• Students follow a 4-year sandwich degree pathway or a 3-year full-time pathway. The programme can also be followed part-time.

• At Level 1 basic biochemistry, chemistry and physiology are introduced in modules on Cell Biology, Cellular Processes Essential Chemistry and Human Physiology. Professional Practice provides general background and study skills. The other module of study is Microbiology

• At Level 2, four modules are essential: Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cellular Biochemistry, Pharmaceutics and Research Skills. Two further complementary modules are chosen from a selection of microbiological and physiological modules.

• The third year of study can be spent away from the University in an agreed work placement.

• The final year (Level 3) has further modules specialising in aspects of Biochemistry. Specialisation is in Medical Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

• In your final year, you do an individual research project (up to one third of final year work), involving original work (normally laboratory-based).

Work experience/placement opportunities

• The 4-year Sandwich programme offers a years working experience normally in a laboratory which may be in a hospital, research institution or in a medical, industrial or food company. Placements are available nationwide and sometimes abroad.

• Your experience can be written up to pass a Work Experience module that will appear on your degree transcript. You also have the opportunity to take a work-based learning module which can contribute to your final degree classification.

• Project work is an essential component of an Honours degree programme and one that most students enjoy. Small projects and group work exercises feature throughout the programme.

• One third of your final year is spent on an individual research project. This will contribute over 20% to your total Honours mark.

• Project work encourages students to show initiative in their individual work under supervision, using appropriate analytical techniques to generate and interpret new data.

• Laboratory based projects are encouraged but library based research projects may also be undertaken.

• Extensive personal support throughout the programme.

• Staff with extensive experience of teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Sound practical and academic training.

• The sandwich year working in a laboratory will add value to your job prospects at the end of the programme.

• Effective careers advice and support available.

• To gain an understanding of the basic mechanisms which are found in all living systems.

• To apply that basic understanding to the study of specific, more advanced, topics enabling students to have current knowledge in selected areas.

• To develop skills in the performance and interpretation of a range of appropriate experimental techniques.

• To develop research skills

• To develop independent learning skills, which can be carried on throughout life.

• To gain an insight into the work of biologists in modern society.

Knowledge

• All students gain a broad overview of the biology field at level one. Thereafter you will acquire more detailed specialist knowledge in your chosen areas.

• The programme aims to provide a background to a large number of the scientific techniques used in biological investigations.

• Students will acquire an understanding of the laboratory procedures and techniques used, which will allow the rapid acquisition of more specialist skills later in their career.

• An awareness of the wider implications of scientific research on society as a whole.

Thinking skills

• The ability to comprehend, analyse and criticise published information in biology.

• The ability to formulate hypotheses with the minimum of assistance.

• The ability to use integrated approaches to problem solving.

Subject-Based Practical skills

• The ability to analyse data from your own and other people's experiments and to interpret them in the light of published work.

• The ability to select and apply a range of practical skills relevant to your chosen areas of biology.

• The ability to design and carry out experimental work.

• The ability to effectively communicate your work to scientists and the general public.

• The ability to select and utilise appropriate computer software.

• The ability to carry out literature searches effectively to find information on a specific topic.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• The development of your own style of independent learning.

• The ability to communicate ideas and experiments to others and to debate relevant scientific and /or ethical issues.

• IT skills.

• Communication skills.

• Team work.

• Time management.

• Confidence.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
• University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

Knowledge is developed through

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Practicals
• Reading
• Internet, UELPlus and CAL

Thinking skills are developed through

• Computer aided learning
• Presentations
• Preparing for tutorials and seminars/workshops
• Completing coursework assignments (including data analysis essays, presentations etc)
• Independent reading

Practical skills are developed through

• Laboratory Practical and/or fieldwork
• Computer simulations and use of IT

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Managing time
• Presenting ideas and arguments in a structured manner - written and oral communication
• Problem solving
• Team work

A wide variety of assessment methods are used including

• Written examinations
• Practical reports
• Essays
• Data analysis
• Poster presentations
• Oral presentations
• Portfolios
• Final year research project and dissertation
• MCQ tests
• Database searches
• Library exercises

Knowledge and Thinking Skills are assessed by

• Evidence of reading and comprehension of the topics covered in the module being assessed. This will be particularly apparent in essay work and examinations.

• Ability to describe, explain and discuss various aspects of the programme material in the context of class tutorials, group work, presentations and other pieces of assessed coursework for the module.

• In the final year particularly, thinking skills will be assessed by the ability to take information presented in any module out of its original context and to utilise this information in the construction of arguments, comparisons, hypotheses etc as required to address the specific assessments in each module.

Practical skills are assessed by

• The ability to carry out laboratory practical work effectively, within the timeframe allocated.

• The ability to interpret and report on work carried out in the laboratory.

• The ability to complete assignments using appropriate resources.

• Evidence of logical planning and management of time in the preparation of materials for assessment.

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by