BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Digital Technologies Programme Specification

Programme Overview

The BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Digital Technologies is a work related learning programme that integrates academic learning at degree level with on-the-job practical training to provide a holistic programme of education and training to meet the bioscience skills needs of employers now and in the future. The programme adheres to the level 6 Laboratory Scientist (ST0626) and Level 5 Technician Scientist (ST0597) apprenticeship standards (the latter up to stage 2).

Learners may study the programme as an apprenticeship or non-apprenticeship. The programme is identical for both streams, only differing in that the apprenticeship stream will receive an additional apprenticeship completion certificate. For both streams, the learner must be in employment, or be sponsored by an employer, with duties aligned to the level 6 Laboratory Scientist or level 5 Technician Scientist apprenticeship standard. Learners whose job role aligns to the level 6 laboratory science (degree) apprenticeship will study for a full Batchelor’s degree (stage 1 – 3), whilst learners whose job role aligns to the level 5 technician science apprenticeship will study for a DipHE (stage 1 – 2). Both streams will follow the same programme at stages 1 and 2.

This work related learning programme will develop professional practice, contextualised in the workplace using industry standard approaches and technologies that are shaped by modern organisations. Learners studying on this programme are employed, or sponsored by an Employer, (Hiring Business) and are working in a laboratory-based bioscience role.¹

The learner will study with Northeastern University London (Provider) for approximately 60 days a year (or Stage) – i.e. one day per week for 42 weeks each year, and up to three five-day ‘bootcamps’ in any given year; for the duration of the three-year programme.

Additionally, the learner and employer will commit to a further two days per week, for 42 weeks each year, for provider-guided work related training. Learners will study 120 credits per year and will be considered part-time learners by Northeastern University London. Each course, typically 15 credits, is assessed by a range of activities aligned to industry norms, i.e. almost all assessments relate to workplace activities that are expected in a bioscience-related occupation. The content, and consequently the learning outcomes and methods of assessment, vary between courses. Where possible, assessments will be undertaken in the workplace.

The programme begins with a non-credit bearing one-week ‘work-ready induction’ to the programme covering essential study skills and fostering collegiality with group presentations. The first course is ‘Business Fundamentals’, introducing learners to the contemporary world of global business, followed by ‘Applied Cell Biology’, which introduces structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Next, the programme introduces ‘Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’, ‘Drug Discovery and Development (Including Pharmacology)’ and ‘The Regulatory Environment’. The year one programme dives deeper with ‘Maths, Statistics, Experimental Protocol and Analysis’, which examines the mathematical and statistical principles that are an essential component of the professional laboratory/technician scientist’s knowledge and skills. ‘Human Physiology and Pathophysiology’ examines the normal functions and mechanisms of the human organism and year one, or stage one, concludes with a two-week intensive ‘Data Science, Data Visualisation and Communication’ face-to-face bootcamp where learners will gain hands-on experience of a mini data analysis project aligned to the bioscience sector.

Year two, or Stage two, starts by introducing the project management lifecycle in ‘IT Project Management’ before examining processes of infection and the human immune response in ‘Infection and Allergy (Including Microbiology)’. Learners study how raw data is collected, stored, cleansed and interrogated in ‘Data Analytics’, followed by advances in ‘Cell and Gene Therapy’. The proceeding ‘Laboratory-based Residential’ is an intensive two-week bootcamp where learners will gain hands-on practice of a range of experimental techniques. Year two (and the level 5 technician scientist apprenticeship) finishes with a 30 credit ‘Data Driven Experimental Design Project’ conducted in the workplace.

For learners following the level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Degree) Apprenticeship, year three starts with reflective practice in ‘Critical Thinking and Ethics’. Learners examine advances in digital science in ‘Digital Health and AI’, followed by ‘Frontier Topics in Bioscience’, taught through the lens of global case study analysis. ‘Business and Change Management’ examines digital transformation and change and the programme, and year three culminates with an extensive 24-week laboratory science research project.

Dedicated Work Related Learning Tutors/Advisors will undertake regular workplace visits (approximately every six/eight weeks) and provide supplementary support.

Structure of the Bioscience with Digital Technologies programme (360 Credits)

The work related learning programme is taught at undergraduate level.

Stage 1 (Level 4)

‘Work ready’ induction (0 credits)

Compulsory Courses

NCHNAP443 Business Fundamentals (15 credits)

NCHNAP486 Applied Cell Biology (15 credits)

NCHNAP487 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (15 credits)

NCHNAP489 Drug Discovery and Development (Including Pharmacology) (15 credits)

NCHNAP492 The Regulatory Environment (15 credits)

NCHNAP491 Maths, Statistics, Experimental Protocol and Analysis (15 credits)

NCHNAP490 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology (15 credits)

NCHNAP488 Data Science, Data Visualisation and Communication Bootcamp (15 credits)

Stage 2 (Level 5)

Compulsory Courses

NCHNAP555 IT Project Management (15 credits)

NCHNAP5110 Infection and Allergy (Including Applied Microbiology) (15 credits) 

NCHNAP558 Data Analytics (15 credits) 

NCHNAP5107 Cell and Gene Therapy (15 credits)

NCHNAP5109 Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Health Economics (15 credits)

NCHNAP5111 Laboratory-based Residential (15 credits) 

NCHNAP5108 Data Driven Experimental Design Project (30 credits)

Stage 3 (Level 6)

‘End point assessment and project’ induction

Compulsory Courses

NCHAP6133 Critical Thinking and Ethics (15 credits)

NCHAP6134 Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence (15 credits) 

NCHAP6135 Frontier Topics in Bioscience (15 credits)

NCHAP684 Business and Change Management (15 credits)

NCHAP6136 Laboratory Science Capstone Project (60 credits)

Entrance Requirements

The learner will need to be in employment with, or sponsored by, a hiring business, with responsibilities to be aligned to the level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Bachelor’s degree) or level 5 Technician Scientist apprenticeship standard (DipHE).

Entry requirements are agreed then set, based on numerous factors including availability of additional on-the-job support, by both the employer or sponsor and provider. As such, entrance requirements may vary. Learners are selected based on their application and an assessment process which is tailored to the learner’s employment/sponsored employment position.

Typically, employers require:

• Three A levels (or equivalent at BBB or above) including Biology 
• At least Grade 4/C GCSE Maths, English and IT

Some applicants may not have traditional qualifications as listed above, and have prior learning and skills developed from the workplace, these will be considered on a case-by- case basis.

Where a learner will be studying the programme as an apprentice, they will also need to meet the government’s eligibility criteria:

• Have been a UK/EU/ESS resident for the past three years or more prior to starting the programme.
• Have left full-time education prior to the start date of the apprenticeship.
• Be aged at least 16 years old to meet government funding criteria.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Where a learner will be studying the programme as an apprentice, and is eligible to apply for the recognition of prior learning on the basis of certificated or experiential learning, this will be considered in the Initial Needs Analysis, as per Education Skills and Funding Agency (ESFA) Funding Rules, and will take due consideration of Northeastern University London’s Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Aims of the Programme

The overall aims of the programme are to:

• Offer specialist Bachelor’s degree/PGDip level study that underpins the Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Degree) and Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship Standards.
• Offer a programme of study that meets the needs and expectations of businesses and organisations and supports the career development of professional laboratory-based bioscientists.
• Provide flexible and broad access to an incrementally structured learning experience that is designed to encourage and enable a diverse range of learners to work within a range of organisations and businesses.
• To support the development of specialist bioscience and digital transformation skills that will be valued and supported within work related contexts.
• Develop a good understanding of the principles, theories and technologies that enable the professional practice of laboratory and technician bioscientists.
• Provide learners with a rich and varied academic experience that is designed to support the integration of theory and practice within the workplace.
• Instil a strong professional work ethic that encourages independence, empathy, self-reflection and advanced communication skills that pertain to the role of a bioscientist in a professional role.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

A learner will be able to:

Subject Specific Skills

A learner will be able to:

Transferable and Professional skills

A learner will be able to:

All of the above learning outcomes are mapped to the relevant QAA Subject Benchmark threshold statements and Apprenticeship Standard.

Map of Courses to Learning Outcomes

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Strategies

The programme is studied through blended work-related learning, over a 3-year period, and is delivered through an online interactive virtual learning environment (VLE).

The achievement of the Programme Learning Outcomes is supported primarily through an extensive range of e-learning interactions and materials. Delivery methods include:

• Lectures (synchronous face-to-face or via over the web technology, and pre- recorded)
• Seminars for small group discussion (including online discussion)
• Informal discussion groups (including online discussion)
• Assessments
• Practical laboratories
• Links to related reading material
• Individual learning plans (ILP)
• Online presentations
• Participation in online forums
• Consolidation and revision sessions
• Independent study and research
• Final project

Regular in-depth formative feedback is provided to the learner, with advice and guidance to support their achievement in summative assessments. The programme aims to progressively enhance data science knowledge and skills – as well as maths, English and communication skills – as they practice and apply their newly found knowledge and skills in the workplace. Regular tri-partite reviews between the learner (apprentice), their apprenticeship advisor (provider) and workplace line manager (employer/sponsor) formally monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.

The blended-learning work related programme ensures that learners have the opportunity to explore their subject in an incrementally structured, well-managed and appropriate manner. It develops the knowledge, core and subject-specific skills, and transferable skills, required by learners and enhances their confidence. The combination of academic study and work-based learning is a key feature of the programme. Practical and theoretical experiences in the workplace, in tandem with their academic studies, develop and enhance the learner’s specialist knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Assessment tasks increase in complexity and level of demand from year (or Stage) one, where introductory tasks assess the demonstration of knowledge, skills and abilities and establish the foundations of learning. Whereas, in the final year (Stage three) of the programme, the synthesis of advanced knowledge, understanding, critical thinking and professional skills, are assessed to meet the expectations of a degree level apprenticeship.

Learners are supported to acquire and practice a wide range of transferable skills. These include problem solving, analysis, strategic thinking and interpersonal and communication skills. Learners will be effective team players within their work environments and fully participate in presentation work during their studies. Importantly, they are also encouraged to balance these cooperative interpersonal skills with responsibilities and self-development within the apprenticeship. These graduate qualities are supported throughout the programme from an initial rigorous non-credit one-week block of classroom teaching (bootcamp), that includes transferable skills such as time management and presentation skills, needed to become an effective team member in the workplace, as well as an introduction to the demands and challenges of the apprenticeship, basic study skills and needs/expectations of employers.

Induction for all new learners includes a welcome to Northeastern University London by the Assistant Vice President for Digital Innovation & Enterprise Learning; introduction to key personnel including the Head of Business Development, Head of Operations, Programmes Director; Course Leaders; and Business Development Managers to introduce learners to the programme they are about to embark upon. There are also sessions on library services, IT and facilities, and an induction from the Quality Team.

The programme is designed to progress steadily over the three years and develop learners’ conceptual sophistication through cumulative experience and knowledge. The final project will allow learners to develop their thinking in collaboration with an academic supervisor.

Northeastern University London recognises and has embedded the expectations of current equality legislation, by ensuring that the programme is as accessible as possible by design.

Additional alternative arrangements for learners with Inclusive Learning Plans (IncLPs)/declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the relevant policies and support services.

Applicants with a disability are encouraged to declare their disability during the application process under the Initial Needs Analysis. Once declared, Student Support and Development (SSD) will work with the learner to agree a support plan for the duration required. This plan will form part of the Commitment Statement and will be reviewed at the tri-partite reviews every six/eight weeks to confirm that this support is effective.

Academic Services facilitates all academic and learner services, and oversees learner wellbeing; careers advice is provided for learners via Northeastern University London at Northeastern Careers Team.

Assessment

Course are assessed in a variety of ways including:

Formative

• Tests or quizzes
• Essays or reports
• Short answers and problem sets
• Oral presentations/debates/discussions

Summative

• Computer-based examination
• Written assignment
• Portfolio
• Dissertation
• Practical skills assessment
• Oral assessment
• Presentation
• Set exercise
• Project

Appendix C contains the programme structure and assessment summary.

Assessment Regulations

The assessment regulations can be found on the Northeastern University London website.

Awards

This programme is studied over 36 months as a blended, work related learning programme, whereby the learner will study with the provider for approximately 60 days a year (or Stage) – i.e. one day per week for 42 weeks each year, and up to three five-day ‘bootcamps’ in any given year for the duration of the three-year programme; this is termed ‘off-the-job’ training. Additionally, the learner and employer will commit to a further two days per week, for 42 weeks each year, for provider-guided work related tasks and training. All three years (Stages) are worth 120 credits (=1200 hours of learning time), comprising multiple courses. This allows six weeks for annual leave. The final 60 credits of the Batchelor’s degree (=600 hours of learning time) will comprise the workplace project, spanning 24 weeks.

Learners must successfully complete each course in order to be awarded the specified number of credits for that course. One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of ‘learning time’ (including all online and face-to-face delivery, all private study and research, and relevant aspects of on-the-job learning). Thus obtaining 120 credits in a year (or Stage) requires 1,200 hours of overall learning time.

Learners must complete the required amount of off the job training hours which equates to a minimum of six hours per week for those who work at least 30 hours per week. The total hours required is calculated by the number of practical training weeks of the course x six hours. Learners must complete the minimum required hours to complete the apprenticeship.

Each course, and indeed the overall programme, is designed to be at a specific level. The programme comprises courses at Level 4, 5 and 6 leading to successful completion of an undergraduate degree level award. Compulsory courses are core to the programme and must be successfully taken by all learners studying the programme. Learners must attend face-to-face courses/bootcamps.

Where a learner fails a course(s) due to illness or other mitigating circumstances, such failure may not be compensated or condoned.

To be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, learners must obtain 360 credits, where 120 of which must be at Level 5, and 120 credits at Level 6.

Learners successfully completing Stage 1 of the programme who do not successfully complete Stage 2 will be eligible for the award of the Certificate (CertHE) in Bioscience with Digital Technologies. Learners successfully completing Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the programme (level 5 technician scientist apprenticeship) or who have not completed Stage 3 of the Batchelor’s degree programme will be eligible for the award of the Diploma (DipHE) in Bioscience with Digital Technologies. The pass mark for a course is 40%, and all component assessments must be passed.

Classifications

Learners are graded using Honours degree classifications for English universities, and follows the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education. The national degree award outcomes are shown below with apprenticeship grading equivalence.

Exemptions From The Northeastern University London’s Academic Quality Framework

None.

Special Provisions for Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body

None.

Quality Evaluation and Enhancement

Review and Evaluation Mechanisms

Northeastern University London has robust procedures, as described in AQF4 Programme and Course Approval and Modifications and AQF5 Annual Monitoring and Reporting, in place to assure the quality of the programme’s development, delivery and management, alongside the systematic monitoring, ongoing review and enhancement of all programmes awarded by Northeastern University London. Enhancements are made as necessary to ensure that systems remain effective and rigorous.

Northeastern University London utilises constructive feedback from a variety of sources, internal and external, to inform its decision-making process to enhance the programme and the learner experience. These feedback sources include:

• Annual programme reports, written by the Programmes Director, are prepared in order to enhance individual programmes and to plan ahead.
• Annual Examiner reports are prepared by independent External Examiners to confirm that a programme has been assessed in accordance with the approved documentation and that the learner performance meets the appropriate academic standards.
• Education and Skills Funding Agency Employer and Apprentice surveys.
• Formal learner feedback mechanisms consist of course and programme learner satisfaction questionnaires and Apprentice Voice Committee.
• Informal learner feedback is also valued by Northeastern University London and this can take the form of learners talking to their Apprenticeship Advisor (which incorporates the personal tutor role), Lecturers, professional staff, or elected learner representative.

In addition to academic progress monitoring, progression also includes checking that the learner is achieving planned levels of off-the-job learning required by the apprenticeship as set out in the Commitment Statement. This six/eight-weekly discussion between the apprenticeship advisor, line manager and learner will also confirm whether the learner is keeping pace with their plan of learning at work, and is meeting the competency progression points as part of their apprenticeship.

Learner attendance at scheduled learning opportunities, as well as monitoring periods of off- the-job training, is monitored through the use of an online Learner Management System.

Version History

Disclaimer

Northeastern University London has checked the information provided in this Programme Specification and will aim to deliver this programme in keeping with this Programme Specification.

However, changes to the programme may sometimes be required arising from annual monitoring, student feedback, and the review and update of courses and programmes. Where this activity leads to significant changes to courses and programmes there will be prior consultation with students and others, wherever possible, and Northeastern University London will take all reasonable steps to minimise disruption to students. It is also possible that Northeastern University London may not be able to offer a course or programme for reasons outside of its control, for example, due to the absence of a member of staff or low student registration numbers. Where this is the case, Northeastern University London will aim to inform applicants and students as soon as possible, and where appropriate, will facilitate the transfer of affected students to another suitable programme.

Copyright

The contents of this Programme Specification are the copyright of Northeastern University London and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, such as electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without the prior consent of Northeastern University London.

Appendix A – Map to QAA Subject Benchmark

QAA benchmark statements can be found here.

Appendix B – Map to Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Degree) Apprenticeship Standard

Map to Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship Standard

Appendix C – Exit Awards

Certificate in Higher Education

In order for a learner to be awarded a Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE), they are required to have achieved 120 Level 4 Credits, in accordance with the Northeastern University London and Northeastern’s Academic Regulations for Taught Awards.

Learning Outcomes For Award of Certification In Higher Education

Knowledge and Understanding

A learner will be able to:

Subject Specific Skills

A learner will be able to:

Transferable and Professional Skills

Diploma in Higher Education

In order for a learner to be awarded a Diploma in Higher Education (Dip HE), they are required to have achieved 120 Level 4 Credits and 120 Level 5 Credits, in accordance with the Northeastern University London and Northeastern’s Academic Regulations for Taught Awards. A DipHE Bioscience with Digital Technologies is the exit award for the Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship.

Learning Outcomes for Award of Diploma in Higher Education

Knowledge and Understanding

A learner will be able to:

Subject Specific Skills

A learner will be able to:

Transferable and Professional Skills

A learner will be able to:

Appendix D – Programme Structure and Summative Assessment Summary

Course Type: C = Core; O = Option
Course Mode: CD = Campus Delivery; BK = Block Delivery; BL = Blended Learning; DL
= Distance Learning and Self-Directed Learning; EL = E-Learning; EX = Experiential; PL = Placement; WB = Work Based Learning
Assessment Weighting: AE1 = Assessment Element 1; AE2 = Assessment Element 2; AE3 = Assessment Element 3;
AE4 = Assessment Element 4

Footnotes

¹A learner must be in a role that provides the opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours stated in the Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Degree) Apprenticeship Standard or Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship Standard; the pathway to a competent Laboratory/Technician Scientist.