Programme Specification (Undergraduate) Date amended: 27/02/15

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Programme Specification (Undergraduate)

Date amended: 27/02/15 1. Programme Title(s) and UCAS code(s):

Natural Sciences BSc FCG0 BSc/NS Natural Sciences MSci GFC0 MSci/NS

Natural Sciences (with Foundation Year) FGC0 BSc Natural Sciences BSc with a year abroad*

Natural Sciences MSci with a semester abroad* Natural Sciences MSci with a year abroad* * can only be transferred onto when in course 2. Awarding body or institution:

University of Leicester 3. a) Mode of study: Full time b) Type of study: Campus Based 4. Registration periods: BSc

The normal period of registration is three years The maximum period of registration is five years BSc with year Abroad:

The normal period of registration is four years The maximum period of registration is six years

MSci (including with a year abroad and with a semester abroad) The normal period of registration is four years

The maximum period of registration is six years

For Foundation Year Variant:

The normal period of registration for the BSc is four years (one year for the Foundation Year, with three years for the BSc)

The maximum period of registration for the BSc is six years (one year for the Foundation Year, and five years for the BSc)

5. Typical entry requirements:

BSc ABB + GCSE Maths B; IB 32

MSci A-Level AAA + GCSE Maths A; IB 36

A level: ABB or points equivalent from best three A levels. Typically in subjects outside of the ‘usual’ A levels expected by the department.

BTEC Diploma: DDM in appropriate subject area.

Access to HE courses in Science and Engineering: 45 L3 credits, including 30 at Distinction and remaining L3 credits at least at Merit.

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6. Accreditation of Prior Learning:

APL will not be accepted for exemptions from individual modules, however may be considered for direct entry to year 2, on a case by case and subject to the general provisions of the University APL policy.

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7. Programme aims: The programme aims to

For the BSc: To provide students with

• a general understanding of the scientific method and its limits

• specific advanced knowledge of one or more sciences, including physics, chemistry, biological sciences, geology

• specific knowledge of applications in one or more of the above areas

• experience of some aspects of current research in interdisciplinary areas of science a sound basic knowledge of IT and computing

• competency in basic mathematics (numeracy, algebra, graphical analysis, elements of calculus, the use and abuse of statistics)

• high level professional and personal skills (presentation, written and oral communication, team work)

• experience in the public understanding of science independent learning skills in addition for the MSci

• ability to undertake research in interdisciplinary areas of science For Foundation Year variant, see Foundation Year Programme Specification 8. Reference points used to inform the programme specification:

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland • External Examiners’ reports

• Periodic Developmental Review report (May 20018) • University Learning Strategy

• University Employability Strategy • First Destinations Data

• Student feedback (2014)

• Institute of Physics New Degrees Working Party report Institute of Physics recognition criteria

• Royal Society of Chemistry recognition criteria 9. Programme Outcomes:

Intended Learning

Outcomes

Teaching and Learning

Methods

How Demonstrated?

(a) Discipline specific knowledge and competencies

(i) Mastery of an appropriate body of knowledge

Memorization of core information, model problems, experiments and techniques. Current issues

Lectures, Specified Reading, Problem-based applications. Group discussion, Tutorials

Written examinations Group reports Individual reports

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Intended Learning

Outcomes

Teaching and Learning

Methods

How Demonstrated?

(ii) Understanding and application of key concepts and techniques

Exposition of logical structure Application of basic concepts Practical demonstration of experimental method. Use of IT. Competent use of standard equipment, knowledge of safety procedures,

Novel applications. Professional skills.

And for the MSci: Research skills

Lectures, Seminars, Marked assignments

Group Problem solving

Laboratory and workshop supervision Problem solving, Workshops

Extended research project

Written examination Presentations Reports Notebook assessment Problem solutions Written examinations Assessed problems Project report

(iii) Critical analysis of key issues

Critical appraisal of applications Experimental design and Modelling

And for the MSci: Research design

Laboratory and project supervision Group problems

Extended research project

Written examinations, Laboratory notebooks,

Project progress and report

(iv) Clear and concise presentation of material

Presentation of scientific results Participation in scientific discussion Group workshops Project supervision Group presentations Project presentations

(v) Critical appraisal of evidence with appropriate insight

Experimental method Project design Group supervision Specified reading Written examinations Project reports Assessed tasks

(vi) Other discipline specific competencies

Practical demonstration of experimental method.

Use of standard equipment, knowledge of safety procedures, Novel applications. Professional skills.

Laboratory supervision Problem solving, Workshops Peer review Reports Notebook assessment Written examinations Assessed problems

(b) Transferable skills

(i) Oral communication

Response to questioning Short seminar

Science presentations And for the MSci Extended lecture

Tutorials

Group project supervision Project supervision Supervised study

Oral assessment

Presentation assessment

(ii) Written communication

CVs Report writing Science communication CV induction Writing workshops Tutorials Marked CVs Assessed reports Project summaries

(iii) Information technology

Use of spreadsheets Basic word processing And for the MSci

Knowledge of a high level programming languages

Workshops Problem solving Workshops and project

Assessed tasks Reports

(iv) Numeracy

Use of analytical and graphical methods

Problem applications Written examinations Project reports

(v) Team working

Scientific discussion

Organization, time management

Group problem solving, problem- based learning

Group projects

Group assessment (outcomes and oral questioning)

(vi) Problem solving

Novel applications Lectures, problem workshops, group work, projects

Marked problems, Group work assessment, project assessment

(vii) Information handling

Information retrieval Data analysis

Problem-based learning Laboratory skills training

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Intended Learning

Outcomes

Teaching and Learning

Methods

How Demonstrated?

(b) Transferable skills

(viii) Skills for lifelong learning

Study skills

(Optional: Business awareness) And for the MSci:

Research skills

Problem-based learning Project based learning Coursework

Coursework Extended project

Project assessments Report

Project report, portfolio and lecture

10. Progression points:

Resits for laboratory science modules are at the discretion of the Board of Exmainers (see reg 5.10) Students will not be offered the opportunity to proceed and substitute new modules for those failed (reg.5.14b)

Students will only be permitted to proceed and re-attempt modules failed at attempt 2 in the following academic year where the credits total 25 or less (reg. 514c)

The following modules must be passed by attempt 2: NS1022, NS1023, NS2022 and NS2023.MSci students may not take any module assessments at attempt three; if MSci fail any credits at attempt 2 they will be transferred to the BSc (reg. 5.15)

MSci progression criteria are as follows: Year Two CWA

60%+ automatic

55-60% at Teaching Committee discretion following interview and recommendation by

Personal Tutor Year Three CWA

55%

The following progression criteria apply to BSc year abroad: Year Two CWA

60%+ automatic

55-60% at Teaching Committee discretion following interview and recommendation by Personal

Tutor

Progression from Year 0 to year 1: In cases where a student has failed to meet a requirement to progress he or she will be required to withdraw from the course.

Students will be required to pass Foundation Year in order to progress to Year 1 with an average module mark of at least 60%.

Attendance Criterion

The substantial group work component of the programme necessitates a formal attendance criterion with respect to student’s individual marks from group-based activities, to ensure that standards are upheld and that students’ progression is derived from their own contributions.

In core modules, the marks an individual student receives from a defined group based activity will be subject to a factor based upon their attendance and will be capped at 40% in the event that more than 2 sessions are missed without satisfactory explanation (self-certification is accepted where under the normal threshold for the requirement of a doctor’s note).

11. Scheme of Assessment

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Regulations 5. 12.Special features:

Interdisciplinary modules, group problem solving, problem-based learning, research based projects, education options, science communication options, research-based learning, support by specialist Teaching Fellows, Journal Club, Journal of Interdisciplinary Science Topics, opportunity for exchange with comparable programmes at McMaster University, University of Paris Descartes, and Waseda University.

13. Indications of programme quality

Formal Recognition of programme by Institute of Physics (renewed for 5 years Nov 2013) Founding member of national association of institutions that offer Natural Sciences degree programmes. Selected quotes from external stakeholders

Professor Peter Main

Director, Education and Science Institute of Physics

"In summary, I think that the University of Leicester can be justifiably proud of its work in I-Science. It is a shining example of good practice in HE and one of the most, if not the most, innovative courses in science in the UK."

Dr Claire Cupples Dean of Science

Simon Fraser University

"The concept and execution of the programming at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Science is innovative and influential."

"...undergraduate science education models such as yours have and will continue to pave the way for others like us to follow."

Professor Mick Brown (External Examiner 2006-2009) University of Cambridge

"Staff and students alike are to be congratulated on conceiving, delivering and experiencing a pioneering educational package which may well in time come to be seen as a model for higher science education in the UK."

Professor Carolyn Eyles

Director, Integrated Science Programme McMaster University

"The I-Science program is widely recognized and respected as the 'pioneer' interdisciplinary science program and other institutions (including McMaster) are certainly keen to learn from the experience of instructors working in the Centre. The Centre has a very high international reputation as a leader in the development of undergraduate interdisciplinary science programs"

"The I-Science program has great potential and will become increasingly important to the University as students recognise the value of an educational program that develops the learning, skills and attitudes required for their future success in a world that requires multidisciplinary approaches to the investigation of complex problems."

Staff have won prestigious awards for their teaching and curriculum development (e.g. NTF, the Institute of Physics’ Bragg Medal)

Staff have been invited to present at numerous national and international educational conferences on the degree programme.

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Staff have taken a lead role in the establishment of the College of Science and Engineering’s Pedagogical Research Strand

14. External Examiners

The details of the External Examiner(s) for this programme and the most recent External Examiners’

reports can be found here.

Appendix 1: Programme structure (programme regulations) Appendix 2: Module specifications

See module specification database http://www.le.ac.uk/sas/courses/documentation

Appendix 3: Skills matrix

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BSc NATURAL SCIENCES FIRST YEAR MODULES

SEMESTER 1

Core Modules Credits

NS1011 ORIGINS OF SCIENCE 15

NS1012 INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY AND CHEMISTRY 15

NS1013 ECOLOGY (Part 1) 10

NS1021 METHODS AND TECHNIQUES I (Part 1) 5

NS1022 MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENCE I (Part 1) 5

NS1023 LABORATORY SCIENCE I (Part 1) 5

Optional Modules One from:

NS1053 SUSTAINABLE FUTURES A 5

NS1055 SCIENCE AND CULTURE 5

NS1061 ADVANCED STUDY IA 5

Semester Total 60

SEMESTER 2

NS1013 ECOLOGY (Part 2) 5

NS1014 SOLAR AND PLANETARY SCIENCE 15

NS1015 NEUROSCIENCE AND COMPUTATION 15

NS1021 METHODS AND TECHNIQUES I (Part 2) 5

NS1022 MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENCE I (Part 2) 5

NS1023 LABORATORY SCIENCE I (Part 2) 10

Optional Modules One from: NS1052 MATHEMATICAL MODELLING A 5 NS1054 SCIENCE COMMUNICATION A 5 NS1062 ADVANCED STUDY IB 5 Semester Total 60

SECOND YEAR MODULES

SEMESTER 1

NS2011 ENERGY IN PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY 15

NS2012 ASTROBIOLOGY AND ASTROPHYSICS 15

NS2013 CHEMISTRY IN DRUG DESIGN (Part 1) 5

NS2021 METHODS AND TECHNIQUES II (Part 1) 5

NS2022 MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENCE II (Part 1) 5

NS2023 LABORATORY SCIENCE II (Part 1) 10

NS2053 SUSTAINABLE FUTURES B 5

NS2055 HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE 5

NS2061 ADVANCED STUDY IIA 5

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SEMESTER 2

NS2013 CHEMISTRY IN DRUG DESIGN (Part 2) 10

NS2014 FORENSIC SCIENCE 15

NS2015 BIOPHYSICS, PHYSIOLOGY AND METABOLISM 15

NS2021 METHODS AND TECHNIQUES II (Part 2) 5

NS2022 MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENCE II (Part 2) 5

NS2023 LABORATORY SCIENCE II (Part 2) 5

NS2052 MATHEMATICAL MODELLING B 5

NS2054 SCIENCE COMMUNICATION B 5

NS2062 ADVANCED STUDY IIB 5

THIRD YEAR MODULES

SEMESTER 1

NS3016 EVOLUTION 15

NS3017 MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY AND NANOSCIENCE 15

NS3015 RESEARCH PROJECT III (Part 1) 15

NS3021 METHODS AND TECHNIQUES III 5

NS3022 MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENCE III (Part 1) 5

NS3030 INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL (Part 1) 5

SEMESTER 2

NS3018 SENSING AND SIGNALLING IN BIOLOGY AND PHYSICS 15

NS3019 PALEOCLIMATES AND CLIMATE MODELLING 15

NS3015 RESEARCH PROJECT III (Part 2) 15

NS3022 MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENCE III (Part 2) 5

NS3023 LABORATORY SCIENCE III 5

NS3030 INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL (Part 2) 5

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BSc NATURAL SCIENCES WITH A YEAR ABROAD FIRST AND SECOND YEAR MODULES

As for the BSc in Natural Sciences THIRD YEAR MODULES

The third year of this course will be spent studying abroad in an institution associated with the Centre for Interdisciplinary Science in a Study Abroad Programme.

Students will be required to achieve a pass mark in modules taken but the marks will not be included in the degree assessment.

FOURTH YEAR MODULES

As for Year 3 courses and examinations for the BSc in Natural Sciences MSci NATURAL SCIENCES

FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD YEAR MODULES As for the BSc degree in Natural Sciences FOURTH YEAR MODULES

SEMESTER 1

NS4011 SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING (Part 1) 10

NS4012 SCIENCE OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS (Part 1) 10

NS4013 ADVANCED STUDY TOPIC IV (Part 1) 10

NS4014 RESEARCH PROJECT IV (Part 1) 30

SEMESTER 2

Core Modules

Credits

NS4011 SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING (Part 2) 10

NS4012 SCIENCE OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS (Part 2) 10

NS4013 ADVANCED STUDY TOPIC IV (Part 2) 10

NS4014 RESEARCH PROJECT IV (Part 2) 30

MSci NATURAL SCIENCES WITH A YEAR ABROAD FIRST AND SECOND YEAR MODULES

As for the MSci in Natural Sciences THIRD YEAR MODULES

The third year of this course will be spent studying abroad in an institution associated with the Centre for Interdisciplinary Science in a Study Abroad Programme.

Students will be required to reach a prescribed level of attainment in the work done abroad and the marks from this year will be considered in the final degree classification.

Students registered for the MSci course who take their third year abroad and who fail to reach an appropriate standard will be required to transfer to the degree of BSc taking third year modules in the fourth year of their course.

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As for Year 4 courses and examinations for the MSci in Natural Sciences. Students may be required to substitute wholly or partially topics in the MSci degree that have not been covered.

MSci NATURAL SCIENCES WITH A SEMESTER ABROAD FIRST AND SECOND YEAR MODULES

As for the MSci in Natural Sciences THIRD YEAR MODULES

One semester of the third year of this course will be spent studying abroad in an institution associated with the Centre for Interdisciplinary Science in a Study Abroad Programme.

Students will be required to reach a prescribed level of attainment in the work done abroad and the marks from this semester will be considered in the final degree classification.

Students registered for the MSci course who take their third year abroad and who fail to reach an appropriate standard will be required to transfer to the degree of BSc taking third year modules in the fourth year of their course.

FOURTH YEAR MODULES

As for Year 4 courses and examinations for the MSci in Natural Sciences. Students may be required to substitute wholly or partially topics in the MSci degree that have not been covered.

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Programme Specification Appendix 3

Skills Matrix: MSci/BSc Interdisciplinary Science, MSci/BSc Natural Sciences

Date amended: 27/02/15

Programme Learning Outcomes NS1011, NS1012, NS1013, NS1014, NS1015 NS1021 NS1022 NS1023 NS1051 NS1052 NS1053 NS1054 NS1055 NS1059 NS1061, NS1062 NS2011, NS2012, NS2013, NS2014, NS2015, NS2016, NS2017, NS2018, NS2019 NS2021 NS2022 NS2023 NS2051 NS2052 NS2053 NS2054 NS2055 NS2056 NS2058 NS2059 NS2061, NS2062 NS3011, NS3012, NS3013, NS3014, NS3016, NS3017, NS3018, NS3019 NS3015 NS3030 NS3021 NS3022 NS3023 NS3031 NS3091 NS3092 NS4017, NS4018 NS4011, NS4091 NS4012 NS4013, NS4092 NS4014

(a) Discipline specific knowledge and competencies

(i) Mastery of an appropriate body of knowledge

Memorization of core information, model problems, experiments and techniques. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Current issues x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

(ii) Understanding and application of key concepts and techniques

Exposition of logical structure x x x x

Application of basic concepts x x x x x x x x x x x x

Practical demonstration of experimental method. x x x x

Use of IT. x x x x x

Competent use of standard equipment, knowledge of safety procedures. x x x

Novel applications. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Professional skills. x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Research skills x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

(iii) Critical analysis of key issues

Critical appraisal of applications x x x x x

Experimental design and modelling x x x x x x

(MSci) Research design x x

(iv) Clear and concise presentation of material

Presentation of scientific results x x x x x x x x x x x

Participation in scientific discussion x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

(v) Critical appraisal of evidence with appropriate insight

Experimental method x x x

Project design x x x

(vi) Other discipline specific competencies

Practical demonstration of experimental method. x x x x

Use of standard equipment, knowledge of safety procedures. x x x

Novel applications. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Professional skills. x x x x x x x x x x x x x

(b) Transferable skills

(i) Oral communication

Response to questioning x x x x x x x x x x x x

Short seminar x x x x x

Science presentations x x x x x x x x x x

(MSci) Extended lecture x

(ii) Written communication

CVs x x

Report writing x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Science communication x x x x x x x

(iii) Information technology

Use of spreadsheets x x

Basic word processing x

Knowledge of a high level programming language x x

(iv) Numeracy

Use of analytical and graphical methods x x x x x x x x x x x x x

(v) Team working

Scientific discussion x x x x x x x x x x x x

Organization, time management x x x x x x

(vi) Problem solving

Novel applications x x x x x x x x x x x x

(vii) Information handling

Information retrieval x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Data analysis x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

(viii) Skills for lifelong learning

Study skills x x x x x x x x

Research skills x x x x x x x x x x x