Modules

Module title: Business and Bioethics
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: MIC11104
Module leader: Fiona Stainsby
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Microbiology & Drug Discovery
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
2018/9, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Fiona Stainsby
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Learning & Teaching methods including their alignment to LOs
Each topic will be introduced via face-to-face lectures followed by class group work in which students will undertake exercises/tasks such as case study analysis, interpretation of business plans and exploration of specific ethical issues. (LOs1-4)

Embedding of employability/PDP/Scholarship Skills
Key employability skills are embedded and assessed throughout the module – including critical and independent thinking. Throughout this module, students will work in groups promoting teamwork, communication and leadership skills. Students will be expected to defend the concepts they develop and also debate complex business, ethical and sustainability issues through the application of logical argument.

Research / teaching linkages
Students will be expected to appraise current literature and keep up-to-date in this rapidly moving field. Where appropriate, experienced practitioners in the field will be invited to contribute to the module.

Supporting equality and diversity
Material used in delivering this module will be provided on the VLE [Moodle], ensuring access to all students. Debating the ethical and societal impact of developments in biotechnology will generate an awareness amongst students of wide-ranging cultural and political considerations.

Internationalisation
The themes covered in this m

Formative Assessment:
Assessment (formative or summative)
The first piece of assessment, composed of both formative and summative elements, concerns the development and critical assessment of a business concept. Students will present this as a poster and defend their concept in an interactive poster session. Following this and using feedback obtained, students will reflect on the concept, make appropriate modifications, and finally produce a business plan (LOs1-3) which includes a critical review of the regulatory framework and the ethical, sustainability and/or societal impacts associated with the proposed venture. (LO4)
Summative Assessment:
Assessment (formative or summative)
The first piece of assessment, composed of both formative and summative elements, concerns the development and critical assessment of a business concept. Students will present this as a poster and defend their concept in an interactive poster session. Following this and using feedback obtained, students will reflect on the concept, make appropriate modifications, and finally produce a business plan (LOs1-3) which includes a critical review of the regulatory framework and the ethical, sustainability and/or societal impacts associated with the proposed venture. (LO4)
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 10
Face To Face Groupwork (Scheduled) 22
Independent Learning Guided independent study 168
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Oral Presentation 40 1,4 9 HOURS= 0.15, WORDS= 0
Project - Written 60 1,2,3,4 13 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 3000
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

Development of biotechnology and influencing factors; Basis concepts of IPR, patents & licensing; Technology transfer; Commercialisation strategies and financing for the biotechnology sector; National and global context – markets & trends; Business models and plans - comparison of large corporate vs SMEs, mature companies vs start-ups; Regulatory framework governing management of risk; Introductory ethics and the history of “ethical” regulation; legal implications of being “unethical”; perception of biotechnology by society, sustainability (environmental, social and economic) exploration of specific topics, e.g. personalise medicine, stem cell research, genetic manipulation of crop and fuel plants, transgenic animals, the use of animal/human subjects in research.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: Evaluate the key components required to launch a new biotechnology business venture.
LO2: Critically appraise markets and trends in a national and global context.
LO3: Develop and critically assess a concept and produce a corresponding business plan.
LO4: Debate the impact of ethics and ethical regulation in biotechnology, using specific examples.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:

Core - BESSANT, J. & TIDD, J. (2007) INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: WILEY: CHICHESTER, 1st ed.
Core - MEPHAM, B. (2008) BIOETHICS: AN INTRODUCTION FOR THE BIOSCIENCES: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, 1st ed.
Core - JOURNAL OF BUSINESS VENTURING: ELSERVIER
Core - ESPACENET - PATENT DATABASE - WWW.EPO.ORG/SEARCHING/FREE/ESPACENET.HTML
Core - OECD: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - WWW.OECD.ORG/SCIENCE/
Core - NUFFIELD COUNCILON BIOETHICS - HTTP://NUFFIELDBIOETHICS.ORG/ABOUT/
Recommended - AUSTIN, M (2008) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOR THE BIOTECHNOLOGY & PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY: GOWER, 1st ed.
Recommended - KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER NETWORKS UK - HTTPS://CONNECT.INNOVATEUK.ORG/KNOWLEDGE-TRANSFER-NETWORKS
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