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LSC-30051 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-30051 - Case Studies in Biotechnology
Coordinator: Sheila Hope Room: Hux230 Tel: +44 1782 7 33674
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Imagine being the editor of your own journal - well in this module that is exactly what you will be, by selecting relevant papers and writing a themed editorial. You will be exploring how biotechnology can be used to address some of the key health and sustainability issues facing the human population. Each topic will be introduced by an expert in seminar sessions and then you'll hear from several staff members on how their own research showcases an application of biotechnology to that topic. There are also case-study discussions and a chance to talk about what you have found in the primary literature. Each of these different types of activity is designed to promote big-picture thinking and develop communication skills. This module is very much student-centred and really gives you the chance to tailor your research to suit your own interests within the wide context of biotechnology.

Aims
The module aims to encourage students to explore and discuss how biotechnology (in its many forms) can be used to help address some of the key sustainability issues facing humankind, such as keeping us healthy, keeping us fed, tackling pollution and finding alternative fuel sources. The module also develops higher level scientific writing and communication skills and promote big-picture thinking.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-30051/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically discuss the underpinning bioscience and any pertinent ethical and sustainability issues related to biotechnologies that are applied to address key challenges facing mankind: 1,2
critically evaluate the application of biotechnology to address key challenges facing humankind: 1,2
produce a themed editorial that summarises relevant biotechnology research: 1

Study hours

Active learning hours: 12 hours case seminars (4 hours per case)
6 hours case tutorials (2 hours per case)
6 hours assessment preparation workshops
3 hours drop-in support sessions
Independent study hours:
111 hours selecting literature and preparing editorial.
12 hours completing the reflective diary

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Creative Brief weighted 70%
Editorial
Students will select an overarching theme of their choice and find 6 research papers that fit the theme, are relevant to the core topics of the module and showcase biotechnology. They will produce an editorial (max 3000 words), introducing the theme, summarising the papers and justifying the paper choice.

2: Reflective Diary weighted 30%
Reflective diary
Students will complete three reflections (approx. 500 words each) on different module activities using a structured template. Each reflection will take approximately 2-4 hours.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025