Course Catalogue

To provide for all students a defined academic programme with clear learning outcomes. To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical skills required to equip them for a career in the biological sciences and related industries and professions. To develop critical, analytical problem-based learning and transferable skills to prepare the student for graduate employment. To enable students to acquire a high level of practical, analytical and research skills in biology. To develop those learning, information technology, communication and reflective skills necessary to enable students to undertake independent study, and to participate in lifelong learning. To encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills. To provide opportunities for development of creativity and innovation with reference to aspects of biology. In addition to the aims for the main target award, the sandwich programme aims to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give the students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study, as well as attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.

The acquisition of knowledge is fostered through a range of taught sessions, these include: lectures, practical laboratory classes, and fieldtrips. Understanding of taught material is facilitated through tutorials, problem-based learning sessions, workshops, seminars, group work and independent study. Knowledge and understanding are assessed in a variety of ways. These include: online tests, examinations, laboratory and field reports, essays, and seminars, including problem-based learning sessions, case-studies, and poster presentations. Biology-related skills are developed in many areas of the programme. For example, the ability to synthesise and analyse information critically is developed in laboratory and field sessions from Level 4 to 6, including in the Practical Skills for Biology and the Research Project modules. Applying subject knowledge and understanding to address unfamiliar problems is developed in workshops in many modules, especially in modules that utilise interpretative examination questions. Moral and ethical issues are a key part of modern biology and developed in many taught and practical sessions. Laboratory and field reports, scientific communication, essays and examinations allow students to demonstrate the full range of these skills and attributes. Practical and professional skills are taught during laboratory classes and fieldtrips. Core principles and minimum standards of practical work are introduced at Level 4, developed at Level 5, and at Level 6 the students apply these skills during their independent Research Project. If the student has chosen the Work-Based Learning for Credit module (WBL) then these practical skills will be developed in an applied work setting. These practical and professional skills are assessed through laboratory and field reports, including the Research Project report. Transferable and key skills are inherent within the programme, but specifically they are taught in core modules at all Levels (Practical Skills for Biology and Fundamentals of Scientific Research at Level 4; Research Skills & Employability at Level 5; Research Project at Level 6). These transferable and key skills are assessed through coursework at all levels, in all modules

Graduate Skills are taught and practised within a wide range of modules and assessed within the core modules at Level 4 Fundamentals of Scientific Research and Practical Skills for Biology, Level 5 Research Skills and Employability and at Level 6 Research Project and/or Work-Based Learning. Work-related learning opportunities are also available through the routes of employer seminars, guest lectures/workshops, employer-driven assignments and modules, and contact during fieldwork. There are options for residential field work at levels 4 and 6. The Work-based Learning placement (135 hrs) and the Sandwich placement (12 months) offer the opportunity for students to gain work experience with a relevant professional organisation. Students are supported by the Professional Training Tutor who is responsible for advertising placements and promoting vocational training to students. These opportunities may be in the UK or abroad.