Course Catalogue

To provide for all students a defined academic programme of study with clear learning outcomes. To provide students with a wide knowledge and understanding of core subject matter to enable them to pursue a career in Biotechnology related employment. To enable students to acquire a high level of practical, analytical and research skills in biotechnology. To develop critical, analytical problem-based learning and transferable skills to prepare the student for graduate employment. 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 employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement. To provide students from a wide variety of educational backgrounds with a high quality learning experience in a supportive environment. To provide opportunities for students to gain commercial awareness, develop entrepreneurial skills and explore a wide range of career options. In addition to the aims for the main target award, the sandwich programme aim is 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 including lectures, computer sessions, and practical laboratory classes. Understanding of taught material is facilitated through tutorials, problem-based learning, workshops, group work and independent study. Knowledge and understanding are assessed in a variety of ways. These include: examinations (essay style questions, MCQ, data analysis and short answers),laboratory reports, practical assessments (to assess both understanding and technical competence),essays, case-studies, oral presentations, and poster presentations. Cognitive skills are developed in many areas of the programme. For example, the ability to synthesise and analyse information critically is developed in laboratory sessions from Level 4 to 6, including in the Practical Skills in Biotechnology 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 biotechnology and are developed in many taught and practical sessions. Laboratory 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 (a component of most modules). Core principles and minimum standards required for effective laboratory 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 module (WBL) then these practical skills will be developed in an applied work setting. These practical and professional skills are assessed through practical tests, data handling exercises, and laboratory reports, including the execution of the Research Project. Transferable and key skills are inherent within the programme, but specifically they are taught in core modules at all Levels (Practical Skills in Biotechnology and Introduction to Biotechnology at Level 4; Research Methods in Biotechnology at Level 5; Research Project at Level 6). These transferable and key skills are assessed through assessment activities at all levels, in all modules and specifically in the modules mentioned above.

The programme also offers the option of a sandwich route, which involves 1 year of work experience in a specialist field. The sandwich placement occurs at the end of level 5 and the training allows students to develop their professional and technical skills. Work related learning is delivered throughout the programme and for those students who are eligible there is a level 6 Work-Based Learning (WBL) module. The WBL module is an option module for students who undertake approximately 140 hours engagement with a workplace environment, relevant to their subject discipline, during the course of an academic year. This would usually take place during the summer before the final year of study. The Faculty Placement Learning Support Unit (PLSU) provides support for students seeking work-based placements including Sandwich placements. Work-related learning opportunities are also available through the routes of employer guest lectures/workshops, and employer-driven assignments.