Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• to develop an understanding of Human Biology and provide a firm foundation in scientific method including laboratory and analytical skills
• to promote and develop independent learning and encourage and support professional studies in human biology

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• the benchmark statements for Biosciences and Anthropology (Biological);
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications;
• Criteria for recognition by Society of Biology

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a broadly-based core curriculum covering the major concepts, principles and theories associated with Human Biological Sciences from a whole body perspective
• identify, explain and discuss theoretical frameworks appropriate to the study of Human Biology
• demonstrate an understanding of knowledge of critical arguments in human biology that are at the forefront of the discipline

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including published research or reports;
• recognise and apply subject-specific theories, concepts or principles;
• apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
• obtain and integrate several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
• recognise the ethical issues of investigations and apply ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• design, plan, conduct and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data (eg, from a survey database); these data may be obtained through individual or group projects;
• obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory, working by themselves or in a group;
• undertake field and/or laboratory investigations of the living human being or human material in a responsible, safe and ethical manner; showing sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the subjects under investigation and paying due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, and consent procedures.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should have developed a range of communication, information technology, interpersonal, self-management and generic cognitive skills. They should be able to: 

• communicate effectively in a variety of formats;
• cite and reference work in an appropriate manner
• use information technology effectively as a learning and communication tool;
• work effectively as an individual and as part of a team;
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively;
• develop skills management for lifelong learning including target setting for personal, academic and career development;
• develop the ability to work independently.

4. Programme structure

4.1       Part A - Introductory Modules

Compulsory and optional modules must be taken such that the total modular weight for the year is 120 credits, with 60 in each semester. 

Year-long modules have equal credit weightings per semester.

4.2       Part B - Degree Modules

**PSB223 is available every other year.

Compulsory and optional modules must be taken such that the total modular weight for the year is 120 credits, with a minimum modular weight of 50 in each semester.  Students who opt for a 50/70 or 70/50 split of credit weightings must have the permission of the Programme Director.

Year-long modules have equal credit weightings per semester.

4.3       Part I - Placement (8 semester programme only)

DPS Route: Candidates on degree programmes with professional training will register for the non-credit bearing placement module PSI002.
OR
DIntS Route (2014 entry onwards): Candidates on degree programmes with international studies will register for the non-credit bearing placement module PSI005.

4.4       Part C - Degree Modules

4.4.1    Erasmus Programme

Subject to Programme Director approval, students may be selected for the second semester module PSC602 Human Biology Erasmus to undertake their final semester at Maastricht University.  Students taking the Erasmus programme must complete 30 credits of the Compulsory Project in semester 1 and 10 credits in semester 2.

*The Compulsory Project Module PSC200 is divided between Semesters 1 and 2 with a permitted modular weight distribution of 10:30 or 20:20.  Students who opt for a 20:20 modular weight distribution must have the permission of the module organiser.

**These modules are available in alternate years.

C⁺ indicates modules from which at least 20 credits per semester must be chosen.

Compulsory and optional modules must be taken such that the total modular weight for the year is 120 credits, with a minimum modular weight of 50 in each semester.  Students who opt for a 50/70 or 70/50 split of credit weightings must have the permission of the Programme Director.

Please note: Optional modules are subject to availability and timetable permitting.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C). The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40: Part C 60 to determine the final percentage mark.