Applied Biology BSc (Hons)
COURSE INFORMATION (2013 ENTRY)
3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich
Health and Life SciencesEllison Building, Newcastle City Campus
Biosciences are perceived as highly important by the public, and there is a continued demand for degree programmes in this area of study. The Applied Biology BSc (Hons) will help you know and understand better the science of modern biology and will enable you to apply this knowledge in a range of biosciences contexts. You will develop your practical laboratory-based skills and transferable skills. You will also be introduced to ethical issues resulting from technological advances in biotechnology, biomedicine and environmental technology.
Year 1
This introductory year introduces a range of subject areas including fundamentals of biochemistry, genetics, physiology and whole-organism biology together with related studies of the diversity of living organisms within the global environment. Your transferable and practical skills will be developed.
Year 2
During this year, your subject based knowledge will be extended and greater emphasis placed on the practical aspects of the course. You will develop critical analytical skills and carry out complex practical and field work exercises.
Placement Year (optional)
In your third year, you may wish to carry out an optional salaried work placement to gain valuable work experience in your chosen field.
Students choosing the sandwich option will spend the year on a placement organised with the assistance of tutors. This year provides valuable work experience and a head start in a competitive job market. Work placements can take place anywhere in the UK.
Final Year
During this final year you will carry out an individual research project in an area of interest. Emphasis is placed on independent learning in both individual and group contexts and you will have the opportunity to evaluate and synthesise complex subject matter in your field.
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The programme is designed to prepare you for employment and further study. During your first year you will be introduced to a range of subject areas and skills that are fundamental to a practising bioscientist. You will develop your knowledge of the subject in the second year, with an emphasis on laboratory skills, experimental design, data-handling and communication skills. These skills will form the foundation that will support you in tackling increasingly complex assignments and practical and field work exercises, with greater emphasis on group and independent learning.
There will be an opportunity for you to take a placement year between years 2 and 3. While on placement you will submit a monthly log book entry that will be assessed to see how well you have adjusted to the work environment as well as monitoring your industrial supervisors views on your performance and whether you are making appropriate progress.
During the final year you will carry out an individual research project in your chosen area of interest, spending one day each week working in a laboratory with the support of tutors. A bioethics module will challenge you to research the social and environmental impact of recent developments in biosciences, forensic science, medicine and biotechnology and to debate the ethical issues associated with such developments.
Within the structure of the programme a range of option choices are available to complement the core subjects. You will be able to choose either particular specialised themes such as biotechnology, ecology and the environment, food science, microbiology, nutrition, biomedical sciences or from a range of modern foreign languages or Students into Schools modules to suit your personal interests and aspirations.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
During the three year course you will take a range of challenging modules delivered in stimulating ways to promote independent learning. Your coursework has been designed to progressively develop your cognitive, intellectual, practical and transferable skills.
You will be assessed continually throughout the programme via a variety of methods including written unseen exams, practical exams, oral presentations, practical and field work reports, project proposals, projects, poster presentations, workbooks, on-line quizzes, and in-session assessments.
ACCREDITATION
All students are encouraged to become Student Affiliate Members of the Society of Biology, the leading professional body for biosciences.
CAREERS
We place a strong emphasis on enhancing the employability of our graduates through the development of transferable skills. Applied Biology graduates have a strong multidisciplinary background of knowledge in biosciences and an extensive portfolio of skills, including biosciences laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, biological/ ecological field work, research and scientific communication skills, problem solving and interpersonal skills. You will leave the programme equipped to enter subject-specific as well as general graduate jobs across a variety of challenging areas, including bioscience research laboratories (in areas related to medicine and biotechnology), the water industry, scientific civil service, teaching, environmental protection and monitoring, conservation and careers in finance and business.
OTHER INFO
Course Facilities
The School of Life Sciences is well-equipped for laboratory work with up-to-date equipment to support both the laboratory sessions within the programme and the final year research project. You will also find your learning supported through the e-learning portal.
Course Staff
We pride ourselves on the accessibility of staff to students and you will be assigned a Guidance (Personal) Tutor to support you throughout the programme.
Staff Expertise
Staff have a wide range of expertise of teaching and research within applied biology.
Research
Staff research interests include various aspects of biosciences, including molecular genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology and toxicology. In addition there are a number of post-graduate students actively engaged in research into bioscience topics.
Further Study
Upon successful completion of your degree, you may wish to go on to do an MSc, MRes or PhD in an area of applied biological sciences, or a PGCE for teaching in primary or secondary education.
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Northumbria University has taken reasonable care to ensure that the information published is accurate at the time of publication. However, the University gives no warranty or representation as to the quality, accuracy or completeness of the information.
