PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Master of Science in Virology Awarding institution Teaching institution JACS Code Programme Duration Language of Programme Subject benchmark statement Programme accredited by Liverpool John Moores University LJMU C540 Part-Time: 3 Years All LJMU programmes are delivered and assessed in English No specific benchmarks are available for this programme, but the learning outcomes of the MSc. Virology at least meet, if not exceed, those stipulated in the relevant qualification descriptors for a higher education qualification at level 7 (Master's degree characteristics) as defined by QAA, Sept 2015. The programme has also been informed by the benchmark statement for Biomedical Science. Both documents are available from http://www.qaa.ac.uk. Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Description of accreditation Professional body accreditation until Sept 2019. https://www.ibms.org/go/qualifications/ibms-courses Validated target and alternative exit awards Master of Science in Virology Postgraduate Diploma in Virology Postgraduate Certificate in Virology Programme Leader Anne Humphreys Educational aims of the programme To provide appropriately qualified students with a programme of academic study that will enable them to make a contribution to the field of virology. To provide a programme that is recognised and accredited by the IBMS. To provide biomedical scientists within the UK National Health Service with the opportunity to enhance their career prospects. To provide a postgraduate study opportunity for those who may be disenfranchised from higher education either by being full-time employees and/or residing in international locations where such opportunities are not available. To enable students to develop and demonstrate high levels of vocationally orientated skills of direct relevance to virology. To develop those learning, IT, communication and reflective skills necessary to enable students to carry out independent study and to participate in lifelong learning (e.g. the CPD scheme of the IBMS). Alternative Exit/ Interim Award Learning Outcomes - Postgraduate Certificate Engage with advanced levels of theories and practice in relation to the field of virology. Demonstrate appropriate levels of critical analysis, reflection and contextual awareness in relation to understanding and controlling viral infections. Depending on the modules studied students will also demonstrate these skills in relation to viral infections of specific body systems. Alternative Exit/ Interim Award Learning Outcomes - Postgraduate Diploma Take an informed position in relation to the field of virology. Students will also be able to demonstrate personal skills in critical analysis, reflection and contextual awareness in a wide range of modules associated with the field of study and viral infections of all body systems will be studied. These are in addition to the outcomes for PG Certificate specified above.
Target award Learning Outcomes - Master of Science A student successfully completing the programme of study will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding as well as skills and other attributes. Knowledge and understanding A1. Evaluate the importance of the taxonomy and basic structure and properties of viruses, particularly those responsible for human disease A2. Develop a critical awareness of immunology and epidemiology in virus-host relationships A3. Evaluate the effectiveness of current and evolving methods for clinical and laboratory diagnosis for monitoring and control of viral infections A4. Develop a critical awareness of the prevention and treatment of viral infections and disease A5. Develop a critical awareness of the emergence and evolution of viruses responsible for human diseases Acquisition of knowledge through directed reading, focused literature review exercises, peer and self assessments, coursework assignments, student discussion groups and tutorials. Learning materials principally delivered interactively by Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard) with use of other current technologies. Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of VLE interactive individualised self assessments, written assignments, formal written examinations, project report or dissertation, and oral presentation Skills and other attributes Intellectual Skills B1. Critically appraise the intellectual and ethical value of the scientific and popular literature B2. Critically evaluate information and data from a variety of sources, and draw and defend conclusions B3. Apply planning, research methodology and analytical skills to an in-depth study of a topic in a chosen field of study B4. Critically appraise laboratory methods and the design of experiments, their implementation and interpretation of their results, including the impact of financial constraints B5. Analyse and solve set problems Analysis and problem solving skills are further developed through self-learning assessments, focussed literature review exercises, written assignments and tutorials. Experimental research (i.e. Project) or literature research (i.e. Dissertation) further develop skills of data retrieval, critical analysis and discussion. Analysis and problem solving skills are assessed through written examinations and by the completion of formal written coursework assignments (e.g essays and case studies). Experimental and literature research skills are assessed in the presentation of the Research Project or Dissertation together with an oral defence. Professional practical skills C1. Use computer skills to access literature and learning materials, communicate with peers and tutors and submit assessments
C2. Collect, analyse and interpret experimental data C3. Continue to advance knowledge and understanding and develop skills to a high level C4. Critically evaluate current research and scholarship in the field of virology C5. Demonstrate the dissemination of information and knowledge to professional and lay audiences Practical experimental skills, preparing a technical report and giving a technical presentation are developed through the Research Project module. Practical skills preparing a technical report and giving a technical presentation are developed through the Dissertation module. Problem-based learning exercises and tutorials, Research Project and Dissertation, coursework assignments and self-assessment exercises. Research Project and Dissertation proposals and reports, coursework assignments and examinations, oral presentation. Transferable / key skills D1. Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally D2. Use IT to prepare, process, present and transmit information D3. Identify targets and work towards specific goals D4. Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations D5. Learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development (CPD) and in a wider context to facilitate lifelong learning D6. Manage time effectively Transferable skills are embedded within the programme. Skills are learned through completion of written assignments, participating in tutorials and collecting and transferring data via IT networks, and through the Research Project and Dissertation. Some modules are registered with the IBMS CPD scheme and therefore form the basis by which life-long learning may be accomplished. Skills are developed through self-assessment exercises, coursework and the oral presentation of a Project or Dissertation. Tutorials and feedback assist and improve the level of skill achieved. Programme structure - programme rules and modules Programme rules The programme is offered as a part-time course for students in full-time employment, and is usually completed in 3 years. Four modules are studied in Year 1, two level 7 modules worth 20 credits each (7100VMBMOL and 7101VMBMOL), cover general topics related to virology and the control and treatment of viral infections. These two modules provide knowledge and understanding to underpin the remaining specialist modules that follow. Research Methods for Virology (7108VMBMOL) is a 10 credit module that is taught alongside these introductory modules to give students a grounding in research skills. One level 7 specialist module worth10 credits (7105VMBMOL) is taken during the summer of Year 1, so a total of 60 level 7 credits is studied during the first year. Three specialist level 7 20 credit modules which focus on viruses in relation to specific body systems are studied in Year 2 (7102VMBMOL, 7103VMBMOL and 7104VMBMOL). This completes the 120 level 7 credits of the Postgraduate Diploma. All 7 modules are mandatory and there are no options. The Research Project (7106VMBMOL) or Dissertation (7107VMBMOL) (both 60 level 7 credits) is undertaken in Year 3. Students who are able to undertake a laboratory-based project at the workplace are encouraged to take the Research Project module, and for those who have not this opportunity, the equivalent literature-based Dissertation module is offered. There is one intake of new students in September each year, and examinations conform to the normal LJMU calendar. To obtain an MSc., students must acquire 180 level 7 credits. Intermediate awards are Postgraduate Certificate (60 level 7 credits) and Postgraduate Diploma (120 level 7 credits). To qualify for the award of Postgraduate Certificate, the student must pass 7100VMBMOL and 7101VMBMOL and any of the modules
7102VMBMOL, 7103VMBMOL, 7104VMBMOL, 7105VMBMOL or 7108VMBMOL to achieve a total of 60 level 7 credits. Students who achieve the full 180 credits with an average mark of 70% or above are awarded MSc. with Distinction. In addition, seven of the MSc modules (7100VMBMOL, 7101VMBMOL, 7102VMBMOL, 7103VMBMOL, 7104VMBMOL, 7105VMBMOL and 7108VMBMOL) are available for CPD. These are graded individually and students can achieve Distinction, Merit or Pass grades as described above. Level 7 Potential Awards on completion Master of Science Core Option Award Requirements 7100VMBMOL PRINCIPLES OF VIROLOGY (20 credits) 7101VMBMOL UNDERSTANDING AND CONTROLLING VIRAL INFECTIONS (20 credits) 7102VMBMOL VIRAL INFECTIONS OF THE RESPIRATORY AND ALIMENTARY TRACTS (20 credits) 7103VMBMOL VIRAL INFECTIONS OF PREGNANCY AND CHILDHOOD (20 credits) 7104VMBMOL BLOOD-BORNE VIRAL INFECTIONS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (20 credits) 7105VMBMOL VIRAL ZOONOSES (10 credits) 7108VMBMOL RESEARCH METHODS FOR VIROLOGY (10 credits) 7106VMBMOL RESEARCH PROJECT (60 credits) 7107VMBMOL DISSERTATION (60 credits) 120 core credits at level 7 60 option credits at level 7 Information about assessment regulations All programmes leading to LJMU awards operate within the University's Academic Framework. https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/academic-quality-and-regulations/academic-framework The programme has the following variances to the Academic Framework and these were approved in January 2016: Year long modules: 7108VMBMOL Research Methods for Virology AND 7104VMBMOL Blood-borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections Summer module: 7105VMBMOL Viral Zoonoses Opportunities for work-related learning ( location and nature of activities) It is expected that nearly all part-time students will be in employment related to their studies and will have ample opportunities for work-related learning. Criteria for admission Mature entry Entrants should hold a relevant Biosciences degree (e.g. Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences etc.) of classification 2:2 or higher. Applicants who do not hold an Honours degree in a relevant biological science will be considered on their individual merits in relation to the programme. Professional experience, publications, CPD activities and other suitable evidence of accomplishment will be taken into account, and the candidate may be interviewed by the Programme Leader. All applicants must provide a satisfactory reference from a suitable person such as their employer or line manager. Overseas qualifications A wide variety of qualifications may be acceptable provided that they equate to UK requirements. International students must also have an English language qualification equivalent to at least IELTS 6.5 in all components, or
equivalent as recognised by LJMU. External Quality Benchmarks All programmes leading to LJMU awards have been designed and approved in accordance with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, including the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in the UK (FHEQ) and subject benchmark statements where applicable. The University is subject to periodic review of its quality and standards by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Published review reports are available on the QAA website at www.qaa.ac.uk Programmes which are professionally accredited are reviewed by professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) and such programmes must meet the competencies/standards of those PSRBs. Support for students and their learning The University aims to provide students with access to appropriate and timely information, support and guidance to ensure that they are able to benefit fully from their time at LJMU. All students are assigned a Personal Tutor to provide academic support and when necessary signpost students to the appropriate University support services. Students are able to access a range of professional services including: Advice on practical aspects of study and how to use these opportunities to support and enhance their personal and academic development. This includes support for placements and careers guidance. Student Advice and Wellbeing Services provide students with advice, support and information, particularly in the areas of: student funding and financial matters, disability, advice and support to international students, study support, accommodation, health, wellbeing and counselling. Students studying for an LJMU award at a partner organisation will have access to local support services Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning Student Feedback and Evaluation The University uses the results of student feedback from internal and external student surveys (such as module evaluations, the NSS and PTES), module evaluation questionnaires and meetings with student representatives to improve the quality of programmes. Staff development The quality of teaching is assured through staff review and staff development in learning, teaching and assessment. Internal Review All programmes are reviewed annually and periodically, informed by a range of data and feedback, to ensure quality and standards of programmes and to make improvements to programmes. External Examining External examiners are appointed to programmes to assess whether: the University is maintaining the threshold academic standards set for awards in accordance with the FHEQ and applicable subject benchmark statements the assessment process measures student achievement rigorously and fairly against the intended outcomes of the programme(s) and is conducted in line with University policies and regulations the academic standards are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which external examiners have experience the achievement of students are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which the external examiners have experience and to provide informative comment and recommendations on: good practice and innovation relating to learning, teaching and assessment observed by external examiners opportunities to enhance the quality of the learning opportunities provided to students
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in module and programme guides.