UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

1. Awarding Institution / Body University of Central Lancashire

2. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery

Myerscough College

3. University School/Centre Forensic and Applied Sciences

4. External Accreditation Institute of Chartered Foresters (8 Points)(Full-time 3 years); (3rd year direct entry not currently accredited)

5. Title of Final Award BSc (Hons) Arboriculture and Urban Forestry

6. Modes of Attendance offered Full-time and part-time, Part-time by distance learning - 3rd year direct entry

7a) UCAS Code D500

7b) JACS Code (only required for NEW programmes)

8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)

Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences (2016)

9. Other external influences None

10. Date of production/revision of this form

14 December 2017

11. Aims of the Programme

To provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills in the science, technology and management of trees.

To provide students with the appropriate research and critical analysis skills so that they can work effectively in a professional environment.

To develop a range of transferable skills, including communication, numeracy, IT and problem-solving.

To give students a contemporary perspective on issues of sustainable tree management in urban environments locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

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12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A. Knowledge and UnderstandingA1. Evaluate current management practices in arboricultureA2. Interpret current scientific thinking in areas related to tree managementA3. Discuss recent innovations and debate in arboriculture and urban forestryA4. Describe arboricultural enterprises and their developmentA5. Explain areas of plant and soil science essential for tree production and management.Teaching and Learning MethodsOn campus core material will be delivered through subject-specific lectures and seminars. These will be supported through practical sessions, relevant case studies and a virtual learning environment which will include additional subject material and formative assessments. Independent learning will be aided by tutorials and comprehensive library resources and on-line academic databases.

For the 3rd Year direct entry route acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through a combination of on-line lecture materials and tutorials, on-line laboratory exercises and interactive materials, on-line group discussion, case studies and project work. Independent learning is encouraged by independent reading to supplement and consolidate what is being taught and learnt through the on-line materials and to broaden individual knowledge of the subject. The 3rd year direct entry course is mainly aimed at people who are working in the industry and this will develop and consolidate the work-based application of skills and knowledge inherent in foundation degrees.Assessment methodsA combination of coursework and examinations will be used. The coursework assessment methods will include - technical reports, portfolios, short tests, scenario assessment, group and individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports, practical skills tests and extended individual project work. The students may be required to produce work in a range of formats, such as word processed documents, presentations, digital only presentation and work in poster format.

B. Subject-specific skillsB1. Apply scientific principles in tree managementB2. Evaluate tree conditionB3. Identify a range of problems and appropriate solutions in tree managementB4. Justify tree removal or preservationB5. Prepare, implement and analyse industry specific practicesB6. Use a range of specialist technologyTeaching and Learning MethodsSubject-specific skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above. Subject specific skills are further developed by the use of case studies and coursework assignments that reflect industry practice and these are reinforced by feedback from assessments. Information technology and computational skills are developed through project work and coursework reports.In addition, for full-time delivery tutor-led workshops and practical sessions will use appropriate software packages or technical equipment to allow students to practice and develop a range of practical skills. Subject specialists from the Arboriculture industry will also present key lectures on campus to provide an awareness of current trends and applications. Assessment methodsSubject-specific skills will be assessed through the range of coursework as described above (A. Knowledge and Understanding – Assessment methods).

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C. Thinking SkillsC1. Apply creative thinking techniques in problem solving C2. Analyse and evaluate alternative solutions to problems impartiallyC3. Use and evaluate complex data and information from a variety of sourcesC4. Research issues and present findings using communication skillsC5. Plan, perform and evaluate practical investigations.Teaching and Learning MethodsThese thinking skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above. Problem solving and analytical skills are developed within extended project work and on campus by use of formative assessments within modules and course tutorials. The 3rd year direct entry course is mainly aimed at people who are working in the industry and this will consolidate practical problem solving skills.Assessment methodsFormative assessments and feedback are important in the development of these thinking skills. Formal assessment is carried out as part of the coursework and exam programme as outlined above (A. Knowledge and Understanding – Assessment methods).

D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal developmentD1. Communicate professionally in technical reports and presentationsD2. Work independently and as a member of a teamD3. Manage projects and extended learningD4. Use appropriate information technology skills in various situationsD5. Manipulate, sort and present data in a variety of ways.D6. Reflect on personal development and identify individual professional development needs.Teaching and Learning MethodsTransferable skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme and the assessment strategies outlined above. Communication skills are developed in formative sessions through discussion groups and course tutorials (on campus), and formally assessed in project work and assignment tasks. Reflection and development needs are developed through personal tutorials and self-assessment of performance.Assessment methodsTransferable skills are assessed using the assessment methods as mentioned above.

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13. Programme Structures* 14. Awards and Credits*

Level Module Code

Module Title Credit rating

Level 6 MR3200

Research Project 40 BSc (Hons) Arboriculture and Urban ForestryRequires 360 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 6 and 220 at Level 5 or above.

BSc Arboriculture and Urban ForestryRequires 320 credits including a minimum of 60 at Level 6 and 180 at Level 5 or above.

MR3203

Applied Plant Science and Biotechnology

20

MR3315

Management of Tree Risk 20

MR3357

Urban Forest and Greenspace Management

20

MR3358

Greenspace Professional Practice

20

Level 5 MR2119

Pests, Diseases and Weeds 20 Diploma of Higher Education Arboriculture and Urban ForestryRequires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 5 or above.

MR2125

Research Methods 20

MR2151

Environmental Plant Physiology 20

MR2362

Trees in the Landscape 20

MR2363

Tree Management and the Law 20

MR2364

Woodland and Veteran Tree Management

20

Level 4 MR1046

Dendrology 20 Certificate of Higher EducationRequires 120 credits at Level 4 or above.MR132

8Arboricultural Practices 20

MR1354

Essential Plant and Soil Science

20

MR1361

Applied Tree Biology 20

MR1362

Tree Production, Establishment and Biosecurity

20

NT1003 Ecology 20

15. Personal Development Planning

Personal Development Planning is an essential component of the course. The course will help students recognise the importance of being proactive within their own personal development. The course will help develop key personal and transferable skills which promote employability, entrepreneurship, academic excellence, professional development and global citizenship.

Each student will be allocated a Personal Tutor with whom students will be encouraged to develop skills for independent learning and reflection on student’s academic, personal and professional development. Students will meet with their personal tutor at least twice per semester to develop short and long-term goals, review and plan their progress on the course and discuss their future career path. For distance learning students these meetings will be facilitated via telephone, skype or similar media.

Each student group has a weekly timetabled and structured course tutorial which will be used to develop generic personal, employability and academic skills with student groups. For distance learning students this will be facilitated via on-line tutorial learning resources which will be used to develop generic personal, employability and academic skills. An online scheme of work, together with

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web based and other support materials, is available to staff and students alike in the delivery of these tutorial sessions.

Students have access to a wide range of personal development advisory services through the ‘Core’ and Inclusive Learning Team including careers, financial advice, pastoral support and help with study skills. Students have access to the student support services at the University through the ‘I’, ‘Careers’ and ‘WISER’ study skills.

Students on honours degrees also have the opportunity to study a series of personal development modules as a mandatory or optional part of their course. Through these modules students will be encouraged to reflect on their personal and professional development, plan realistically for career progression and manage their own career development.

All students will also have access to the College ‘Graduate employability’ programme, activities that contribute to ensuring employability of our students will also count towards the ‘Graduate employability’ programme.

16. Admissions criteria *(including agreed tariffs for entry with advanced standing)*Correct as at date of approval. For latest information, please consult the University’s website.For year 1 entry:5 GCSE passes at Grade C/Grade 4 or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)

Plus 104 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:

3 A-levels (A2) at C or above BTEC/C&G Level 3 4 Scottish Highers at C or above 4 Irish Highers at C or above International Baccalaureate at 24 points

AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

For year 3 direct entry:Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject or 2 years (one at Level 4 and the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline achieved at 'pass' standard or above. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively. Applicants must also produce evidence of successfully completing a research based module at level 5.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview.17. Key sources of information about the programme

UCAS: http://www.ucas.ac.uk Myerscough College web site: www.myerscough.ac.uk Myerscough College higher education prospectus: http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?

page=Prospectuses Course fact sheet: http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=higher-education-subjects

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18. Curriculum Skills MapPlease tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed

LevelModule Code Module Title

Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O)

Programme Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding Subject-specific Skills Thinking Skills

Other skills relevant to employability and

personal development

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6

LEVE

L 6

MR3200 Research Project COMP

MR3203 Applied Plant Science and Biotechnology

COMP

MR3315 Management of Tree Risk COMP

MR3357 Urban Forest and Greenspace Management

COMP

MR3358 Greenspace Professional Practice

COMP

LEVE

L 5

MR2119 Pests, Diseases and Weeds COMP MR2125 Research Methods COMP MR2151 Environmental Plant

PhysiologyCOMP

MR2362 Trees in the Landscape COMP

MR2363 Tree Management and the Law

COMP

MR2364 Woodland and Veteran Tree Management

COMP

LEVE

L 4

MR1046 Dendrology COMP MR1328 Arboricultural Practices COMP MR1354 Essential Plant and Soil

ScienceCOMP

MR1361 Applied Tree Biology COMP MR1362 Tree Production,

Establishment and Biosecurity

COMP

NT1003 Ecology COMP

Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks

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19. LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR EXIT AWARDS:

For each exit award available, list learning outcomes relating to the knowledge and understanding, subject specific skills, thinking, other skills relevant to employability and personal development that a typical student might be expected to gain as a result of successfully completing each level of a course of study.

Learning outcomes for the award of BSc Arboriculture and Urban Forestry:

A1. Evaluate current management practices in arboricultureA2. Interpret current scientific thinking in areas related to tree managementA3. Discuss recent innovations and debate in arboriculture and urban forestryA4. Describe arboricultural enterprises and their developmentA5. Explain areas of plant and soil science essential for tree production and management.

B1. Apply scientific principles in tree managementB2. Evaluate tree conditionB3. Identify a range of problems and appropriate solutions in tree managementB4. Justify tree removal or preservationB5. Prepare, implement and analyse industry specific practicesB6. Use a range of specialist technology

C1. Apply creative thinking techniques in problem solvingC2. Analyse and evaluate alternative solutions to problems impartiallyC3. Use and evaluate complex data and information from a variety of sourcesC4. Research issues and present findings using communication skillsC5. Plan, perform and evaluate practical investigations

D1. Communicate professionally in technical reports and presentationsD2. Work independently and as a member of a teamD3. Manage projects and undertake extended learningD4. Use appropriate information technology skills in various situationsD5. Manipulate, sort and present data in a variety of waysD6. Reflect on personal development and identify professional development needs

Learning outcomes for the award of Diploma of Higher Education Arboriculture and Urban Forestry:

A1. Evaluate current management practices in arboricultureA2. Interpret current scientific thinking in areas related to tree managementA4. Describe arboricultural enterprises and their developmentA5. Explain areas of plant and soil science essential for tree production and management.

B1. Apply scientific principles in tree managementB2. Evaluate tree conditionB3. Identify a range of problems and appropriate solutions in tree managementB4. Analyse reasons for tree removal or preservationB5. Prepare, implement and analyse industry specific practicesB6. Use a range of specialist technology

C1. Apply creative thinking techniques in problem solvingC2. Analyse & evaluate alternative solutions to problems impartiallyC3. Use and evaluate complex data and information from a variety of sourcesC4. Research issues and present findings using communication skillsC5. Plan, perform and evaluate practical investigations

D1. Communicate professionally in technical reports and presentationsD2. Work independently and as a member of a teamD3. Manage projects and undertake extended learningD4. Use appropriate information technology skills in various situations

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D5. Manipulate, sort and present data in a variety of ways

Learning outcomes for the award of Certificate of Higher Education:

A1. Evaluate current management practices in arboricultureA2. Interpret current scientific thinking in areas related to tree managementA4. Describe arboricultural enterprises and their developmentA5. Explain areas of plant and soil science essential for tree production and management.

B1. Apply scientific principles in tree managementB2. Evaluate tree conditionB3. Identify a range of problems and appropriate solutions in tree managementB4. Analyse reasons for tree removal or preservationB5. Prepare, implement and analyse industry specific practicesB6. Use a range of specialist technology

C1. Apply creative thinking techniques in problem solvingC2. Analyse alternative solutions to problems impartiallyC3. Use complex data and information from a variety of sourcesC4. Research issues and present findings using communication skillsC5. Plan, perform and evaluate practical investigations

D1. Communicate professionally in technical reports and presentationsD2. Work independently and as a member of a teamD3. Manage projects and undertake extended learningD4. Use appropriate information technology skills in various situationsD5. Present data in a variety of ways

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