z1 10Neurophysiology and Pharmacology D224Z5 10
and 20 credits normally chosen from (students can choose alternative modulesfrom the module catalogue providing that they are in line with course anduniversity regulations and approved by the Course Manager*Mammalian Biochemistry: Techniques and Functional Regulation D224N5 10*Principles of Animal Nutrition D224N3 10Agricultural and Food Marketing D224A1 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10
* Compulsory for students registering for “accreditation in nutrition”
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Semester 5
Core modules (20 credits)+ Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
and 40 credits normally chosen from (students can choose alternative modulesfrom the module catalogue providing that they are in line with course anduniversity regulations and approved by the Course ManagerBiotechnology in Animal Physiology D235Z1 10Coordinated Physiological Functions D235Z7 10Rural Business Management D235A4 10Companion Animal Science D235A8 10*Livestock Production Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BA1 10/20*Animal Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN2 10/20*Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10
* D23BA1 Livestock Production Science, D23BN2 Animal Nutrition and D23BN3 MolecularNutrition are required by students intending to apply for "Accreditation in Nutrition”
+ Students registering for “accreditation in nutrition” must select a project with a nutritionaltheme
Semester 6
Core modules (20 credits)+ Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
and 40 credits normally chosen from (students can choose alternative modulesfrom the module catalogue providing that they are in line with course anduniversity regulations and approved by the Course Manager
Reproduction and Fertility D236Z5 10Systems Neurophysiology D236Z4 10Management Consultancy D236A2 10*Animal Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN2 10/20*Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20*Livestock Production Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BA1 10/20Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, D236Z6 10Biotechnology and the EnvironmentEpigenetics and Development D236Z8 10
* D23BA1 Livestock Production Science, D23BN2 Animal Nutrition and D23BN3 MolecularNutrition are required by students intending to apply for "Accreditation in Nutrition”
+ Students registering for “accreditation in nutrition” must select a project with a nutritionaltheme
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10.6 APPLIED BIOLOGY
Semester 1
Core Modules (45 credits)Foundation Science D211E2 10Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 10 credits normally chosen from:Applications of Biology D211A1 10Principles of Ecology D211E4 10Microbes and You D211F2 10Global Environmental Processes (UP) C111E1 10
Semester 2
Core modules (65 credits)Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics (with Specialist options) D212P3 10Plant Science C112P1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10Microbial Physiology D212F7 10Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10
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Semester 3
Students should take at least 20 credits each of animal, plant and microbiologymodules in part I
60 credits normally chosen from:
Animal Science modulesBiochemistry of Mammalian Development D223N1 10Principles of Immunology D223N6 10Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20Reproductive Physiology D223Z7 10Endocrinology and Metabolism D223Z8 10Practical Animal Physiology D223Z6 10
Plant Science modulesPlant Biotechnology D223P5 10Introductory Plant Pathology C123P1 10Plant Physiology: Principles of Resource Capture D223P8 10Applied Crop Science D223A5 10
Microbiology modulesVirology D223F7 10Introductory Plant Pathology C123P1 10Bacterial Biological Diversity D223F6 10Dissertation in Applied Microbiology D223F5 10
Other modulesMolecular Pharming C123P3 10
Cannot be counted under two subject headings simultaneously
26
Semester 4
Students should take at least 20 credits each of animal, plant and microbiologymodules in part I
60 credits normally chosen from:
Animal Science modulesEndocrinology D224Z1 10Mammalian Biochemistry - Techniques and Functional Regulation D224N5 10Neurophysiology and Pharmacology D224Z5 10Applied Animal Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BA1 10/20
Plant Science modulesWorld Agroecosystems D224P4 10
Microbiology modulesAnalysis of Bacterial Gene Expression D224F9 10Microbial Biotechnology: Genes to Products C12461 10Dissertation in Microbiology D224FD 10Food Safety D224FS 10Practical Methods in Microbiology D224FM 10
Other modulesResearch Project in Agriculture 1 D224AP 10Research Project in Applied Microbiology 1 D224MP 10Research Techniques in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science D224Z4 10Molecular Techniques in Biosciences D224P6 10The Dynamic Cell C124P2 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Molecular Biology of the Cell C124P1 10Tutorials in Biosciences (with options) D224P2 10
Either/or Not more than one, which must be linked to a project in semesters 5 and 6.
27
Semester 5
Students should take at least 20 credits each of animal, plant and microbiologymodules in part II
Core module (Year-long Honours Research Project (40 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:
Animal Science modulesBiotechnology in Animal Physiology D235Z1 10Coordinated Physiological Functions D235Z7 10Livestock Production Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BA1 10/20Companion Animal Science D235A8 10
Plant Science modulesField Crops Cereals D235A5 10Plant Cell Signalling D235P2 10Plants and The Light Environment D235P6 10Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Plant Genetic Manipulation C13569 10Plant-Microbe Interactions C135P1 10Molecular Plant Pathology C135P2 10Current Issues in Crop Science D235A9 10
Microbiology modulesThe Microflora of Foods D235F1 20Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology D235F5 20Plant-Microbe Interactions C135P1 10Molecular Plant Pathology C135P2 10
Other modulesSoil and Water Science C135E3 10Biology in Space and the Evolution of the Biosphere D235P7 10Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Basic Introduction to Omic Technologies C135P3 10 Cannot be counted under two subject headings simultaneously
28
Semester 6
Students should take at least 20 credits each of animal, plant and microbiologymodules in part II
Core module (Year-long Honours Research Project (40 credits) one from:Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:
Animal Science modulesReproduction and Fertility D236Z5 10Systems Neurophysiology D236Z4 10Livestock Production Science (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BA1 10/20Epigenetics and Development D236Z8 10
Plant Science modulesField Crops D236A5 10Plant Disease Control D236P3 10Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology D236P4 10Plants and the Soil Environment D236P7 10Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants D236A7 20
Microbiology modulesRapid Methods in Microbial Analysis D236F5 10Microbial Fermentation D236F6 10Virology and Cellular Microbiology D236M1 10Plant Disease Control D236P3 10
Other modulesSoil and Water Pollution and Reclamation C136E1 10Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology D236Z6 10and the EnvironmentMolecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20
Cannot be counted under two subject headings simultaneously Either/or
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10.7 BIOTECHNOLOGY
Semester 1
Core Modules (45 credits)Foundation Science D211E2 10Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 10 credits normally chosen from:Applications of Biology D211A1 10Principles of Ecology D211E4 10Microbes and You D211F2 10Global Environmental Processes UP C111E1 10
Semester 2
Core modules (65 credits)Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Microbial Physiology D212F7 10Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics (with Specialist options) D212P3 10Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10Plant Science C112P1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 3
Core modules (30 credits)Plant Biotechnology D223P5 10Molecular Pharming C123P3 10Biochemistry of Mammalian Development D223N1 10
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Plant Physiology: Principles of Resource Capture D223P8 10Introductory Plant Pathology C123P1 10Bacterial Biological Diversity D223F6 10Dissertation in in Applied Microbiology D223F5 10Virology D223F7 10Practical Animal Physiology D223Z6 10Principles of Immunology D223N6 10Reproductive Physiology D223Z7 10Endocrinology and Metabolism D223Z8 10
30
Semester 4
Core modules (10 credits)Molecular Biology of the Cell C124P1 10
50 credits normally chosen from:Research Project in Applied Microbiology D224MP 10Analysis of Bacterial Gene Expression D224F9 10Mammalian Biochemistry - Techniques and functional regulation D224N5 10Molecular Techniques in Biosciences D224P6 10Tutorials in Biosciences (with options) D224P2 10World Agroecosystems D224P4 10Endocrinology D224Z1 10Research Techniques in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science D224Z4 10Microbial Biotechnology: Genes to Products (UP) C12461 10The Dynamic Cell C124P2 10Dissertation in Microbiology D224FD 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Neurophysiology and Pharmacology D224Z5 10Practical Methods in Microbiology D224FM 10Food Safety D224FS 10
Semester 5
Core module (Year-long Honours Research Project (40 credits) one from:Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:The Microflora of Foods D235F1 20Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology D235F5 20Plant Cell Signalling D235P2 10Plants and The Light Environment D235P6 10Biotechnology in Animal Physiology D235Z1 10Coordinated Physiological Functions D235Z7 10Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Plant Genetic Manipulations C13569 10Plant Microbe Interactions C135P1 10Molecular Plant Pathology C135P2 10Biology in Space and the Evolution of the Biosphere D235P7 10Science, Technology and Business N13320 10Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Biomolecular Data and Networks D235B1 10Basic Introduction to Omic Technologies C135P3 10
31
Semester 6
Core module (Year-long Honours Research Project (40 credits) one from:Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:Rapid Methods in Microbiol Analysis D236F5 10Microbial Fermentation D236F6 10Virology and Cellular Microbiology D236M1 10Plant Disease Control D236P3 10Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology D236P4 10Plants and the Soil Environment D236P7 10Reproduction and Fertility D236Z5 10Field Crops D236A5 10Systems Neurophysiology D236Z4 10Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants D236A7 20Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology D236Z6 10
and the EnvironmentEpigenetics and Development D236Z8 10
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10.8 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Principles of Ecology D211E4 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Genetics & Cell Biology D211P1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Global Environmental Processes (UP) C111E1 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 0 or 10 credits normally chosen from:Applications of Biology D211A1 10Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Environmental Geoscience C112E5 10
Semester 2
Core Module (35 credits)Data Transfer, Analysis & Presentation D212E1 10Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10Plant Science C112P1 10
and a further 20 or 30 credits normally chosen from:Genetics (with Plant or Animal Specialist options) D212P3 10Grassland Management D212A1 10Applied Entomology D212P4 10Regulation and Organisation in Animals D212Z6 10Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Environmental Science and Society C111E4 10
Semester 3
Core Module (30 credits)Soil Science C123E3 10Environmental Science Field Course D223E2 10Plant Physiology: Principles of Resource Capture D223P8 10
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Introductory Plant Pathology C123P1 10Applied Crop Science D223A5 10Animal Behaviour (UP) C12321 10Environmental Change (UP) F82229 10Patterns of Life (UP) F82228 10Climate Change Science (UP) C123E7 10Ecology (UP) C12338 10Tropical Environmental Science Field Course D223E5 10
33
Semester 4
Core Modules (20 credits)Tutorials in Biosciences (with options) D224P2 10Research Techniques in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science D224Z4 10
40 credits normally chosen from:World Agroecosystems D224P4 10*Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10*Communicating Environmental Science (UP) C124E6 10Biological Photography and Imaging 1 (UP) C12458 10Natural Systems (UP) C12473 10Environmental Physiology C12474 10
*Students may take either Communicating Biosciences or Communicating EnvironmentalScience, but must not take both.
Semester 5
Core Modules (20 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
40 credits normally chosen from:Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Arctic Ecology Field Course C135E8 10Environmental Pollution Field Course C135E5 10Plants and The Light Environment D235P6 10Plant Microbe Interactions (UP) C135P1 10Soil and Water Science (UP) C135E3 10Contaminant Fate and Impact on the Environment (UP) C135E4 10Biology in Space and the Evolution of the Biosphere D235P7 10Biological Photography and Imaging 2 (UP) C13582 10Evolutionary Ecology C13592 10Computer Modelling in Science: Applications C135E9 10
Semester 6
Core Modules (20 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
40 credits normally chosen from:Plants and the Soil Environment D236P7 10Plant Disease Control D236P3 10Soil and Water Pollution & Reclamation (UP) C136E1 10Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, D236Z6 10
Biotechnology and the EnvironmentComputer Modelling in Science: Mini-Project C136E3 10Geobiology D236E2 10Environmental Microbiology C136E6 10
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10.9 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Semester 1
Core modules (60 credits)Global Environmental Processes (UP) C111E1 10Principles of Ecology (UP) D211E4 10Dissertation in Environmental Science (UP) C11BE1 10/20Foundation Science (SB) D211E2 10Earth and Environmental Dynamics (UP) F81122 10Environmental Geoscience C112E5 10
Semester 2
Core modules (40 credits)Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation (SB) D212E1 10Plant Science (UP) C112P1 10Dissertation in Environmental Science (UP) C11BE1 10/20Environmental Science and Society C111E4 10
20 credits normally chosen from:The Anthropology of Human Ecology (UP) AA1017 10Managing Tourism and the Environment: Conflict or Consensus? (UP) N12122 10Grassland Management (SB) D212A1 10Environmental Archaeology (UP) V61101 10
Semester 3
Core modules (40 credits)Soil Science C123E3 10Climate Change Science C123E7 10Research Techniques for Environmental Science: Part 1 D223E3 10Ecosystem Processes D223E4 10
20 credits normally chosen from:Environmental Science Field Course* D223E2 10Plant Physiology: Principles of Resource Capture D223P8 10Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences D223A6 10Tropical Environmental Science Field Course* D223E5 10Environmental Science and Society (UP) C111E4 10
*Students must take at least one field course in either semester 3, 4 or 5
Semester 4
Core module (30 credits)Communicating Environmental Science C124E6 10Hydrogeochemistry C124E8 10Research Techniques for Environmental Science: Part 2 D224E5 10/20
30 credits normally chosen from:Patterns of Life F82328 10Hydrogeochemistry Field course* C124E9 10Biological Photography and Imaging 1 C12458 10Rural Environmental Geography B L82262 10World Agroecosystems D224P4 10Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction D224E4 10Natural Systems C12473 10
*Students must take at least one field course in either semester 3, 4 or 5
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Semester 5
Core modules (20 credits)Environmental Science Project D23BE1 20/40
40 credits normally chosen from:Soil and Water Science C135E3 10Contaminant Fate and Impact in the Environment C135E4 10Arctic Ecology Field Course* C135E8 10Biological Photography and Imaging 2 C13582 10Environmental Pollution Field Course* C135E5 10Plants and the Light Environment D235P6 10Remote Sensing of Environment F83169 10Computer Modelling in Science: Applications C135E9 10
*Students must take at least one field course in either semester 3, 4 or 5
Semester 6
Core modules (20 credits)Environmental Science Project D23BE1 20/40
40 credits normally chosen from below and from other options not listed (furtherinformation from Course Manager):Soil and Water Pollution and Reclamation C136E1 10Computer Modelling in Science: Mini-Project C136E3 10Plants and the Soil Environment D236P7 10Geobiology D236E2 10Environmental Microbiology C136E6 10Applied Environmental Physiology C13687 10Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology D236Z6 10and the Environment
*N.B. Environmental Science students must take at least one of the following fieldcourses: Environmental Science Field Course (D223E2); Hydrogeochemistry FieldCourse (C124E9); Arctic Ecology Field Course (C135E8); Environmental PollutionField Course.
36
10.10 FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Microbes and You D211F2 10Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 2
Core modules (65 credits)Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Genetics (with Specialist options) D212P3 10Microbial Physiology D212F7 10Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20Food Hygiene D212F8 10Academic Development and Employability(Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 3
Core modules (30 credits)Virology D223F7 10Dissertation in Applied Microbiology D223F5 10Bacterial Biological Diversity D223F6 10
30 credits normally chosen from:Food Commodities D223F1 10Principles of Immunology D223N6 10Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20Manufacture of Food D223F8 20Macromolecules D223F9 10
Semester 4
Core Modules (30 credits)Research Project in Applied Microbiology. D224MP 10Practical Methods in Microbiology D224FM 10Food Safety D224FS 10
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Agriculture and Food Marketing D224A1 10Analysis of Bacterial Gene Expression D224F9 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20Food Product Case Studies D224F0 20
37
Semester 5
Core year-long Honours Research Project (40 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
A minimum of 20 credits from:The Microflora of Foods D235F1 20Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology D235F5 20
and up to 20 credits normally chosen from:Nutrition & the Health of Populations (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN1 10/20
Semester 6
Core (40 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
A minimum of 20 credits from:Rapid Methods of Microbiol Analysis D236FS 10Microbial Fermentation D236F6 10Virology and Cellular Microbiology D236M1 10
and up to 20 credits normally chosen from:Food Factory Operations D236F8 20Nutrition & the Health of Populations (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN1 10/20
38
10.11 FOOD SCIENCE
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 2
Core modules (65 credits)Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Microbial Physiology D212F7 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20Food Hygiene D212F8 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 3
Core modules (40 credits)Food Commodities D223F1 10Manufacture of Food D223F8 20Macromolecules D223F9 10
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Virology D223F7 10Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20Principles of Immunology D223N6 10Introduction to Marketing A N12105 10Introduction to Business Operations N12814 10Introduction To Finance N12118 10
Semester 4
Core Modules (50 credits)Food Products Case Studies D224F0 20Food Safety D224FS 10Practical Methods in Microbiology D224FM 10Sensory Evaluation D224FE 10
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Agricultural and Food Marketing D224A1 10Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20Principles of Human Nutrition D224N2 10Introduction to Marketing B N12106 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10
39
Semester 5
Core modules (50 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40The Microflora of Foods D235F1 20Personal and Professional Development for Food Scientists D235F8 10
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Physical Chemistry of Molecules D235F7 10Introducing Entrepreneurship N13204 10Science, Technology & Business N13320 10
Semester 6
Core (50 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40Food Factory Operations D236F8 20Trends in Food Research D236FS 10
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Rapid Methods in Microbiology Analysis D236F5 10Microbial Fermentation D236F6 10Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology D236Z6 10
and the Environment
40
10.12 MICROBIOLOGY
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Microbes and You D211F2 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 2
Core modules (65 credits)Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Microbial Physiology D212F7 10Food Hygiene D212F8 10Genetics (with Microbiology Specialist option) D212P3 10Micro-organisms and Disease C51201 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 3
Core modules (40 credits)Virology D223F7 10Bacterial Biological Diversity D223F6 10Introductory Plant Pathology C123P1 10Medical Microbiology C52340 10
And a further 20 credits which can include (further module selectionadvice to be sought from Course Manager):Plant Biotechnology D223P5 10Principles of Immunology D223N6 10
Semester 4
Core Modules (40 credits)Microbial Biotechnology: Genes to Products C12461 10Dissertation in Microbiology D224FD 10Practical Methods in Microbiology D224FM 10Food Safety D224FS 10
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Analysis of Bacterial Gene Expression D224F9 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Bacterial Genes and Development C42418 10
41
Semester 5
Core year-long Honours Research Project (60 credits)Research Project D233MP 60*
* 20 credits taken in semester 5
A minimum of 20 credits from:The Microflora of Foods D235F1 20Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology D235F5 20
and up to 20 credits normally chosen from:Plant Microbe Interactions C135P1 10Molecular Plant Pathology C135P2 10Plant Cell Signalling D235P2 10
Semester 6
Core (40 credits)Research Project D233MP 60*
*40 credits taken in semester 6
and a minimum of 10 credits chosen from:Rapid Methods in Microbiol Analysis D236F5 10Microbial Fermentation D236F6 10Virology and Cellular Microbiology D236M1 10
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Plant Disease Control D236P3 10
42
10.13 NUTRITION
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 0 or 10 credits normally chosen from:Applications of Biology D211A1 10Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20
Semester 2
Core modules (45 credits)Food Hygiene D212F8 10Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module (Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 10 or 20 credits normally chosen from:Genetics with Specialist Options D212P3 10Microbial Physiology D212F7 10Regulation and Organisation in Animals D212Z6 10Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20Data Transfer Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10
Semester 3
Core modules (40 credits)Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20Biochemistry of Mammalian Development D223N1 10Principles of Immunology D223N6 10Endocrinology and Metabolism D223Z8 10
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Practical Animal Physiology D223Z6 10Reproductive Physiology D223Z7 10Manufacture of Food D223F8 20Macromolecules D223F9 10Virology D223F7 10Food Commodities D223F1 10
43
Semester 4
Core Modules (30 credits)Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20Principles of Human Nutrition D224N2 10Research Project in Nutrition and Biochemistry D224NP 10
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Mammalian Biochemistry - Techniques and functional regulation D224N5 10Endocrinology D224Z1 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Neurophysiology and Pharmacology D224Z5 10Agricultural and Food Marketing D224A1 10Food Product Case Studies D224F0 20Food Safety D224FS 10
Semester 5
Core Modules (including year-long Honours Research Project (40 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Nutrition & the Health of Populations (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN1 10/20
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Coordinated Physiological Functions D235Z7 10The Microflora of Foods D235F1 20Health Promotion D235N2 10Biotechnology in Animal Physiology D235Z1 10Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Biomolecular Data and Networks D235B1 10
Semester 6
Core Modules (40 credits)Undergraduate Reasearch Project D23PRO 20/40Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Nutrition & the Health of Populations (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN1 10/20
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Reproduction and Fertility D236Z5 10Systems Neurophysiology D236Z4 10Epigenetics and Development D236Z8 10Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology D236Z6 10and the Environment
44
10.14 NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 0 or 10 credits normally chosen from:Applications of Biology D211A1 10Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20
Semester 2
Core modules (55 credits)Genetics (with specialism) D212P3 10Data Transfer Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Introduction to Animal Physiology D212Z5 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Academic Development and Employability D21BP1 5/10
and a further 0 or 10 credits normally chosen from:Microbial Physiology D212F7 10Food Hygiene D212F8 10Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20Regulation and Organisation in Animals D212Z6 10
Semester 3
Core modules (40 credits)Endocrinology and Metabolism D223Z8 10Biochemistry of Mammalian Development D223N1 10Principles of Immunology D223N6 10Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Food Commodities D223F1 10Practical Animal Physiology D223Z6 10Reproductive Physiology D223Z7 10Manufacture of Food D223F8 20Macromolecules D223F9 10Virology D223F7 10
45
Semester 4
Core Modules (50 credits)Research in Nutrition and Biochemistry D224NP 10Mammalian Biochemistry - Techniques and Functional Regulation D224N5 10Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20Principles of Human Nutrition* D224N2 10Principles of Animal Nutrition* D224N3 10
*either/or (but not both)
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Neurophysiology and Pharmacology D224Z5 10Agricultural and Food Marketing D224A1 10Endocrinology D224Z1 10Food Product Case Studies D224F0 20Food Safety D224FS 10
Semester 5
Core (40 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Animal Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring)* D23BN2 10/20Nutrition & the Health of Populations (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring)* D23BN1 10/20
*either/or (but not both)
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Coordinated of Physiological Functions D235Z7 10/40The Microflora of Foods D235F1 20Biotechnology in Animal Physiology D235Z1 10Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Biomolecular Data and Networks D235B1 10
Semester 6
Core (40 credits)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Animal Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring)* D23BN2 10/20Nutrition & the Health of Populations (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring)* D23BN1 10/20
*either/or (but not both)
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Reproduction and Fertility D236Z5 10Systems Neurophysiology D236Z4 10Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, D236Z6 10Biotechnology and the EnvironmentEpigenetics and Development D236Z8
46
10.15 NUTRITION AND FOOD SCIENCE
Semester 1
Core Modules (55 credits)Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
Semester 2
Core modules (55 credits)Data Transfer Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Food Materials and Ingredients (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BF1 10/20Introduction to Nutrition (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN1 10/20Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Food Hygiene D212F8 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Microbial Physiology D212F7 10
Semester 3
Core modules (50 credits)Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20Food Commodities D223F1 10Manufacture of Food D223F8 20Macromolecules D223F9 10
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Biochemistry of Mammalian Development D223N1 10Virology D223F7 10Principles of Immunology D223N6 10Endocrinology and Metabolism D223Z8 10Introduction to Marketing A N12105 10Introduction to Business Operations N12814 10Introduction To Finance N12118 10
Semester 4
Core Modules (60 credits)Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D22BN1 10/20Principles of Human Nutrition D224N2 10Food Product Case Studies D224F0 20Food Safety D224FS 10Sensory Evaluation D224FE 10
47
Semester 5
Core Modules (40 credits including year-long Honours Research Project)Undergraduate Research Project * D23PRO 20/40Nutrition & the Health of Populations (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN1 10/20Personal and Professional Development for Food Scientists D235F8 10
and 20 credits normally chosen from:Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society D235Z5 10Physical Chemistry of Molecules D235F7 10Health Promotion D235N2 10Introducing Entrepreneurship N13204 10Science, Technology & Business N13320 10
*Students will have a choice of projects from the Divisions of Food Sciences and NutritionalSciences
Semester 6
Core Modules (50 credits including year-long Honours Research Project)Undergraduate Research Project * D23PRO 20/40Food Factory Operations D236F8 20Nutrition & the Health of Populations (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN1 10/20
and 10 credits normally chosen from:Molecular Nutrition (20 credit module - Autumn and Spring) D23BN3 10/20Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology D236Z6 10and the EnvironmentCommunicating Biosciences D224E2 10Agricultural and Food Marketing D224A1 10Trends in Food Research D236FS 10Introduction to Marketing B N12106 10
*Students will have a choice of projects from the Divisions of Food Sciences and NutritionalSciences
48
10.16 PLANT SCIENCE
Semester 1
Core Modules (35 credits)Genetics and Cell Biology D211P1 10Whole Organism Biology D211Z1 10Foundation Science D211E2 10Academic Development and Employability (Autumn and Spring) D21BP1 5/10
and a further 20 or 30 credits normally chosen from:Applications of Biology D211A1 10Principles of Ecology D211E4 10Global Environmental Processes C111E1 10Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20
Semester 2
Core Modules (35 credits)Genetics (with Plant Specialist option) D212P3 10Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation D212E1 10Plant Science C112P1 10Academic Development and Employability D21BP1 5/10
and a further 20 or 30 credits normally chosen from:Introductory Biochemistry (20 credit module Autumn and Spring) D21BN2 10/20Applied Entomology D212P4 10Grassland Management D212A1 10Microbiol Physiology D212F7 10
Semester 3
Core modules (30 credits)Introductory Plant Pathology C123P1 10Plant Biotechnology D223P5 10Plant Physiology: Principles of Resource Capture D223P8 10
and 30 credits normally chosen from:Molecular Pharming C123P3 10Soil Science C123E3 10Environmental Science Field Course D223E2 10Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences D223A6 10Applied Crop Science D223A5 10
Semester 4
Core Modules (40 credits)Molecular Techniques in Biosciences * D224P6 10Research Techniques in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science * D224Z4 10Molecular Biology of the Cell C124P1 10Tutorials in Biosciences (with options) D224P2 10
* either/or
and 20 credits normally chosen from:
The Dynamic Cell C124P2 10World Agroecosystems D224P4 10Communicating Biosciences D224E2 10Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction D224E4 10
49
Semester 5
Core Module (Year-long Research Project; 40 credits in total)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Plant Genetic Manipulation C13569 10Plants and The Light Environment D235P6 10Plant Cell Signalling D235P2 10Plant Microbe Interactions C135P1 10Molecular Plant Pathology C135P2 10Soil and Water Science C135E3 10Field Crops Cereals D235A5 10Biology in Space and the Evolution of the Biosphere D235P7 10Biomolecular Data and Networks D235B1 10Basic Introduction to Omic Technologies C135P3 10
Semester 6
Core Module (Year-long Research Project; 40 credits in total)Undergraduate Research Project D23PRO 20/40
and 40 credits normally chosen from:Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology D236P4 10Plant Disease Control D236P3 10Plants and the Soil Environment D236P7 10Soil and Water Pollution and Reclamation C136E1 10Field Crops D236A5 10Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants D236A7 20
50
11 TABLE OF MODULES SEMESTER 1 (AUTUMN) AND SEMESTER 2 (SPRING)
51
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sed
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10
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20
10
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20
10
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20
10
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20
10
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20
10
of
20
10
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20
10
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Genetics
and
Cell
Bio
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D211P1
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Whole
Org
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D211Z1
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Foundation
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D211E2
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
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Intr
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21BN
110
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10
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10
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10
of
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10
of
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10
of
20
Applications
of
Bio
logy
D211A1
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Mic
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and
You
D211F2
10
10
10
10
10
Food
Mate
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and
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die
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D21BF1
10
of
20
10
of
20
10
of
20
10
of
20
10
of
20
Princip
les
of
Ecolo
gy
D211E4
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Genetics,
Ecolo
gy
and
Evolu
tion
C11120
10
10
Glo
balEnvironm
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lPro
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(UP)
C111E1
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Environm
enta
lG
eoscie
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C112E5
10
Dis
sert
ation
inEnvir
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enta
lScie
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(UP)
C11BE1
10
of
20
10
of
20
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hand
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enta
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F81122
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#either/
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5of10
5of10
5of10
5of10
5of10
5of10
5of10
5of10
5of10
5of10
5of10
Genetics
(with
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212P3
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Ag
ricu
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mpora
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D212A2
10
10
10
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D212A1
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
An
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Scie
nces
Intr
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D212Z5
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Regula
tion
and
Org
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inAnim
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D212Z6
10
10
10
10
10
10
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210
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10
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10
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10
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10
of
20
10
of
20
10
of
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10
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10
of
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10
of
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10
of
20
10
of
20
En
vir
on
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tal
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sis
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D212E1
10
10
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53
12 TIMETABLE INFORMATION
Please note the following in relation to the teaching timetable
Detailed timetables will be available at the beginning of each Semester. Students can view thetimetables for all campuses from 5 August 2013 on the timetable websitewww.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable
Syllabus PlusTimetable Week
Teaching Week Week CommencingComments
1 1 23/09/13 Registration
2 2 30/09/13 First day of teaching (week 2) -30th September 2013
3 3 07/10/13 Autumn Semester
4 4 14/10/13 Autumn Semester
5 5 21/10/13 Autumn Semester
6 6 28/10/13 Autumn Semester
7 7 04/11/13 Autumn Semester
8 8 11/11/13 Autumn Semester
9 9 18/11/13 Autumn Semester
10 10 25/11/13 Autumn Semester
11 11 02/12/13 Autumn Semester
12 12 09/12/13 term finishes Friday 13 Dec
13 Vacation 16/12/13 Christmas
14 Vacation 23/12/13 Christmas
15 Vacation 30/12/13 Christmas
16 Vacation 06/01/14 Christmas
17 Assessment 13/01/14 Assessment
18 Assessment 20/01/14 Assessment
19 1 27/01/14 Spring Semester
20 2 03/02/14 Spring Semester
21 3 10/02/14 Spring Semester
22 4 17/02/14 Spring Semester
23 5 24/02/14 Spring Semester
24 6 03/03/14 Spring Semester
25 7 10/03/14 Spring Semester
26 8 17/03/14 Spring Semester
27 9 24/03/14 Spring Semester
28 10 31/03/14 Spring Semester
29 11 07/04/14 Spring Semester
30 Vacation 14/04/14 Easter
31 Vacation 21/04/14 Easter
32 Vacation 28/04/14 Easter
33 Vacation 05/05/14 Easter
34 12 12/05/14 Revision/Assessment
35 Assessment 19/05/14 Assessment
36 Assessment 26/05/14 Assessment
37 Assessment 02/06/14 Assessment
38 - 09/06/14 -
39 - 16/06/14 term finishes Friday 20 June
40 23/06/14
41 30/06/14
42 07/07/14
43 14/07/14
44 21/07/14
45 28/07/14
46 04/08/14
47 11/08/14
48 Assessment 18/08/14 Re-sit Period
49 Assessment 25/08/14 Re-sit Period
50 Assessment 01/09/14 Re-sit Period
51 Assessment 08/09/14 Re-sit Period
52 15/09/14
54
13 TEACHING METHODS
Lectures
Throughout your university career, you will find that lectures are the most common method ofteaching. It is most important for you to ensure that you have a set of good clear notes based onthe lectures and your own reading. As you progress through the second and third years of yourdegree, you will be expected to do increasing amounts of reading; it is therefore useful to developyour reading skills during your first year. Teaching of some modules is complemented by the useof teaching software.
Hints and tips for making the most effective use of the teaching and learning opportunitiesavailable to you are provided in the School of Biosciences Study Skills Guide given to all students atthe beginning of their first year).
NB books which should be purchased will be identified at the start of teaching - youare advised not to buy any books prior to this unless otherwise indicated in therecommended reading lists at the end of each module synopses.
Practical Classes
Course requirements may require you to take practical classes. These may involve laboratoryexperiments or observations and analysis of data obtained during the sessions. Practical sessionsprovide an opportunity to learn and develop additional skills in techniques, observation andanalysis. Practical classes also provide an opportunity to extend your knowledge of topics notcovered in lectures. For each practical course you will receive a laboratory manual or collection ofschedules which will expand on the learning experience of the course.
Some large first year classes are taught simultaneously in adjacent laboratories. Consult the classlists posted on the notice boards to identify the laboratory you will work in. For each practicalclass, at least one member of academic staff will always be in attendance. S/he will beaccompanied by postgraduate students who work as demonstrators. In some cases, techniciansmay also be present to assist. The teaching team is present in the laboratory to aid your learningexperience, so please seek their help as much as you need, and ensure you carry out your worksafely, with no harm to yourself or other students. Practical classes provide a valuable opportunityfor you to get to know the academic staff in a less formal way and for them to help you. Theseclasses frequently provide an excellent opportunity for you to raise questions from the lecturecourse with the member of staff and deal with problems you may have.
Advice for making the most of practical work can be found in appendix 1.
For all practical classes, you MUST WEAR a suitable full-length laboratory coat, which must bebuttoned at all times. You will have been advised about the purchase of this item and any otherneeds. You MUST also WEAR safety glasses at all times unless advised to the contrary by anacademic member of staff.
Safe working and good laboratory practices are essential in the laboratory environment and alllaboratory exercises must be formally assessed under the regulations of COSSH. Details of theseassessments are noted in the laboratory manual or schedule to draw your attention to specifichazards and the requirements of safe practice. During the introduction to a practical class, themember of staff in charge will give a verbal statement on safety issues.
Food and drink MUST NOT be taken into the laboratory.
55
Assessed Work
Many modules have an element of student-centred learning, especially in Parts I (Year 2) and II(Year 3) of your course. The work involved in these is assessed and forms part of the overallmark for the module. The proportion of the mark allotted to coursework is identified in eachmodule description. Penalties are applied for late submission of coursework (5% per working day),unless there are extenuating circumstances and appropriate documentation is provided.
IT Training
IT is increasingly important as a basis of learning, communication and the preparation of your worke.g. dissertation, BSc project thesis and laboratory reports. It is important that youdevelop/improve your IT skills as you progress through your course.
Computer-aided Learning (CAL)
Several modules include computer-based teaching material, quizzes, exercises, simulations. Inorder to use these, you must be registered on the School of Biosciences Network. You may beassessed on some of these packages while using them or in the form of a conventional write-up.You should be prepared to take notes as you work through material on computers.
56
14 ASSESSMENT, PROGRESSION, COMPENSATION AND REASSESSMENT
The University Undergraduate Course Regulations apply to all the School’s BSc degrees. Theyregulations can be found at:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/studyregulations/index.aspx
You should note that: The pass mark for a module is 40%. Progression and Compensation (BSc): You don’t need to pass all modules in order to
progress to the next stage of your course. Compensation of failed modules can be achievedin the following ways – if you have:
(a) passed modules worth at least 80* credits and have a weighted average for the stage ofat least 40% with no module marks of less than 30%;or(b) passed modules worth at least 100* credits and have a weighted average for the stageof at least 50%.or(c) passed modules worth at least 90* credits, have marks of 30% or more in modulesworth atleast 110* credits, and have a weighted average for the stage of at least 45%.* Subtract 20 credits for students on Ordinary Degree courses. The resulting number ofcredits is also used to determine whether a student may be allowed to transfer to the nextstage of an Ordinary degree course after being unable to progress to the next stage of anHonours or Undergraduate Masters course. In these cases, the weighted average iscalculated over the best 100 credits of marks received by the student and the requirementto have no marks below 30% in (a) and (c) above applies only to these 100 credits.
Progression and Compensation (MNutr): At the Part I, Part II and Part III stage, nocore module can be compensated. In addition, students must obtain at least 35% in boththe examination and coursework components of these modules, although a mark between35% and 39% in either the examination or coursework may be compensated by the othercomponent of assessment.
There is a helpful flow chart which shows the above compensation regulations in diagramform – see over page.
Progression (MSci): At the end of Part I, students on the MSci degree must achieve anoverall average of 55% at first sit in order to progress to Part II.
Reassessment: If you do not reach the criteria for progression at the end of stage ofstudy, you have a right to one re-assessment in each failed module. The form ofreassessment is normally the same as for the first sit, with some exceptions (for examplesome MCQ papers are sometimes replaced with essay-style papers).
For modules which are assessed by both coursework and exam, the School of Biosciencesrequires that, if the module has been failed overall, then you must be reassessed in theexamination element of that module, even if that component of assessment has beenpassed.
In addition, if you have failed the coursework overall (of a module which is assessed by bothcoursework and examination) you may elect to resubmit remedial coursework. However, ifyou have passed your coursework overall, you are not entitled to resubmit either the wholecoursework or any failed component within your coursework assessments. If you wish totake up the option of remedial coursework, you must make contact with the appropriatemodule convener (or his/her representative) within 7 days of the date of the letternotifying you that you have failed to progress. The module convener will give you a titleand submission date for the coursework. Any remedial coursework must be submittedbefore the start of the August examination period. However, individual module convenershave the right to set earlier deadlines at the time of setting the coursework. Please note:
57
for modules which have both an examination and coursework component, it is notpossible for you to be reassessed by resubmitting coursework alone; you arerequired to retake the examination, even if this element of the module has beenpassed.This policy allows students to maximise their chances of passing the module afterreassessment. In Part I (and Part II [Master of Nutrition]), the ORIGINAL marksare carried forward for degree classification purposes. However, reassessment marks maybe considered by the examining boards if the candidate is on the borderline between degreeclasses.
Progression after reassessment: For progression purposes, the higher or highest of themarks obtained in each module (at first attempt or upon re-assessment) are considered andthe progression and compensation regulations applied accordingly.
Marking Schemes: see appendices 2-7.
58
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60
15 EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES
Policy regarding extensions to coursework on grounds of Extenuating Circumstances, Disability orSpecific Learning Difficulties Summary:
1) Extensions to coursework will not normally be given unless the student has a specific
recommendation from the School’s Extenuating Circumstances Committee, or
Academic/Disability Support.
2) Extensions will not normally be given as a result of short-term illness of less than 7 days
unless the module convenor agrees this.
3) Students with Academic/Disability referrals may apply for a short extension to coursework
submission on the basis of particular circumstances.
4) Students with approved extenuating circumstances may be granted an extension to
coursework submission of usually no more than 21 calendar days.
Full details of the school’s implementation of University policy is below. Meeting deadlines is animportant part of working life. It is important that students develop time management skills andthe ability to meet deadlines before undertaking work placements or entering the workforce ongraduation. Coursework deadlines are normally set at the start of the module by the moduleconvenor1, and clearly stated in module documents/introductory teaching sessions. This givesstudents the opportunity to identify periods of high workload within each semester and plan theirtime accordingly. Whilst course teams will try to adapt deadlines to avoid coursework ‘hotspots’,deadlines are set as appropriate for each individual module and it is the student’s responsibility toplan their time accordingly.
Extensions to coursework deadlines can be given in limited circumstances – for example, ifstudents have extenuating circumstances, disability or specific learning difficulties. These are dealtwith in the following way.
Extensions to coursework will not be given to students unless they have a specific
recommendation from Academic/Disability Support, the School’s Extenuating Circumstances
(ECs) committee or the module convenor (see below).
Students with specific recommendations from Academic/Disability Support may request one
extension in advance of the deadline, giving justification for why they need it. Students
should not expect to be offered an extension, and it is acceptable for the Module Convenor
not to allow one, if it is not possible within the module structure – for example, if the work
is subject to a very tight marking turn-around period, such as laboratory practical write-ups.
In these circumstances, students should be given notice in advance of the deadline that no
extensions can be allowed. If the module convenor feels that an extension is appropriate,
the following extension lengths, which have been endorsed by Academic Support, will be
followed:
Length of Coursework ExtensionUp to 2,500 words (or equivalent) Maximum of 2 calendar days2,500- 5,000 words (or equivalent) 2-4 calendar daysFinal Year Dissertation Maximum of 5 calendar days
Any further extension would normally only be given on the basis of approved extenuatingcircumstances.
Any unapproved late submissions will have marks deducted as outlined in the Quality Manual(5% for each working day).
1 Where this guidance refers to “module convenor” this can also be taken to include coursework marker/other academiccontributor to the module where this person is not the module convenor.
61
Short-term illness (less than 7 days) will not normally be regarded as an
extenuating circumstance with regard to assessed coursework where a number of
weeks/months are given for completion and submission. However, the Module
Convenor may decide that a short-term illness has affected the student's performance and
may, therefore, grant a short extension to a deadline. In this circumstance, the above
guidance on extension lengths will again be followed.
Students who submit coursework late as a result of illness or other circumstances lastingmore than 7 days should discuss this with the module convenor or their personal tutor andshould submit an EC form and evidence within 7 days of the submission deadline.(www.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/assessment/extenuatingcircumstances.aspx). This documentation will be considered via the normal EC process (see:www.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/assessment/extenuatingcircumstances.aspx
If ECs are accepted, an extension to the submission will be agreed and any marks that have
been deducted for late submission will be reinstated.
Any extension (within a teaching semester) for students with ECs will not normally be for
more than 21 calendar days, to ensure that all coursework is submitted prior to the
coursework return date. Any submission after the return date will not be accepted but a
student may be given a first sit opportunity if they have approved ECs.
62
16 PLAGIARISM AND PARAPHRASING
This section is also covered in the Study Skills book. It draws upon information available at thefollowing University Web sources together with guidance from staff in the School of Biosciences.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
One good method to avoid plagiarism is to make notes from material you have read and constructyour essay / report, in your own words, from these notes. It is tempting (and easy) to copy andpaste, but this is unacceptable and constitutes an academic misconduct. It is also poor practice toconstruct a draft by copying and pasting material from multiple sources, with the intention of thenparaphrasing the resulting document. Apart from the fact that the end-product may be disjointed,the paraphrasing is often incomplete and the work submitted may contain elements of plagiarisedmaterial. It is, however, acceptable to include relevant figures and tables from published work, aslong as you acknowledge their source by citing the primary reference for them. To make a specificpoint, there may be occasions when you may want to quote an author verbatim; this is acceptableif you put the quotation in inverted commas and give the source.
USEFUL WEBSITES
Academic integrity and plagiarismwww.nottingham.ac.uk/teaching/studyingeffectively/plagiarism.aspx
Quality Manualwww.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/assessment/academic-misconduct.aspx
Studying Effectivelywww.nottingham.ac.uk/studyingeffectively
DEFINITION OF AN ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Any activity or behaviour by a student which may give that student, or another student, anunpermitted academic advantage in a summative assessment is considered to be an act ofacademic misconduct and unacceptable in a scholarly community. Such action(s) will be consideredunder the University’s Regulations on Academic Misconduct and this may lead to a penalty beingimposed
DEFINITION OF PLAGIARISM
The following definition of plagiarism appears in the University Quality Manual:
Plagiarism: representing another person’s work or ideas as one’s own, for example by failing tofollow convention in acknowledging sources, use of quotation marks etc. This includes theunauthorised use of one student’s work by another student and the commissioning, purchase andsubmission of a piece of work, in part or whole, as the student’s own.
Note: A proof-reader may be used to ensure that the meaning of the author is not misrepresenteddue to the quality and standard of English used, unless a School/Department policy specificallyprohibits this. Where permitted, a proof-reader may identify spelling and basic grammar errors.Inaccuracies in academic content should not be corrected nor should the structure of the piece ofwork be changed; doing so may result in a charge of plagiarism.
Work in any year of study which is not undertaken in an Examination Room under thesupervision of an invigilator (such as dissertations, essays, project work, experiments,observations, specimen collecting and other similar work), but which is nevertheless required workforming part of the degree, diploma or certificate assessment, must be the student's own and mustnot contain plagiarised material.
63
Possible penalties for an academic misconduct including plagiarism are:
a) No marks to be awarded in relation to the specific material which is the subject of the actconstituting an academic misconduct (thus leading to a reduced overall mark for the pieceof course work, dissertation, examination question or examination script in which thespecific material appears)
b) Award a mark of zero for the entire piece of course work, dissertation, examination questionor examination script in which the academic misconduct has occurred
c) Award a mark of zero for the entire module in which the academic misconduct has occurred
d) Award a mark of zero for all the assessments in the semester (even where this will lead to areduction in degree class). In the case of year-long modules, this penalty may affect bothsemesters
e) Award a mark of zero for the whole year (even where this will lead to a reduction in degreeclass)
f) Require the student to take reassessments (as a result of being awarded zero marks) in thefollowing session before being allowed to progress or complete their course
g) require the student to register with the University and enrol on modules in which they needto take reassessments (as a result of being awarded zero marks) in the following sessionbefore being allowed to progress or complete their course
h) Terminate the student’s course
i) Withdraw the award of a degree or other qualification from, and issue an amendedtranscript to, a former student of the University
j) Full details of possible School and University penalties can be found at:www.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/assessment/academic-misconduct.aspx”
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Any activity or behaviour by a student which may give that student, or another student, anunpermitted academic advantage in a summative assessment is considered to be an act ofacademic misconduct and unacceptable in a scholarly community. Such action(s) will be consideredunder the University’s Regulations on Academic Misconduct and this may lead to a penalty beingimposed.
Here is a range of cheating behaviours:
1. False citation (i.e. attributing work to the wrong source)
2. Plagiarism
3. Using unauthorised sources or notes in examinations or tests
4. Dishonestly obtaining material or information prior to examinations
5. Copying from other students
6. Permitting other students to copy your work
7. Soliciting work from others (e.g. individuals, ‘editors’ or essay banks etc)
8. Submitting your own previously assessed work without acknowledgement (auto plagiarism)
64
Unauthorised Collaboration, or Collusion, occurs where:
Collusion: cooperation in order to gain an unpermitted advantage. This may occur where studentshave consciously collaborated on a piece of work, in part or whole, and passed it off as their ownindividual efforts or where one student has authorised another to use their work, in part or whole,and to submit it as their own.
Note: Legitimate input from University tutors or approved readers or scribes is not considered to becollusion.
Fabrication may take various forms but is essentially concerned with manufacturing aspects of thework produced. For example, the insertion of made-up information, data, sources, quotes,anecdotes or analysis would all amount to fabrication
Recycling or unauthorised, multiple submissions.
The multiple submission by a student of their own material is not, in itself, considered as academicmisconduct. Submission of material that has been submitted on a previous occasion for a differentsummative assessment is, however, unlikely to be academically appropriate. The merit of suchmaterial will therefore be a matter of academic judgement and it may attract fewer (or no) marksthan would have been the case if it had not been assessed previously
Note:Plagiarism is regarded as a serious academic misconduct by the University and will bepenalised accordingly. Plagiarism can be easily identified by entering suspect passagesinto search engines. Specialist search engines (e.g. Turnitin) are available to check allsubmitted work against previously published sources, including coursework submittedby students in the current or previous years. The School of Biosciences uses Turnitin toassist academic staff detect plagiarism; students may be required to submit allcoursework in electronic form to facilitate automatic on-line detection of plagiarism. AllBSc Research Projects must be submitted electronically to be checked by Turnitin alongwith the necessary hard copies (see Guidelines for BSc Research Projects).
If a student is required to attend an Academic Misconduct interview within the School for anysuspected academic misconduct his/her tutor will be informed of this, together with the Head ofSchool (or nominee), module convenor (or nominee) and the School Manager for AcademicAdministration (or nominee.
GUIDANCE TO HELP YOU AVOID COMMITTING PLAGIARISM
1. You are allowed to use information from other people's work provided you acknowledge thesource. This can apply to a statement, Table or Figure. The best way of doing this for Tables andFigures is to add: "After Smith (1988)" or "Modified from Smith (1988)", and include the referencein your reference list.
2. If you are discussing something somebody else has said, you can say, for example: Smith(1987) claimed that coral reefs in the Pacific were damaged by high temperatures in 1975. Or: Ithas been claimed that high temperatures in 1975 damaged coral reefs in the Pacific (Smith, 1975).
3. If you wish to quote from previous work you should put it in quotation marks, e.g. Smith (1980)described the outcome of unprecedented high temperatures on coral reefs as: "A disaster for themarine communities in the coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific", and then stated that: "Thephenomenon appears to be due to unprecedented high temperatures".
65
For information on paraphrasing see 8 and 9 below.
4. Authors should be cited in text either as: Smith (1975), Smith and Allen (1978), Allen (1987,1989), or as (Smith, 1975; Smith and Allen, 1978; Allen 1987, 1989). Note that these are inchronological, not alphabetic order. When more than two authors are quoted, this should be in theform Allen et al. (1993) in the text, but the full reference should be given in your reference list.
5. In your "References" or "Literature cited" section, the following style (authors, date, title,journal, volume number, page numbers) should be used and references should be listedalphabetically. Provided you are consistent, you may also use any other accepted style - seejournals in the library.
Smith, A. J. and Allen, N. B. (1986). Temperatures and coral reefs. Journalof the Marine Biological Association 86: 101-123.
Smith, A. J., Jones, K. L. and Allen, N. B. (1988). Death of corals due to high temperatures.Thermal Biology 27: 19-34.
6. For books, the following style (author, title underlined or in italics, publisher, place ofpublication) applies:
Allen, N. B. (1992). Coral Reef Biology. Blackwells, London.
7. For chapters in edited volumes, the following style (author, date, title of chapter, title of bookunderlined or in italics, editors, page numbers, publisher, place of publication) applies:
Smith, A. J. (1987). Temperature and bleaching in corals. In: Coral Reef Biology (N. B. Allen and C.K. Hodges, eds.), pp. 65-90. Clumber Press, New York.
8. Paraphrasing, i.e. verabatim or almost verbatim restatement of a passage is a form ofplagiarism frequently used in essays and dissertations. The following is paraphrased from C. H.Gordon, P. Simmons and G. Wynn (date unknown). Plagiarism - What It Is And How To Avoid It.University of British Columbia.
Students often ask "How much do I have to change a sentence to be sure I'm not plagiarising?" Ifyou have to ask, you are probably about to commit plagiarism! There is no set number of wordsthat you need to change or add to make a passage your own – the originality must come from thedevelopment and expression of your own ideas.
Original work demands original thought. You should try and separate your ideas from those ofothers. If you use another author‘s conclusions then acknowledge them. If you come to the sameconclusions as another author you should still acknowledge them. Once a piece of work iscomplete, look at each part and ask yourself if the ideas expressed are entirely your own, andwhether the general language or choice of words is your own. If the answer to either is "no" thework should be credited to the original author
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9. Examples.
9.1 Original
From Smith (1992):The author has found that corals respond to high temperatures by expelling their zooxanthellae.This causes them to go white, a phenomenon known as "bleaching." Such corals soon becomecovered in algae, which makes it difficult for new coral planulae to settle and start a new colony(Davies, 1980). The phenomenon of bleaching is similar to the effect of a crown-of-thorns starfish(Acanthaster planci) attack where the polyps are digested by enzymes secreted onto the colonysurface (Brown, 1990). As Jones (1972) found, A. planci poses a severe threat to corals in theIndo-Pacific. The recent occurrence of high numbers of these starfish on reefs has been correlatedto run-off from land which contains high levels of plant nutrients (Jones, 1986). The subsequentincrease in the number of algae apparently enhances the survival of the filter-feeding larvae of thestarfish.
To include this text verbatim in your own work, without placing the entire paragraph inquotation marks and acknowledging Smith (1992) (see 3 above) would constituteplagiarism.
9.2 Paraphrased version
Paraphrased from Smith (1992):Smith (1992) has found that corals respond to high temperatures by expelling their zooxanthellae.This phenomenon, known as "bleaching", causes them to go white. Such corals quickly becomecovered in algae and this makes it difficult for new coral planulae to settle and begin developing anew colony (Davies, 1980). Bleaching is similar to the effect of a crown-of-thorns starfish(Acanthaster planci) attack. Brown (1990) notes that this is where the polyps are digested byenzymes secreted onto the colony surface. Jones (1972) found that A. planci may be a severethreat to corals in the Indo-Pacific. Recently high numbers of these starfish on reefs has beencorrelated to run-off from land with high levels of plant nutrients (Jones, 1986). The increase inthe number of algae apparently enhances the survival of the filter-feeding larvae of the starfish.
To include this text in your own work, even with the initial acknowledgment Smith(1992) would constitute plagiarism since it reads as if only the first sentence is takenfrom Smith, and the rest of the references (Davies, Brown and Jones) have been sourcedand read by you and that the development and expression of the text is your ownoriginal work.
9.3 Unacknowledged version (i.e. submitting this as if it were your own thoughts orwork)
The presence of high numbers of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) on reefs has beenconnected to run-off from land containing high levels of plant nutrients. This causes an increase inthe number of algae which results in better survival of the filter-feeding larvae of the starfish. Thestarfish kills corals by secreting digestive enzymes onto their surfaces. A. planci poses a severethreat to corals in the Indo-Pacific and their effect is similar to that caused by "bleaching", aphenomenon caused by high temperatures which results in zooxanthellae being expelled.Subsequently the dead corals become covered in algae which makes it difficult for a new colony tostart.
To include this text verbatim in your own work, would constitute plagiarism since thereis no acknowledgment of Smith (1992).
9.4 Acceptable version (based on information from Smith, reading the cited referencesyourself and drawing upon other work)
Smith (1992) quoted Jones (1972, 1986) in suggesting that the crown-of-thorns starfish poses athreat to corals in the Indo-Pacific, and that their recent upsurge may be due to an increase inplant food levels caused by an input of nutrients from land. Brown (1990) found that these multi-armed starfish killed corals by everting their stomachs onto the coral colony surface and secreting
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an enzyme to digest the tissues externally. The resulting "bleaching" effect is similar to that whichoccurs when corals are exposed to high temperatures and the zooxanthellae are expelled (Smith,1992). Davies (1980) found that the settlement of algae on the colony surface made it difficult fornew coral larvae to settle and, although fish often grazed the algae continually, he found they couldnot keep these under control. Recent studies have shown that plagues of crown-of-thorns starfishmay be a natural phenomenon, as the fossilised remains of previous outbreaks have been found inrocks millions of years old (Cromer, 1994).
To present your work like this would not constitute plagiarism.
Note that all the references and authors used in this document with the exception of Gordon et al.are fictitious.
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR TUTOR IF YOU ARE STILL IN DOUBT ABOUT PLAGIARISM
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17 PERSONAL AND ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
This table sets out the goals that you should strive for as you progress through your degree. If youcan achieve these you will be well prepared for the diverse opportunities that lie ahead
Qualifying yearYear 1
Part IYear 2
Part IIYear 3
Learningexperience
Establish a strongfactual base
Learn the basicsof the scientificmethod anddevelop aquestioningapproach
Link knowledgefrom diversesources anddevelop an abilityto relateinformation
Develop a criticaland analyticalapproach toinformation
Develop the ability tohandle complexinformation
Evaluate information andsynthesise ideas
Develop a creativeapproach to problemsolving
Skills acquired Cope with varyinglecture styles
Make effectiveuse of library andIT facilities
Acquire basiclaboratory skills
Consolidateinformation skillswith extensive useof library and IT
Enhance practicalskills
Enhancepresentation skills
Organise study andmanage time tomeet deadlines
Appreciate theimportance andvalue of team work
Develop a matureapproach to study
Exhibit strong self-discipline andcommitment
Clearly articulateknowledge andunderstanding
Respect the views ofothers and engage inreasoned argument
Developingindependence
Learn to combineteacher-drivenstudy with workbased onindividualinitiative
Make independentuse of library andother informationresources
Acquire experiencein a range oflearning styles
Take responsibility forself-learning
Demonstrate individualstyle and flair
Exhibit professionalismand ownership of subject
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18 THE PERSONAL ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
Several mechanisms are available throughout your studies to help you achieve the goals outlined inthe previous section. Together, they make up a Personal Academic Development scheme. Theway in which you use them will depend on your own needs and circumstances. By the time yougraduate, you will have acquired a set of resources, some electronic and some in other formats,which you can use as the basis for promoting yourself and your achievements.
The scheme has three main purposes:
to provide you and the School with complete documentation of your academic record andperformance so that your progress can be monitored while you are at the University
to define and document the minimum level of pastoral care which the School will provide foryou, including academic and personal support
to encourage you to reflect upon your progress at regular intervals and record self-evaluationsin relation to your academic work, leisure interests and general skills. These activities will helpyou to improve your learning, focus your thinking about career options and build up an effectiveCV. They will also contribute to tutors' references for you
The Personal Academic Record (PAR) System
This system provides an information base for your personal progress and development and iscentral to the operation of the Personal Academic Development scheme. Its main functions are:
to allow you to view the data held about you by the University, for example, your personaldetails and records of your performance in assessment
to provide a record of items discussed with your tutor and for reflecting on matters related topersonal development
to facilitate effective communication between you, your tutor and administrative staff
Along with your personal tutor, the PAR system provides the main focus of our academic andpersonal support for you. It operates electronically, through a program called ePARs, which isaccessible via the Portal. Details of how to use it will be explained during the first week of term.
Personal Tutor
You will be allocated a personal tutor when you first register in the School. Details of how thetutorial system works are given in the Study Skills and Other Useful Information booklet but youshould expect your tutor to take a close interest in your academic and personal development. Yourtutor may teach modules that relate to your degree programme or may come from a separate areawithin the School. In either case, s/he can offer you a great deal of guidance, wisdom and support.It is worth remembering that members of academic staff have several roles besides teaching andtutoring. They are actively engaged in research, which probably involves supervision of researchstudents and postdoctoral researchers, and also have various administrative functions vital for thesmooth running of the School.
You can expect your tutor to support you in the following ways:
s/he will take an interest in your academic progress, check on your well-being from time totime, and offer you opportunities to discuss matters of concern. S/he has access to parts ofyour ePAR record (module selection, exam results etc.) and will be able to use this as a basisfor discussions with you
s/he is responsible for providing your examination marks at the end of each semester and willhelp you to reflect on the feedback you receive.
your tutor will discuss your choice of modules
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in the event of illness and absence for other justifiable reasons, your tutor should be informedof the circumstances. S/he will also be made aware of any lapses in your attendance at classeswhich give cause for concern
your tutor will be able to provide a personal reference for you, for example to obtain vacationwork or when you seek employment after graduation. This is a good reason for makingeffective use of meetings and establishing a sound working relationship. A supportive refereeneeds to have good information and will try to set your academic qualities and achievements ina wider context.
Meetings with your tutor may be scheduled (notified automatically via the ePARSystem) or take place less formally at the request of either of you. Make use ofthese opportunities:
1. Introductory Meeting: this occurs at the beginning of your first year, when you will provideinformation about yourself and your course and your tutor will review this with you.
2. Scheduled Personal Tutorials: there will be at least three one-to-one meetings with yourpersonal tutor during each academic year. You will be notified of these through the ePARsystem or by email. These meetings will include a session at the end of each semester atwhich your tutor provides your examination results. Use these opportunities to discuss youroverall mark profile and to focus on your academic performance during the semester.
3. Requested Personal Tutorials: you will probably need to see your personal tutor at othertimes. Use email or ePARs to set up such meetings.
Check your email every day and be sure to respond to requests for meetings, either scheduled orinformal. Apart from being discourteous, missing a meeting may mean losing out on vitalinformation or decisions. If for any reason you wish to change your tutor, you should make yourrequest to the Senior Tutor or through the School Office.
Career Advice and CV Development
Each year during your undergraduate course, a special session will be provided by UniversityCareers Advisor(s) responsible for Biosciences students to guide you in developing your longer-term aims and interests. The Careers Advisors will give advice on how to set about assessing andbuilding up an account of your achievements and skills in your curriculum vitae (CV). The processof developing a CV should help to identify your needs and goals within the University and beyond.This is essential whether you have a particular career choice in mind or wish to keep severaloptions open. It will also form an important basis for applications for jobs or postgraduate studywhich you will be making in the third year.
During Years 2 and 3, your tutor will be able to comment on drafts of your CV as you completethem and further specialist help is always available from the University Careers Advisory Service.When talking to careers advisors, you can call up your PAR and discuss with them how to make themost of your achievements.
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Confidentiality and Records
Your tutor will respect the confidential nature of your conversations. If at any time s/he judgesthat it would be in your best interests to inform other members of School or University staff, s/hewill advise you of this and suggest how this can best be achieved. Your tutor will always seek youragreement before involving anyone else and will discuss with you when, to whom and how anysensitive information might be conveyed.
It is advisable to make a short record of all personal tutorials or other meetings - your ePAR hasfacilities for doing this. The record may take whatever form you wish, ranging from a brief note(perhaps simply recording the date of the conversation) or general summary, to something moredetailed. You should not write down anything you would not want other tutors to read, although itmay be important to signal the existence of personal or confidential matters affecting your work.Your tutor can help you by suggesting appropriate wording.
As indicated above, your PAR is a semi-public record in that most items are designed for your ownand the School’s use over a period of a several years. Please bear in mind the purposes andreadership of the record whenever you add to it. Write thoughtfully. You have the right to reviewand remove records of requested personal tutorials if you wish, and to rewrite any material youhave originated.
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19 ACADEMIC TUTORING IN THE SCHOOL OF BIOSCIENCES
Academic tutoring is the support which the School provides to students in addition to formalteaching. It is complementary to the University’s central support services and pastoral careprovision.
The objectives of Academic Tutoring are as follows:
Helping students to acquire the necessary study skills to pursue their studies successfully. Addressing problems of knowledge and understanding of the subject experienced by
individual students. Addressing the problems of individual students with particular aspects of their modules. Providing students with an overview of their academic progress at module and programme
level. Assisting students with their academic choices e.g. module enrolments, programme
pathways. Providing students with feedback on their assessments so as to improve future
performance. Contributing to the acquisition of key employability skills.
The School takes its responsibility for academic tutoring very seriously and engages in the followingactivities to ensure that students are properly supported:
One-to-one meetings with the Personal Tutor, for personal development, pastoral supportand guidance (e.g. on module choices)
Meetings with Course Managers for module guidance, either informally or at School ModuleEnrolment Days.
Tutorials/seminars occurring as activities within some or all of the modules comprising adegree programme.
Credit-bearing academic tutoring and study skills module D21BP1 Academic Developmentand Employability Study-skills embedded in academic modules e.g. D211Z1 WholeOrganism Biology; Semester 4 project modules; D224Z4 Research Techniques inAgriculture, Plant and Animal Science; D224E2 Communicating Biosciences.
Study-skills embedded in student’s undergraduate project work or postgraduatedissertation.
Drop-in support sessions based around mathematics and statistics. Written feedback on formative or summative assessments provided by module
coordinators/tutors. This is extensive in the School and is provided through:- individual feedback on coursework provided by written comments and mark allocationbased on transparent marking schemes- generic feedback forms posted on Moodle one week after each exam board which(a) highlight examination questions on which students' performance could be improved(b) suggest strategies for improving performance in those questions(c) give general comments about technique.- full and constructive comments provided by exam markers, to which students have accessthrough individual appointments with module conveners- module report forms which are collated by Module Conveners from students’ commentsand made available through Moodle.
Student led-seminars e.g. D224F9 Analysis of Bacterial Gene Expression. Peer support groups e.g. D245F2 Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, D2DBT9
Genetic Analysis and Bioinformatics, D235A8 Companion Animal Science and D23BA1Livestock Production Science, D223F7 Virology (problem-based learning) and D236M1(problem-based learning).
Appointments with module coordinators/tutors; specifically the School provides three formalopportunities per year for students to obtain detailed module information and advice at itsModule Registration Days.
'Office hours' system for accessing module coordinators/tutors. The use of a flexible and comprehensive virtual learning environment (Moodle), together
with on-line discussions between tutors and students. Links to central support services e.g. Academic Support, the Counselling Service and the
Student Services Centre.
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Assistance and guidance on academic administrative matters provided by the School Office. Encouraging students to make use of central on-line study skills resources e.g. 'Study Skills'
www.nottingham.ac.uk/studyingeffectively Assistance with any personal support or guidance matters from the School Senior Tutors
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20 ATTENDANCE MONITORING
Students must attend all teaching activities necessary for the pursuit of their studies, undertake allassociated assessments and attend meetings and other activities as required by their School or theUniversity. Where students face difficulty in attending sessions or undertaking assessments andexaminations, it is their responsibility to inform their School of this fact and to provide asatisfactory explanation. Please seewww.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/studyregulations/attendanceprocedures.aspx for further details on attendance regulations at the University.
Individual Schools and Departments have systems in place to monitor attendance during theacademic year. Unauthorised absences are reported to the Registry and recorded asappropriate. Where students are absent without authorisation, to the point that it is not possible tocontinue with the course, the Registry will write to the student stating that they will be deemed tohave withdrawn from the University and their student record will be amended to show that theyhave withdrawn.
Where required the University will report non-attendance to appropriate authorities including theUK Border Agency.
21 COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Details of the University’s Complaints Procedure can be found at: www.nottingham.ac.uk/quality-manual/appeals/complaints.htm
The procedure regarding a complaint concerning your course is that in the first instance you shouldcontact the lecturer concerned. If the matter cannot be resolved, the next points of contact wouldbe:
i) Module Convenerii) Student Year Representative (names are on the Learning Community Forum
notice board together with the Module Convener)iii) Course Manageriv) Teaching Managerv) Head of Divisionvi) Head of School
Students are encouraged to involve their Personal Tutors at any stage, whether the matter ofconcern is of an academic or personal nature. Students also have the right to bring matters ofconcern before Learning Community Forum. Details regarding complaints procedures are availableon the University’s Quality Manual at: www.nottingham.ac.uk/quality-manual
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22 INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS
All of the 3-year degree courses (not Master of Nutrition) have the option of beingcombined with an intercalated year in industry. Students are welcome to make the mostof our extensive industrial links by arranging to combine their degree with an industrialplacement between years 2 and 3. See further details and profiles of recent studentexperiences at:www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/prospectivestudents/undergraduate/industryplacements.aspx
23 STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNTIES
23.1 ERASMUS
The School of Biosciences has established an ERASMUS programme of Student Exchangewith a number of European Institutions in France, Germany and Spain.
All students taking honours degrees in the School (except MNutr) are able to take anadditional Certificate in European Studies (normal entry requirement is at least a grade Bin the second language that the student intend to improve at GCSE level). TheCertificate consists of an additional year over and above your 3-year BSc degreeprogramme and commences after the second year in September of Semester 5 andconcludes at the end of Semester 6. You will then rejoin the normal 3-year programmeat the beginning of Semester 7.
Students either enter the School having already applied to take the Certificate or theymay indicate their intention to apply for transfer onto it once they are here, usuallyfollowing a meeting which outlines the principles of the Certificate. In both casesconfirmation that registration is to be maintained or that application to transfer has beenaccepted must be received in writing by the School Office.
Students taking the Certificate normally follow preliminary language training during Year2 (Part I) by taking 10 credits of French, German or Spanish languages (held in theLanguage Centre, University Park) and 50 credits of Science modules in each ofsemesters 3 and 4. In Semester 5 and 6; students will be on placement in an academicInstitution in another European country where they will normally follow courses or aproject, the courses must be taken in the language of the chosen Country. Student willalso complete a European Placement module during semester 5 and 6.
The ERASMUS programme is on an exchange basis. Thus it is suggested that studentsmake contact with ERASMUS students within the School who are from the hostUniversity together with those Biosciences students who were at the host University inthe previous year. Both these contacts can be invaluable in providing assistance andinformation.
Further information about the scheme is available from Ms Elena Staves (School Office)or Dr Zinnia H. Gonzalez-Carranza (Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, SB).
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SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS FOR THE EUROPEAN CERTIFICATE
In addition to the normal progression rules for undergraduate study, the following progression rulesapply to the European Certificate element.
Part I candidates achieving a mark of 50% or more in each of the Autumn and Spring Semesterlanguage modules will progress to the language module in the Autumn of the year of the Certificatein European Studies (Biosciences). Part I candidates achieving a mark of 40-49% in the Autumnand / or Spring Semester language module(s) will normally be advised to discontinue with theCertificate in European Studies (Biosciences). Candidates achieving a mark of less than 40%, atfirst attempt, in the Autumn and / or Spring semester language module(s) will be advised todiscontinue with the Certificate in European Studies (Biosciences). If, after reassessment,candidates do not achieve a mark of at least 40% in the Autumn and / or Spring Semesterlanguage module(s) they may not continue with the BSc with a Certificate in European Studies(Biosciences).
The above regulations as specified for candidates obtaining marks at first attempt, will be followedfor students obtaining marks of 40% or more at reassessment. Candidates on the year of theCertificate in European Studies (Biosciences) between Part I and Part II who obtain a mark of lessthan 40% in the language module cannot progress onto placement in the following semester. Suchcandidates are offered the opportunity either:
1) to transfer to the equivalent 3-year BSc degree without European Studies at the start of thenext academic year and thus do not take any further language modules. Or2) to be reassessed in the Autumn semester language module in the August / Septemberreassessment period.
If, after reassessment, a mark of 40% or more is achieved candidates may re-join the Certificate inEuropean Studies (Biosciences) in the following academic year. If a mark of less than 40% isachieved at reassessment candidates will be offered 1) above.
In order to proceed to Part II of the degree BSc with a Certificate in European Studies (Biosciences)candidates must attain pass marks in assessments related to the European Year. Candidates whofail to attain satisfactory marks in the assessment undertaken during the European Year shall beoffered the opportunity to transfer to the 3-year equivalent BSc degree without European Studies.
Candidates who fail to achieve the criteria for progression onto the three year equivalent degreewithout European Studies shall not be permitted to continue on this degree but may be offered theopportunity to transfer to the Ordinary degree.
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MARKING SCHEME FOR THE EUROPEAN YEAR
European Placement Module:
Fifty percent of the mark correspond to the attendance and assessment of the coursestaken abroad. The other fifty percent correspond to one scientific review, one culturalessay and one translation (see below for information).
50%: Attendance and assessment of courses taken abroad.50%: Essays and translations.
Activity Type Information Length Weighting
Attendance andassessment of coursesabroad
Students must attend andsit the exams abroad
Not applicable 50%
Essay 1 Scientific review 4000 words 17%
Essay 2 Culture research paper 4000 words 16%
Translations Science into English 10 * 400 words 17%
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23.2 STUDYING OUTSIDE OF THE UK
Studying at the Malaysia Campus
Students taking Biotechnology, Plant, Nutrition, and Environmental Science degrees have the option
of taking a year or semester at the Malaysia Campus (note: Environmental Biology isn’t a degree at
UNMC, however, the study abroad option would be available to students taking Environmental
Biology). The abroad period at the Malaysia Campus would be part of your degree programme and
you could study abroad for one semester or a full academic year. All teaching at the Malaysia
Campus is carried out in English. The majority of staff are appointed from Nottingham UK, or
recruited from Malaysia and internationally. The modules and the exams are very similar to those in
Nottingham UK.
Further information, and factsheets, on studying at the Malaysia campus can be found on the followingwebsite: www.nottingham.ac.uk/internationalstudents/exchanges/studyinasia.aspx.
What will it cost?
Nottingham students who study at the Malaysia Campus pay reduced tuition fees; see details at
www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/exceptionalfees201314.aspx and a range of bursaries are
available from the International Office to assist students with the up-front costs of studying abroad.
Although students are responsible for paying for all costs, including visa, insurance and travel, living
costs in Malaysia are around half that of Nottingham.
Universitas 21/University-wide programme
Universitas 21/University-wide programme (U21) is a global alliance of key Universities; throughthis exchange scheme undergraduates may have the opportunity to spend one semester with oneof our partner institutions. The marks obtained count towards your Nottingham degree.
Students from the School of Biosciences are on placement for the Autumn Semester of their secondyear; if they are placed in one of our Australian / New Zealand partners then this will be from July.
As the academic year in these countries finishes in November, then Nottingham students will beable to remain in the host country (or take some time returning to the UK) until the beginning ofthe Spring Semester at Nottingham (currently end of January) – this is a great chance to do thatback-packing you always promised yourself!
Details of all of our partner institutions can be found at:www.nottingham.ac.uk/internationalstudents/exchanges/exchanges-overseas/outside-europe.aspx
Interested? What to do next
Don’t miss the Study Abroad Fair, organised by the International Office, which will take place inNovember 2013. Here, you will learn about all the study abroad options open to you and how to apply.You will also be able to meet with students who have already studied at overseas campuses.
Interested students are advised to find the Study Abroad Team on Facebook to be kept updated with
deadlines and events at: www.facebook.com/pages/Study-Abroad-Team and the International
Office website: www.nottingham.ac.uk/internationalstudents/exchanges/index.aspx
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24 CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION
Dissemination of information is an on-going process during the academic year; this will come fromboth the School Office and academic staff. We use several ways to give out information.
Email - Email is the normal means of communication to individuals or class groups; your tutorand module conveners will email regularly and it is also a good way for you to contactacademic staff. However, this and other media should not detract from personal meetings,which are necessary for the communication of several matters including the conveyance anddiscussion of examination.
The Student Portal - The Portal is a central part of the University’s communication system forstaff and students. Make sure you have access to it atmy.nottingham.ac.uk/media/uk/ac/nottingham/compass/layout/public
Notice boards - Notices relating to course, e.g. timetables, tutorials, courses, examinationsetc. will be posted on the notice boards across the campuses.
Social Media - The University of Nottingham uses the latest technology to bring Nottinghamto life and to ensure that you can experience and interact with the University community atany time, see: www.nottingham.ac.uk/connect/nottinghamconnect.aspx
Blue Castle website - students can view their marks, progression status and final awardinformation electronically - bluecastle.nottingham.ac.uk.
25 STUDENT / STAFF CONSULTATION
The courses you are taking have evolved over a number of years and incorporate many featuresarising from student feedback and evaluation. Each department has its own procedures forallowing students to participate in the evaluation and future development of courses.
Broadly, two channels exist:
feedback questionnaires which enable you to comment on the content, style and objectives ofmodules; we urge you to take the time and effort to complete these so you and future studentscan play a role in improving our teaching
the Learning Community Forum (LCF) consists of representatives of undergraduate students(from the Student Guild) and teaching staff who discuss a wide range of academic and non-academic matters. Anyone who has comments, criticisms or suggestions that they wish to bediscussed should contact one of the representatives, whose names will be found on the noticeboard on the ground floor of the Main Building. Minutes of the Learning Community Forum canbe found at: workspace.nottingham.ac.uk/display/LCForum/Biosciences+UG+LCF
The Student Guild also elects student representatives to the School Board and other Schoolcommittees. If you want to influence academic procedures in the School and University onbehalf of your fellow students, you must join the Guild first.
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26 OFFICE HOURS
The School of Biosciences operates a system of "Office Hours" for meetings with UG and MScstudents. The purpose of this system is to focus staff/student contact, not to reduce it. Allacademic staff make available a minimum of two hours per week, during which time students canbook appointments to discuss course/module/personal tutor matters. These times do not have tobe the same each week but do need to be clearly designated for each week. Appointments will bebookable either by email, or by signing an appointment list available on each office door. Astandard appointment will be 5 minutes, with students having the option to book double or tripleappointments, giving 10 or 15 minutes of contact time. Some staff may wish to continue tooperate an "open door" policy for brief drop-in enquiries, alongside the formal office hours systemat their own discretion.
27 QUALITY ASSURANCE
The primary aim of the University of Nottingham is to sustain and improve the high quality of itsprovision as one of the leading research-led universities in the United Kingdom. It is alsocommitted to providing a learning environment of the highest quality for students, in which firstclass teaching is underpinned by excellent research. The School of Biosciences endeavours tomaintain these goals in the Biosciences, where relevant in collaboration with other schools, in thefollowing ways:-
by recruiting motivated students with a proven record of high level of learning; by providing a broad education across the discipline; enabling the development of an analytical and critical appreciation of scientific ideas and
problem solving; providing a learning experience enriched by an active research environment; enabling the development of independent learning and skills for a wide range of careers within
and outside the biological sciences; to ensure that students receive appropriate support and guidance in their academic
development and career planning; to identify and support the academic and pastoral needs of individual students; to provide a flexible, effective and adequately resourced learning environment, and to maintain and improve teaching and learning through effective management structures in line
with the University Quality Manual.
As part of an ongoing process of improving quality, some of our teaching facilities have beenrecently refurbished and modernised. We look to our students to help us maintain these areas ingood condition for the benefit of future generation.
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28 COURSEWORK AND EXAMINATION FEEDBACK
Feedback is generally provided in three main forms i.e on i) assessed coursework, ii) examinationperformance and iii) general aspects of each module. For each module, in addition to the individualmarks given for assessed coursework, you will receive an overall module mark and the end of eachsemester you will receive a set of module marks for the semester from your personal tutor. Yourmodule marks are confidential and not shown to other students. Individual mark components (e.g.coursework marks) are also confidential; the only exception to this is when you receive a mark fora piece of ‘group work’ in which all members of your group receive the same mark. The sectionsbelow provide further details about feedback.
Coursework Feedback
Coursework feedback is normally provided through written comments on your work. For manypieces of coursework, a cover sheet will be returned with your work to explain the mark receivedand give advice on how your work could be improved. For other pieces of non-examinationassessed work, it may not be feasible to provide written comments on your work, for example, agroup oral presentation; in such cases, feedback may be provided verbally or by email. Feedbackfor other assessed work e.g. laboratory practicals, may be provided in other ways as appropriate tothe assignment set. Whilst the manner by which you receive coursework may vary depending onthe type of coursework set, the purpose of the feedback is to provide a mark for the work togetherwith constructive comments to help improve your performance in future assignments. If you wishto discuss your performance in any assessed work, you should contact the module convenor.
Module convenors will set a date by which you must submit coursework and a date when you canexpect to receive feedback on your coursework. This information will be provided when the moduleconvenor sets the piece of work. In normal circumstances, marked coursework and associatedfeedback should be returned to students within 21 days of the published submission deadline, i.e.students submitting work before the published deadline should not have an expectation that earlysubmission will result in earlier return of work. See detailswww.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/assessment/feedback-to-students.aspx
Examination Feedback
After each of the main examination periods, students are advised that examination feedback will beposted on Moodle. This will include: i) feedback on examination questions on which students'performance could be improved, ii) suggested strategies for improving performance in thosequestions and iii) general comments about examination technique etc. Student wishing to discusstheir examination performance should contact the relevant module convenor(s).
General Feedback
A copy of the Module Report Form, which is a summary of the discussion/feedback with students atthe end of each module, can be found in the Moodle folder for the module. This feedback sheet isused by module convenors to identify areas of the module which students felt worked well, andareas which could be improved; in the latter case, the module convenor will make appropriateacademic adjustments to the module for the following academic session. The areas of feedbackcovered by the module report form follow the headings detailed in the Module Report Form.
The University’s Quality Manual provides information on good practice for feedback on assessedwork and what you can expect to receive as a student at the University of Nottingham – seewww.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/assessment/feedback-to-students.aspx
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29 STUDENT SERVICES/DEPARTMENTS
29.1 STUDENT SERVICES CENTRE
The Student Services Centre can provide you with information and support throughout yourstudent life. They are approachable, knowledgeable and most of all they are there to help. StudentServices Centres are based at Sutton Bonington, University Park and Jubilee Campuses.
The Student Services Centre is the home for Academic Support, the Disability Policy Advisory Unit,Financial Support, the majority of the Registry's front line services and Student Fees. They alsoprovide a front-line service for Graduation.
More information at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ssc
29.2 SCHOOL OFFICE
The School Office is located at in room A2 (Main Building near the entrance) at Sutton Bonington. Itis the main administrative office for the School of Biosciences. Details and useful information canwww.nottingham.ac.uk/~sazintra//student/Current-students.htm.
Students based at the Sutton Bonington Site should raise administrative module and course querieswith the School Office (Main Building). Students based at University Park should refer course andmodule queries to their Course Manager or Emma Hooley.
Contacts below
Sutton Bonington
Gill Fox 0115 951 6007Kathy Wilson - 0115 951 6007
University Park
Emma Hooley – 0115 951 6262
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29.3 LIBRARIES
The James Cameron-Gifford Library on SB Campus, together with Hallward Library (at UP), GeorgeGreen Library (UP) and the Medical School Library (QMC and Derby) provide information on allsubject areas covered by the School, plus study areas and computing facilities. The on-linecatalogue (UNLOC) enables you to search for material held at all branches of The University ofNottingham library. Material from the other campuses can be obtained swiftly for you. DuringSemester 1 you should attend an introductory lecture provided by the appropriate library followedup later with practical sessions or seminars designed to familiarise you with the resources of thelibrary.
Learning these basic information retrieval skills is essential - you will need them for essays andprojects throughout your course.
As you progress, more specialised studies are undertaken and you must become familiar with theexperimental data published in various journals. Acquaintance with published research provides thefoundation for most final year research projects. You should not forget to read the more popularscientific press such as New Scientist or Scientific American, as well as those appropriate to yourdiscipline.
The James Cameron-Gifford Library at Sutton Bonington has over 100 reading places, includingquiet areas and a number of PCs (see below). It links with the Computer Resource Area learningareas. The Library stock has been developed to support teaching and research in the Schools ofBiosciences and Veterinary Medicine. The library also provides access to a wide range of databasesand electronic journals. The University Card is used as a borrowers card for students.
The Library is open (Term Time):Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 9.45 pmSaturday 9.00 am - 4.45 pmSunday 9.30 am - 4.45 pm
Opening hours may differ during vacations and are increased during exam periods. Moreinformation can be found on the Information Services website at:www.nottingham.ac.uk/is
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29.4 IT FACILITIES
You should aim to enhance and develop your keyboard, word processing and informationprocessing skills and apply them in the preparation of assessed essays and projects. Dissertationsand other forms of assessed coursework must be presented in typed or computer-printed form.Poor presentation, spelling and grammar may be penalised by examiners; word processingsoftware can make a contribution on all those fronts as well as greatly facilitating the editingprocess.
Members of staff marking coursework will point out errors in spelling, grammar, structureand reference citation. Note these carefully and use them to improve your writing skills. If youhave particular difficulty, consult your Tutor - do not let a problem with language prejudice yourperformance.
Information Services (IS) and the School maintain networked PC user areas (Computer Rooms)which are used for teaching, computer-assisted learning, statistical analysis, modelling and generalIT applications at all campuses. IS manages the computing service and provides full printoutfacilities. You will be given an introduction to this system and the facilities during the first week ofSemester 1.
All IT facilities in the School are connected to the University Campus network. E-mail is usedextensively for communication around the University, as well as for more distant communication.Access to all on-line university and internet services is available via JANET. JANET provides a veryfast WAN network that connects education and research institutions in the UK to each other andprovides the University’s internet access.
The Library has three computer rooms, as well as PCs and plasma screens within the learning areas.The primary role of Computer Teaching Room B8 and Computer Teaching Room B9 is toaccommodate taught classes. Computer Teaching Room B9 has 26 PCs and includes audio-visualprojection facilities. Computer Teaching Room B8 has 15 PCs and can be joined to ComputerTeaching Room B9 by drawing back a flexible partition when more space is required for largerclasses; 11 PCs and 4 OPAC UNLOC terminals are available in the Library. These rooms and theLearning Hub areas are free for individual users when not booked for teaching. Check the noticeboard outside these rooms to ensure that no classes are taking place before you walk in. A newcomputer room (A07) (120 PCs) is located in the Gateway Building, ground floor, at SuttonBonington Campus.
Scanning is done via printers in and around the Library. All printers are capable of printing in colour.The main entrance to the Library is on the ground floor at the front of the building.
Software applications can be found on PCs in computer rooms. All student and public accessmachines are running Windows 7 and Office.
Once you have registered with the University you will be given a username and password.Undergraduate usernames give access to electronic mail, the Internet and connection to remoteinformation services. The campus is wireless in all buildings and outside seating area. Feel free tomake as much use of the system as you wish, within the limits of the user agreement.E-mail is the preferred and main method of communicating with your tutor, staff and otherstudents.
Be sure to check your e-mail regularly. Use only the email username and address you have beengiven ([email protected]) otherwise you may miss important information
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Loan laptops
Ten laptops are available for loan from the James Cameron Gifford Library lending desk. All thelaptops are set up in the same way offering a selection of University standard applications and arefully compatible with the University wired and wireless networked services. Each of the laptops areconfigured comparably to the computer room PCs, providing access to Microsoft Office, anti-virusprotection and the internet but with the advantage of mobility. Assistive technology softwareinstalled (Inspiration and Read and Write Gold) is also available for loan on USB. The laptops areavailable for use only in the Library and Learning Hub areas and are available for loan for 3 hoursat a time.
The Portal and the Virtual Learning Environment
The Portal (see link from home page of University’s website) is a central part of the University’scommunication system for staff and students. It gives you access to all the resources you need. (Ifyou have problems getting into it, seek advice from the IT service. The Student IT Helpline numberis 13333). From the Portal, you can reach University services and sources of important information,including your Module Information, Exam timetables, Past exam papers, Reading Lists, School andCourse Information, ePARS, Library and Information Services, Shuttle bus Timetables and muchmore. You can tailor the Portal pages to suit your needs. The Portal gives access to the University’sVirtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is where your module information (class lists, lecturenotes, reading lists, module documents, coursework assignments, discussion groups etc) isdeposited. By agreement with lecture staff, you can also use it to submit coursework electronicallyand to receive your coursework marks.
29.5 PHOTOGRAPHIC SECTION
The Photographic Section is based in Main Building (second floor) at Sutton Bonington Campus andis run by Michael Beard. The unit provides general photographic, digital imaging, poster printingand colour photo-copying services. Further details can be found atwww.nottingham.ac.uk/pvu
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29.6 ACADEMIC AND DISABILITY SUPPORT
Services for students who have a disability, dyslexia and/or a long-termmedical condition
At the University of Nottingham we are strongly committed to equality of opportunity for all ourstudents. We welcome disabled and dyslexic students and aim to ensure that, as far as possible,appropriate support is offered to meet your needs.
Full information on the range of support and services available for students is available atwww.nottingham.ac.uk/studentservices
Disclosure and confidentiality
We will respect the confidential nature of information you provide and act in accordance with dataprotection regulations. Confidential information will only be shared within the University on a need-to-know basis.If you have a disability, dyslexia or other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), we would stronglyencourage you to make early contact with us, before submitting your application.Knowing about your requirements in advance can help us to prepare and arrange support in timefor the start of your course.
We would therefore encourage you to disclose your disability or SpLDs to us as soon as possible.Failure to do so may affect our ability to make some of the adjustments that you require.For more information about confidentiality and disclosure, please see:www.nottingham.ac.uk/studentservices/supportforyourstudies/disabilitysupport/disclosureandconfidentialitypolicy.aspx
Eligibility
If you are disabled or have a long term medical condition, you will need to provide evidence from amedical professional (such as a GP, consultant or specialist nurse) in order to access our servicesand support. For more information about our medical evidence policy, please see:www.nottingham.ac.uk/studentservices/supportforyourstudies/disabilitysupport/medicalevidencepolicy.aspx
If you are dyslexic, you will need to provide a report, in English, from an educational
psychologist or a specialist teacher, dated after your 16th birthday. If you have dyspraxia or
AD(H)D, or other Specific Learning Difficulties you will need to have a letter or report from a
suitable, qualified professional; for example an educational or occupational psychologist or
medical practitioner
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What we can offer you…
Academic Support (AS) and Disability Support (DS)
Academic Support (comprising Dyslexia Support and Study Support) and the Disability SupportTeam are located in the Student Services Centre (SSC), in Portland Building on University Park,and by appointment on our Jubilee and Sutton Bonington campuses, as well as other teachingsites.
We can assist with queries regarding:
Support in making the transition to University Liaison with your School or department about any impact your condition may have on the study
elements of your course
recommendations to academic staff for reasonable adjustments in teaching
recommendations and referral for adjustments to examinations and assessment
access to alternative formats such as Braille and large print
residential accommodation – adapted study bedrooms
accessible transport around and between campuses
applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances
Academic Support also provides support for students who wish to develop their strategies foracademic writing and time management.
If you would like to contact us please phone the Student Services Centre on(0115) 9513710
or email [email protected] [email protected]
The University of Nottingham ACCESS Centre (UNAC), in the Student Services Centre, providesassessments for students who have applied for Disabled Students' Allowances.
Disability Liaison Officers (DLO)
The School appoints Disability Liaison Officers, who provide a point of reference, advice andguidance for members of staff and students in the School about student disability issues andsupport. The DLOs are part of a network that meets regularly to share information and goodpractice. DLOs liaise with both the Academic Support and the Disability Support Teams, asnecessary, in relation to individual students and general policies and procedures.
If you have any requirements or concerns talk in the first instance to your DLO - or contact yourpersonal tutor.
School Disability Liaison Officer (DLO)The DLO for the School of Biosciences is Dr Sarah Johnson (Tel: 01159 951 6000)Fax 0115 951 6032, email: [email protected].
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29.7 CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE
It is never too early to think about developing skills and experience for your future career andto consider what your options may be after graduation. The Careers and Employability Serviceworks with academic schools and exists to help students and graduates of The Universityof Nottingham to develop employability and career skills through a variety of services and activities:
guidance about career direction and planning information and advice on job hunting, CV preparation, completing application forms,
preparing for job interviews, finding work experience and further study online access to work experience opportunities and graduate vacancies online access to part time work opportunities via Unitemps www.unitemps.co.uk a comprehensive events programme covering employer recruitment presentations,
recruitment fairs, careers information seminars and employability development workshops.These events take place at Sutton Bonington as well as University Park campuses
the Nottingham Advantage Award, designed to improve your personal and professionaldevelopment www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers/students/advantageaward
Visit the Careers and Employability Service website for comprehensive information covering allcareer and employability matters www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers/students
The Careers and Employability Service at Sutton Bonington Campus is based at:
A10 – Student Services, Main Building, Sutton Bonington
A Careers Adviser is available for individual discussions during term-time at Sutton Bonington onTuesday afternoons. To book appointments use our online service at:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers/login
CV review appointments are also available on SB campus and are bookable using the link above.
In addition to appointments at SB, students can make an appointment to see a Careers Adviser atUniversity Park through the same online system listed above.
The Careers and Employability Service at University Park is based at:
Portland Building Level D West (above the banks)Phone: (0115) 9513680Open: Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm
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30 HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY
The research buildings are open to students from 08:30am until 18:00pm, Monday toFriday, except public holidays and University holidays. If for any reason you have to be inthe building outside if these times, you must be supervised by an academic member of staff.
There are lifts available in all teaching buildings for use by disabled students. The other useof the lifts is for movement of goods, and should not be used for other purposes.
The School has its own Safety Handbook which is available on the web atwww.nottingham.ac.uk/~sczles/bips/schoolsafetyhandbook.htm
Fire
Fire alarms in the teaching buildings are tested at a regular time (eg Wednesday at10 am in the Main Building). In the event of fire in the building the alarm will soundcontinuously. In the event of this the lecturer in charge of your class will organiseevacuation of the building to the relevant assembly point. Fire exits are clearly sign-posted.Re-entry into the building after a fire alarm is given by the Fire Monitor.
Safety
Safety in the building, especially in the Laboratories is paramount. See further reference tothis matter under ‘Practical Classes’
Practical classes are continuously supervised by an academic member of staff with thesupport of demonstrators and occasionally technicians. You should not enter a laboratoryuntil a member of staff arrives.
Suitable protective clothing must be worn for laboratory classes (see ‘Practical Work’)
Defined procedures must be followed for the disposal of certain types of laboratory waste,such as syringes and syringe needles, broken glass, organic solvents and microbial cultures.Instruction on the correct disposal of these and other items will be given in practical classes.
Safety in Fieldwork. Field Course safety information and the Code of Practice for studentscan be found at:www.nottingham.ac.uk/~sazintra//safety/Field-Course.htm
Accidents & First Aid
For minor injuries, first aid boxes are available in all laboratories and certain offices. In suchsituations it is likely you can deal with such injury yourself.
Where an injury is more serious a qualified ‘First Aider’ should be called. Names of FirstAiders are listed on the School’s web pages.
If a ‘First Aider’ is not available or if further treatment is required, you will be taken to theCripps Health Centre or A&E at Queens Medical Centre in extreme situations.
All accidents, whatever their severity, must be reported on an accident report form availablefrom the member of staff taking the class at the time of the accident and will supervisecompletion of the form.
Food & Drinks
On no account should food and/or drink be taken into a laboratory, lecture theatre orcomputing rooms.
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31 MODULES
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31.1 YEAR LONG SEMESTER MODULES
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C11BE1 – DISSERTATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Dr Barry Lomax [email protected] Environmental Sciences tutors
Module Details: Level 1 Autumn and Spring – Full year, 20 credits
Pre-requisite(s): None.
Co-requisite(s): None.
Note: Module C111E4 is compulsory for Environmental Science undergraduates and is spreadacross the autumn and spring semester of year one.
Aims: In the first week of semester 1, there will be one half day of formal training (~3 hours)associated with the construction of reports in the style of a scientific paper. You will also beexpected to attend three academic tutorials each semester to discuss various aspects of themodule. Your performance during these tutorials will be monitored and maybe used in conjunctionwith your dissertation to inform on the overall module mark.
There are three assessed exercise within the module: two assessments will be based on writingabstracts from published papers during the autumn semester (25%) and a dissertation on aspecified topic of <5000 words in the spring semester (75%). Additionally in the final week ofsemester 1 you will be asked to submit to your tutor a copy of your literature search
This module will enable you to:
Use the library and other sources Read, understand and synthesise primary literature Produce a Literature review within a specified word limit Develop your written presentation skills within the constraints of an editorial system Manage and organise your time.Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on: modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Teaching Staff: Dr Barry Lomax (BHL), University of Nottingham
Coursework : 2 abstract reports (25%) winter semester and 1 <5000 dissertation (75%) springsemester
Assessment: 100% coursework
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D21BF1 - FOOD MATERIALS AND INGREDIENTS
Module Convenors and Lecturers: Dr. David Gray (Convenor) [email protected],Dr Angie Swali [email protected],Prof Sandra Hill, Dr Bettina Wolf, Dr Ian Fisk
Module Details: A level 1, 20 credit module taught in the Spring and Autumn Semester at SuttonBonington and assessed in the spring semester. The module consists of lectures, a practical classesand student centred learning
Pre-requisite(s): None
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for D223F8 Manufacture of Food, and D224FO FoodProduct Case Studies
Target Students: Honours students studying ‘Food Science’ or ‘Nutrition and Food Science’.
Summary of Content: Food materials can be raw, or in the form of manufactured food products.During processing, the material properties of the food are altered; this directly affects the quality ofthe food product in terms of, for example, its colour, flavour and texture. This module introducesyou to properties of these materials (raw and processed), with a particular focus on the chemicaland physical nature of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids; the details of foodprocessing/engineering is covered later in the semester 3 module entitled ‘Manufacture of Food’(D223F8). Practical classes will support lectures where the properties of food materials can beobserved at first hand; analytical methods will be learnt so that particular properties of the foodmaterials can be measured. In addition to these formal classes, there is an opportunity in smallteams to gather products from a supermarket and to investigate how the major compositionalgroups listed on the packaging could be measured.
Aims:• learn about the chemical and physical nature of the materials that make up foods.• understand the different techniques employed to measure the properties of food materials.• appreciate the changes occurring to food materials during processing, and to become familiarwith some of the methods used to measure the changes that determine the quality of the foodproduct.• begin to develop the ability to interpret food labels and appreciate the functional properties oflisted ingredients.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Assessment Details:
Exam 1 50% Examination (2 hour) PracticalReport 20% Report (2000 words)Assignment 20% Poster PresentationIn-Class Test 10%
Assessment details to be confirmed at that start of the module
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D21BN1 – INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITION
Module Convenor: Dr S McMullen [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1 year-long module, 20 credits
Pre-requisite(s): None.
Co-requisite(s): None.
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for D22BN1 Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease,D224N2 Principles of Human Nutrition, & D224N3 Principles of Animal Nutrition
Aims: This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts in the field ofNutrition, including macronutrients, energy metabolism, and vitamins and minerals. The role ofnutrition in human disease will be introduced in the context of major public health issues (coronaryheart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes). Animal specific content will include ruminant andcomparative animal nutrition and animal product quality. Key generic and transferable skills willalso be developed within the module, emphasising an evidence based approach to nutrition.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Please note –this timetable is provisional and will be confirmed during Week 1.
Week SUBJECT LECTURER
AUTUMN
1 Introduction to ModuleDietary Reference ValuesEvidence based nutrition
SMc
2 Macronutrients - protein LC
3 Macronutrients – carbohydrates LC
4 Macronutrients – lipids LC
5 Energetics PJ
6 Energetics PJ
7 Vitamins LC
8 Vitamins LC
9 Minerals LC
10 Minerals LC
11 Revision LC/PJ
Teaching Staff: Dr Sarah McMullen (SMc, Convenor), Dr Preeti Jethwa (PJ),Dr L Coneyworth (LC).
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Week SUBJECT LECTURER
SPRING
1 Introduction to Spring semesterHealthy Eating
SMcTBC
2 Public Health Nutrition SLE
3 Global Food SecurityFood labelling
TBCME
4 Functional FoodsPre/pro-biotics
JBME
5 Obesity ComparativeNutrition
JB TBC
6 Diabetes Ruminantnutrition
MA TBC
7 Coronary HeartDisease
Equine andcompanionanimal nutrition
AS TBC
8 Cancer Product quality SLE TP/AS
9 Revision session SMc/TBC
10 Revision -
11 Online assessment (CW2) SMc
Teaching Staff: Dr Sarah McMullen (SMc), Prof Simon Langley-Evans (SLE), Dr Matthew Elmes(ME), Dr J Brameld (JB) Dr Marcos Alcocer (MA), Prof A Salter (AS), Dr Tim Parr (TP), To BeConfirmed (TBC).
Coursework:1. Online assessment of taught content at the end of the Spring semester (1 hour 30)
Assessment:
Exam 1 60% One hour 30 minute ‘short answer’ exam (Autumn)
Coursework 1 40% One hour online ‘short answer’ assessment (Spring)
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D21BN2 – INTRODUCTORY BIOCHEMISTRY
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Prof Greg Tucker (Convenor)[email protected], Dr Marcos Alcocer; Prof Andy Salter; Dr Matt Elmes.
Module Details: Level 1 Autumn and Spring semesters, 20 credits
Pre-requisite(s): None.
Co-requisite(s): None.
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for D22BN1 Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease,D223F1 Food Commodities, D223N1 Mammalian Biochemistry 1: Development, D223N6Principles of Immunology, D223Z8 Endocrinology and Metabolism, D224N2 Principles ofHuman Nutrition, D224N3 Principles of Animal Nutrition & D224N5 MammalianBiochemistry: Techniques and Functional Regulation for module in Part 1 Year 2
Aims: The module aims to teach students the basic biochemistry behind the structure and functionof nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. It will also serve to teach students the basicdetails of the key metabolic pathways in the cell including respiration, photosynthesis and proteinsynthesis. Aspects of metabolic control will be highlighted.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
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Week Subject Lecturers2 Macromolecules and metabolism GAT, AMS,MA,
ME3 Proteins and Nucleic acids -
structureGAT, MA
4 Proteins and Nucleic acids -Structure
GAT, MA
5 Practical GAT, MA, ME6 Practical GAT, MA, ME7 Practical GAT, MA, ME8 Amino acids, protein synthesis and
enzymesGAT, MA
9 Amino acids, protein synthesis andenzymes
GAT, MA
10 Amino acids, protein synthesis andenzymes
GAT, , MA
11 Nucleotide synthesis, metabolismand Genetic engineering
MA, GAT
12 Nucleotide synthesis, metabolismand Genetic engineering
MA, GAT
19 Bioenergetics and intermediarymetabolism
GAT,ME
20 Bioenergetics and intermediarymetabolism
GAT,ME
21 Bioenergetics and intermediarymetabolism
GAT,ME
22 Practical GAT, MA, ME23 Practical GAT, MA, ME24 Practical GAT, MA, ME
25 Carbohydrates and lipids-structure AMS, ME26 Carbohydrates and lipids-structure AMS, ME31 Carbohydrates and lipids -functions AMS, ME32 Carbohydrates and lipids -functions AMS, ME33 Metabolic control GAT
Teaching Staff: Greg Tucker (GAT); Marcos Alcocer (MA); Andy Salter (AMS). Matt Elmes (ME)
Coursework: Two MCQ based tests and a practical report (2500 words)
Assessment:
Exam 1 50% One exam of 2 hours duration.
Coursework 1 20% 2 MCQ type assessments (10% each),
Coursework 2 30% 2500 word report on practical to be held in semester 2.
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D21BP1 – ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY
Module Convenor Prof Matt Dickinson (Convenor) [email protected]
Module Details: A year-long, 10-credit module of tutorials and lectures. Compulsory for allBiosciences students apart from those studying the Environmental Sciences degrees. Not availableto other students.
Module Web Links: Moodle
Aims: The principal aim of this module is to enhance the academic and professional developmentof students via small group work within tutor groups. Working in small groups will encourage activeparticipation and knowledge transfer. The module should equip students with essay-writing,presentational skills (oral and written), critical interpretation of published materials, and othergeneric skills that should benefit them in modules throughout their degree. It will also provide anopportunity to learn and reflect on opportunities available to enhance their transition fromUniversity into the workplace.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham/
TimetableThe module will comprise three generic sessions and nine tutor-led sessions of 45-50 minuteduration. Full details will be made available through the Tutorial and Study Skills handbookand will be available on Moodle.
Teaching Staff: All academic tutors
Coursework: The assessed coursework will comprise three written assignments. Backgroundreading will be required to supplement the topics for discussions and essays.
Coursework 1 25% 300 word abstract of a scientific paper to be completed in the AutumnsemesterCoursework 2 25% 200 word quantitative exercise to be completed in the Spring semesterCoursework 3 50% 1500 word essay completed in the Spring semester
Assessment: The module will be assessed using marks from tutors for the three writtenassignments. Students should attend all meetings, and must attend at least 75% of tutor-ledmeetings to pass the module, irrespective of the marks from the coursework. Students failing themodule on marks and/or attendance grounds will not be permitted to progress to Part I withoutbeing reassessed during the summer vacation.
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31.2 AUTUMN SEMESTER MODULES
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C111E1 - GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Dr Liz Bailey-EHB [email protected]
Module Details: A 10 credit Autumn Semester Module
Pre-requisite(s): Normal entry requirements for School of Biosciences
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for C124E8 Hydrochemistry (UP) module in Part 1Year 2
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Lecture and Practical Programme
Week Title Lecturer
1 IntroductionFundamentalsThe big bang, formation of galaxies and chemicalelements
EHBEHB
2 Formation of planetary systems; separation ofsolids, liquids and gases Evolution of the Earth’ssurface environment and the origins of life
EHB
EHB
3 Terrestrial and Aqueous CirculationsPlate tectonics and the rock cycleOceans 1:Temperature, salinity, and ocean currents
EHBEHB
4 Oceans 2: The composition of the oceansOceans 3: Element cycling
EHBEHB
5 The AtmosphereAtmosphere 1Atmosphere 2
BLBL
6 Climate and weatherFree Session
BL---
7 Budgets and Cyclescarbon I - aqueous and terrestrialcarbon II - atmosphere
EHBBL
8 nitrogen I - aqueous and terrestrialnitrogen II – atmosphere
EHBBL
9 phosphorus and sulphur I - aqueous and terrestrialphosphorus and sulphur II – atmosphere
EHBBL
10 trace elementsConclusionlife in the mainstream
EHB
BL
11 Life at the marginsSummary, exam briefing and module evaluation
EHBEHB
Assessment:One 1.5 hour computer based examination paper.
Recommended Reading: Earth System Science. M.C. Jacobson, R.J. Charlson, H.Rodhe, and G.HOreans. Academic Press 2000
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C112E5 – ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Dr E H Bailey [email protected] Barry Lomax, Dr S D Young, Prof G Shaw
Module Details: Level 1 Autumn semester, 10 credit
Pre-requisite(s): C111E1 Global Environmental Processes
Co-requisite(s): None
Aims: The aim of this module is to provide the student with basic geological skills and the capacityto understand and interpret geological information. It also aims to provide knowledge of geology inthe context of Environmental Science.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
Timetable: The timetable can be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable
This module covers;
Mineralogy, crystal structure, mineral properties The rock forming minerals and their classification Igneous rocks, formation, textures and features Sedimentary rocks types and their formation Metamorphic rocks, structural geology and deformation Stratigraphy and geological time Geological maps Rock weathering, chemical physical and biological Geobotany Geological resources, coal, oil, minerals, geothermal energy
Teaching Staff: Liz Bailey (EHB), Barry Lomax (BL) Scott Young (SDY), George Shaw (GS)
Coursework: Three Practical Reports (1500 words)
Assessment:Practical Reports (20%) 1500 wordsExamination (80%) 1.5 hours
Reassessment for this module is 100% exam
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D211A1 - APPLICATIONS OF BIOLOGY
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Prof P C Garnsworthy (MC)[email protected], Prof J Wiseman, Dr. E Murchie, Dr. R Ray.
Module Details: Level 1, Autumn Semester, 10 Credits
Pre-requisite(s): Normal entry requirements for School of Biosciences.
Co-requisite(s): D211E2 Foundation Science, D211P1 Genetics and Cell Biology,D211Z1 Whole Organism Biology
Aims:
The aims of this module are: to introduce students to a range of biological applications in global food production and
other industrial situations. to facilitate consideration of the impact that these systems have on the environment and
the social structure of communities. to emphasise the integration of animals, plants and humans in food production.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Lecture Programme:
The capture and transfer of energy in biological systems (1 hour)Environmental considerations and sustainability (3 hrs)Biological Processes and Animal Production (1 hr)Manipulation of Product Quantity and Quality – Animals (3 hrs)Animal-Plant interactions (2hrs)Biological processes and crop production (1 hr)Designing the perfect plant (2 hrs)Manipulation of Product Quantity and Quality – Plants (5 hrs)Molecular diagnostics in plants (1 hr)Practical demonstrations (6 hrs)
Coursework:
On-line assessments based on PracticalsOn-line MCQ questionnaire
Assessment:
Exam 1 80% 1.5 hour exam - multiple choice questionnaire
Coursework 1 20% one on line multiple choice questionnaire, two practicals - questionnaire
Recommended Reading: Standard works on Agriculture, Food Production, Plant and AnimalScience.
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D211E2 - FOUNDATION SCIENCE
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Dr D Cook (Convenor) [email protected] G. Tucker (Chemistry), Dr D Stekel (Maths) and Dr P. Wilson (Statistics)
Module Details: Level 1, Autumn Semester, 10 Credits
Pre-requisite(s): Compulsory for all Semester 1 students in Biosciences
Aims: This module is compulsory for all Semester 1 students in Biosciences and aims to equipthem with core skills in physics, chemistry, mathematics and statistics which will support learningthroughout their degree courses. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving skills, throughexamples classes and tutorials and on data handling/ IT skills. The idea is to ensure that certainfundamental areas of science of broad application are understood by all students, irrespective oftheir prior studies. Students are encouraged to identify their own areas of weakness in this respectand to develop skills commensurately.
Timetable: Three/four one-hour timetabled sessions per week (Monday mornings from 9 am):twenty-three lectures, regular tutorials/examples classes, forty hours student led studies andrevision. The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will be madeavailable from the School Office but can also be viewed at www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Lecture Programme: Lecture programme is provisional and more detailed information will begiven to you in the first session.
1 Module introduction (DC)2 Physics 1: Units and Dimensions (DC)3 Maths 1: Introduction to maths (DS)4 Physics 2: Temperature & Heat (DC)5 Chemistry 1: Introduction (GT)6 Maths 2: Calculations (DS)7 Physics 3: Electromagnetic radiation (DC)8 Chemistry 2: Atomic structure and Molarity (GT)9 Maths 3: Algebra (DS)10 Stats: Introduction to statistics (PW)11 Chemistry 3: Chemical bonding (GT)12 Maths 4: Functions and relationships (DS)13 Chemistry 4: Basic Organic Chemistry (GT)14 Chemistry 5: Acids/Bases (GT)15 Maths 5: Powers (DS)16 Chemistry 6: Equilibrium and Kinetics (GT)17 Physics 4: Moving fluids and Diffusion (DC)18 Maths 6: Logarithms (DS)19 Chemistry 7: Rings and isomers (GT)20 Physics 5: Radioactivity (DC)21 Maths 7: Probability (DS)22 Chemistry 8: Oxidation and Reduction (GT)23 Physics 6: Example calculations (DC)24 Maths 8: What else is there? (KG)
Non-Lecture Programme:
There are 6 problem sheets, one for each of the topics, and 6 answer sheets for those problemsheets. There will also be 6 sets of on-line questions, one per topic.
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Throughout the course follow-up examples are given for students to try in their own time, insupport of lecture material. Tutorials and examples classes are arranged on request with smallergroups of students according to need.
Assessment: A 1.5 hours multiple-choice examination (100% of module mark).
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Recommended background reading:For the mathematics syllabus we recommend Keith Gregson’s own publication:Gregson, K. (2007). ‘Understanding mathematics’, Nottingham University Press, Nottingham, UK.
With respect to Physics and Chemistry we do not recommend specific texts; any good ‘A’-level textwill suffice in subjects where the student needs additional material to support them.
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D211E4 - PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY
Module Convenors: Dr ICW Hardy [email protected],Dr H West Helen.west@nottingham.
Module Details: Level 1, Autumn Semester, 10 Credits
Pre-requisite(s): Normal entry requirements for School of Biosciences.
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for D223E2 Environmental Science Field Course(taken at end of semester 2) for module in Part 1 Year 2
Aims: To introduce the principles of ecology at a first year level
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Changes to the module introduced this session: Update of content of all sessions
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Lecture Programme: (Provisional) week number1. Introduction to module (ICWH)2. Using Blackboard (HW)3. Primary Productivity (HW)4. Energy Fluxes (HW)5. Populations, Communities & Demography I (HW)6. Populations, Communities & Demography II (HW)7. Food Webs (HW)8. Plant Ecology (MRB)9. Behavioural Ecology (ICWH)
Coursework: Coursework will account for 40% of the module. It will comprise of a group-produced poster based on the laboratory practical
Assessment:
Exam 1 60% 1 hour 30 minute exam - multiple choice paper
Coursework 1 40% A poster relating to the practical exercise
Recommended ReadingCotgreave P & Forseth I (2002) Introductory Ecology, Blackwell Science (course book)Townsend C R, Harper J L & Begon M (2002) Essentials of Ecology, Blackwell ScienceBeeby H (1993) Applying Ecology, Chapman HallKrebs C (1987) Ecology, Harper & RowKrebs JR & Davies NB An introduction to Behavioural Ecology, 3rd Edn. , Blackwell ScienceKrebs JR & Davies NB (1997) Behavioural Ecology, 4th Edn., Blackwell ScienceStiling G (1996) Ecology: Theories & Application, Prentice HallPlus appropriate JournalsAdditional Key literature will be provided during the lecture course.
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D211F2 – MICROBES AND YOU
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Dr J L Hobman (MC) [email protected] C E R Dodd, Dr K Mellits, Dr C Rees, Prof M Broadley, Dr C Du
Module Details: Level 1 autumn semester, 10 credits
Pre-requisite(s): Normal entry requirements for School of Biosciences
Co-requisite(s):
D211E2 Foundation Science
D211P1 Genetics and Cell biology
D211Z1 Whole Organism biology
D21BN2 Introductory Biochemistry
Aims:The aim of this module is to introduce students to the core concepts and understanding of, therelationship between microbes and humans, animals, plants and other organisms; how microbesinfluence environmental processes, and how microbial products contribute to healthcare, foodproduction, and manufacturing. The module will examine the current challenges facing the worldhuman population, and potential microbial solutions to these problems. It will address the influenceof technological developments, and scientific understanding of microbes and the public perceptionof them. The module will include lectures and group tutorials based on the recommended textbookfor the course: Brock “Biology of Microorganisms”, and also individual tutorials to support essaywriting and preparation of student presentations.
Key themes:
1) The module will examine human interactions with microbes, beneficial interactions,virulence and pathogenesis, probiotics, host factors in infection, bacteriophages and theflora of the human gut.
2) Commercial products produced from microbes and the use of biotechnology, and geneticallymodified foods.
3) Nutrient cycles, biodegradation and bioremediation.
4) Microbial systematics and symbiosis in other organisms.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham/
Timetable: The programme for student presentations will be provided once the number ofstudents is known. The teaching timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester. Copiesof the timetable will be available on Moodle. Indicative timetable is shown below
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Week SUBJECT
1 Introduction to moduleThe Four HorsemenThe Molecular machine?
2 Essay writingLibrary inductionTUTORIAL: Essay topic allocation and essay discussion
3 Microorganisms and you (you are not alone).Microorganisms and the human gut.Group tutorial: Introduction to Group tutorials
4 ProbioticsBacteriophageGroup tutorial: Human interactions with microbes
5 Genetically Engineered Food componentsBiotechnology, bioenergy and fermentation-AnIntroduction.TUTORIAL: draft essay discussion
6 Presentation skillsMicrobial impacts on nutrient cycles-An IntroductionGroup tutorial: Biotechnology
7 Microbial Symbiosis- an IntroductionGroup tutorial: nutrient cycles and bioremediation
8 Group tutorial: Microbial symbiosisTUTORIAL: Final essay and presentation discussions withessay tutor
9 Student centred learning- Essay/Presentation preparation
10 Student presentations
11 Student presentations
Teaching Staff: Dr Jon Hobman, Professor Christine Dodd, Dr Cath Rees, Dr Ken Mellits,Essay tutors from microbiology staff
Coursework: Individual essay (1500 words). Individual presentation based on essay.
Assessment: Coursework 1 (40%) 1500 word essay. Coursework 2 (20%) Student Presentation15 minutes. Exam 1 (40%) 1 hour exam.
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D211P1 - GENETICS AND CELL BIOLOGY
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Dr Grantley Lycett (convenor)[email protected] Dr Phil Hill, Prof Ian King, Dr Julie King, Dr Martin Luck, Dr KenMellits, Dr Cath Rees, Prof Jerry Roberts and Dr Alan Waterfall.
Module Details: Level 1. Autumn Semester, 10 Credits
Pre-requisite(s): Normal entry requirements for School of Biosciences.
Co-requisite(s):
D211E2 Foundation Science
Normally D211Z1 Whole Organism Biology or equivalent
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for D223F6 Bacterial Biological Diversity, D223F7Virology, D223Z8 Endocrinology and Metabolism, D224F9 Analysis of Bacterial GeneExpression, D224Z5 Neurophysiology and Pharmacology for module in Part 1 Year 2
Aims: This module is designed to introduce students to the basic functional units of life: cells. Inthe first half of the module students cover the fundamentals of genetic control and the cell cycle,while in the second part of the semester the material will progress to a consideration of thecharacteristics of cells in animals, plants and microbes. This is a multidisciplinary module taught bystaff from across the School of Biosciences. Throughout the module lecturers will attempt to pointout the similarities and distinctions in cell function between organisms under consideration and,although the module is taught in definite sections, each links into the others to make a coherentpackage.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Changes to the module introduced this session: No major changes.
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Lecture Programme (provisional)Classical Genetics (Dr Julie King) 5 lecturesDNA Replication (Dr Julie King) 1 lectureMolecular Genetics Dr Grantley Lycett 6 lecturesCell Cycle Dr Grantley Lycett 2 lecturesAnimal Cells Dr Martin Luck 1 lecturePhysiological Fluids Dr A Waterfall 1 lectureBiological Electricity Dr A Waterfall 1 lecturePlant Cells Prof. Jerry Roberts 3 lecturesMicrobial Cells Dr Cath Rees 2 lecturesMicrobial Cells Dr Phil Hill 2 lecturesViral Invasion of Cells Dr Ken Mellits 1 lecture
Non Lecture Programme (provisional)Laboratory practical on Sex Linkage Prof I & Dr J King 2hrsLaboratory practical on Gene Mapping Prof I & Dr J King 2hrsStudent centred Recombination Analysis Prof I & Dr J King 2hrsLaboratory practical on Animal Cells Drs Waterfall & Luck 3hrsLaboratory practical on Microbiology Drs Rees & Hill 3hrs
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Coursework: Questionnaire for Genetics Practical with Prof Ian King/Dr Julie King (worth 50% ofcoursework mark). Coursework for Animal Cells/Microbiology (total marks worth 50% ofcoursework mark).
Assessment:
Exam 1 75%1.5 hour exam - 75 questions (a-e)(Multiple choice questions in original
paper and essay style questions for any resit candidates)
Coursework1
13% Practical (Genetics) 20 questions and 20 answers required <1000 words
Coursework2
6% Practical exercise (Animal cells) - total < 500 words
Coursework3
6% Practical exercise (Micro cells) total < 500 words
Recommended Reading:Watson, J.D., Gilman, M., Witkowski, J. and Zoller, M. Recombinant DNA: W.H.Freeman (QH442.W2). Watson, J.D., Caudy, A.A., Myers, R.M. and Witkowski, J. Recombinant DNA; Genes andGnomes-A short course: W.H. Freeman (QM442.R4).Russell, P.J. Genetics: Benjamin/Cummings (QH 401.R8).Solomon, E.P., Berg, L.R. and Martin, D.W. Biology: Saunders College Publishing (QH 308.S6).
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D211Z1 - WHOLE ORGANISM BIOLOGY
Module Convenor: Dr Kevin Pyke [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1, 10-credit lecture/practical autumn module
Pre-requisite module or other requirements: Standard entry requirements for undergraduatecourses in School of Biosciences
Co-requisite(s):
D211E2 Foundation Science
D211P1 Genetics and Cell Biology
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for D223P8 Resource Capture by Plants: from Cell toCommunity, D223Z7 Reproductive Physiology, D223Z8 Endocrinology and Metabolism, &D224Z5 Neurophysiology and Pharmacology for module in Part 1 Year 2
Module Aims:1. To familiarise students with the diversity, structure and functional organisation of living
organisms.2. To introduce students to reflective learning within a taught framework.
This course deals with plants and animals from a functional standpoint and attempts to draw cross-kingdom parallels within the processes of resource acquisition allocation, reactions to the externalenvironments, reproduction and development.It is a highly structured course based on 25 individual units, each of which has defined learningoutcomes. The units are built around formal lectures, practicals and guided self-study. Students areprovided with a module folder comprising individual worksheets for the units. Each worksheetspecifies the learning objectives for the unit, suggests ideas for further consideration and revision,and identifies the resources needed for study.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Assessment Details:
Exam 1 60%1 hour exam paper consisting of 10 compulsory short-answer questions
Coursework 1 10% Practical questionnairesCoursework 2 10% Multiple choice questionnaire testCoursework 3 10% Practical questionnairesCoursework 4 10% Practical questionnaires
Timetable: One to four hours of lectures, practicals or self-study per week. The timetable will befinalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will be made available from the SchoolOffice but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
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Lecture/practical programme (subject to alteration)
Week Time Type Lecturer Topic
1 9.00 Lecture KP Course Introduction
10.00 Lecture MRL Life, the Universe and Everything
11.00 Self-study Life. Origins & Diversity: Darwinian Evolution
2 9.00 Lecture CB Resource Acquisition: Root Structure & Function
10.00 Practical CB Plant Water Relations
10.00 Self study Resource Acquisition: GI Tract and Digestion
3 9.00 Lecture CB Resource Acquisition: Roots - EnvironmentalEffects
10.00 Lecture AW Resource Allocation: Animal Homeostasis
11.00 Lecture KP Resource Allocation: Seed Development
12.00 Lecture CB Resource Acquisition: Leaves - Structure &Function
4 9.00 Lecture MRL Resource Transport: Animal Internal Fluids
10.00 Practical CB Plant Water Relations
10.00 Self study Resource Acquisition: GI Tract and Digestion
5 9.00 Lecture KP Resource Allocation: Germination
10.00 Lecture CB Resource Acquisition: Leaves - EnvironmentalEffects
11.00 Lecture KP Reaction to Environment: Regulation of PlantGrowth
12.00 Lecture CB Resource Allocation: Plant Mineral Nutrition
6 9.00 Lecture CB Resource Transport: Plant Vasculation andTranslocation
10.00 Practical ZG Plant Growth Regulation
7 9.00 Lecture JH Resource Allocation: Nervous System
10.00 Practical ZG Plant Growth Regulation
8 9.00 Lecture KP Reproduction : Differential Growth
10.00 TEST (MCQ)
11.00 Lecture KP Reproduction: Flowering
9 9.00 Lecture MRL Resource Allocation: Endocrine System
10.00 Practical JH/AW Autonomic Nervous System
10.00 Self Study Endotherm Biology
10 9.00 Lecture KP Global Food Security
10.00 Practical JH/AW Autonomic Nervous System
10.00 Self Study Endotherm Biology
11 9.00 Lecture CS Reaction to Environment: Animal Behaviour
10.00 Lecture GM Reproduction: Animal Reproduction &Development
12.00 Module Evaluation
Lecturers:MRL- Dr Martin Luck CB - Prof Colin Black AW - Dr Alan WaterfallGM - Dr George Mann KP – Dr Kevin Pyke CS – Dr Carl StevensonZG – Zinnia Gonzalez JH – John Harris
Coursework: Lectures, practicals and self-study
Changes introduced this session: Minor changes to content and timetable reflecting studentfeedback and staff changes.
Recommended reading: Essential course text: Solomon EP, Berg LR & Martin DW (2011) Biology9th ed Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth. Details of supplemental reference materials aregiven with each course unit. These include library texts, CD ROMS and on-line information
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31. 3 AUTUMN SEMESTER MODULES FROM OTHER SCHOOLS
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C11120 - GENETICS, ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Module Convenor: Professor JFY Brookfield [email protected]
School: Life Sciences
Module Details: 10 credits, Level 1, Autumn
Pre-requisite(s):
Registered for a degree in a science related discipline.
Module Content: This module considers the genetics, evolution, and ecology of living organisms,particularly focussing on studies at the organismal level. Major topics include: Fundamentals oftransmission genetics; Quantitative and Population Genetics; Molecular Evolution; Evolution ofBehaviour; Ecology of Populations.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Assessment Details:
Exam 1 100% 2 hour multiple choice examination with 100questions (each with a choice among four answers)
F81122 - EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMICS
Module Convenor: Professor CR Thorne [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1, Autumn, 10 credits
School: Geography
Pre-requisite(s):
Prefer A-level in Geography or a cognate subject
Module Content: This module integrates knowledge taken from the atmosphere, oceans andcontinents to inform an understanding of global systems and environmental change. The moduleconsiders:
Principles of climate and general circulation patterns in the atmosphere and ocean Principles of geomorphological systems
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
Assessment Details:
Exam 1 100% 1.5 hour exam
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31.4 SPRING SEMESTER MODULES
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C111E4 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Prof Neil Crout [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1, Spring Semester, 10 credits.
The module will be mainly student led, through study of a series of case studies. This student ledwork will be supported by a small number of lectures and class exercises on key concepts.
Aims: To introduce students to the role and limitations of environmental science within thecontext practical environmental decision making. At the end of this module students should have abasic understanding of: (1) general scientific methods (2) the limits and assumptions of scienceand (3) the social context of science based decision making.
Summary of Content: introduce students to the role and limitations of environmental sciencewithin the context practical environmental decision making. The three themes of the module are(1) general scientific methods (2) the limits and assumptions of science and (3) the social contextof science based decision making. These are illustrated through a series of environmental casestudies (e.g. genetic engineering in agriculture, climate change, wild species conservation, fisherymanagement, sea dumping, use of models, radiation protection).
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Changes to the Module for this session: Some organisation of lecture material and classexercises in response to student feedback.
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Module Programme: One lecture/class exercise per week.
Coursework: The coursework component of the module will comprise a 1500 word summaryreport on the outcomes of a class exercise.
Assessment: 1.5 hour examination 60%; Coursework (1500 word) 40%
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C112P1 - PLANT SCIENCE
Module Convener: Dr Kevin Pyke [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1 Spring Semester 10 credits. Primarily available for students taking adegree in Biology, Applied Biology, Biotechnology Environmental Science or Environmental Biology.
Pre-requisite modules or other requirements: A level in Biology and Chemistry preferred
Module Aims: To provide an introduction to the biology and importance of plants. Lectures willfocus on plant form and function, highlighting the ways that genetics and studies on the modelplant, Arabidopsis, have added to our understanding. Emphasis will also be placed on the waysplants adapt to their surroundings and the potential for use of biotechnology in plant improvement.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Lecture Programme: Lectures will cover a variety of topics on modern plant science includingplant morphology, photosynthesis and water movement, flowering and seed development biology,plant pathology, plant genetic transformation and the central role of the model organismArabidopsis thaliana in plant science research. The module also has three practical sessionsrelating to the lecture material.
Assessment:
Exam 1 75% 1 hour 30 mins examination
Coursework 1 25% Coursework essay - 1000 words
Module Amendments introduced this session: Some changes to teaching personnel.
Recommended reading:
Main Text:Campbell NA, Reece JB and Mitchell LG (2011) Biology 9th International Edition
Secondary texts:Raven Biology of Plants, Evert RF and Eichorn SE (2012)
All course material including powerpoint lectures will be available on the web.
Lecturers on this course are members of the Plant and Crop Sciences Division,School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington(www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/plantcrop/index.html)
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D212A1 – GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT
Module Convener and Lecturers: Dr Debbie Sparkes (Convener)[email protected] Dr Stephen Ramsden, Dr Paul Wilson.
Module Details: Level 1 Spring Semester, 10 credits.
Pre-requisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): None
Aims: The module will cover the morphology and physiology of forage grass species, identification
of grass species, grassland systems in the UK and worldwide and conservation of grass(hay/silage). The module will consider grassland management within mixed farming systems andspecific requirements for environmental stewardship schemes. Grassland management will bedelivered through e-learning, supported by a farm visit.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Week Subject Lecturer
1 Introduction to the module and course work DLS2 Student centred learning3 Student centred learning4 Pasture budget tutorials SJR5 Student centred learning6 Student centred learning7 Student centred learning8 Student centred learning9 Student centred learning10 Student centred learning11 Farm visit DLS
Coursework: On-line test on grass morphology; written report on farm visit
Assessment:
Exam 1 50% 1 hour exam
Coursework 1 20% Online test
Coursework 2 30% Farm visit report. 1500 words.
Recommended ReadingFinch, HJS, Samuel, AM and Lane, GPF (2002) Lockhart and Wiseman’s crop husbandry; includinggrassland. (8th edition). Woodhead, Cambridge.Hopkins, A (2000) Grass: its production and utilization. (3rd edition). Blackwell Science, Oxford.
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D212A2 – CONTEMPORARY AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
Module Convenor and Lecturer: Dr Stephen Ramsden (SR) [email protected] Paul Wilson (PW)
Module Details: A level 1 module taught in the Spring Semester at Sutton Bonington. The moduleconsists of an overview lecture followed by farm visits and student centred learning based on fourfarm research reports. 10 credits
Pre-requisite(s): Whole Organism Biology and Applications of Biology would be useful.
Aims: The module aims to provide an overview of practical agricultural systems within commercialUK farm contexts. A range of fundamental concepts of agricultural systems and techniques areintroduced via a series of on-farm visits and explanations. The topics of the visit may varydependent upon the issues affecting the agricultural industry in any one year, but example topicscovered include the following: dairy production, arable production, soils, agri-environmentinteractions, labour and machinery management, farm business systems, water and wastemanagement, mixed farming systems. Students will further develop the concepts introduced viadirected student centred learning, including integration of current research findings, leading to theproduction of four assessed reports.
Learning outcomes1) Understanding of a range of current agricultural issues and considerations in contemporaryagricultural practice. 2) Understanding the interactions between different aspects of agriculturalpractice within a farm system context 3) Understanding of how to place practical agricultural issuesin the context of market, policy and research knowledge and findings 4) Knowledge ofcontemporary issues facing the agricultural industry.
Changes to the module introduced this session: New module.
Lecture Programme:Week 1: Introduction: Farm Business Systems - core concepts
Non Lecture Programme:Please note that the order of the programme may change. Topics may vary depending on theissues affecting the agricultural industry in any one year.
Week 2: Labour and Machinery ManagementWeek 3: Dairy ProductionWeek 4: Arable ProductionWeek 6: Mixed Farm SystemsWeek 7: Soil ManagementWeek 8: Water and Waste ManagementWeek 11: Agri-environmental interactions
Coursework: Coursework will count for 100% of the overall mark for this Module and consists offour ‘Farm Research Reports’ (maximum 1000 words). The reports will follow, although notnecessarily be restricted to, four of the farm visits. The reports will test students’ ability to placethe information gained from the visits in the context of contemporary markets, policies andresearch findings.
Assessment:
Coursework 1 50
Farm SystemReport: Calculations,production of tablesand 1000 words text
Coursework 2 50
Farm SystemReport: Calculations,production of tablesand 1000 words text
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Recommended Reading:Anon (2011). Farm Management Handbook 2011/2012, The Scottish Agricultural College.Library location: S561.F2.Nix, J. (2011). Farm Management Pocketbook 2012, The Andersons Centre. Library location:S561.N4.Soffe, R.J. (2003). Primrose McConnell’s The Agricultural Notebook, Twentieth Edition, Oxford:Blackwell Science.
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D212E1 - DATA TRANSFER, ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION
Module Convenors: Mr Jim Craigon [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1, spring semester, 10 credits
Pre-requisite(s): D211E2 (Foundation Science)
Aims: To gain experience and familiarity with the computer systems and software available to youwithin the School of Biosciences and provide basics skills in the collection, statistical analysis andpresentation of data.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Timetable (provisional): Additional practical sessions to be timetabled. The timetable will be finalisedat the beginning of the semester, hard copies will be made available from the School Office but canalso be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable
Coursework: Coursework will consist of set exercises which you will be expected to complete in yourown time. In addition you will be expected to attend a small number of practical classes in whichyou will have the opportunity to seek help from members of staff and demonstrators.
Lecture Programme: Lectures will be based on the following topics:
Introduction Descriptive statistics, Probability, Significance Experimental Design Introduction to databases The module database Introduction to Microsoft ACCESS Variability - The normal distribution t-test: Testing differences between samples t-test exercise Variability - Discrete distributions Mann-Whitney, Chi-squared test and contingency tables Analysis of Variance Introduction to the GenStat statistical package Looking for data relationships. Regression Correlation Calibration curves, beyond the straight and narrow! Visualising and Presenting data
Assessment:
Exam 1 40% 1 hour examCoursework 60%
Breakdown of coursework:
Exam 1 40% 1 hour examCoursework 1 3% QuestionnaireCoursework 2 12% ACCESS and Excel quizCoursework 3 9% T-testCoursework 4 6% Mann-WhitneyCoursework 5 15% ACCESS, Excel and GenStatCoursework 6 15% ANOVA exercise
Recommended Reading: In addition to the practical classes and coursework exercises you areexpected to make use of the on-line training packages, especially for Excel, Access and Word.Questions similar to the self-tests in these packages will appear in the exam.
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D212F7 - MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY
Module Convenor and Lecturer: Dr C Rees [email protected] , Dr P Hill.
Module Details: Level 1, Spring Semester, 10 credits
CAPPED MODULE – You will need permission from the module convenor to take thismodule unless it is compulsory for your course
Pre-requisite(s): D211P1 Genetics and Cell Biology or equivalent
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for the modules D223F7 Virology, D224FM PracticalMethods in Microbiology, D224FS Food Safety and D224F9 Analysis of Bacterial GeneExpression in Year 2 and for the Applied Microbiology project modules D224MPand D23PRO. This module cannot be used as a pre-requisite unless students attend allof the practicals and achieve a pass mark in the practical element of the course (40% of the module mark based on 4 short laboratory reports).
Number of places: 72
Aims: The major aim is to provide basic knowledge of bacterial cell structures and growth and toreveal the mechanisms that allow bacteria to respond to their environment. This will form afoundation upon which much of the higher level microbiology courses are based. Students will also betaught how to handle data commonly used in microbiological experimentation and be given training inthe basic practical methods required for all microbiological laboratory work.
Timetable: Four hours per week to include practicals and tutorials. The timetable will be finalisedat the beginning of the semester, hard copies will be made available from the School Office but canalso be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable
Lecture Programme: More detailed information will be given to you in the first session.
Topic 1 Bacterial cell structuresDNA replication cell divisionBacterial growth & protein synthesis
Topic 2 Anaerobic & Aerobic metabolismSelective & diagnostic culturing
Topic 3 Developmental processes: Bacterial spores
Topic 4 Adaptation:pH & OsmoregulationMembranes & transport systemsStationary phase & stress adaptationTemperature stressBacterial Motility & Chemotaxis
Topic 5 Biocides & Disinfection
Topic 6 Food Preservation
Topic 7 Data analysis & presentation of microbial growth data
Topic 8 Microscopy
Topic 9 Sterile technique and viable count
Non-Lecture Programme: Three x 2.5 hr practicals, five x 1hr practicals; 1hr open book test.
Coursework: 4 practical reports and one graph plotting exercise.
Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
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Assessment: Examination (40%) MCQ paper - 1 hour, 4 short laboratory reports (40%), onegraph plotting exercise (15%) and one open book Test (5%) -1 hour.
Recommended background reading:Brock, Biology of MicroorganismsInstant Notes in Microbiology, Nicklin etal.Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences, Reed et al
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D212F8 – FOOD HYGIENE
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Professor Ian Connerton (Convenor)[email protected] Dr Ken Mellits, Dr Cath Rees
Module Details: Level 1, 10 credit module taught in the Spring Semester at Sutton Bonington.The module consists of lectures, audio visual programmes and coursework.
Pre-requisite(s): None
Aims: The aim of this module is to understand the origins of food borne illness and intoxication,and to provide information on how food borne illness may be avoided. To provide the knowledgebase compatible with food industry standards that will include the syllabus of level 2 training inFood Safety of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
Lecture Programme:
Introduction to the module and its aimsLecture 1: Food hygiene hazards and risksLecture 2: Food hygiene in the kitchenLecture 3: History of Food ProductionLecture 4: Food hygiene monitoringLecture 5: Foodborne illnesses in the UKVideo – Looks who’s coming to dinnerCoursework Activity - Hygiene InvestigationLecture 6: Viral food and water borne illnessLecture 7: Introduction to courseworkLecture 8: Design of leafletsLecture 9: Outbreaks of foodborne illnessDocumentary – The Wishaw ‘outbreak’Lecture 10: E. coli outbreaks in the UKLecture 11: Food and water borne illnesses across the worldLecture 12: Failures in food hygieneLecture 13: Pests and controlLecture 14: Food spoilage & preservationLecture 15: Toxins in foods - Microbial toxinsLecture 16: Toxins in foods - Natural toxinsLecture 17: Problems of microbial testing in foodsLecture 18: The principles of HACCPVideo - Application of HACCPLecture 19: Food LabellingLecture 20: Designing a hygienic workplaceLecture 21: Managing food hygieneLecture 22: Food Law ILecture 23: Food Law IILecture 24: International Food lawLecture 25: The Food Standards AgencyLecture 26: Exam preparation and module feedbackOptional CIEH Level 2 Catering Exam
Lecturers: IC – Prof Ian Connerton; CR – Dr Cath Rees; KM – Dr Ken Mellits;Lecture Room 3 (A03) Sutton Bonington Lecture Block
N.B. The Lectures and activities highlighted in bold type will assist you with your coursework
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Audio Visual Programmes:
Programme 1: A sideways look at food safety (20 minutes)Programme 2: Handling Food (40 minutes)Programme 3: Look who’s coming to dinner (40 minutes)Programme 4: The Wishaw ‘outbreak’ a food hygiene failure (50 minutes)Programme 5: Application of HACCP (40 minutes)
Coursework: Coursework will count for 40% of the overall mark for this Module. Coursework is anindividual exercise whereby the students will be given instruction on how to use a computer toproduce a user-friendly information sheet, and then asked to research and generate a leaflet on aspecific food hygiene topic.
Assessment:Exam 1 50% 1 hour multiple choice exam with negative marking.Coursework 1 20%; Production of a hygiene investigation report–three page reportCoursework 2 30% production of public information leaflet on food hygiene– three columns on A4
Recommended Reading:McLauchlin and Little (eds) Hobbs’ Food Poisoning and Food Hygiene 7th edition 2007 HodderArnold ISBN 978 0 340 90530 2
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D212P3 - GENETICS WITH SPECIALIST OPTIONS
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Dr Grantley Lycett (convenor)[email protected] Dr Rupert Fray, Dr Phil Hill, Prof Ian King, Dr Julie King, Dr KenMellits, Dr Cath Rees, Dr Tim Robbins, and Prof Kevin Sinclair.
Module Detail: Level 1, Spring semester, 10 credits
Pre-requisite(s): D211P1 [Genetics and Cell Biology) or equivalent.
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for D223P5 Plant Biotechnology & D224F9 Analysisof Bacterial Gene Expression for module in Part 1 Year 2
Aims: The broad aim of this module is to provide students with sufficient knowledge offundamental and applied aspects of genetics to understand how genetic manipulation can be usedto benefit agricultural science and production. By the end of the module students should be able toappreciate the contributions which can be made by both traditional and modern genetic techniques,to the analysis and manipulation of plants, animals or bacteria. In order to achieve this, the moduleallows specialisation in animal breeding, plant genetics or microbial genetics. Therefore the modulehas two parts:
1) Common core (⅔).2) Specialist options (⅓).
Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
Changes to the module introduced this session: No major changes
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Lecture Programme (provisional):
Common core:1) Gene structure and function Dr Grantley Lycett 5 lectures2) Genetic manipulation Dr Zinnia Gonzalez 8 lectures3) Expressing genes Dr Grantley Lycett 2 lectures
For the final third of the module students are offered a choice based on their personal interests andcourse requirements. Students choose one of the following three options: -
A) Animal Breeding Prof Kevin Sinclair 8 lecturesB) Plant Genetics Dr Grantley Lycett, Dr Zinnia Gonzalez, Dr Mike Davey &
Dr Tim Robbins 8 lecturesC) Microbial Genetics Dr Cath Rees, Dr Phil Hill & Dr Ken Mellits 8 lectures
Non Lecture Programme: In the common core four laboratory sessions on prokaryotic geneticswill be run by Dr Grantley Lycett, assisted by Dr Rupert Fray. Each is timetabled for 2hrs. In eachof the specialist options students will undertake a practical element which may be a laboratorybased practical, a CAL package or a student centred learning exercise.
Coursework: A questionnaire on the common core practical; followed by alternative pieces ofcoursework for the three specialist options.
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Assessment:
Exam 1 75%1.5 hour exam - 75 questions - (a-e) (Multiple choice questions in original
paper and essay style questions for any resit candidates)
Coursework1
20%Core practical (15-20 questions) -normally 17 short answers; 1-100 words:
total <1200 words
Coursework2
5%Choose 1 of 3 exercises - Total equivalent to 300 words; for any of the three
specialist options selected (Plant Genetics, Microbial Genetics or AnimalBreeding
Recommended Reading:Watson, J.D., Gilman, M., Witkowski, J. and Zoller, M. Recombinant DNA:W.H.Freeman (QH 401.R8), Watson, J.D., Caudy, A.A., Myers, R.M. and Witkowski, J. RecombinantDNA; Genes and Gnomes-A short course: W.H. Freeman (QM442.R4).The above is suitable for the common core. Specific recommendations for each of the threespecialist options will be made by the organisers to students choosing to take them.
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D212P4 - APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY: INSECT BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR
Module Convenor: Dr Derek Dunn [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1, Spring semester, 10 credits
Pre-requisite(s): Normal entry requirements for School of Biosciences
Aims: This module aims to provide a foundation in the basic biology, physiology and behaviour of'insects', their population biology and ecology and their status in managed plant communities.
Summary of Content:
During lectures and a series of hands on practical classes students will be introduced to theimportance and diversity of insect species. This course relates the basic taxonomy, physiology andbehaviour of insects to applied topics such as:
Insects as pests and vectors of disease in, humans, animals and plants. Controlling insect populations, insecticides, bio control, and integrated pest management Monitoring techniques and threatened insect species. Social insects their importance, behaviour and communication
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding - to learn of The diversity, importance and taxonomy of invertebrates Insect physiology Insect behaviour and communication with particular reference to social insects. Insects as pests and vectors of disease Beneficial insects Insect monitoring and threatened species The control of insect populations, insecticide, bio control and IPM
Intellectual Skills - the ability to Interpret and use information from current research and commercial sources.
Practical/Professional Skills - the ability to Identify key groups of invertebrates
Transferable/Key Skills - the ability to Produce accurate lab drawings Communicate clearly and concisely in a written form Work productively as an individual and part of a team.
Timetable (provisional): The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hardcopies will be made available from the School Office but can also be viewed onwww.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable
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Lecture Programme: (subject to minor amendments)
CONTENT STAFF
Lecture 1: What insects are: classification & taxonomyLecture 2: Success of insects
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Lecture 3: Life cycles: reproductive systemsLecture 4: Reproductive sex pheromones oviposition mating
behaviourVideo 1: BEPAR Parasitoid filmIntroduction to Self study exercise (Coursework due after
Easter)
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Lecture 5: Feeding structures, function of mouthparts &anatomy of the digestive system
Lecture 6: Insects as parasites & vectors
Practical 1: Morphology: insect drawing
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Lecture 7: MovementLecture 8: Respiration
Practical 3: Anatomy: Insect dissection
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Lecture 9: Insect nervous systemsLecture 10: Insect communication
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Lecture 11: Environmental issues and threatened speciesLecture 12: Measuring insect populations (sampling
techniques)
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Lecture 13: Insects as pestsLecture 14: Insecticides, Biocontrol and IPMDeadline for choosing self study exercise species
Practical 2: Organisms used in Biocontrol & IPM
AK/IHAK
AK/DWD
Lecture 15: Patterns of insect distributionLecture 16: Abundance & Population DynamicsDeadline for handing in Self study exercise coursework:Applied Entomology Information and Advice
Lecture 17: Social insects: origins of sociality & eusociality,complex societies, conflicts, communication, social parasitismVideo 2: Origin of socialityLecture 18: Applied entomology of termites & beesVideo 3: Dancing for their supperLecture 19: Special lecture from Dr Mark Jervis, University ofCardiff: Techniques of biological control, interference methods(pheromones, sterile male technique) and semiochemicals.
Introduction to the examLab report marks return to students (if not alreadyreturned)
Module review
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Time for self study/Revision
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Methods of Assessment
Formal examination at end of semester: this constitutes 50% of module mark and is composedof multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.
Coursework constituting 50% of the module mark overall.
Assessed Short Practicals
Practical 1: Identification & morphology (10%)This practical is designed to allow you to practise identifying invertebrates using a key andto allow you to become more familiar with their general morphology. You will be given 3invertebrates, which you will draw, label and identify to order/family level. This work is to behanded in at the end of the session.
Practical 2: Biocontrol products (10%)This practical is designed to allow you to become familiar with the types of organism anddelivery systems used in Biocontrol. A range of products along with information on their usewill be on display, you will use these to answer short questions on Biocontrol. This work is tobe handed in at the end of the session.
Practical 3: Dissection of a cockroach (10%)This practical is designed to allow you to become familiar with the internal anatomy of aninsect particularly the digestive tract. Using a guide to their anatomy you will be expected todissect a cockroach and draw a labelled diagram of the digestive system. This work is to behanded in at the end of the session.
Self study exercise (20%): Applied Entomology information and advice. Seeseparate sheet for details..
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D212Z5 - INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
Module Convenor: Dr Sara Kelly [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1 Spring semester, 10 credits
Pre-requisite(s): D211Z1 Whole Organism Biology.
Note: This module is a pre-requisite for Year 2 modules D223Z6 Practical AnimalPhysiology, & D224Z5 Neurophysiology and Pharmacology.
Co-requisite(s): None.
Aims: This module will introduce the major physiological systems including the central nervoussystem, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the renal system and the digestivesystem. In each case the gross structures and functions of the major organs will be outlined, andthe functions of individual cell types will be described in the context of each system as a whole.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham/
Timetable (provisional): This will consist of 2 lectures per week and will be finalised at thestart of the semester.
Teaching Programme (provisional):
Nervous system 4 lectures (Dr John Harris, Dr Alan Waterfall)Cardiovascular system 4 lectures (Dr Alan Waterfall)Respiratory system 4 lectures (Dr Martin Luck)Renal system 4 lectures (Dr Simon Welham)Digestive system 4 lectures (Dr Simon Welham, Prof Michael Lomax)Pharmacology 2 Lectures (Dr Carl Stevenson)
Teaching Staff:Dr Martin Luck, Dr John Harris, Dr Carl Stevenson, Dr Alan Waterfall, Dr Simon Welham,Prof Michael Lomax.
Coursework: None
Assessment:
Exam 1 100% 2 hour examination
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D212Z6 – REGULATION AND ORGANISATION IN ANIMALS
Module Convenor and Lecturers: Dr Reinhard Stöger [email protected](Convenor), Dr Dylan Sweetman, Dr Carl Stevenson, Prof Julian Wiseman, Dr Kate Millar,Dr Ramiro Alberio
Module Details: A level 1, 10 credit module taught in the Spring Semester at Sutton Bonington.The module consists of lectures.
Pre-requisite(s): D211P1 [Genetics and Cell Biology]
Co-requisite(s): D212Z5 [Introduction to Animal Physiology]
Summary of content: This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of howanimals function — from a foundation in animal cellular physiology through to the organisation ofanimals in society. Regulatory pathways, which integrate internal physiological responses withexternal influences will be investigated. We will discuss basic principles of cell communication in thecontext of cell and organ-specific responses to internal and external environmental signals andstresses. The topics covered will refer to genes, proteins and membranes, transport of moleculesacross membranes, nerve signalling, energy generation and biorhythms. Examples from across theanimal kingdom will be presented that address questions related to evolution, human-animalinteraction and animal ethics. At the end of the module students will be able to integrateinformation at a number of system levels and connect whole animal organisation and behaviourwith cellular and molecular processes.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
Lecture programme:
Homeostasis: C StevensonIntegration, control and co-ordination: C StevensonCellular communication: R StögerAnimal systems and ethics: K MillarCellular responses to internal signals and stresses: D SweetmanCellular responses to environmental signals and stresses: R StögerStem cell physiology: R Alberio
Developmental physiology: D SweetmanEpigenetic regulation: R StögerEvolutionary adaptations: R StögerAnimal ecology: C StevensonHuman influences on animals: J Wiseman
Assessment: Exam 1 100% 2-hour multiple-choice exam
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D223E2 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FIELD COURSE
Module Convenors and Lecturers: Prof S Mooney [email protected], Dr MartinBroadley, Mr J Craigon
Module Details: Level 2, autumn, 10 credits
CAPPED MODULE – You will need permission from the module convenor to take thismodule unless it is compulsory for your course (Environmental Biology)
Pre-requisite(s): Principles of Ecology (D211E4) or equivalent. If you are a student with adisability and have not already disclosed this to the module convenor, you should discuss anyspecific needs you may have with the module convenor at the point of registering for this module.The University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that any student with a disability can takethis module.
Aims: This six day residential field course module, including travel, is based at Slapton Ley FieldCentre in south Devon. It is a Semester 3 module, although the fieldwork is carried out in June atthe end of First Year. The module involves studies of various ecosystems using a range of fieldtechniques to investigate factors determining the distribution and function of living organisms. Theresidential component is supplemented by two reports submitted during the autumn semester ofSecond Year. Students are required to contribute towards the cost of the field course.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
Changes to the Module Introduced this Session: None
Timetable: Detailed arrangements vary from year to year depending on factors such as tideconditions and personnel. The table shows the structure of the 2011/12 course.
Morning Afternoon Evening
Saturday23 June
Arrive at Slapton LeyField Centre
Introductory session: naturereserve, management, coastalerosion etc.
Sunday24 June
Shingle Ridge:Introduction &Fieldwork
Shingle Ridge: Fieldwork Shingle Ridge: Data analysis
Monday25 June
Soil Hydrology:Introduction &Fieldwork
Soil Hydrology: Fieldwork Soil Hydrology: Data analysis
Tuesday26 June
River Avon:Introduction &Fieldwork
River Avon: Fieldwork River Avon: Data analysis/preparation of oralpresentation
Wednesday27 June
National MarineAquarium
Tidy up Field Notebooks,finalise & present RiverAvon project talks
Slapton PubMaster Quiz
Thursday28 June
Depart
Participating Staff
Colin Black, School of Biosciences (Course Leader)Sacha Mooney, School of Biosciences (Course Leader, Qualified First Aider)Jim Craigon, School of BiosciencesMartin Broadley, School of BiosciencesSophie Mowles, School of BiosciencesDebbie Gregson, Field Studies Centre Ecologist (Qualified First Aider)
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Assessment Details:Coursework 1: Compulsory 20% Field notebook – includes all results collected during field and labactivities plus handouts/lecture notes etc stapled in.Coursework 2 & 3: Compulsory 60% Field course reports – 2 x 2000 word reports on shingle ridgeand soil hydrology activities.Presentation 1 Compulsory 20% Group presentation using Powerpoint, 4 hours to prepare.
Lecture Programme: Introductory talks and wind-up sessions for the various field activities aregiven by Nottingham staff and the Slapton Ley ecologist assisting with particular activities.
Non-Lecture Programme: Four days of field work and laboratory analysis of samples; datacollected are supplemented by small-group presentations for assessment by staff.
Module assessment: Coursework 1 20% Field notebook - includes all notes, results, statisticalanalyses and conclusions collected during field and laboratory activities plus handouts/lecture notesetc. stapled in. Coursework 2, 60% - Field course reports – 2 x 2000 words. Presentation 1 20%Group presentation, 4 hours to prepare
Recommended background reading: A list of recommended texts is provided during the course.
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31.5 SPRING SEMESTER MODULES FROM OTHER SCHOOLS
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AA1017 - THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF HUMAN ECOLOGY
Module Convenor: Dr HA Forbes
Module Details: Level 1, Spring, 10 credits
School: School of Humanities
Aims: The module introduces students to the anthropological literature relevant to issues inHuman Ecology, including the most basic principles of social/cultural anthropology and biologicalecology. It concentrates on how traditional societies relate to their environments. The module willconcentrate particularly on factors of socio-political organisation, such as kinship, to illustrate theway in which social/cultural anthropologists study the interrelations of human groups and the verydiverse environments world-wide on which they depend. This will be achieved by a series of casestudies.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Assessment:
Exam 1 100% 2 hours - three questions
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V61101 - ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
Module Convenors: Dr NJ Sykes [email protected], Dr A [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1, Spring, 10 credits
School: School of Humanities
Summary of Content: This module will concentrate primarily on environmental evidence from orrelating to archaeological sites. Techniques such as pollen analysis, the examination of human andanimal bones and plant remains contribute to our understanding, and help us interpret theeconomy and conditions of life in the past.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Assessment Details:
Exam 1 50% 1 hour 30 minutes - multiple choice digital exam
Coursework 1 50% 2,000 words - practical write-up
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C51201 – MICRO-ORGANISMS AND DISEASE
Module Convenor: Dr A Cockayne [email protected]
Module Details: Level 1, Spring, 10 credits
School: Life Sciences
Module Content: Students will be introduced to human infections caused by the main groups ofbacterial and fungal pathogens and the mechanisms of disease causation. The immune system andits roles in prevention and response to infection and the theory and practical application ofvaccination will be described. Laboratory diagnosis of infections and methods for antibioticsensitivity will be reviewed. A short practical course will introduce students to some of theimportant laboratory methods used to isolate and identify medically important bacteria anddetermine their sensitivities to antibiotics.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/nottingham
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Assessment:
Exam 100%
Written Assessment (Essay style) TWOSections: Section A: answer FIVEquestions (all questions in section A).Section B: Answer FOUR questions froma choice of six questions.
2 Hours
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N12122 - MANAGING TOURISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT: CONFLICT OR CONSENSUS?
Module Convenor: Dr R Lambert [email protected]
Module Details: Level 2, Spring, 10 credits
CAPPED MODULE – You will need permission from the module convenor to take thismodule unless it is compulsory for your course
School: Business School
Summary of Content: The module will examine and explore:
The interactions between and the management of tourism and the environment from theperspective of key stakeholders including business, government, non-governmental organisations,tourist and local communities.
The emergence of environmentally concerned consumers and the implications of differentenvironmental paradigms for tourism development.
Debates surrounding the environmental and economic impacts of tourism to highlight the potentialfor both conflict and consensus.
The role played by pressure groups in influencing tourism development and the emergence ofnature/eco-tourism will also be examined.
The module will draw heavily on case study analysis of specific tourism/environmental interactionsto highlight general principles surrounding the environmentally sensitive development of tourismdestinations. These case studies will include developed nation destinations (e.g. UK, USA, Australia,New Zealand) and developing country destinations (e.g. Amazon, Africa), islands and the PolarRegions.
Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes for this module can be found on:modulecatalogue.nottingham.ac.uk/Nottingham
Timetable: The timetable will be finalised at the beginning of the semester, hard copies will bemade available from the School Office but can also be viewed on www.nottingham.ac.uk/timetable/
Assessment Details:
Exam 1 50% One 1 hour examination
Coursework 1 50% One 1,500 word individual essay
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32 APPENDICES
1 Making the Most of Practical Work2 Qualitative Assessment Criteria - General Guidelines for Examinations3 Qualitative Assessment Criteria - General Guidelines for Essays & Reports4 Qualitative Assessment Criteria - General Guidelines for Posters5 Qualitative Assessment Criteria - General Guidelines for Oral Presentations6 Marking at Different Levels within Degree Programmes7 Policy for Consistency in Negative Marking on MCQs Across the School
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Student Short GuideMaking the Most of Practical Work
Practical and fieldwork are important parts of many bioscience courses, giving you the opportunity to put into practice all the theory you’ve been learning, experience the excitement of science and obtain an insight into what it’s like being a researcher. This guide is full of hints and tips from bioscience students on how you can make the most of practical work.
Top tips
Enjoy practical work – it’s a •fantastic opportunity to put into practice all the theory you have learned;
Read the practical or fieldwork •schedule before you go…
… And research anything you •aren’t sure about
Try to link your practical work or •fieldwork activities to what you’re hearing about and discussing in lectures and tutorials;
Don’t panic – you won’t be the •only one who doesn’t understand what you’re doing at the start;
Make notes about what you did •and the results you got…
… And keep these notes safe!•
Learn the essential techniques •(such as pipetting) and how to do them well;
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, •that’s what the demonstrators and lecturers are there for;
Pay attention to and follow any •safety instructions;
Don’t rush, you might miss things •out…
… Likewise don’t spend all •your time chatting to your lab partner so that you have to cram everything in to the last hour;
Give yourself plenty of time to •write up your lab book or report; and
Turn up, it sounds obvious but if •you don’t go, you don’t benefit.
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Why is practical work important?Practicals and fieldwork can give you a taste of what it’s like to be a scientist and researcher and hands on experience of the theory you’ve been learning in lectures and through your reading. They give you the opportunity to develop data analysis, communication group work and other skills you won’t get from lectures. The practicals at university or college will often be very different from those you experienced at school: they may be longer, open ended (there might not be a “right” answer), involve more complex equipment and require more accurate measuring and recording.“I quickly learnt that practical work is there to allow you to take what you learnt from a lecture or a book, and apply it. This ‘hands-on’ approach made quite a daunting subject a lot easier and more fun to learn.” Katherine Staines, University of Edinburgh
Practicals and fieldwork can help you to build confidence in your bioscience knowledge and skills and you get the chance to meet people in your degree group and make new friends.
Before the practicalRead your practical schedule. If there are things you don’t understand (the theory behind an experiment, what a piece of equipment is or does) ask around, research it, look back through your lecture notes. Think about how the experiments relate more widely to what you are learning about. This gives you time, in the practical, to think about the scientific side of the experiment, not just worry about the next step.“What would I change if I could? Read the practical procedure before going into the lab. Although we had the practical procedures before going in the lab, at first I didn’t read them so I couldn’t understand what I was doing” Andria Pelava, University of Leicester
Make sure you understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. If you have to plan any aspect of the practical in advance make sure you have done so. Don’t just turn up and expect to be able to breeze through because you’ve done something similar before.
“Blindly following a set of steps in a protocol means that when things go wrong you’re powerless – if you don’t know what the components do and why, you won’t know what to change.” Jelena Aleksic, University of Cambridge.
In the practicalMake use of the demonstrators and teaching staff. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, demonstrators are there to offer advice and help but aren’t psychic. These could be questions about anything to do with the practical, from how to use a piece of equipment, how to do a calculation, or getting someone to check over your experiment if it’s not working as expected. If you were unsure about something in a lecture relating to the practical it may also be an opportunity to talk to teaching staff. Make sure you understand everything before you leave.
“The practical classes are staffed with demonstrators. Their job is to help you understand and learn. Use the opportunity to talk through the material and check your results and answers with them” Kasia Kajala, University of Cambridge
Take notes! Keep notes of what you did (for example the •steps you undertook and any problems with the method)… …And the results you got (not the results you •thought you should get); Don’t write on a scrap of paper you’re going to •lose or the on sleeve of your lab coat; Use the practical schedule / handout or go •and buy yourself a notebook in which you can keep everything together; If you don’t write it down you’ll be amazed how •much you forget; and On a field trip you might need plastic folders •and bags to keep your notes dry!
“If you do not take notes during a practical, trust me, you will regret it when it comes to revising. Write down anything you may need either writing up the experiment or later to remind you what you did” Catherine Jeanes, Royal Veterinary College
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Doing the experiments Learn to use equipment properly, from •accurate measuring to accurate reading of results. This helps to reduce error and minimise mistakes.Are you prepared? So, for example, are all •your reagents ready? Do you have all the automatic pipettes/ Eppendorfs / petri dishes you are going to need prepared and ready? Do you have all the equipment you will need?Don’t waste time. If you’re waiting for results •or there’s a long wait to use a piece of equipment start thinking about your write-up, tidy up your workspace, look ahead in the schedule and see if there’s anything that could be prepared for a later stage of the practical.Be inquisitive, think about the experiment as •you’re doing it, don’t just follow the steps.
“Ask yourself questions as you progress with the work. For example, what do I expect the results to show? Are my results supporting my hypothesis? Are there any outliers, and if so, what factors may have contributed to these?” Ricky Trigg, University of Leicester
Focus Focus on what you’re doing. Practical sessions and fieldwork are less structured than lectures and tutorials, but that doesn’t mean they are opportunities to sit and chat. You could lose track of where you’re at or forget to add a vital reagent. Concentrate on what you’re doing, doubly important when the chemicals you’re using can be very dangerous.If you’re working as part of a pair or group don’t just sit back and let everyone else do the work. Likewise if one member of your group seems determined to do everything themselves, try to divide up the tasks and activities. The benefit of practicals and fieldwork is that you get hands-on experience of the science, you can’t have that as a spectator.
Health and safety Wear a lab coat and make sure it’s fastened. Use gloves and goggles as needed and make sure you wash your hands before leaving the lab. On field trips make sure you’re properly dressed – that might mean waterproofs, warm clothing and
boots, or sunscreen and a hat.Don’t mess about, labs can be dangerous places, so no eating, drinking, putting on make-up, chewing your nails etc. Pay attention to any health and safety warnings given at the start of a practical. If you spill or damage something, and aren’t sure how to deal with it safely, ask for help. “Lab work can be very dangerous and if you mess around, not only will you not benefit from the class, but you potentially put yourself and others at risk…. Don’t worry if you have an accident, it happens to everyone, just tell one of the demonstrators.” James Newton, University of Leicester
At the end of a practical session tidy up after yourself, and on a field course don’t leave rubbish scattered over the study site.
Above all Don’t give up. If something doesn’t work, try it again if you have time. Go through the procedure and check you have completed every step and check it over with a demonstrator. Science doesn’t work perfectly every time and everybody, from the most experienced researcher to the most inexperienced student makes mistakes, and learns from them! If it does go completely and utterly wrong see if you can have a look at your neighbours results, or if there is a demonstration, can you get results from that?
After the practicalAfter the session you might want to follow-up on some areas or re-read what you researched beforehand. If further recommended reading is provided during practical or field course try to do it as soon as possible afterwards.“Follow up things in your own time. A three-hour practical class is a short time to teach a subject in. If you are interested use your own time to find out about things from the practical. A bit of initiative will do wonders for your grades and you can pursue the things you enjoy in the class.” Rudi Verspoor, University of Edinburgh
Make sure you give yourself enough time to write up your report or complete your lab book. It might take longer than you think
143
UK Centre for BioscienceThe Higher Education Academy
Room 9.15 Worsley BuildingUniversity of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT
Tel / Fax: 0113 343 3001 / 5894Email: [email protected]
www.bioscience.heacademy.ac.uk July 2010
ResourcesAll the advice and tips in this short guide came from entries to the UK Centre for Bioscience Student Award 2010, which asked students “How would you advise new bioscience students to
make the most out of practical work?” The winning, runner-up and shortlisted entries are all available to view and download from our website at www.bioscience.heacademy.ac.uk/funding/essay/award10.aspx
Practical techniquesVirtual Analytical Lab has demonstrations of a number of lab techniques, including using a pipette and making standard curves. http://hlsweb.dmu.ac.uk/ahs/elearning/RITA/index.html
Practical Biology has descriptions of standard techniques such as setting up serial dilutions. www.practicalbiology.org
The Virtual Genetics Education Centre (VGEC) has tutorials and some practical demonstrations of key techniques. Also lots of background information on genes and disease, ethics and the Human Genome project. www.le.ac.uk/ge/genie/vgec/index.html
Doing researchEngage aims to support you with the key aspects of planning and carrying out a research project, from literature reviews to step-by-step statistics and scientific writing. www.engageinresearch.ac.uk/
Statistics and data analysisThe SUMS project has information on a variety of topics from accuracy and precision to plotting and interpreting graphs and charts. www.step-up-to-science.com/sumsv3/
Statistics Hell, information sheets, podcasts and worked examples on a wide range of statistical tests. Be aware the theme and examples used on the site won’t be to everyone’s taste… www.statisticshell.com/
FieldworkAlthough aimed at A-level Geography students Fieldwork Techniques, from Geography Teaching Today, gives a good summary of many basic fieldwork techniques. www.geographyteachingtoday.org.uk/fieldwork/resource/fieldwork-techniques/
Distant Access to an Ecological Field Experiment gives you an example of how to design a field experiment and what type of data need to be collected. www.bioscience.heacademy.ac.uk/hosted/tireragan/
Presenting your workPosters: Hints and tips on designing research posters from Newcastle University, http://lorien.ncl.ac.uk/ming/dept/tips/present/posters.htm, and the University of Leicester, www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ssds/sd/ld/resources/presentation/designing-poster
Giving presentations: Guidance on giving an effective presentation from the University of Leicester, from avoiding death by PowerPoint to effectively answering questions. www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ssds/sd/ld/resources/presentation
Written reports: Writing for science, from the University of Leicester, www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ssds/sd/ld/resources/writing/science, and Writing skills from Skills@Library at the University of Leeds have tips and guidance on writing in general and scientific writing http://skills.library.leeds.ac.uk/topic_writing_skills.php
Need to illustrate your practical reports? Visit ImageBank for thousands of copyright cleared bioscience images accompanied by descriptions. www.bioscience.heacademy/imagebank
All the images used in this guide are available in ImageBank.
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Appendix 2
CLASS % QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA - GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR EXAMINATIONS
FirstA1A2A3A4
100908073
a. Deep understanding of subject; carefully balanced arguments clearly presented; all materialhighly relevant to the question.b. Considerable and effective use of literature information, beyond that supplied as taught material.c. Clear evidence of critical thinking, originality and noveltyd. Excellent structure and good use of illustrative diagrams etc.; evidence of originality/novelty inpresentation.
Upper SecondB1B2B3
686562
a. Sound grasp of subject material; presentation of logical arguments relevant to the question.b. Reasonable evidence of wider study beyond lecture material.c. Some evidence of independent thinking and originality.d. Well organised answer; appropriate use of illustrative diagrams; clear presentation.
Lower SecondC1C2C3
585552
a. Reasonable understanding of subject material, but some flaws in the logic of arguments andfactual errors; possibly some irrelevant material.b. Only limited evidence of wider study and use of literature information.c. Little evidence of independent thinking or originality.d. Fairly clear presentation; generally conforming with accepted format but with some flaws in style;little use of illustrative diagrams.
ThirdD1D2D3
484542
a. Limited understanding of subject; numerous flaws in the logic of arguments; considerable factualerrors and/or irrelevant material.b. Virtually no inclusion of literature information beyond lecture material.c. Virtually no evidence of independent thinking or originality.d. Little attention given to structure; very limited use of illustrative diagrams; serious flaws inpresentation.
Soft FailE 35 a. Minimal understanding of subject; serious factual errors; general lack of any logical arguments;
considerable amount of irrelevant material.b. Virtually no inclusion of literature information.c. No evidence of independent thinking or originality.d. Very poorly structured answer; disorganised and untidy; missing sections; virtually no use ofillustrative diagrams.
FailF1 25 Insubstantial answer; very poor coverage of material with little information that is relevant.
Virtually no evidence of understanding the question and minimal attempt at structure
FailF2 10 A few lines of relevant material
FailF3 0 No relevant material
1. Only broad classes (A,B,C,D and E) have qualitative criteria attached; the division into (e.g.) C1, C2, C3 etc. is at thediscretion of the examiner.
2. The qualitative criteria include consideration of :a. Student’s knowledge of subject; depth, relevance and quality of answer.b. Evidence of reading / study beyond regurgitation of standard taught material.c. Independent or critical thinking / originality etc.d. The quality of presentation - structure of answer, the use of sections; diagrams etc., general neatness etc.
145
Appendix 3
CLASS % QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA - GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ESSAYS & REPORTS
FirstA1A2A3A4
100908073
a. Excellent report structure with professional presentation of figures, tables, diagrams, referencesetc.; evidence of originality/novelty in presentation.b. Deep understanding of subject; all arguments carefully developed and clearly expounded.c. Considerable and effective use of literature information, beyond that supplied as taught material.d. Clear evidence of critical thinking, originality and novelty.
Upper SecondB1B2B3
686562
a. Well organised report; appropriate choice of illustrative figures, tables, diagrams etc.; clearlypresented throughout.b. Sound grasp of subject material; generally logical arguments.c. Reasonable evidence of wider study beyond lecture material.d. Some evidence of independent thinking and originality.
Lower SecondC1C2C3
585552
a. Generally clear report conforming with accepted format but with some errors in style and/oromissions in presentation of illustrative figures.b. Reasonable understanding of subject material, but some flaws in the logic of arguments andfactual errors.c. Only limited evidence of wider study and use of literature information.d. Very little evidence of independent thinking or originality.
ThirdD1D2D3
484542
a. Little attention given to report structure; limited use of illustrative figures, tables etc.; seriousflaws in presentation.b. Limited understanding of subject; considerable factual errors demonstrated.c. Virtually no inclusion of literature information beyond lecture material.d. Virtually no evidence of independent thinking or originality.
Soft FailE 35 a. Very poorly structured; disorganised; missing sections; minimal presentation of supporting data,
figures etc.b. Minimal understanding of subject; serious factual errors; general lack of any logical arguments.c. Virtually no inclusion of literature information.d. No evidence of independent thinking or originality.
FailF1 25 Very poor coverage of material with little information that is relevant.
Virtually no evidence of understanding the question; minimal attempt to provide a structured answer.
FailF2 10 A few lines of relevant material
FailF3 0 No relevant material
1. Only broad classes (A,B,C,D and E) have qualitative criteria attached; the division into (e.g.) C1, C2, C3 etc. is at thediscretion of the examiner.2. The qualitative criteria include consideration of :
a. The quality of the report/essay etc. - the use of sections; diagrams; figures etc.; citation of references; generalneatness etc.
b. Student’s knowledge of subject; depth and quality of answer.c. Evidence of reading / study beyond regurgitation of standard taught material.d. Independent or critical thinking / originality etc.
146
Appendix 4
CLASS % QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA - GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR POSTERS
FirstA1A2A3A4
100908073
a. Excellent use of headings, text appropriate size, figures and diagrams clear and well-labelled,very easy to follow progression of poster theme.
b. Visually very attractive and creative.c. Factually very accurate and informative with clear evidence of extensive knowledge of published
literature.d. All relevant aspects of own data presented, where inclusion is appropriate.
Upper SecondB1B2B3
686562
a. Good use of headings, text of appropriate size, some loss of figure clarity or slight errors inlabelling, easy to follow progression of poster theme.
b. Visually quite attractive and creative.c. Factually accurate and informative with some evidence of knowledge of published literature.d. Most relevant aspects of own data presented, where inclusion is appropriate
Lower SecondC1C2C3
585552
a. Adequate use of headings, text a little too small, figures not clear and inadequately labelled,more difficult to follow progression of poster theme.
b. Visually unstimulating.c. Some factual inaccuracies with only limited evidence of knowledge of published literature.d. Several aspects of own data omitted, where inclusion is appropriate.
ThirdD1D2D3
484542
a. Very poor use of headings, text too small or hand-written, figures unclear and unlabelled, noobvious progression of poster theme.
b. Visually unattractive and dull.c. Many factual inaccuracies with very limited evidence of knowledge of published literature.d. Most of own data omitted, where inclusion is appropriate.
Soft FailE 35 a. No headings used and poster somewhat disorganised.
b. Visually unattractive and dull.c. Inaccurate with virtually no evidence of knowledge of published literature.d. None of own data included.
FailF1 25 a. No headings used and poster very disorganised and difficult to understand.
b. Visually very unattractive and dull.c. Inaccurate with no evidence of knowledge of published literature.d. None of own data included.
FailF2 10 A few lines of relevant material presented
FailF3 0 No poster presented
1. Only broad classes (A,B,C,D and E) have qualitative criteria attached; the division into (e.g.) C1, C2, C3 etc. is at thediscretion of the examiner.
2. The qualitative criteria include consideration of :a. Structure and organisation of the poster.b. Visual impact and attractiveness.c. Accuracy and completeness of the content.d. Where appropriate, inclusion of students' own experimental data.
147
Appendix 5
CLASS % QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA - GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ORAL PRESENTATIONS
FirstA1A2A3A4
100908073
a. Clearly audible, well-paced presentation delivered without obviously reading from notes in thetime allocated. Addressed to the audience.
b. Very well-planned with a clear logical structure focused on the topic being presented. Excellentintroduction and summary.
c. Excellent use of visual aids which are easy to read and understand. Main points of slides clearlyexplained.
d. Content of presentation very well-researched with relevant data where appropriate. Response toquestions asked indicates thorough understanding.
Upper SecondB1B2B3
686562
a. Clearly audible, well-paced presentation delivered with some reading from notes in the timeallocated. Mainly addressed to the audience.
b. Quite well-planned with logical structure focused on topic being presented. Good introduction andsummary.
c. Good use of visual aids which are quite clear to read and understand. Good attempt to explainmain points of slides.
d. Content of presentation quite well-researched with relevant data where appropriate. Response toquestions asked indicates good understanding.
Lower SecondC1C2C3
585552
a. Audible presentation which may be too fast or too slow. Tendency to read from notes and toaddress floor or ceiling. May be outside time allocated
b. Some flaws in structure and not always focused on the topic being presented. Weak introductionand summary.
c. Adequate use of visual aids which are not always easy to read and understand. Little attempt toexplain main points of slides.
d. Some omissions in literature research and little relevant data presented. Response to questionsasked indicates incomplete understanding.
ThirdD1D2D3
484542
a. Difficult to hear. Too fast or too slow. Read from notes and little attempt to address the audience.Outside allocated time.
b. Poorly-structured, rambling presentation which strays from topic being presented. Very weakintroduction or summary.
c. Poor visual aids which are difficult to read and understand. Poor explanation of main points ofslides.
d. Little evidence of literature research and no data presented. Response to questions indicates poorunderstanding.
Soft FailE 35 a. Mumbled, halting presentation. Much too fast or too slow. No attempt to address audience and
well outside allocated time.b. No discernible structure to presentation with some relevant material. No introduction or
summary.c. Very poor visual aids. No explanation of main points of slides.d. Poor literature research and no data presented. Response to questions shows serious weakness in
understanding.
FailF1 25 a. Extremely difficult to hear presentation and well outside allocated time.
b. No discernible structure and very little relevant material. No introduction or summary.c. No visual aids used.d. Little evidence of research. Response to questions shows minimal understanding.
FailF2 10 Very minimal attempt to give a presentation.
FailF3 0 Failed to give a presentation.
1. Only broad classes (A,B,C,D and E) have qualitative criteria attached; the division into (e.g.) C1, C2, C3 etc. is at thediscretion of the examiner.
2. The qualitative criteria include consideration of :a. Presentation of talk; audibility, speed, use of notes, addressed to audience, time keeping.b. Organisation of talk; logical coherent progression with introduction and summary.c. Use of visual aids; clarity and explanation of salient points.d. Research and response to questioning; evidence of extensive reading, presentation of own data (where relevant),evidence of wider understanding.
148
Appendix 6
School of Biosciences Qualitative Marking SchemesSupplementary Guidelines
Marking at Different Levels Within Degree Programmes
The School’s qualitative marking schemes provide general guidance for assessment ofvarious types of work. However, in applying these schemes to individual assessments,account must be taken of the level at which students are working. The criteria outlinedbelow provide general guidance, and not all criteria will be applicable to all forms ofassessment.
Academic Levels
Level 1 Certificate level, generally qualifying year studentsLevel 2 Diploma level, generally taken by year 2 studentsLevel 3 Degree level, generally taken by year 3 studentsLevel 4 Masters levels, generally taken by post-graduate or year 4 undergraduate
students
Major considerations
Mark Class A
Level 1: Draws on available evidence to make sound conclusions supported from arange of sources.
Level 2: There is evidence of further reading and careful analysis offering alternativeviews.
Level 3: There is critical analysis offering alternative views. There is clearexpression of own views, which are supported by appropriate literature.Draws on available evidence to make persuasive conclusions.
Level 4: Detailed, orderly and critical work with clearly specified focus/foci exhibitingrigorous analysis, synthesis and evaluation. There must be evidence thatthe student has developed their own arguments.
Mark Class B
Level 1: Content is accurate and relevant with appropriate use of supportingmaterial.
Level 2: There is sound analysis with good expression and argument with evidenceof independent thinking supported by appropriate material.
Level 3: There is sound critical analysis. Alternative views are expressed usingsupporting evidence from a variety of sources.
Level 4: Evidence of originality and significant critical analysis. There is evidence ofintegration of material from a variety of sources.
149
Mark Class C
Level 1: Content is largely accurate and relevant with some evidence ofunderstanding.
Level 2: There is adequate analysis with limited evidence of wider study.Level 3: There is reasonable understanding, with some attempt at analysis and
limited use of supporting material.Level 4: There is reasonable understanding and analysis supported by a range of
relevant evidence.
Mark Class D
Level 1: Some relevant content but with evidence of only very limitedunderstanding.
Level 2: Some relevant content with limited understanding but little evidence ofwider study.
Level 3: Basic understanding with limited evidence of wider study.Level 4: Basic understanding with limited evidence of understanding and some
attempt at analysis.
Mark Classes E/F
All levels: Work does not demonstrate above criteria and reference should be madethe qualitative criteria in deciding final mark.
Modules offered at levels A-C are considered intermediate between Levels 1-2, 2-3 and3-4 respectively.
150
Appendix 7
The University of Nottingham - School of Biosciences
Policy for Consistency in Negative Marking on MCQs across the School ofBiosciences
RationaleA number of modules are assessed by multiple choice questions (MCQs). Consistency in negativemarking on MCQs is required across the School to ensure equity of treatment for all studentsundertaking MCQ examinations.
Proposals Adopt a consistent negative marking scheme across the School. That any negative marking schemes should result in a student achieving a mark of zero for
guessing at all questions.
Policy 1The following is adopted for MCQ papers where there are a number of possible correct options(e.g. A, B, C, D) and the options exclude a "don't know" answer.
Marks for incorrect answer =
1
1
n
where n is the number of possible options (A, B, C etc) and there is only one correctanswer per question
Example of Policy 1n=4, thus negative marks on incorrect answers = -1/3
Question No. A B C D
1 1 -(1/3) -(1/3) -(1/3)
2 -(1/3) 1 -(1/3) -(1/3)
3 -(1/3) 1 -(1/3) -(1/3)
4 -(1/3) -(1/3) 1 -(1/3)
5 -(1/3) -(1/3) 1 -(1/3)
6 -(1/3) -(1/3) -(1/3) 1
7 1 -(1/3) -(1/3) -(1/3)
8 -(1/3) -(1/3) -(1/3) 1
9 -(1/3) -(1/3) 1 -(1/3)
10 -(1/3) -(1/3) -(1/3) 1
11 1 -(1/3) -(1/3) -(1/3)
12 -(1/3) 1 -(1/3) -(1/3)
Sum 0 0 0 0
Thus guessing all As etc provides a zero sum game: Note that the above table is an example onlyand in real examinations the spread of correct answers may not be split evenly across thepossible options.
Policy 2The following is adopted for MCQ papers where there are the following three options (True, Falseand Don't Know).
Where the correct answer is selected a mark of +1 will be achieved. Where the incorrect answer is selected a mark of -1 will be achieved. Where the "don't know" option is selected a mark of 0 will be achieved and will have the
same effect as the student electing to not answer the question.
Therefore marks for incorrect answer = -1
151
Example of Policy 2
Question No. True False Don't Know
1 1 -1 0
2 -1 1 0
3 -1 1 0
4 1 -1 0
5 1 -1 0
6 -1 1 0
Sum 0 0 0
Thus guessing all "True" etc provides a zero sum game. Note that the above table is an exampleonly and in real examinations the spread of correct answers may not be split evenly across thepossible options.
Revised 2/4/2004
152
A strategy for answering Multiple Choice Questionnaires
The School of Biosciences uses MCQs alongside other forms of assessment. They are useful forfinding out how much you know. They also help you to find out how well you are doing. Thisguidance sheet will help you to get the best results in MCQ tests and examinations.
Why MCQs?We use MCQs for summative assessment (to measure performance and give you a mark), andfor formative assessment (to encourage you to keep up with your studies and identify strengthsand weaknesses). MCQs are often used for mid-course tests and end of course exams. Unlikewritten exams, they can assess the breadth of module content.
MCQs require factual answers and don’t allow you to express ideas freely. Questions aredesigned to be unambiguous with a single correct response. They are marked electronically andmarks are awarded objectively. In contrast, essay-type exam questions are marked subjectivelyaccording to the question setter’s expectation and the marker’s interpretation.
MCQs usually test your knowledge rather than your understanding (although they can do thistoo). Sometimes they test your ability to work things out. You may find that the answers promptyou to reveal what you know, even if you can’t remember everything. Some students find MCQsstraightforward while others find them problematical. Of course, the same is true for other formsof assessment which is why we use a combination of approaches.
Why negative marking?Policy in the School of Biosciences is that MCQs are negatively marked. This means that incorrectanswers attract a minus score. We use negative marking for two main reasons. Firstly, if wedidn’t, it would be possible to get a proportion of marks by random guessing. Secondly, we wantyou to try to give answers with confidence and to develop clarity and focus in the way youapproach your studies.
The amount deducted for a wrong answer is calculated using the following formula:
Deduction = 1/(n-1), where n is the number of possible answers
Not answering, or choosing “Don’t know”, always scores 0. An answer paper with a total score of<0 is given a mark of zero.
Many people find negative marking discouraging, especially if they are not sure whether toguess or not. To get the best marks it helps to understand the structure of an MCQ test and toknow how to maximise your chance of finding the right answers.
MCQ structure and types of questionMCQ tests come in two main flavours:
a) True/False/Don’t know (called TFD)b) Answer 1 from 5 (called AtoE) [Other ratios, such as 1 from 4, are occasionally used]
In either case, the questions may be independent of one another or grouped. Grouped questionssometimes relate to a preceding statement and so are really arranged in subsets.
A question in a TFD test provides a substantive statement (positive or negative) and asks youto judge its truthfulness.
Questions in an AtoE test take a wider variety of forms. Common types are1) Interrogative: a question starting with What, Why, Where etc and offering five possible
answers;2) Substantive: an incomplete positive or negative statement with five possible endings;3) Imperative: an instruction to follow (starting with State, Calculate, List etc) and offering
five possible results or outcomes.Sometimes, questions are more complex: the question itself is preceded by a numbered list ofitems or statements and you are asked to select the correct combination. The possibilities willoften include “All of the above” or “None of the above”. These types of questions requireparticular care and a clear, logical approach.
Although MCQ question are carefully designed, few statements in biosciences are completelytrue or false or free of possible exceptions. Equally, question setters are human and fallible. Youare expected to interpret each question in the most obvious/straightforward sense and answeraccordingly. The context for the question will have been set by the module and your answersshould reflect its level and content. Questions are not designed to mislead you. Neither shouldyou try to outwit the setter with your answers. Written comments on answer papers are ignoredand may even cause your paper to be rejected during marking.
153
What’s the best approach?You can maximise your score in an MCQ test if you take the right approach. Negative markingdiscourages reckless guesswork but you can turn it to advantage with a wise strategy. The effectof negative marking is different for TFD and AtoE, so they need different strategies.Use the following seven steps to maximise your test score:
Before the test1. Find out if the test is TFD or AtoE, how many questions there will be and how
long it lasts.2. Look out for a sample test, if there is one, and use it for practice.
TFDCorrect = +1; Incorrect = -1
Don’t know/abstain = 0
AtoECorrect = +1; Incorrect = -0.25
Abstain = 0
3. Go right through the paper,answering all the questions you areconfident about. Think carefully aboutthe logic of each one. Take particularnote of grouped questions.
4. Go back to the start and try questionsyou can answer with a little extrathought.
5. Consider each remaining question inturn. If you have some idea aboutwhether the statement is true or falsebut are not sure, it may be worth acalculated guess, especially if youhave answered most other questionswith confidence.
6. If you still have no idea about aquestion, choose “Don’t know” orabstain.
7. If there is time, reconsider thequestions you were not sure about.
3. Go right through the paper,answering all the questions you areconfident about. Think carefully aboutthe logic of each one. Take particularnote of grouped questions.
4. Go back to the start and try questionsyou can answer with a little morethought.
5. Look carefully at each remainingquestion. In each case, identify anyanswers which you know to be wrong.If you can exclude some possibilitiesit may be worth making a calculatedguess, especially if you haveanswered most other questions withconfidence.*
6. If you cannot exclude anypossibilities, don’t answer.*
7. If there is time, reconsider thequestions you were not sure about.
*Note: In AtoE tests, questions have five possible answers. Negative marking means that completelyrandom guesses will, on average, give a zero overall score. However, if you can exclude someobviously wrong answers, the risk of losing marks by guessing is substantially reduced. Forexample, if you exclude two of the five answers, you are choosing from three rather than fivepossibilities. The penalty for getting it wrong is still 0.25 so, on average, a guess may now give abetter result than not answering. There is no simple rule about this, but the risk to your overallscore by guessing is reduced the more wrong answers you identify and remove.
Things to remember Question setters often include answers which are obviously wrong. Spotting and
eliminating these can significantly boost your chance of finding the correct answer. Avoid choosing an answer just because you recognise a phrase; it could be the answer to
another question or to a question phrased differently. Setting MCQ questions is very difficult and staff often create banks of reusable questions
which they know work well. For this reason, correct answers may not be published andpast tests may not be available.
MCQ tests are marked objectively on a linear percentage scale. This means that yourscore cannot be interpreted with the degree grading system used for subjectively markedtests and assignments (the assessment grids in course handbooks).
154
Index
A
Academic Development and Employability (D21BP1)
(99)
Academic Tutoring in the School of Biosciences (73)
Academic Staff and Locations (9)
Academic Year 2013/14 (3)
Academic and Disability Support (87)
Advice (4)
Agriculture (15)
Agricultural and Crop Science (17)
Agricultural and Environment Science (19)
Agricultural and Livestock Science (21)
Animal Science (23)
Anthropology of Human Ecology (AA1017) (136)
Appendices (140)
Applications of Biology (103)
Applied Biology (25)
Applied Entomology (D212P4) (128)
Assessment, progression, compensation and re-
assessment (57)
Attendance Monitoring (75)
B
Biotechnology (30)
C
Careers and Employability Service (89)
Channels of Communication to (80)
Contemporary Agricultural Systems (D212A2) 119
Complaints procedure (75)
Course Structures (11, 14)
Course Handbook (4)
Course Managers (8)
Coursework and Examination Feedback (82)
Course Structures, Organisation and Choosing your
Modules (11, 14)
D
Data transfer, analysis and presentation (D212E1)
(121)
Degree Classification (59)
Dissertation in Environmental Science (93)
E
Earth and Environmental Dynamics (F81122) (114)
Environmental Archaeology (137)
Environmental Biology (33)
Environmental Geoscience (102)
Environmental Science (35)
Environmental Science & Society (C111E4) (116)
Environmental Science Field Course (D223E2) (133)
Erasmus (76)
Extenuating Circumstances (61)
F
Feedback – Coursework and Exam (82)
Food Hygiene (D212F8) (124)
Food Materials (D21BF1) (94)
Food Microbiology (37)
Food Science (39)
Foundation Science (D211E2) (104)
G
Genetics and Cell Biology (D211P1) (109)
Genetics, Ecology & Evolution (C11120) (114)
Genetics with specialist options (D212P3) (126)
Global Environmental Processes (C111E1) (101)
Grassland Management (D212A1) (118)
H
Health, Safety and Security (90)
I
Industry Placements (76)
Introductory Biochemistry (D21BN2) (97)
Introduction to Animal Physiology (D212Z5) (131)
Introduction to Nutrition D21BN1 (95)
IT Facilities (85)
J
K
L
Libraries (84)
M
Malaysia Campus Opportunities (79)
Managing Tourism & The Environment: Conflict or
Consensus? (N12122) (139)
Micro-organisms and Disease (C51201) (138)
Microbes and You (D211F2) (107)
Microbial Physiology (D212F7) (122)
Microbiology (41)
Modules (91):
-Year Long Semester Modules (92)
-Autumn Semester Modules (100)
-Autumn Semester Modules from other
Schools (113)
-Spring Semester Modules (115)
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