LSC-30051 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Imagine being the editor of your own journal - well in this module that's exactly what you will be. You'll be looking at how biotechnology can be used to address some of the key health and sustainability issues facing the human population. Each topic will be introduced by an expert in seminar sessions and then using a case study, you will work in a group to further explore the topic. This module is very much student-centred and really gives you the chance to tailor your research to suit your own interests within the wide context of biotechnology.

The module aims to encourage students to explore and discuss how biotechnology (in its many forms) can be used to help address some of the key sustainability issues facing humankind, such as keeping us healthy, keeping us fed, tackling pollution and finding alternative fuel sources. The module also develops higher level scientific writing skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically discuss the underpinning bioscience and any pertinent ethical and sustainability issues related to biotechnologies that are applied to address key challenges facing mankind: 1
critically evaluate the application of biotechnology to address key challenges facing humankind: 1
produce a themed edition of a mini-journal by selecting relevant biotechnology research articles and writing an editorial introducing your theme, summarising each article, and justifying the choice of papers: 1

Study hours

Active learning hours: 12 hours case seminars (4 hours per case)
6 hours case tutorials (2 hours per case)
6 hours assessment preparation workshops
3 hours drop-in support sessions
Independent study hours:
123 hours selecting literature and preparing assessment.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment