Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
BSc (Hons) Intercalated Molecular and Cellular Science
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Intercalated Molecular and Cellular Science | Programme code | UFS1BIOBIO03 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The one year BSc (Hons) Intercalated Molecular and Cellular Science programme is only available to selected students who are undertaking a medical degree at the University of Exeter or another appropriate medical institution, and have completed at least the first two years (240 credits) of their medical school programme (see University Regulations Governing Honours Degrees: Regulation 1.2, Section 5).
Molecular and cellular biology is one of the most fast-moving and important areas of biomedical research. Major human diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and pathogen infections are all fundamentally diseases of cells, and without a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie each disorder, directed therapeutic intervention is impossible.
In this one year intercalated Molecular and Cellular Science programme, you will develop a molecular understanding of cell function and behaviour that complements your BMBS studies and allows you to gain an appreciation for the core biological science that underpins clinical practice. The programme provides access to our specialist modules delivered to students in the second or final year of our three year undergraduate programmes, and module availability closely reflects the research strengths of Biosciences academics. Many modules are seminar-based, and these provide valuable new perspectives to topics you may already have completed as part of your main programme of study, allowing you to explore complementary areas in greater detail. The overall programme offers an innovative approach to learning that includes supportive small-group learning; lectures, and interactive seminars alongside a tutorial programme designed to give you the skills you need to succeed in your degree.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The general aims of this programme are:
To provide education intended to give you competence in molecular and cellular science, and to encourage you to develop your intellectual capabilities within an institution that is committed to advancing research, scholarship and learning, and to disseminating knowledge.
More specifically, this programme aims:
- To provide you with knowledge and understanding of molecular and cellular science from the fundamentals to the frontiers of the subject.
- To provide you with the basic scientific, intellectual, and practical training that will prepare you for lifelong learning, and, if you wish, for a career in molecular and cellular research.
- To enable you to experience a supportive learning environment that fosters your academic and personal development.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/current/modules/
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College website
You are also permitted to take the five, ten or 15 credit Professional Development Experience modules BIO3910, BIO3911 or BIO3912. Registration on these modules is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, these modules will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
The programme constituents vary slightly depending on the stage of medical training at which you are undertaking your intercalated degree and reflect anticipated differences in the level of prior learning.
For those students entering the programme with ≥ 240 credits (equivalent to at least two years of medical school training): 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
For those students entering the programme with ≥ 480 credits (equivalent to at least four years of medical school training): 45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
Please note that all modules are subject to change as they align with staff research interests. The following lists should be considered as indicative rather than definitive.
a The dissertation/research project must be on a topic related to molecular and cellular science.
b BIO2088 is a compulsory, condonable module for those students entering with at least two years medical school training. Those students with at least four years medical school training cannot take this module.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO3096 | Biosciences Research Project [See note a above] | 45 | Yes |
| BIO2088 | Advanced Cell Biology [See note b above] | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioS S1 iBSc MCS opt 2021-2 | |||
| BIO3041 | Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO3077 | Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO3078 | Cellular Basis of Immunity | 15 | No |
| BIO3082 | Science Communication | 15 | No |
| BIO3085 | Horizons of Biochemical Research | 15 | No |
| BIO3086 | Cell Biology of Disease | 15 | No |
| BIO3091 | Animal Developmental Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO3093 | Energy Metabolism | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Describe in detail essential facts and theory underlying molecular and cellular science. | Within the programme, teaching and learning activities are designed to encourage a progressive acquisition of subject knowledge and skills by moving from study methods that have a greater degree of support and assistance towards more independent learning. The programme uses a diverse range of teaching and learning methods: lectures; seminars; a research project or dissertation and group work. Typically a 15 credit module would consist of 15-20 x 1 hour lectures in which the core subject material will be provided. The lecture notes will be available via the University of Exeter Virtual Learning Environment and references to outside reading will be made available. The research project will normally take place in the 1st term where the student will undertake a project in a research group followed by production of a written report in the 2nd term; alternatively one dissertation will be written in terms 1 and 2. | The programme uses a diverse range of assessment methods such as: essay examinations; short answer and multiple choice tests (MCQ); practical work and reports; quantitative (numerical) problems; project report or dissertation; oral presentations. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
3. With limited guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, investigation, and enquiry within the field of molecular and cellular science. | See above. | See above. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. Communicate ideas effectively and professionally by written, oral and visual means. | See above. | See above. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Biosciences offers every student meetings each term with a personal tutor. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. The Biosciences website/fileserver includes the student handbook and learning materials. Every student has access to computers and printers within Biosciences. Each student can expect reasonable access to all teaching staff through appointments. The Biosciences Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Intercalated Molecular and Cellular Science
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 15/12/2014 |
Date of last revision | 12/07/2022 |
|---|
