Modules

Core Module Information
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: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This course covers various topics that are essential for understanding the development of biotechnology and its impact. Through the development of your own business venture concept, you will explore key concepts including innovation and invention, intellectual property rights (IPR), patents, and licensing, as well as business models and commercialisation strategies. We will delve into the national and global context of biotechnology, examining sectors, markets, trends, and emerging technologies. You will also learn about the regulatory framework governing risk management and explore bioethics and the history of ethical regulation in biotechnology. We will also discuss the legal implications of unethical behaviour, corporate responsibility, and society's perception of biotechnology. Sustainability, including environmental, social, and economic aspects, will be explored, and you will have opportunities to discuss current topics like personalised medicine, stem cell research, genetics and the use of animals or 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 develop and launch a new biotechnology business venture.

LO2: Critically appraise markets and trends in a national and global context.

LO3: Develop and critically assess a biotechnology business concept and produce a corresponding business plan.

LO4: Debate the impact of bioethics and ethical regulation in biotechnology, using specific examples.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Fiona Stainsby
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 10 Weekly lectures will introduce you to key theoretical aspects that should be considered in the development of your venture concept.
Face To Face GROUPSCHEDULED 22 These sessions which take place in class provide you with the opportunity to apply concepts introduced in lectures to the development of your concept through individual, paired and group activities. Some sessions include peer feedback to learn from each other fostering an assessment for learning approach. You will also join class discussions and an ethical debate.
Online Guided independent study 168 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to schedule in time to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions, review materials on Moodle and prepare for class activities. You will also work with a partner to develop your venture concept and associated assessments.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Written 60 1~2~3~4 13 , WORDS= 3000 words You will prepare a business plan for your biotechnology venture idea following guidance and formative feedback from your tutors. This will include bioethical and sustainability considerations.
Oral Presentation 40 1~4 9 HOURS= 25 minutes You will prepare and present your developing venture concept as a business pitch. In this you will identify and evaluate the product, innovation and target market and identify the remaining key components required to take your concept to market. This will be followed by a question and answer session during which you will receive feedback from peers and tutors and guidance for further development of your concept.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
MIC11104 Business & Bioethics
 

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