Leeds Beckett Univ's Biomedical Sciences MSc 2020/21 Course Delivery & Assessment Approach, Study notes of Public Health

Download Leeds Beckett Univ's Biomedical Sciences MSc 2020/21 Course Delivery & Assessment Approach and more Study notes Public Health in PDF only on Docsity!

Course

Specification

Msc Biomedical Sciences

MSBIS

Postgraduate Material Information

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS

Version date: 27/07/

Postgraduate Material Course Information

Summary

Revised Course Structure and Delivery Information for Academic

Year 2020/21 in Response to Coronavirus Covid-19 and Associated

Public Health England Guidance as at 3 July 2020

PART 1 of 2: Important General Information about Course Delivery

for Leeds Beckett University Awards in 2020/21 (Information Specific

to Your Course is Provided in PART 2)

Introduction

This document contains important information about Leeds Beckett University’s planned

approach to course delivery and assessment in 2020/21. It provides an update to the

information previously available in our online prospectus. You should read this document

carefully so that you are aware of any changes that affect your course.

Information is provided in two parts:

The University is informed by Public Health England (PHE) Covid-19 advice and guidance for maintaining a Covid-secure learning and working environment. We have made arrangements

to continue to provide a high-quality educational experience in a way that protects the safety

and wellbeing of both students and staff. We are engaging closely with Leeds Beckett

Students’ Union to inform the arrangements and will also be informed by feedback provided

by our individual students.

Public Health England guidance continues to evolve, so the arrangements for delivery of your course and use of the campus may need to change during the academic year to continue to

protect students and staff.

Key terms and conditions

Further important information for applicants and students is available on our web site: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/information-for-applicants-and-students/. This includes information about the student contract, fees and funding, your rights of cancellation, the student protection plan and the University complaints process. It is essential that you read the information on this webpage carefully as it sets out the rights and obligations that will form the contract between you and the University upon accepting an offer and information about how to make a complaint.

Start dates

Our academic year will begin at the normal time. Start dates will be notified to direct applicants via their offer letter or for UCAS applicants, via UCAS Track. The length of the

course is confirmed in the information about your course in Part 2 of this document below.

Location of delivery

In academic year 2020/21, it is planned that your course will be delivered via a blend of online

and digital learning and on-campus teaching and learning, with the necessary Covid-19 social

distancing and other measures in place on campus informed by Public Health England advice

and guidance.

Information on how blended teaching and learning will be delivered and the location of any

on-campus delivery is provided in a subsequent section of this document entitled ‘ Teaching

and Learning Activities’.

Information on the delivery of placements and other off-campus learning opportunities is

provided in a subsequent section of this document entitled ‘ Placements and Other Off- Campus Learning Opportunities’

Course Fees

Your course fee is stated in your offer letter. The course fee published for 2020/21 on the University’s Online Prospectus and included in your offer letter has not changed. Other additional costs remain as published on our original Online Prospectus information in addition to the areas of costs outlined below.

The course will be delivered via a blended approach that includes online teaching and learning, digital learning and on campus sessions. If a further lockdown is necessary then delivery will be continued and supported via online and digital learning. Students are advised that they will need a personal digital device for this purpose. The University’s wide range of student support services available for students also includes a laptop loans scheme. Students may wish to bring an existing personal device or purchase or lease a laptop or similar device for their personal use which would be an additional cost. The costs of this would vary

depending on your individual requirements but can be in the region of £400-800 depending on the device.

The University is developing a means-tested Covid-19 Financial Assistance Package to support students to acquire a laptop should this be needed. Students may also apply for a living expenses fund for unexpected personal hardship as a result of the Covid-19 Crisis.

Students will need to follow the Public Health England advice and any specific national requirements for maintaining personal safety and hygiene to protect themselves and others from the Covid-19 risks. These personal safety measures such as the wearing of face coverings will be an additional cost that students need to consider.

Where PPE is an essential requirement for the nature of the course you are undertaking this will be detailed below.

Timetable Information

This course will be scheduled using a teaching block/semester-based delivery and will be

specified in timetable information.

The 2020/21 academic calendar and term dates are available on our web site at: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/-/media/files/academic-calendars/2021-student-calendar- sept.pdf?la=en

The academic year 2020/21 will start on the dates notified to you.

Taught sessions will normally be scheduled and included in your timetable. This will include

on-campus sessions that you should attend. In 2020/21, depending on your course, this may

also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is

required at a specified time and tutor pre-recorded lectures and scheduled discussion sessions. Module information will be made available online by the school for enrolled

students.

Timetables will be made available to students during induction week via:

1. The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
2. The Leeds Beckett app

You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with

your Course Administrator.

study towards achieving any specified professional statutory and regulatory body

accreditation requirements where this applies.

If there is an easing of Covid-19 restrictions, we will continue to provide blended delivery for teaching block 1 or semester 1 in 2020/21. We will keep teaching blocks 2 and 3 or semester 2 under review, informed by Public Health England advice (see Introduction section above).

Further information on local course delivery arrangements will continue to be available from

your School.

Students will be kept up to date with new information when this is available via this University

web site.

Learning Support

Our approach to delivering student support in 2020/

Given the planned social distancing measures in place on campus for 2020/21 to ensure safe delivery of services for students and staff, some of the arrangements for student support will be accessible online.

We are committed to ensuring you continue to have opportunities to access the learning and wellbeing support that you need over the forthcoming year. General learning spaces, including access to libraries, will be available to be booked online; and where specialist space is needed, this will either be provided: as normal; created in newly adapted spaces; or replicated as part of an enhanced suite of online resources.

We want to provide a safe environment for students and staff, so on-campus delivery of student support services will be limited. This may mean that campus-based school offices will operate within defined core office hours. However, full access to advice, learning support and specialist services will be delivered via telephone, email, video calls and online live chat. The Students' Union will also be implementing social distancing arrangements for student advice services.

Access to Library support in 2020/

The Library offers access to thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/home) which also provides full details of all our services.

In response to Covid-19, and the need for social distancing for the protection of students and staff, the libraries will be available via a booking system in 2020/21 for students to study, access PCs and laptops, printer/ copiers, and other equipment, and to use the books and journals.

The Library and Student IT Advice Service is available by online chat, email or phone, and provides support on using the University’s online and digital services, finding information, borrowing, Office 365, MyBeckett, online meetings, saving your work, passwords, etc.

• online (including 24/7 chat): http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/contact_us
• by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)

The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies. They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFFd5u75zmy00EnkM9F2zPQ

Support from your School

If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to university specialist support services as appropriate. They can also arrange for a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript on your behalf. You may also like to contact your Course Representative or the Students’ Union Advice team for additional support with course related questions.

Student Advice and Support

If you have any questions about life at our University in general, you may contact the Student Advice Hub to speak to one of our Student Services Advisers. This team, consisting of recent graduates, are able to support you throughout your time here. They will make sure you have access to and are aware of the support, specialist services, and opportunities our University provides. Our Student Advice Hub will be operating via live chat, video, telephone and email services. Telephone lines - 0113 812 3000 will open as usual 09.00-17.00 Mon-Fri. You can book an appointment via telephone or online video chat with an adviser via the link at: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/student-experience-team/. This is where contact details for all specialist support services can also be found. You can also email the team at studentadvicehub@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

Range of Support Services Available

There is a range of support for disabled or vulnerable students. Any student with a disability, who may or may not have declared this to the University and wishes to discuss their learning support for the year ahead or their status as a Covid-19 extremely vulnerable person, should contact their Disability Adviser for their School who is based in Student Services to discuss their support needs in the first instance. The service contact details are disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk or telephone 0113 812 5831. Students who are classed at Covid-19 Extremely Vulnerable (i.e. you have received a Shielding Letter from the NHS) but who do not regard themselves as disabled, and have not registered with the Disability Team, should discuss any support arrangements they may need, directly with their Course Director and if resident in halls, their Residential Life Team.

Part 2: Important Information Specific for 2020/

Award Master of Science Biomedical Science (MSBIS)

Contained Awards Post Graduate Certificate Biomedical Science

Post Graduate Diploma Biomedical Science

Awarding Body Leeds Beckett University

Level of Qualification & Credits

Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, with 180 credit points at Level 7 of the Higher Education Credit Framework for England

Course Lengths & Standard Timescales

The standard start date for Leeds Beckett University induction week is reproduced below and

relates to the majority of students starting a course in September 2019. A proportion of

courses have alternate start dates which are displayed on the online prospectus and additionally will be notified to the students concerned via the offer letter. Non-September

starters will also have their start dates confirmed in their offer letters.

• Full time 1 year
• Part time 2 years

for more information about part-time delivery contact your school

Timetable Information

This course will be taught via teaching block delivery. Details of on campus and other scheduled sessions will be confirmed in your timetable.

Further information on learning and teaching activities and your modules is provided in a later section of this document.

Policies, Standards and Regulations (www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information)

Distinction will be awarded to those students who have demonstrated excellent performance as evidenced by the attainment of an average of 70% or more in assessments contributing to the final award. Merit will be awarded to those students who have demonstrated excellent performance as evidenced by the attainment of an average of 60% or more in assessments contributing to the final award.

Key Contacts

Your Course Director Dr Donna Johnson

Your Academic Advisor To be allocated on arrival

Your Course Administrators healthsciences@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course

Professional Body Royal Society of Biology

Accreditation/ Recognition Summary

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Masters Accreditation

by the Society recognises programmes that support the development of specific skill sets,

competencies and training which will enhance life and health science research. Accredited

degrees fulfil the academic component of the Chartered Scientist programme.

The RSB is the leading professional body for the biological sciences in the UK. The Society represents over 18,000 biologists from all areas of the life sciences, as well as over 100 organisations which make up the diverse landscape of biology in the UK and overseas. The RSB offers members unique opportunities to engage with the life sciences and share their passion for biology.

Graduates from an RSB accredited MSc receive one year of free Associate membership of the RSB which will open up networks at a crucial time when applying for jobs.

Whichever area of biology you wish to gain a career in, membership will help you:

• Stay up to date with what is happening across the life sciences
• Gain additional recognition for your skills and experience
• Develop your professional network
• Demonstrate your support for the future of biology

Professional Body Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

6. Be able to evaluate and apply theoretical and methodological knowledge from a range of disciplines in order to formulate innovative solutions to problems and construct research questions.

Teaching and Learning Activities and Your Modules

The Biomedical Sciences masters courses recognise the need for inclusion and aim to provide students with an experience of learning which enhances their inter-cultural awareness, attitudes and abilities. To this end many modules involve students working collaboratively, for example on laboratory projects or within journal clubs, this cooperative learning not only supports student learning, but also fosters an inclusive environment and inter-cultural awareness.

A variety of learning and teaching strategies are used enabling students from a diverse range of backgrounds to participate and achieve effectively. Methods of delivery differ, from formal lectures, to tutorials and workshops, journal clubs, laboratory practicals, on line activities both as part of a classroom activity or independently to ensure that all students can adopt an approach which is right for them, with guidance from their academic advisor.

Module tutors have a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, which inform the content and style of their teaching- many have been health professionals or worked in industry before becoming academics. Both the philosophy of the course and the specific activities outlined above ensure that, on completion, students will have a well-developed awareness of their how their values and culture impacts upon the people they will work with.

Level 7 Core Modules

Level 7

Teaching Block 1 Core (Y/N)

Advanced Practical Skills Y

Preparation for The Msc Research Project Y

Science Communication Y

Immunology Y

Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology Y

Research Project (Introduction To Project)

Teaching Block 2 Core (Y/N)

Advanced Practical Skills Y

Level 7

Advanced Medical Genetics Y

Medical Microbiology Y

Research Project (Project Lab Work) Y

Teaching Block 3 Core (Y/N)

Advanced Practical Skills Y

Blood Sciences Y

Professional development Y

Research Project (Project lab work) Y

For further module information and teaching and learning activities for part-time delivery please contact your Academic School.

The assessment balance and overall workload associated with this course are calculated from

core modules and a sample of option module choices undertaken by a typical student. They have been reviewed and confirmed as representative by the Course Director.

A standard 10 credit module equates to 100 notional learning hours, which may be comprised

of teaching, learning and assessment, placement activities and independent study. Sandwich

placement years spent out of the University are not be included in the calculation unless they

are credit bearing and attributed to a level of the course. Modules may have more than 1 component of assessment.

Assessment

On this course students will be assessed via a range of assessment activities including a lab

exam, coursework and written exams. In addition, students must produce a masters thesis

detailing the results of their research project