Description
Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year
MSci (Hons) Human Sciences
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSci (Hons) Human Sciences | Programme code | UFX4BIOBIOCF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time Level 1 |
Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MSci (Hons) Human Sciences is a truly interdisciplinary programme that examines humans and human societies from the perspectives of both the natural and the social sciences. It sets out to address fundamental questions: Who and what are human beings? Why are individuals and society the way they are? What problems do human societies face now and tomorrow and how can we address them? The Human Sciences programme will help you make connections between biological processes, society, and political and environmental issues. The programme will help train the next generation of critical thinkers who can address problems that lie at the interface of the natural and social sciences, and will appeal to people interested in human biology, the environment, policy, politics, economics and society as well as those going on to professional programmes in sustainable development and conservation biology.
The degree covers a broad range of topics, from human evolution and genetics, to sustainability and the interaction between human societies and their environments, that enables you to explore the natural and social science behind the complexity of human evolution, behaviour and social organisation. As a Human Sciences student based in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES) you will receive key training in natural and social sciences through core modules delivered through the Biosciences and Geography departments. Outside of these core modules you can select from a range of other modules including those from other departments such as Law and Politics. The programme structure is designed to allow you to pursue your interests in this wide subject area, while at the same time equipping you with the essential skills that employers demand. You therefore have the ability to combine exciting disciplines that reflect your interests and to create a skill set that is relevant to your future.
At our Penryn campus we offer a welcoming atmosphere, where you are encouraged to make the most of Cornwall’s unique environment, both in your studies and in your free time. CLES programmes treat Cornwall as a ‘natural laboratory’, taking learning into the field to explore the incredible diversity of natural and social landscapes in the region.
You will be taught by internationally recognised research-active staff using a range of methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork, and laboratory sessions. Throughout the programme emphasis is placed on developing practical hands-on expertise, grounded by sound theoretical knowledge. Important natural and social science skills are embedded within modules, including practical data analysis. Fieldwork will be undertaken in a diverse range of local, regional, national and international venues.
Novel methods of interactive teaching will be applied in the MSci Human Sciences degree. From the first year you will engage with hands-on enquiries using databases, maps and GIS tools to facilitate understanding of the past and present human environments. Lecture material will be global in scope but practical work will build from a local focus in year 1 to a global perspective by the final year. By the end of the degree you will be able to evaluate critically and answer human social, and biological questions important to the future of our environment and society.
The final year provides an opportunity to work on an intensive research project, focused on a specialised area aligned with one of our leading research groups. You will also undertake a literature review module and a statistics module, building essential high-level skills. The remainder of your time will be spent on a two-week intensive field course in which your scientific field-research, debating and presentation skills will be further developed.
When participating in field courses, you will be required to cover any visa costs and, if necessary, purchase anti-malarial medication and relevant immunisations. You will also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination, eg. walking boots, rucksack, mosquito net, sleeping bag, binoculars. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demands of the research project chosen. Details of specialist equipment, vaccinations and visas that you must supply at your own expense are provided at http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6569.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
This programme is designed to train you to become next generation critical thinkers at the interface of the natural and social sciences. It achieves this in several ways:
- This programme aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of topics that underpin our understanding of human societies from evolutionary, social organisational and environmental perspectives, from the fundamentals to research-informed frontiers.
- The programme will introduce a broad range of theoretical concepts in human science, covering the deep past, through to current and future-focused topics. This will include environment and sustainability elements, in keeping with the expertise in these areas located at Penryn and the overall ethos of the campus. You will cover key concepts in the first year that provide a firm basis for the more specialised topics you will be introduced to in the second year, before moving on to the more research-focussed content of the final year. You transition to more independent forms of learning as you progress through the degree.
- The programme offers an integrated interdisciplinary curriculum to allow you to make connections between biological processes, and political and environmental issues and social patterns.
- It aims to equip you with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skill-sets required by employers. This includes scientific, intellectual, and practical training that will enhance your employability and prepare you for autonomous lifelong learning.
- The overall programme will enable you to view real-world problems and issues of public policy from the perspectives of both the natural and social sciences, and will facilitate science-into-policy connections (with several modules having an explicit focus on public policy). The programme therefore provides an ideal training for those who want to make more effective policy recommendations and help shape policy decisions in the future.
- The programme encourages you to think about human interactions with their surroundings, through understanding complex issues such as human evolution and ecological and social sustainability and climate change.
- Through fieldwork and other activities, this programme promotes intellectual curiosity about the human environment and how it functions.
- The programme provides training in a range of general and transferable skills (e.g. IT, data handling, writing and presentation) to propel you to high level careers.
Additionally the final year aims to help you develop your research skills to an advanced level through participation in a large research project. The literature review module and statistics module support this research project with essential high-level research skills. The field course then challenges you to put these skills to use, to train others in their use, and to experience collaborative work with partner organisations around the world.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/current/
http://geography.exeter.ac.uk/currentstudents/
https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/students/undergraduatemodules/
You may take up to 30 credits of elective modules outside of the programme in the first, second and final stages as long as you have obtained the explicit permission of the Programme Director, any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
If you have mobility or health disabilities that prevent you from undertaking intensive fieldwork, reasonable adjustments and/or alternative assessment can be considered. This could include replacing a fieldwork module with an alternative in agreement with the Director of Education.
You are also permitted to take the five-credit module LES3910 Professional Development Experience in any year. Registration on this module is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, this module will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO1429 | Evolution | 15 | No |
| BIO1431 | Introduction to Human Sciences | 15 | No |
| BIO1430 | Skills and Careers | 15 | No |
| GEO1413 | The Geography of Cornwall | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioP S1 BSc HS opt 2021-2 | |||
| BIO1411 | Genetics | 15 | No |
| BIO1420 | Physiology | 15 | No |
| BIO1426 | Ecology and Conservation | 15 | No |
| LAW1016C | A Legal Foundation for Environmental Protection | 15 | No |
| POC1026 | Power, Inequality and Global Justice | 15 | No |
| HIC1306 | World History: Globalisation | 15 | No |
Stage 2
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
a You may take GEO2449, GEO2453 or LES2002 (you cannot choose more than one module from this group).
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO2426 | Analysis of Biological Data | 15 | No |
| BIO2428 | Development of Behaviour | 15 | No |
| BIO2430 | Behavioural Ecology | 15 | No |
| BIO2451 | Evolution of Human Societies | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioP S2 BSc HS opt 2021-2 | |||
| BIO2406 | Biodiversity and Conservation | 15 | No |
| BIO2427 | Animal Ecophysiology | 15 | No |
| BIO2446 | Molecular Ecology | 15 | No |
| CSC2010M | Oceans and Human Health | 15 | No |
| CSC2021 | Health, Place and Wellbeing | 15 | No |
| GEO2442 | The Politics of Climate Change and Energy | 15 | No |
| GEO2445 | Rural Social Issues | 15 | No |
| GEO2454 | Waste and Society | 15 | No |
| GEO2458 | People and Nature | 15 | No |
| LAW2016C | Environmental Regulation and Redress | 15 | No |
| GeoP Employability opt [See note a above] | |||
| GEO2449 | Green Consultants | 15 | No |
| GEO2453 | Social Innovation Consultants | 15 | No |
| LES2002 | Workplace Learning | 15 | No |
Stage 3
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO3136 | Research Project | 40 | Yes |
| BIO3428 | The Complexity of Human Societies | 15 | No |
| LES3001 | Preparing to Graduate | 5 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioP S3/4 BSc HS opt 2021-2 | |||
| BIO3135 | Human Behavioural Ecology | 15 | No |
| BIO3411 | Science in Society | 15 | No |
| BIO3422 | Animal Cognition | 15 | No |
| BIO3426 | Primate Biology and Conservation | 15 | No |
| BIO3431 | Kenya Field Course | 30 | No |
| CSC4011M | Living with Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| CSC4013M | Frontiers of Global Health | 15 | No |
| GEO3437B | Climate Change and Society | 15 | No |
| GEO3457 | Geographies of Democracy | 15 | No |
| GEO3458 | Marine and Coastal Sustainability | 15 | No |
| GEO3467 | Human-Animal Interactions | 15 | No |
| LAW3016C | Legal Response to Environmental Destruction | 15 | No |
| BIO3407 | Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology | 15 | No |
| BIO3420 | Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease | 15 | No |
| GeoP Employability opt [See note a above] | |||
| GEO2449 | Green Consultants | 15 | No |
| GEO2453 | Social Innovation Consultants | 15 | No |
| LES2002 | Workplace Learning | 15 | No |
Stage 4
120 credits of compulsory modules
b You must choose either LESM007 or BIOM4043
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOM052 | Academic Research Project | 60 | Yes |
| BioP LESM007 - BIOM4043 [See note b above] | |||
| LESM007 | Global Challenges Field Course (MSci) | 30 | No |
| BIOM4043 | Rewilding the United Kingdom | 30 | No |
| LESM003 | Literature Review in the Life Sciences | 15 | No |
| LESM005 | Applied Data Analysis | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Comprehend the nature of change within human societies and environments. | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations, practical laboratory and field skills, independent reading and synthesis. | ILO1: Explicitly through essay and exam in core modules in first year. ILO2: First year is highly interdisciplinary and modules are assessed against your understanding about interconnections through essays and exams. Field courses explore inter-relationships between human and physical environments through assessed presentations and applied examples. ILO3: Explicitly through content of core and optional modules in all years. ILO4: Through group discussions and debates in modules in all years, and field classes. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Evaluate the diversity of approaches towards the generation of knowledge and understanding regarding humans and human systems, with detailed knowledge of essential facts and theory. | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations, practical laboratory and field skills, data handling, independent reading and synthesis. | ILO5: Explicitly through module-based assessment in all years. Assessment of performance in modules is through written examinations, short answer tests; practical work and reports; quantitative problems; project report or dissertation; oral presentations; and formatively through Q&A in lectures and practical classes. ILO6: First year is intentionally designed to expose you to a range of ideas and theories from science to social science, all of which underpin the integrated understanding of global environmental science. Coursework and exams in core modules in first and second years are particularly relevant. ILO7: Assessment will be through essay and review assignments in most modules at all years. You are made aware of the marking criteria for all major pieces of work and receive detailed feedback on their performance. ILO8: Assessment is primarily in the dissertation projects in 3rd and 4th year when skills learned in the first two years (field classes and key skills) are deployed independently towards a research question of your choice and guided through close supervision by a member of academic staff. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
9. Work effectively independently and as part of a team. | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations, practical laboratory and field skills, data handling, independent reading and synthesis. | ILO9: Independent work through written and oral assessments in all modules, and through examination assessment in all years. Team work: through group presentations and activities in field classes . ILO10: Through coursework, essays, projects and exams in all modules in all years.all modules. ILO11: Through coursework, essays, projects and exams in all modules in all years ILO12: Through coursework, essays, projects and exams in all modules in all years. ILO13: Through coursework, essays, projects and exams in all modules in all years. ILO14: Through critical writing tasks assessed in a range of modules through second and final years and in the dissertation and explicitly through coursework in core modules in all years. Data analysis tools are assessed in all modules and specifically in the second year Analysis of Biological data module, as well as dissertation and field course modules. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
To progress to Stage 3 you must achieve a credit-weighted stage average of at least 60% in Stage 2, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the relevant three year BSc programme.
Programme-specific Award Rules
At the end of Stage 3, you may be permitted to exit with a BSc (Hons) Human Sciences provided that you have achieved 360 credits in total, you have taken no more than 150 credits at level 4 and at least 90 credits at level 6 or 7. If you do exit with a BSc (Hons) the award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will be located in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) (Penryn Campus), where close working relationships are fostered. You can expect reasonable access to all teaching staff through appointments and will in addition receive formative feedback from various discussion groups/in-lecture exercises throughout the delivery of each module and therefore receive essentially continuous feedback during the taught component of the programme. Project supervisors provide academic and tutorial support once you move on to the research component of the programme. In addition, the Programme Director will offer you a meeting each term with an academic who provides guidance and feedback on assessment performance. Your progress will be monitored and you can receive up-to-date records of the assessment, achievements and progress at any stage.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MSci (Hons) Human Sciences
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Biosciences
[Honours] Geography
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 20/02/2021 |
Date of last revision | 02/09/2021 |
|---|