MSc Molecular Biology Programme Specification - Staffordshire ...

POSTGRADUATE
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme Title:
Awarding Body:
Distance Learning Scheme: Postgraduate Programme in Molecular
Biology and Health
Staffordshire University
Accreditation: Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredits the MSc. IBMS and the
Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) accredit individual modules for CPD.
Final Awards:
Postgraduate Certificate Molecular Basis of Disease
Postgraduate Diploma Molecular Biology for Health Professionals
MSc in Molecular Biology
Intermediate Awards:
Postgraduate Certificate Molecular Basis of Disease
Postgraduate Diploma Molecular Biology for Health
Professionals
Mode of Study: Part-time / Full-time distance Learning
UCAS Codes:
Not applicable
QAA Subject Benchmarks: Bioscience
Professional/Statutory Body
Date of Production: 23 rd of August 2011
Date of Revision: 26 th of April 2012
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EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME
Our postgraduate programme in molecular biology aims to provide you with an opportunity to acquire
knowledge and understanding of molecular biology and its impact on biomedicine. The emphasis of the
programme lies in your acquisition of central theory (Certificate and Diploma) which you can then apply
in practice (Diploma and Masters).
A postgraduate approach to both the acquisition and development of many key transferable skills and
knowledge is underpinned by a supportive teaching and learning strategies via online learning blended
with campus-based practical courses.
The aims are
to offer you advanced courses, reflecting contemporary research, at postgraduate level, in the
theory and practice of molecular biology with special emphasis on biomedical applications
to develop your knowledge and highly valued key practical and analytical skills (for the Diploma
and Masters awards) to maintain and enhance your employability and prospects.
to provide flexible study options geared to your work and lifestyle commitments
to enhance your abilities in critical awareness and thinking, analysis and reflection, selfreliance
and confidence, communication, adaptability, creativity, team working and
management skills.
To provide you with a positive learning experience.
What is distinctive about this programme?
The emphasis on health related aspects of Molecular Biology gives the courses a vocational
orientation without becoming too specialised as to omit broader aspects. The MSc is
accredited and its content has been informed by the IBMS.
There are very few Molecular Biology MSc’s which are predominantly by distance learning.
The awards are attractive if you are in employment within the UK or abroad.
On the Diploma and MSc are the opportunities for you to develop and expand your key
practical skills, valued by employers, in our well equipped, up-to-date laboratories.
Development of a wider range of skills of value to employers, independent and group working,
presentations, time management and project planning.
Available full- or part-time.
Two entry points, September and February.
Part-time routes are very flexible and so attractive if you are in full –time employment.
The final year project can, by negotiation, be carried out at your place of work.
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PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
Postgraduate Certificate in the Molecular Basis of Disease
This programme of study serves as a foundation for learning. It allows you to consolidate, deepen and
broaden your professional knowledge base and skills through the processes of critical reflection and
analysis. At the end of this period of learning, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate through the accurate interpretation of information, understanding and knowledge of
the central tenets of molecular biology and their relevance and application to medicine. (SU:
Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving, Communication.)
2. Engage in critical reflection and analysis of current biomedical applications of molecular biology
and critically appraise different methods of research. (SU: Knowledge & Understanding, Enquiry,
Analysis, Reflection)
3. Determine the application of knowledge and skills to the analysis and solutions of issues
associated with your area of practice. (SU Analysis, Application)
Postgraduate Diploma in Molecular Biology for Health Professionals
This stage of the programme allows for critical inquiry, synthesis and evaluation of a higher level of
knowledge and skills. You will develop advanced skills and critique and apply advanced knowledge,
evidence and skills to practice. In addition to the outcomes achieved at Certificate level, above, at the
end of this period of learning, you will be able to:
4. Undertake independent study at an advanced level and further develop the ability to identify, initiate and
integrate new approaches to your area of practice. (SU: Learning, Enquiry).
5. Demonstrate the ability to articulate complex and abstract ideas and arguments and engage peers in the
consideration of them. (SU: Learning, Communication).
6. Be competent and confident in the execution of molecular techniques and protocols within biomedicine
(SU: practical skills, enquiry, problem solving analysis).
7. Apply knowledge and advanced practical skills to the design of appropriate strategies for the
experimental analysis of issues associated with your area of practice. (SU Analysis, Application,
Problem Solving).
8. Critically examine evidence from a variety of practical and theoretical perspectives in order
to determine the implications for future research and practice development. (SU: Enquiry,
Analysis, Application).
Masters in Molecular Biology
To qualify for the Masters award you will undertake an inquiry into practice that includes an element of
empirical research. In addition to the outcomes achieved at Diploma level, above, at the end of this
period of learning you will be able to:
9. Demonstrate the ability to pursue a research topic from project definition through planning, execution,
interpretation and analysis of data to complete dissertation. (SU: Learning, Enquiry, Application,
Practical skills)
10. Recognise and select appropriate strategies to communicate the findings of research and enquiry to
peers. (SU: Communication)
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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS
The postgraduate programme in molecular biology will comprise level 7 credits as shown within the
designated routes as shown below:
Outline of programme structure
Postgraduate
Certificate
Molecular Basis
of Disease (PgC)
Postgraduate Diploma
Molecular Biology for
Health Professionals
(PgD)
All of PgC modules, 60
credits
PLUS
Masters
Molecular
Biology (MSc)
All of PgD
modules, 120
credits
PLUS
Block 1:
September -
November
Block 2:
December -
February
Block 3:
February -
April-
Principles of Molecular
Biology (15 credits)
(or Molecular aspects
of infectious disease if
February start)
Molecular aspects of
chronic multi-factorial
diseases (15 credits)
Molecular aspects of
infectious disease (15
credits)
(or Principles of
Molecular Biology if
February start)
Genomics and Bioinformatics
(15 credits)
DNA Techniques (15 credits)
Option module – one from
●Negotiated Learning
Module (15 credits)
●Introduction to Leadership
and Management (15 credits)
MSc Molecular Biology
Project (60 credits)
●Current Developments in
Genetics (15 credits)
Block 4:
April - July
Total level 7
credits
Human Molecular
Genetics (15 credits)
Molecular Diagnostics (15
credits)
60 credits 120 credits 180 credits
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED?
Teaching and Learning
Central to the teaching and learning strategy is the design of a curriculum which is largely delivered via
a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in this case Blackboard, a commercially available VLE
(http://www.blackboard.com/). The programme is designed to embrace the best of distance learning
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approaches and methods.
All theory modules are delivered via Blackboard. The two practical modules have Blackboard
support both before and after the 7 and 6 day residential practical courses. You are trained in the use of
Blackboard during the two scheduled induction weeks (September and February) and in addition, many
modules incorporate a training element as part of the tasks scheduled for the first week of study. You
are also supported by extensive high quality online documentation.
Each module takes place over 9 weeks, with one week turnaround between the modules. Within each
theory module are a number of distinct learning units, the number and nature of which vary. Each
learning unit has associated tasks for students to complete. For example, one learning unit may require
you to watch a video lecture, read from a recommended list of sources and write a précis or
commentary on the topic. In all modules, you are required to participate in the tasks and activities as
this is viewed as a key part of their formative learning. In many modules, these formative tasks are
integrated into summative assessment, thereby providing you with an indication of the importance of
these activities in your learning.
Module tutors utilise the online medium fully, in order to provide you with a diverse and stimulating
learning experience. Many modules have a “wrap-around” approach; here the tutors utilise a key text
(supplemented by papers and internet resources) to provide much of the core module content and then
wrapped around this is a structured programme of directed reading, tasks, activities and assessments.
Further to this approach, you may also receive online video lectures, PowerPoint presentations,
interactive self–test questions, discussion rooms, online meetings, chat, synchronous and
asynchronous collaborative activities etc. all managed through Blackboard VLE.
Collaborative and cooperative online learning is a key feature of the teaching and learning strategy.
Research shows that episodes of collaborative (on a shared task) and/or cooperative learning (each
student having their own task as part of a larger group task) positively enhance your experience and
learning as an online student. In particular, we see the scheduling of synchronous and asynchronous
online activity of module cohorts (and learner groups) as being a positive, enjoyable and stimulating
activity. In addition, health professionals – our target market – are highly skilled in multidisciplinary team
working and therefore, we have designed the modules and the programme to exploit that expertise by
establishing virtual teams, working on collaborative or cooperative tasks.
These, group activities – especially in an online setting – strengthen the group dynamic, enabling you to
exercise your skills in communication and reflection and help to ameliorate the potential isolation of an
online student.
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Assessment
Combined formative and summative assessments and employ a variety of assessment modes and are
designed to enable you to understand, integrate and critically evaluate the knowledge acquired within
the modules. At the diploma stage, with the inclusion of the two practical modules, the assessment
focuses on the demonstration of competence in and knowledge of appropriate techniques and
methodologies. At the masters stage you will demonstrate your ability to apply these correctly to
answer research questions, via the masters research project.
Formative assessment
Formative assessment is linked with summative assessment, explicitly in some modules, but more often
by developing skills and critical thinking which enable you to perform successfully in your summative
assessment tasks. Formative methods of assessment are used to provide you with feedback on your
progress and to assist you in preparation for summative assessments. Formative assessment is a
critically important part of an online course. Some of the student tasks associated with the learning units
will not be formally assessed – but their completion is a vital part of the active learning we encourage.
You are expected to complete all tasks and in doing so you are skilfully guided in your study of these
complex topics.
Details of formative feedback opportunities are found in module handbooks and/or on the module
descriptors (student handbook 2012 -13).
Summative assessment
All modules contain one or more assessed components. Modules are assessed using a variety of
methods including producing research proposals, analysing data, preparing PowerPoint presentations,
online tasks e.g. database searching, written reports, reviews, portfolios, essays etc. Two modules
(SCS80735-7 Human Molecular Genetics at certificate level and SHS80705-7 Genomics and
Bioinformatics at diploma level) have an examination as one of their summative components. The
Masters project module is assessed through the dissertation only.
Details of assessment type and weightings are given in the module descriptors and handbook. All
assessments are designed to enable the course tutors to assess the extent to which you are able to
demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. Further details, including module descriptors, are
available in the award handbook ( student handbook 2012 -13)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Entry Requirements (including ILETS score)
The programme and all assessments are delivered in English, an IELTS minimum score of 6.0 or
equivalent is required. The language qualification is in addition to the entry requirements listed below.
What qualifications would I need to join this programme?
The programme is designed to equip professionals in health and related areas with knowledge and
understanding of molecular biology as it relates to and impacts on biomedicine. Therefore, our
admissions criteria reflect the desire to widen participation and encourage students from varied
backgrounds, with an interest in molecular biology, to learn and achieve a postgraduate qualification.
Admission onto the Postgraduate Certificate
You would normally have one (or more) of the following:
Degree in biological or related sciences e.g. biochemistry, physiotherapy, health science,
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veterinary science, forensic science.
Degree in nursing, medicine or pharmaceutical science/ pharmacy
Extensive experience as a state registered health professional (UK)
Extensive experience as a health professional (overseas)
Extensive experience in the pharmaceutical or related biotechnology industries
Membership of the IBMS
You are advised to contact the award leader or postgraduate tutor before applying. Computer literacy
and recent study experience by you is highly recommended. Successfully completion of the Certificate
can be considered for progression onto the Diploma.
MSc and Diploma admissions criteria
You will normally have a science background and hold a good degree (2ii or above) in Biological or
related sciences from a UK university or an equivalent qualification from overseas. Related and
extensive relevant work experience (as a Health professional) may also enable your entry onto the
Diploma as would successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Molecular Basis of Disease.
Continuing Professional Development – the use of free standing modules
All modules, excepting the project module, are available on a free-standing basis, if you are interested
please contact the award leader to discuss.
APL guide for distance learning students
Guides for APL application can be found at: APL Policy and APL student handbook
Disability Statement
Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students
have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your
needs assessed can be found at:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp
AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Further information on the Pg Certificate, Pg Diploma and MSc can be found
at:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/courses/molecular-biology-tcm429693.jsp
The 2012/2013 Student Handbook is available at
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/sciences/distlearn/downloads/molecular/handbook_2012/student_handbook_2012.htm
Post graduate Regulations are available at
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/assets/postgrad_regs_tcm44-26797.pdf
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Further information about the award can be found in the relevant
Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes
information about optional modules, student support, and academic
regulations.
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