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 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.

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 Research Project module. 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. 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. 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 (Skills and Presentations at Level 3; Fundamentals of Scientific Research at Level 4; Research Methods at Level 5, and the 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.

Students visit enterprises through the professional practical courses. Through the visit, students develop an understanding of the biotechnology industry. Through the graduation internship, students can complete a professional project together with the school supervisor or enterprise tutor. The ability to solve specific professional problems can be formed through the completion of a small project. During the internship, the head teacher will contact the tutor and the students to facilitate feedback. After the internship, students are required to complete their bachelor's thesis.