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This newly developed course is closely linked to a range of areas of current interest and will provide you with a strong set of highly employable and transferable skills. These will enable you to pursue career opportunities in research and development (for academia, government or industry), teaching, health or medical publishing and medical sales.
A broad-based skills degree, this course is underpinned by world-leading research and covers topical areas such as health and the environment, the impact of biotechnology applications and genetics.
The first stage of the course will give you a grounding in the biological sciences, covering core areas such as microbiology, cellular chemistry and anatomy. Following this, your second stage of study will comprise health and the environment, biochemistry and biotechnology. This will include a focus on how these areas impact on our lives and environment, both now and in the future. Your final stage will look at areas such as pathopharmacology, cells and molecular biology. You will also enjoy the opportunity to undertake a final year research project.
As a Biological Science undergraduate, you will be taught by world-leading researchers (as recognised by the Government's Research Assessment Exercise 2008). The breadth of knowledge and skills you will acquire will equip you to work in a wide range of areas in our modern world.
During the course you will:
Areas of study you may cover on this course include:
The assessment philosophy of the Biological Science Award conforms to the recommendations of the QAA Benchmarking statement for Biosciences. It includes a range of assessment methods such as:
The Fields commitment to practical skills and the ability to communicate and interpret data through scientific report writing is emphasised at all levels of the Programme. As such, practical (laboratory) reports form a significant proportion of student assessment.
Assessment throughout the later units, most notably in the Level 3 research project, will call upon abstract writing and journal review skills to promote critical thinking and integration of knowledge across the course units. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged, as the main units in Level 2 of the award all require students to undertake oral presentations as a part of the unit assessments. This is then continued in Level 3 units.
Complexity of assessments develops progressively through the three levels of the programme, so that at Level 1 course work assessments develop scientific writing and underpinning skills in generating practical reports. These skills are developed further in longer and more-in depth practical reports and, along with other skills such as essay writing. This development continues at Level 3, where students are expected to exercise greater ability to assimilate and critically review information. These skills are practically assessed in the ability to review and interpret subject matter (practical & theoretical) in essay style writing. In order to ensure that all students are familiar with the final Level 3- exams format, timed essays are present in units in Level 2 and 3 of the award. This provides students with an early feedback mechanism regarding their strengths and weaknesses in examinations, which enables remedial action to be taken where appropriate.
A similar development occurs in the unit final assessments. It is recognised that students require training in examination technique and to this end examinations in Level 1 are relatively few in number and computerised multi-choice short exams are used. Over the subsequent two years the emphasis is builds from a short test based assessment, such as combined multi-choice and short-answer, or short answer questions, to a more traditional examination scenario of 2 hr papers consisting of short and long (brief essay) style questions. Final examinations are then set in a traditional style of 3 from 6 essay questions in 3 hr papers at Level 3.
Specific units covering key transferable skills are present at both Level 1 and Level 2. Units in Level 1 conform to the overall strategy of the field, with oral presentations being absent from the units. Units are developing such skills are introduced at Level 2 and higher. Outside these core skills units, the other units support the further development of this array of transferable skills and allow the student to enhance their skill development and rectify any perceived weaknesses. The degree course offers units that cover all the skills pertaining to Information Retrieval & Handling, and Communication & Presentation, present in the QAA benchmarks for Biosciences. The skill areas regarding Planning & Problem Solving and Social Development & Interaction, are less obviously defined in the individual units of the course, but are generally developed in practical work within all the units, which is group orientated. The student therefore, will experience these skills throughout the course, although they may not be specifically defined within the unit descriptions.
The aim of the BSc Biological Science course is to develop the students understanding of the biosciences, especially the disciplines related to human biology within the context of the biological sciences and to provide the core practical skills that form an integral part of these subjects. This degree course is designed to give students both the necessary skills to work within a wide range of scientific fields and a set of transferable skills useful throughout the employment market.
The course provides high-quality, broad-based, training in biological sciences, complementing the existing portfolio of programmes offered by the Division of Science. By providing a wide knowledgebase and key transferable skills, the programme will not restrict successful graduates in their eventual choice of career. Biological Science students will have a sound base of biology and biochemistry that will allow them to appreciate the functioning of living organisms. They will understand how the human body functions in health and disease and be aware of the latest advances in the various disciplines they study.
A full Induction week programme is provided by the Division of Science to new Level 1 students, during which you are introduced to the Divisions academic and administrative staff. You are given information about the running of the Division and procedures for practical sessions including some formative laboratory work.
All students are assigned a personal tutor who arranges a meeting with their tutees at least twice a term. You can contact your Personal Tutor by e-mail and s/he will contact you as necessary especially if there appears to be absences or problems with your studies.
BREO (the Universitys Blackboard based Virtual Learning Environment - VLE) provides a great deal of help and back-up material such as lecture notes and additional background information on all units. In some cases there are discussion boards and you can get in touch with lecturers and tutors vie e-mail. BREO also provides a certain amount of distance learning, revision material and formative assessments as well as containing all the administrative material you need such as the unit handbook and regular announcements. In addition all unit co-ordinators have set times during which students may book an appointment to discuss academic issues arising from a unit.
Throughout Level 1, notably in the Foundations and Skills unit you are given further guidance from representatives of the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) and Professional and Academic Development (PAD) to help improve information literacy, referencing and report writing skills. At Level 2, you are given guidance in terms of preparation for the final year research project.
At Level 3 the project supervisor will take over the role as your Personal Tutor and act as the first port of call for academic advice and support.
Your main contact in terms of academic advice is your Personal Tutor. You may also book an appointment to see one of the Division of Sciences two Academic Advisors for course related academic advice. Furthermore, you will be able to contact the Field Chair and/or Field Administrator who can deal with more substantive issues such as deferrals, transcripts, and other issues that cannot be covered by the Personal Tutor.
Students who require English Language Support:
It is recognised that some students entering the course, despite having the requisite English language entry qualification will require extra support in their use of the English language. Through diagnostic testing in Induction Week and by monitoring students performance in early stage assignments student requiring extra support will be directed to the Professional and academic development (PAD) team based in the Learning Resource Centre. Furthermore the PAD team will be involved in delivering help session at key points through a students study on the course for example in the Level 1 Foundations and Skills unit. Students requiring extra support will be referred to PAD at the earliest opportunity and the process monitored through the appropriate STAR board.
Throughout the course you will be working with other students, in small groups in practical sessions or producing group reports and presentations. You will have an opportunity to identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities and perform in a manner appropriate to these roles. You will also demonstrate the ability to recognise and respect the views and opinions of other team members and evaluate your performance as an individual and a team member as a well as evaluating the performance of others.
These group activities are designed to develop your team working skills as a preparation for professional life in the scientific or other areas.
From the onset of your course you will be encouraged to think about potential careers and your future employment prospects. Staff from the Centre for Personal and Career Development will provide regular talks from Induction week on throughout all three levels of the course.
As part of the support lectures in the Research Project unit, you will be introduced to different career opportunities available in the biological sciences, learn about specific careers and forms of employment, and more about the opportunities in terms of further study or jobs in the general area of the biological sciences. You will be given guidance on CV writing, interviews techniques and other skills in seeking employment. You will generate and keep an up to date CV in your progress file.
Visiting lecturers who are experts in their fields of biological or biomedical science will also be of benefit to you as they provide an opportunity to discuss careers and employment ideas with you whilst you are on the course.
Career:
Teaching professions.
Further training, e.g. medicine, health service.
Research & development in government or non government laboratories.
Biological sciences; healthcare management.
Science writing, publishing or medical sales.
Professions requiring degree level entry qualifications and the sets of key transferable skills in numeracy, logic and reasoning offered by a science-based course.
Further study:
MRes masters degree by research
MSc a taught masters degree in a related area eg Biotechnology
PhD research into biological science
Standard:
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
The general requirement is one of the following:
A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.
Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.
Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.
We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
The general requirement is one of the following:
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.
(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)
We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.
Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.
Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section
APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.
Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `
The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.
We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.
Return your completed application to:
University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk
The course welcomes students with disabilities. During the application process disabled students discuss their needs with individual members of the academic staff, as well as staff from the Disability Advice Team. Normally does not provide an obstacle to students participating fully in the practical aspects of coursework.
Any students that have any form of disability or medical condition that might affect their studies should make themselves known to the Field Chair or Programme Manager BEFORE beginning their studies. This is particularly important where an existing condition may generate health and safety concerns either working in the laboratory or working alone in the field.
The Disability Advice Team is available to discuss any issues students may have and can provide services such as sign language interpreters, note takers, dyslexia screening/tuition and support with mobility on campus. They offer confidential advice and information about academic and personal issues, adjustments in examinations, applying for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) and buying suitable equipment.
A minor potential barrier to study is wheel chair access during practicals. This is limited in some laboratories and must be in accordance with health and safety regulations, although may be possible by special arrangements. Students requiring such assistance are asked to consult with the Universitys Disability Advisor and the Division of Science to resolve any potential problems before enrolling on the course. Students with asthma or related conditions should inform academic staff prior to commencing the practical work on a unit to ensure that their health and safety is safeguarded.
Communication
To help with the development of communication skills you will:
Information Literacy
To help with the development of this you will:
Research and Evaluation
To help with the development of this you will:
Creativity and Critical Thinking
To help with the development of this you will:
You will be encouraged to develop a range of professional development skills. These skills involve the ability to work independently, tmanage your time efficiently and identifying and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development. You will develop an adaptable, flexible, and effective approach to study and work, and the capacity for self-reflection on your ability to meet your goals.
Guidance from representatives of the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and Professional and Academic Development (PAD) to help improve your information literacy, referencing and report writing skills is given early on in the course. This will introduce you to the further support that can be given by these departments and also provided by experts in seminars.
In particular, the Honours Project will provide you with an opportunity to participate in scientific research at the forefront of your subject. You will have the chance to develop a strategy for using skills in problem solving over an extended period of time and to manage your study time effectively with a degree of self-discipline and self confidence.
You will be assigned a personal tutor who will give guidance and help you with your progression throughout your course. This role will be taken over by your project supervisor in the second and final years, as they will be the member of staff with whom you are expected to have the most contact.
You will keep a student progress file throughout your degree. This is a paper based document charting your individual development as a student. It contains three main elements: your transcript, personal record and personal development planning. It can be thought of as a portfolio of your achievements at University.
Your Progress File is not currently assessed but will be monitored by the personal tutor system. You will be given guidance and information about the Division of Science policy on progress files during the Foundations & Skills in Biological Science unit.
You are expected to develop and maintain high professional standards by:
Self management and professional development skills are introduced during induction week and also emphasized throughout all levels of the course. These include time management and organisation skills as well as safe working practice in the laboratory.
You are expected to be proactive in maintaining these professional standards. These standards will be monitored and issues addressed throughout the programme. Failure to address professional Health and Safety standards in particular will not be tolerated.
Ethical issues related to Biological Science and wider bioscience issues will be addressed within individual units as they arise and will form a basis for assessment in some instances.
In formulating the project proposal and in its implementation you will have the opportunity to show how well embedded your professional standards are. You will show this by your reliability in collaborating with fellow students, meeting deadlines and keeping appointments, showing an awareness of the ethical issues surrounding your area of research and by successful completion of health and safety risk assessments for your practical work.
