Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Students must have passed all modules at stage 2.
Permission of the DPD is required for all students undertaking this module.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The biosciences study abroad is an academic year between stages 2 and 3 of the degree programme. The year provides the opportunity for students to study abroad at an exchange partner institution in order to:

•Develop their global citizenship and intercultural competence through studying abroad

•Reflect upon their learning style through recording their experiences and development throughout the year

•Study a broader range of modules than available in the standard length degree

•Build their resilience and adaptability through new experiences and methods of studying

•Develop, where appropriate, new language skills

•Prepare students effectively for studying at stage 3 by enhancing their breadth of academic experience

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will spend two semesters in full time study either in one of our exchange partner universities or two (with a semester in each). The academic risk of doing so is minimised by the results achieved not having a direct bearing on the degree classification or attainment. However completing the study abroad year successfully will be stated explicitly on the transcript and on the HEAR.

Following successful completion of stage 2, these students study at a host institution/institutions full time for two semesters, taking the equivalent of 120 credits (60 ECTS). The module selection will be agreed with the CMB3005 Module Leader and approved by the partner institution/s. Students are expected to study a minimum of 80 credits of bioscience related modules (discipline specific), with up to 40 credits of further options chosen by the student. Students are expected to take modules of FHEQ level 5 or 6 (equivalent to stage 2 or 3, or host institution equivalent); subject to concomitant approval.

Students will have a module team member, from the home institution, as a supervisor during the year abroad. Regular contact shall be maintained and the student is required to maintain a reflective portfolio of their experience.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Knowledge outcomes will vary according the modules undertaken whilst studying abroad. To provide the opportunity for students to further their bioscience knowledge and experience as well as study inter-disciplinary modules and gain a broader holistic experience for the studies. Students will:

•       Apply critical thinking to a range of bioscience subjects
•       Utilize prior knowledge and increase the breadth of their current knowledge.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The experience will allow the students to gain a range of new skills including:

•       Reflection upon their intercultural competence, adaptability and autonomy through completion of a reflective portfolio

Other skills will vary according to the modules studied.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students will experience teaching at partner institutions and the methods will vary according to the modules studied.

Before the study placement can go ahead, students have to complete all mandatory pre-departure training sessions and read relevant materials, complete their risk assessment and sign the ‘Conditions of Participation’ form in Terra Dotta before receiving final approval to go abroad. However, placements may be cancelled at any time (even after receiving the final approval) or students may be recalled from their placement if they are already abroad if the situation in the host country changes and the University decides that it is no longer safe for the student to stay in the host country.

All students will be contacted by the module leader every other week by e-mail and will be invited to monthly virtual meetings with the Exchange Coordinator to monitor progress. This will allow for any changes in study activities caused by pandemic to be considered, and if necessary, the mode of learning can be adjusted.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module is a pass / fail based on the completion of the above components.

To ensure full engagement with Health and Safety and guidance provided from the International Office on studying abroad students must complete all scheduled training events before progressing with the placement year.

The reflective self-analysis will give the student the opportunity to reflect on their placement year and provide a record of their experience. This will encourage critical thinking and integration of subject-level knowledge from other level 5 and 6 Newcastle modules.

In order to pass CMB3005 candidates must pass 90 credits at first attempt to demonstrate a satisfactory level of engagement with the subjects studied during the study abroad placement year. If more than 30 credits are failed, this will constitute a fail for the entire module. If the reflective self-analysis is failed, this will have to be retaken and a pass mark obtained. However, no resit can be offered for the modules taken at the host institution.

General Notes

Students must apply to this study abroad year in accordance with the University application process for Study Abroad (either the Erasmus+ scheme or the Non-EU Exchange scheme). Students should inform the School of Biomedical Sciences of their intention to do this by the end of November of Stage 2. They will then be provided with appropriate advice and guidance during the application, preparation and pre-departure stage. This will include attendance of workshops and briefing sessions (e.g. from the International Office and Global Opportunities team).

Students do not pay the full tuition fee for this year, but do pay the ‘assessed study abroad year’ fee currently in the order of £1,385 (existing fees for 2021-22).