Description

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

Cert HE International Year One in Biosciences

1. Programme Details

Programme name	Cert HE International Year One in Biosciences	Programme code	LDC1INTINT16
Study mode(s)	Full Time	Academic year	2023/4
Campus(es)	Streatham (Exeter)	NQF Level of the Final Award	4 (Certificate)

2. Description of the Programme

This is a full-time learner-centred academic programme that offers you the opportunity to increase your knowledge of academic theory and practice to enable entry to year two of an undergraduate degree programme in Biosciences. You will be helped to develop the necessary research and study skills and to improve your language skills in preparation for second year and third year undergraduate study. You will also develop your knowledge and understanding of key concepts in biosciences.

You will experience a favourable learning environment designed to meet your specific needs, both from the point of view of English language and study skills development and the delivery of academic subject teaching, which is appropriately paced and supported, with a generous allocation of teaching time (on average 22 hours each week). You will attend lectures alongside first year undergraduate students, receiving additional academic input to support your transition to undergraduate study in the UK. 

From the International Year One (IYO) Biosciences, students can progress to one of six different undergraduate programmes. Each student would study 90 credits of relevant bioscience academic modules and 30 credits of academic English for Biosciences.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme runs in parallel with the first-year undergraduate programme at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and aims to help students progress seamlessly into their second and third years of undergraduate study by focusing both on academic content and English/Study Skills. A broad range of learning and teaching methods is used, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and group work. Students are treated as partners in the learning process and should expect to be active contributors in all learning activities. INTO University of Exeter provides a complete student experience with substantial one-on-one support, small class sizes and tailored learning. 

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.

Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College website:

http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/current/modules/

Stage 1

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BSc Biological Sciences	BIO1332 Biochemistry; BIO1339 Cells; BIO1338 Plants
BSc Biochemistry	BIO1332 Biochemistry; BIO1339 Cells; BIO1345 Structure & Reactivity of Organic Compounds I
BSc Zoology	BIO1338 Plants; BIO1331 Animals; BIO1336 Ecology
BSc Conservation Biology & Ecology	BIO1338 Plants; BIO1331 Animals; BIO1336 Ecology
BSc Animal Behaviour	BIO1338 Plants; BIO1331 Animals; BIO1336 Ecology
BSc Evolutionary Biology	BIO1338 Plants; BIO1331 Animals; BIO1336 Ecology

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
INT0201	Academic English for Biosciences	30	Yes
BIO1333	Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists	15	No
BIO1334	Genetics	15	No
BIO1337	Microbiology	15	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
BIO1332	Biochemistry	15	No
BIO1339	Cells	15	No
BIO1338	Plants	15	No
BIO1345	Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds I	15	No
BIO1331	Animals	15	No
BIO1336	Ecology	15	No

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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. Explain broadly different levels of biological organisation (molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological) 2. Apply skills of academic writing appropriate for the particular science specialisation, develop and justify structured and coherent arguments, evidence the ability to evaluate and interpret different assumptions and perspectives 3. Describe aspects of current research in the biosciences with reference to reviews and research articles	This programme is at RQF Level 4 and whilst, after progressing, students will move towards more independent learning, there will be a greater emphasis on study methods that embed a greater degree of support with the acquisition of subject knowledge and skills. The programme uses a range of teaching and learning methods: lectures; laboratory classes; group work; problem based learning. As well as taking a bespoke 30 credit Academic English for Biosciences module in a small group, for ILOs 1 and 3 students will attend lectures and other learning activities, including laboratory practicals and workshops alongside the BSc Biological Sciences and BSc Biochemistry first year undergraduates Typically a 15 credit module would consist of between 15 and 20 hour long 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. Laboratory classes will normally run for either 3 or 5 hours. Students will normally work in groups with an expectation that the workload is divided equally. Some laboratory classes form the basis of assessment and require the submission of a final laboratory report. This will normally require data analysis in the form of tables and graphs. There is also an expectation that the data generated will be used in some subsequent calculations. Discussion of the findings or answers to short questions will be used to provide evidence of knowledge gained. ILO 2 will be delivered primarily through the Academic English module, which will focus on skills and approaches needed within the bioscience field. This will be taught in small groups and students will develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.	The programme uses a range of assessment methods: MCQs, practical problem sets, practical reports and essays. Some of these will involve group work. The Academic English for Biosciences module is assessed through written assignments, quizzes and exams, group seminars, presentations, and an interview.

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:
4. Develop practical research skills 5. Demonstrate an appropriate degree of proficiency in spoken and written English in the science context	For ILO 4, students will gain hands-on experience of lab work. ILO 5 will be supported by the Academic English for Biosciences classes employing a variety of activities and teaching methods. These include teacher-led group work, student presentations, seminars, set tasks and online resources. It will also be developed throughout the programme via practical classes, lectures, seminars, tutorials and guided self-study.	ILO 4 will be assessed through MCQs, practical problem sets and practical reports. ILO 5 will be assessed throughout the programme by presentations, seminars, and written assessments.

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:
6. Think independently, creatively and make sound judgements 7. Select and use information drawn from books and the internet 8. Manage yourself effectively, including: independent learning; time-management; insightful reflection and evaluation, seeking and responding to feedback, taking personal responsibility for own learning 9. Interact effectively in a group	These ILOs are developed through the process of acquiring subject knowledge and core academic skills (see above). ILO 9 is developed through group discussions and through working in groups in academic seminars and tutorials, including the planning and delivery of group presentations. ILO 6 is embedded throughout the programme and ILOs 7 and 8 are embedded in the Academic English for Biosciences and the Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists modules.	ILOs 6-8 are assessed through written assignments, seminars, presentations, and interviews. ILO 9 is assessed through seminars and group practicals.

7. Programme Regulations

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.

 

Credit

Undergraduate (UG) Programmes: The programme consists of 120 credits with all credits taken in one stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, participants normally take no more than 120 credits at NQF level 4. The pass mark for award of credit in UG modules (NQF level 4-6) is 40%.

 

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt.

Undergraduate (UG) Programmes: Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage on the following conditions:

a)    You must have registered for and participated in modules amounting to at least 120 credits in the stage

b)    You must pass the modules marked with a ‘Yes’ in the ‘non-condonable’ column in the tables above

c)     You must achieve an average mark of at least 40% across the full 120 credits of assessment in the stage, including and failed and condoned modules

Assessment and Awards:

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:

Distinction: 69.5% overall in academic content + 69.5% in Academic English

Merit: 59.5% overall in academic content + 59.5% in Academic English

Pass: 40 – 59%

Classification

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

All students will have a Personal Tutor who will provide one to one guidance on academic matters. INTO Exeter also has a Welfare and Disability Officer to provide support to students on a range of non-academic matters. In addition, the centre has an Additional Needs Tutor, who can support students with an ILP.

The Centre has a small library with a range of textbooks. There are also PCs and printing facilities. All programmes and modules have ELE pages with a variety of resources available to students.

Learning Resources The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.

IT Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

• University Wellbeing Service - available free of charge, to provide confidential help and support.
• Student Health Centre - We are a Primary Health Care Centre, primarily funded by the National Health Service, providing care for all acute and long-term health problems for students on the Streatham Campus.
• SID Student Information Desk  - in the Forum is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of 12 student services from Accommodation to Finance, Wellbeing to International Student Support, IT to AccessAbility. You can access the SID team 12 hours per day during term time between 8am – 8pm plus 10am – 3pm on Saturdays. Out of term time we are open 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday.
• The Student Engagement and Skills - team offer support for all students who wish to improve their personal, professional and academic skills, through lectures, workshops, individual appointments and peer support programmes in colleges and interactive online resources on Exeter’s Learning Environment (ELE).
• Family Centre (Streatham campus)provides high quality care and education for early-years children of students and staff. 
• Student Advice Centre - : (the Forum) is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues: housing, finance, and academic matters.
• TheStudents’ Guild is the students’ union of the University of Exeter providing representation, advice, activities, social events, dining outlets and more. 
• Student complaints procedure.
• Chaplaincy offers confidential support, advice and pastoral listening for all students.
• The International Student Support Office supports non UK students across all University of Exeter campuses.   

• INTO University of Exeter partnership provides English Language and other preparatory courses for international students.
• AccessAbility offers advice and support to students with specific learning disabilities (eg. dyslexia) and physical disabilities/health conditions. Support includes helping students access learning and teaching opportunities and make the most of university life.
• Employability and Graduate Development the Career Zone has over 40 staff working to help you improve your chances of getting a great job after you graduate. They provide expert advice to enable you to plan your future through: guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences ensures that students studying on the International Year One in Biosciences (leading to the Certificate of Higher Education) meet the accreditation standards required for direct entry of students into the second year of a Bioscience degree programme through representation at Examination Boards. All modules on this programme are monitored by external examiners and their reports are acted upon. 

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

INTO

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

Cert HE International Year One in Biosciences

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

4 (Certificate)

21. Credit

CATS credits	120	ECTS credits	60

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date	03/02/2020	Date of last revision	09/05/2023