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Programme Specification for the 2024/5 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	2024/5
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

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

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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

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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. Describe in detail essential facts and theory underlying molecular and cellular science. 2. Describe and critically evaluate aspects of current research in molecular and cellular science with reference to reviews and research articles.	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. 5. Study autonomously and undertake projects with minimum guidance. 6. Select and properly manage information drawn from books, journals, and the internet. 7. Interact effectively in a group.	See above.	See above.

7. Programme Regulations

Classification

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES)

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