Teaching and assessment for Biological and Biomedical Sciences (joint degree with National University of Singapore) BSc (Hons)

School of Life Sciences

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Teaching

We use a variety of teaching methods, including:

lectures
lab practicals
workshops
tutorials
computer-based learning
media / video exercises
field excursions where appropriate

Assessment

We use a combination of in-course and end-of-course assessments. These will take the form of:

practical reports (based on lab work)
computer-based exercises
data processing exercises
essays
exams

Progression

Levels 3 and 4

You'll spend the first semester of Level 3 at the University of Dundee. Up to 15 students per year are then able to transfer to National University of Singapore for the remainder of Level 3.

To be eligible to transfer to National University of Singapore:

You need to achieve a minimum overall module grade average of A5 per semester during Levels 1 and 2.
If at the end of Level 2 there are more than 15 students enrolled on the programme, be within the top 15 based on your Level 2 results.

To progress to Level 4 of the course you must achieve a NUS GPA of 4.00 or above during semester 2 of Level 3.

If you don’t meet this progression criteria you will transfer to study another Dundee-based Life Sciences course.

Modules

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

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Module code: BS11005 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

A strong foundation in the physical sciences is essential for biological and biomedical courses.

You will build your skills in biophysics, inorganic and physical chemistry, and numeracy. You will focus on how these apply to the life sciences.

You will develop these skills through practical classes, lectures and workshops.

Numeracy, Chemistry and Physics for the Biological and Biomedical Sciences full module details

Module code: BS11008 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module equips you to operate safely within a bioscience laboratory. You will work, with appropriate guidance, on a range of practical protocols to successfully employ basic bioscience techniques.

Core Skills in the Life Sciences 1A full module details

Module code: BS11009 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module addresses the structures and biochemical properties of key biological molecules such as nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. You will discover how enzymes work and look at their importance in the catalysis of biological reactions. The module also considers the origin of cells, and examines their main components.

The Building Blocks of Life full module details

Module code: BS12010 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

You will continue to develop the research skills introduced during the previous semester. Undertaking a short independent research project will help you practice and extend your technical capabilities. You will gain understanding and practical experience of techniques such as PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA analysis.

Core Skills in the Life Sciences 1B full module details

Module code: BS12011 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

The module addresses the cell cycle and cell replication, and the transfer of information from DNA to protein. It considers physiological systems and the specialisation and organisation of cells into the major organ systems. It develops an evolutionary perspective by considering the above processes and structures in diverse organisms.

Building the Organism full module details

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

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Module code: BS21001 Credits: 10 Semester: Semester 1

Statistics and experimental design are fundamental to every branch of the life sciences.

You will learn how to analyse biological and biomedical datasets. You will also learn to design robust experiments, and draw meaningful conclusions from data.

You will also cover topics like:

Hypothesis testing
ANOVA
Regression
Data visualisation

Statistics and Experimental Design full module details

Module code: BS21012 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will undertake a structured laboratory project. This will provide experience in the use of different types of laboratory equipment, and foster proficiency in a variety of practical techniques. You will develop skills in written presentation, experimental planning, time management, group working, reflection and self-assessment of your own skills.

Core Skills in the Life Sciences 2A full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: BS21008 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences full module details

Module code: BS21010 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

Programming is becoming an essential skill for modern life scientists.

This module gives you a hands-on introduction to Python 3. This will cover the core concepts of programming such as:

variables and control statements
functions, data structures and file handling

You will also explore Biopython. This is designed for working with biological data. You will also develop the practical skills to write and test your own Python scripts for problem solving and data analysis.

Introductory Programming for Life Sciences full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: BS32037 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Cell Signalling full module details

Module code: BS32041 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module develops your research skills in the biological sciences field. It introduces you to research approaches and methods, both experimental and bioinformatic.

You'll build on what you have already learned, including from Research Skills 3A. This helps prepare you to undertake your research project in the final year of your degree. It also helps you develop the skills necessary for a career in the Life Sciences

Research Skills 3B full module details