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UNIVERSITY OF YORK

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

This document applies to students who commenced the programme(s) in:

October 2016

Awarding institution Teaching institution

University of York University of York

Department(s)

Biology

Award(s) and programme title(s) Level of qualification

BSc (Hons) in Biology

BSc (Hons) in Biology with a Year in Industry

BSc (Hons) in Biology with a Year in Europe

M.Biol. (Hons) in Biology

M.Biol. (Hons) in Biology with a Year in Europe

M.Biol. (Hons) in Biology with a Year in Industry

BSc (Hons) in Genetics

BSc (Hons) in Genetics with a Year in Industry

BSc (Hons) in Genetics with a Year in Europe

M.Biol. (Hons) in Genetics

M.Biol. (Hons in Genetics with a Year in Europe

M.Biol. (Hons) in Genetics with a Year in Industry

BSc (Hons) in Ecology

BSc (Hons) in Ecology with a Year in Industry

BSc (Hons) in Ecology with a Year in Europe

M.Biol. (Hons) in Ecology

M.Biol. (Hons) in Ecology with a Year in Europe

M.Biol. (Hons) in Ecology with a Year in Industry

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology with a Year in Industry

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology with a Year in Europe

M.Biol. (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology

M.Biol. (Hons in Molecular Cell Biology with a Year in Europe

M.Biol. (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology with a Year in Industry

BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology

BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology with a Year in

Industry

BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology with a Year in

Europe

Level 6

Level 7

Level 6

Level 7

Level 6

Level 7

Level 6

Level 7

Level 6

Level 7

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M.Biol. (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology

M.Biol. (Hons in Biotechnology & Microbiology with a Year in

Europe

M.Biol. (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology with a Year in

Industry

Interim awards available

Certificate of Higher Education (Level 4/Certificate) Generic

Diploma of Higher Education (Level 5/Intermediate) Generic

BSc (Hons) (Level 6/Higher)

UCAS code

various

Admissions criteria

Biology A level + at least one of Chemistry or Maths. Typical offer AAB (BSc programmes) / AAA (M.Biol. programmes)

Length and status of the programme(s) and mode(s) of study

Programme Length (years) and status (full-time/part-

time)

Start dates/months (if applicable – for

programmes that have multiple intakes or start

dates that differ from the usual academic year)

Mode

Face-to-face,

campus-based

Distance learning

Other

BSc in Biology 3 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

BSc in Biology - with a Year in Europe

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

BSc in Biology - with a Year in Industry

4 years full-time

Usual academic year Yes No No

M.Biol. in Biology

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M.Biol. in Biology - with a Year in Europe

5 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M. Biol. in Biology - with a Year in Industry

5 years full-time


BSc (Hons) in Genetics

3 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

BSc (Hons) in Genetics with a Year in Industry

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

BSc (Hons) in Genetics with a Year in Europe

4 years full-time


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M.Biol. (Hons) in Genetics

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M.Biol. (Hons in Genetics with a Year in Europe

5 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M.Biol. (Hons) in Genetics with a Year in Industry

5 years full-time


BSc (Hons) in Ecology

3 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

BSc (Hons) in Ecology with a Year in Industry

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

BSc (Hons) in Ecology with a Year in Europe

4 years full-time


M.Biol. (Hons) in Ecology

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M.Biol. (Hons) in Ecology with a Year in Europe

5 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M.Biol. (Hons) in Ecology with a Year in Industry

5 years full-time


BSc (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology

3 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology with a Year in Industry

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology with a Year in Europe

4 years full-time


M.Biol. (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M.Biol. (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology with a Year in Europe

5 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M.Biol. (Hons) in Molecular Cell Biology with a Year in Industry

5 years full-time


BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology

3 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

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BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology with a Year in Industry

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology with a Year in Europe

4 years full-time


M.Biol (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology

4 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M.Biol (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology with a Year in Europe

5 years full-time

Usual academic year

Yes

No

No

M.Biol (Hons) in Biotechnology & Microbiology with a Year in Industry

5 years full-time

Usual academic year Yes No

No

Language of study English

Programme accreditation by Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies (if applicable)

Society of Biology Advanced Accreditation of BSc with a year in Industry for specialist programmes in Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Biotechnology & Microbiology.

Educational aims of the programme

In general the aims of the BSc are as follows:

The primary aim of the programme is to develop the intellectual and practical skills of our students in the biological sciences, with the intention that they will have a lasting enthusiasm for this subject as well as knowledge, understanding and a quantitative critical approach towards this discipline. We intend to provide a research-inspired experience which will enable students to be able to engage with cutting-edge research during their education here. Specialist degree programmes in Genetics, Ecology, Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology & Microbiology are available in which students focus in on a particular area within the broader discipline of biology as they progress from stage 1 to 3.

Furthermore, we aim to produce graduates who are numerate and literate problem solvers, and who are capable of contributing constructively towards dealing with important biological issues (in, for example, biotechnology, medicine and the environment). We aim to develop in our students a range of academic, personal and professional skills to equip them for employment in a wide range of professions outside, as well as within, those requiring biological expertise. Graduates from all our programmes will have carried out original scientific research as part of their programme.

In addition, the M.Biol. programme aims are as follows:

We aim to produce graduates from our integrated masters degrees with a comprehensive understanding and critical awareness of contemporary bioscience. These students will have a deep appreciation of what is involved in undertaking scientific research and have the capacity to deal with complex problems systematically and creatively and be able to demonstrate self-direction in tackling complex problems.

We will enable this by providing more in depth and specialised training in techniques and skills teaching, and by providing a more substantial opportunity to carry out original research work.

Intended learning outcomes for the programme – and how the programme enables

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students to achieve and demonstrate the intended learning outcomes

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

The following teaching, learning and assessment methods enable students to achieve and to demonstrate the programme learning outcomes:

A: Knowledge and understanding

BSc:

1. the fundamentals of Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Molecular Biology, Physiology

2. the practical applications of the above

3. the principles upon which biological sciences are founded

4. statistics and other quantitative methods necessary for handling data

5. current research topics appropriate to the student's specialist interests

6. the experimental techniques used by biologists.

In addition for the M.Biol.:

7. Comprehensive understanding of the techniques relevant to contemporary life sciences

8. A more thorough in-depth knowledge about research topic areas of particular interest, through an extended research project

Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes):

lectures (1-7)

practical classes (2,4,6,8)

tutorials (1-7)

independent reading (1-8)

use of the virtual learning environment (1-7)

Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes):

closed examinations (1-6)

assessed practicals (4-6,8)

openly assessed essay (1,3,5,6,7)

research project write-up (1-8)

B: (i) Skills - discipline related

BSc:

1. appreciate the quantitative nature of evidence and have a critical approach towards that evidence

2. plan, carry out and interpret results from a project in a chosen area of biology

3. be comfortable with the use of a variety of information technology packages

4. appreciate the ethical and social context in which scientific work exists

5. read, understand and analyse scientific papers

In addition, for the M.Biol.:

6. critically evaluate scientific papers, and make professional presentations about these

7. be able to develop hypotheses, plan, conduct laboratory / field investigations based on scientific questions, and produce concise and detailed reports as part of an extended scientific project


lectures (1,5)

tutorials (1-7)

skills modules (1-7)

independent learning (1,2,5-7)

practical classes (1,3,4,7)

research projects (1-7)


closed examinations (1-3, 5)

research project write-up (1-7)

openly assessed essay (1,2,4,6)

assessed practicals (1,3,4,7)

oral assessment (2,6)

B: (ii) Skills - transferable

BSc: Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered

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1.think rigorously and to recognise and question assumptions

2.communicate effectively both orally to an audience and in writing

3.work in a small group / team towards a common goal

4.work independently

5.obtain information from libraries and other data sources

6.solve quantitative and qualitative problems

In addition for the M. Biol.:

7.demonstrate self-direction, decision-making and originality in tackling problems

8.solve problems of a numerical sort, and other problems that involve interpreting complex data sets. To present these problems and their solutions in a creative and systematic manner

9.deliver oral and written presentations in a professional and effective manner

outcomes):

tutorials (1-9)

practical classes (1,3,6)

independent learning (4-9)

lectures (1)

skills workshops (1,3,6)

research projects (1,2,4-9)


closed examinations (1,4,6)

openly assessed essays and review (1,4-9)

oral examinations as part of project and masters level modules (2,7-9)

research project reports (1, 4-9)

assessed practicals (1-6)

C: Experience and other attributes

Able to:

1. develop a deep understanding and continued fascination with their chosen specialist area of biological science.

2. display the confidence and flexibility to tackle new problems

3. develop the skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning

4. identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development


lectures, practicals, tutorials, independent learning (1,2)

research project (1-3)

personal development planning (1-4)


closed assessments (1-2)

openly assessed essay (1)

research project write-up (1,3)

Relevant Quality Assurance Agency benchmark statement(s) and other relevant external reference points (e.g. National Occupational Standards, or the requirements of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory bodies)

QAA benchmark statement for Biosciences:

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement-Biosciences.aspx

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University award regulations

To be eligible for an award of the University of York a student must undertake an approved programme of study, obtain a specified number of credits (at a specified level(s)), and meet any other requirements of the award as specified in the award requirements, programme regulations, and other University regulations (e.g. payment of fees). Credit will be awarded upon passing a module’s assessment(s) but some credit may be awarded where failure has been compensated by achievement in other modules. The University’s award and assessment regulations specify the University’s marking scheme, and rules governing progression (including rules for compensation), reassessment, award requirements and degree classification. The award and assessment regulations apply to all programmes: any exceptions that that relate to this programme are approved by University Teaching Committee and are recorded at the end of this document.

Departmental policies on assessment and feedback

Detailed information on assessment (including grade descriptors, marking procedures, word counts etc.) is available in the written statement of assessment which applies to this programme and the relevant module descriptions. These are available in the student handbook and on the Department’s website: http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/biol/ugrad/assessment

Information on formative and summative feedback to students on their work is available in the written statement on feedback to students which applies to this programme and the relevant module descriptions. These are available in the student handbook and on the Department’s website: http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/biol/ugrad/feedback

Are electives permitted? Students may take up to 20 credits of elective modules in stages 2 and 3.

Can a Languages For All (LFA) module be taken ab initio (i.e. beginner level) in Stage 1?

No

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Diagrammatic representation of the programme structure by stage, showing the distribution and credit value of core and option modules

Stage 1

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

Microbiology (10 credits, core) autumn

Genetics (10 credits, core) autumn

Cell & developmental biology (10 credits, core) spring/summer

Genetics and evolution (10 credits, core) spring/summer

Molecular biology and biochemistry (20 credits, core) all three terms

Animal and plant biology (30 credits, core) all three terms

Scientific skills (30 credits, core) all three terms

Stage 2


Scientific skills & tutorials (30 credits, core) three terms

90 credits of optional modules of 10 & 20 credits, divided evenly between autumn and spring/summer teaching periods.

Stage 3 BSc


Research Project (40 credits, core)

Research Skills (20 credits, core)

3 x 10 credit option modules 3 x 10 credit option modules

Stage 3 M. Biol.


Research Skills and Project (40 credits, core)

4 x 10 credit option modules 4 x 10 credit option modules

Stage 4


M level Research Project (80 credits, core)

Critical analysis (20 credits, core)

Data analysis (20 credits, core)

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Overview of modules by stage Stage 1 Core module table

Module title Module code

Credit level

1

Credit value

2

Prerequisites

Assessment rules

3

Timing and format of main assessment

(AuT – Autumn Term, SpT- Spring Term, SuT – Summer Term)

Molecular biology and biochemistry BIO00004C

4/C 20 none none Closed exam wks 5/7 SuT, plus on-going coursework

Cell and developmental biology BIO00011C


Microbiology BIO00010C

4/C 10 none none Closed exam wk 1 SpT, plus on-going course work

Animal and plant biology BIO00012C


Genetics BIO00007C

4/C 10 none none Closed exam wk 1 SpT, plus on-going course work

Genetics and evolution BIO00009C

4/C 10 none none Closed exam wks 5/7 SuT, plus on-going course work

Scientific skills BIO00006C


No optional modules in Stage 1

1 The credit level is an indication of the module’s relative intellectual demand, complexity and depth of learning and of learner autonomy (Leve l 4/Certificate, Level 5/Intermediate,

Level 6/Honours, Level 7/Masters) 2 The credit value gives the notional workload for the module, where 1 credit corresponds to a notional workload of 10 hours (including contact hours, private study and assessment)

3 Special assessment rules (requiring University Teaching Committee approval)

P/F – the module marked on a pass/fail basis (NB pass/fail modules cannot be compensated) NC – the module cannot be compensated NR – there is no reassessment opportunity for this module. It must be passed at the first attempt

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Stage 2 Core module table


Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules


Scientific skills and tutorials BIO00032I

5/I 30 BIO00006C none Open group work exam wk 1 SpT, plus on-going coursework, field course assessed in situ

Option modules (from which students choose 90 credits)


Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules


Mechanisms of genetic change BIO00033I

5/I 10 BIO00007C none Closed exam wk 1 SpT

Immunology BIO00002I

5/I 10 none none Closed exam wk 1 SpT

Metabolism in health and disease BIO00034I

5/I 10 Stage 1 BIO none Closed exam wk 1 SpT

Molecular biotechnology BIO00008I


Neuroscience BIO00009I

5/I 10 Stage 1 BIO none Closed exam wk 1 SpT, plus on-going coursework

Population biology BIO00037I


Molecular microbiology BIO00043I

5/I 10 BIO00007C none Closed exam wk 1 SpT

Species-environment interactions BIO00022I

5/I 10 Stage 1 BIO none Closed exam wk 5-7 SuT

Evolutionary and population genetics BIO00017I

5/I 10 none none Closed exam wk 5-7 SuT

Organisms in their environment BIO00036I

5/I 20 none none Closed exam wks 5/7 SuT, plus on-going coursework

Developmental biology BIO00004I

5/I 10 BIO00011C none Closed exam wks 5/7 SuT

Eukaryotic gene expression BIO00042I


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Environmental ecology BIO00005I


Behavioural ecology BIO00020I


Cell biology BIO00035I


Postgenomic biotechnology BIO00018I

5/I 10 Stage 1 BIO none Closed exam wks 5/7 SuT

Marine and coastal biology field course

BIO00021I

5/I 10 none none Coursework submitted wk 8 AuT

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Core and options available within each specialist degree programme (BIO, Biology; BTM, Biotechnology & Microbiology; ECO, Ecology; GEN, Genetics; MCB, Molecular Cell Biology) at Stage 2. [O = optional, C = compulsory]

Module Credits Term taught BIO BTM ECO GEN MCB

BIO00036I Organisms in their environment

20 Spr, Sum O O C O O

BIO00043I Molecular microbiology

10 Aut O C O C C

BIO00021I Marine and coastal biology

10 Sum vac, Aut O O C O O

BIO00002I Immunology 10 Aut O O O O O

BIO00008I Molecular biotechnology

10 Aut O C O O O

BIO00022I Species environment interactions

10 Aut O O O O O

BIO00033I Mechanisms of genetic change

10 Aut O O O C O

BIO00034I Metabolism in health and disease

10 Aut O O O O C

BIO00037I Population biology 10 Aut O O C O O

BIO00004I Developmental biology

10 Spr, Sum O O O O O

BIO00005I Environmental ecology

10 Spr, Sum O O O O O

BIO00009I Neuroscience 10 Spr, Sum O O O O O

BIO00017I Evolutionary and population genetics

10 Spr, Sum O O O C O

BIO00018I Postgenomic biotechnology

10 Spr, Sum O C O O O

BIO00020I Behavioural ecology 10 Spr, Sum O O O O O

BIO00035I Cell biology 10 Spr, Sum O O O O C

BIO00042I Eukaryotic gene expression

10 Spr, Sum O C O C C

BIO00032I Scientific skills and tutorials

30 Aut, Spr, Sum C C C C C

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Stage 3 (BSc) Core module table


Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules


Research project BIO00028H

6/H 40 none NR4 Report submitted day 1 of SuT, also oral presentation

Research skills BIO00027H

6/H 20 none none Open essay submitted week 4 SuT. Closed exam wks 5/7 SuT.

Stage 3 (M. Biol.) Core module table


Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules


Research skills and project BIO00047H

6/H 40 none NR5 (for project

(40%) and Directors report (5%))

Report submitted day 1 of SuT, oral presentation, submission of openly assessed extended essay and closed exam wks 5-7 SuT

Option modules table (indicative list only from 2016/17, prerequisites may be amended). BSc: Six 10-credit modules to be taken, including three in the Autumn term. M.Biol.: Eight 10-credit modules to be take, four in the Autumn term, four in the Spring term.


Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules Timing and format of main assessment

Cancer & the cell cycle6 BIO00008H

6/H 10 BIO00035I none Closed exam wk 1 SpT

Cell and tissue engineering BIO00009H

6/H 10 BIO00011I none Closed exam wk1 SpT

Environmental microbiology7 BIO00038H

6/H 10 none none Open assessment wk 2 SpT

4 See Exceptions to University Award Regulations, below 5 See Exceptions to University Award Regulations, below 6 Mutually exclusive pairing with Biofuels and biotechnology

7 Mutually exclusive pairing with Membrane Transport

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Evolutionary ecology8 BIO00014H

6/H 10 none none Closed exam wk 1 SpT

Global change ecology BIO00015H


Glycobiology9 BIO00016H

6/H 10 none none Closed exam wk 5-7 SuT

Learning and memory BIO00017H

6/H 10 BIO00009I none Open assessment wk 2 SpT

Bacterial pathogenesis BIO00040H


Molecular machines10 BIO00019H

6/H 10 BIO00004C none Closed exam wk 1 SpT

Plant-soil interactions11 BIO00022H

6/H 10 none none Closed exam wk 5/7 SuT

Membrane transport and its role in health and disease12

BIO00048H


Plant biotechnology BIO00023H


Proteins & disease13 CHE00019H


Protein to protein recognition14 BIO00025H


The anthropocene15 BIO00049H

6/H 10 none none Open assessment wk 2 SpT

Advanced topics in developmental biology16

BIO00001H

6/H 10 BIO00004I none Open assessment wk 5 SuT

Advanced topics in immunology BIO00003H

6/H 10 BIO00002I none Closed exam wk 5/7 SuT

8 Mutually exclusive pairing with Antibiotics

9 Mutually exclusive pairing with Bioremediation

10 Mutually exclusive pairing with Human genetics

11 Mutually exclusive pairing with Protein nucleic acid interactions

12 Mutually exclusive with Environmental microbiology

13 Mutually exclusive pairing with The anthropocene

14 Mutually exclusive pairing with Advanced topics in behaviour

15 Mutually exclusive with CHE 19H Proteins and disease

16 Mutually exclusive pairing with Bio-inspired Chemistry

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Biocatalysis17 BIO00004H

6/H 10 BIO00004C none Closed exam wk 5/7 SuT

Biofuels and biotechnology18 BIO00006H


Bioremediation19 BIO00005H

6/H 10 BIO00010C none Open assessment wk 5 SuT

Brain in health and disease20 BIO00007H

6/H 10 BIO00009I none Closed exam wk 5/7 SuT

Conservation ecology and biodiversity21 BIO00010H


Ecological genetics22 BIO00012H


Epigenetics in development and disease BIO00013H


Human molecular parasitology BIO00018H

6/H 10 BIO00042I none Open assessment wk 5 SuT

Protein nucleic acid interactions23 BIO00024H

6/H 10 BIO00004C none Closed exam wk 5/7 SuT

Systems and synthetic biology BIO00026H


Antibiotics24 BIO00043H


Chromosome dynamics25 BIO00044H

6/H 10 BIO00004C, BIO00033I

none Closed exam wk 1 SpT

Transcription and cancer BIO00045H

6/H 10 BIO00042I none Closed exam wk 5-7 SuT

Principles of molecular virology BIO00041H


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Mutually exclusive pairing with Health and disease in a changing environment 18

Mutually exclusive pairing with Cancer and the cell cycle 19

Mutually exclusive pairing with Mechanisms to therapies 20

Mutually exclusive pairing with Biofuels and biotechnology 21

Mutually exclusive pairing with Analytic and forensic chemistry 22

Mutually exclusive pairing with Biocatalysis 23

Mutually exclusive pairing with Plant-soil interactions 24 Mutually exclusive pairing with Evolutionary ecology 25 Mutually exclusive pairing with Environmental microbiology

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Advanced topics in behaviour26 BIO00039H

6/H 10 BIO00020I none Open essay wk 2 SpT

Human genetics27 BIO00042H


26

Mutually exclusive pairing with Protein protein recognition 27

Mutually exclusive pairing with Molecular machines

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Optional core modules available within each specialist degree programme (BIO, Biology; BTM, Biotechnology & Microbiology; ECO, Ecology; GEN, Genetics; MCB, Molecular Cell Biology) at Stage 3. [OC = optional compulsory i.e. specialist degree students (BTM, GEN, ECO, MCB) must take at least four from the available OC modules]. Bio students have a free choice of all available modules.

Module Term BTM ECO GEN MCB

BIO00006H Biofuels and biotechnology Aut OC OC

BIO00008H Cancer and the cell cycle Aut OC OC

BIO00009H Cell and tissue engineering Aut OC OC

BIO00014H Evolutionary ecology Aut OC

BIO00015H Global change ecology Aut OC

BIO00017H Learning and memory Aut OC

BIO00019H Molecular machines Aut

BIO00023H Plant biotechnology Aut OC OC OC

BIO00025H Protein-protein recognition Aut

BIO00038H Environmental microbiology Aut OC OC OC

BIO00039H Advanced topics in behaviour Aut OC

BIO00040H Bacterial pathogenesis Aut OC OC

BIO00041H Principles of molecular virology Aut OC OC

BIO00042H Human genetics Aut OC

BIO00043H Antibiotics Aut OC

BIO00049H The Anthropocene Aut OC

BIO00048H Membrane transport and its role in health and disease Aut OC

BIO00001H Advanced topics in developmental biology Spr OC

BIO00003H Advanced topics in immunology Spr OC

BIO00004H Biocatalysis Spr OC

BIO00005H Bioremediation Spr OC OC

BIO00007H Brain in health and disease Spr OC

BIO00010H Conservation ecology and biodiversity Spr OC

BIO00012H Ecological genetics Spr OC OC

BIO00013H Epigenetics in development and disease Spr OC OC

BIO00016H Glycobiology Spr OC OC

BIO00018H Human molecular parasitology Spr OC

BIO00022H Plant-soil interactions Spr OC OC

BIO00024H Protein nucleic acid interactions Spr OC

BIO00026H Systems and synthetic biology Spr OC

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BIO00044H Chromosome dynamics Spr OC

BIO00045H Transcription and cancer Spr OC OC Stage 4 Core module table


Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules


M level Research Project BIO00057M

7/M 80 NR (for Directors

report 10%) Project submission week 5 of summer term

Critical analysis BIO00056M

7/M 20 Final piece of open assessment in week 1 summer term

Data analysis BIO00058M

7/M 20 Portfolio

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Additional year variants e.g. year in Europe, year in industry

Year in Europe. This is a full academic year taken at one of various Universities in mainland Europe, as part of the Erasmus scheme. The Year in Europe is assessed on a pass/fail basis, and does not contribute to the overall award. There is no re-assessment opportunity for the year in Europe.

Year in Industry. This is a full academic year taken as a placement in Industry (often in pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies, but also possibly at a research institute, such as the Sanger Centre, etc). The Year in Industry is assessed based on a written report, on a pass/fail basis, and does not contribute to the overall award. There is no re-assessment opportunity for the year in Industry.

Replacement year variants

Students on all programmes may apply to spend Stage 2 on the University-wide North America / Asia / Australia student exchange programme. Acceptance onto the programme is on a competitive basis.

Marks from modules taken on replacement years count toward progression and classification.

Transfers out of or into the programme

Students are free to move between Genetics, Ecology, Microbiology & Biotechnology Molecular Cell Biology and Biology as long as the students have undertaken the core modules. Students may move to move to M. Biol. from BSc before the end of stage 2 if they have a degree mark average of >55 %. Students on M. Biol. will be able to transfer to BSc within the first two years of the programme, and will have to transfer to the BSc at the end of stage 2 if they have a degree average mark < 55 %.

Students on a programme with a Year in Industry / Europe who no longer wish to undertake the year away, or cannot find a place, or who fail the placement will be transferred to the equivalent programme without the placement year.

Students can transfer to either the programme with a Year in Industry / Europe at any point up until the end of Stage 1.

Exceptions to University Award Regulations approved by University Teaching Committee

Exception Date approved

Exception sought for inadequate engagement during the project, i.e. if a student fails to engage with the research work they will be unable to produce a passing report, and cannot be re-assessed.

Approved by UTC for all BSc programmes (March 2013)].

Quality and Standards

The University has a framework in place to ensure that the standards of its programmes are maintained, and the quality of the learning experience is enhanced.

Quality assurance and enhancement processes include:

the academic oversight of programmes within departments by a Board of Studies, which includes student representation

the oversight of programmes by external examiners, who ensure that standards at the University of York are comparable with those elsewhere in the sector

annual monitoring and periodic review of programmes

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the acquisition of feedback from students by departments, and via the National Student Survey.

More information can be obtained from the Academic Support Office:

http://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/support-and-admin/academic-support/staff/#quality

Date on which this programme information was updated:

20 December 2017

Departmental web page: http://www.york.ac.uk/biology/

Please note

The information above provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, delivery and assessment of modules can be found in the module descriptions.

The University reserves the right to modify this overview in unforeseen circumstances, or where the process of academic development, based on feedback from staff, students, external examiners or professional bodies, requires a change to be made. Students will be notified of any substantive changes at the first available opportunity.



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