Bachelor's Degree Programme in Biotechnology and Applied Chemistry Programme description

This programme description was prepared by OsloMet pursuant to the National Curriculum Regulations for Engineering Education, adopted by the Ministry of Education on 18 Mai 2018.

The Norwegian Qualifications Framework for Higher Education, which was adopted by the Ministry of Education and Research on 20 March 2009, provides an overview of the overall learning outcomes defined in terms of the knowledge, skills and general competence candidates are expected to have achieved after completing the degree programme. The learning outcomes described in the programme description have been prepared in accordance with the National Curriculum Regulations and the Qualifications Framework.

The purpose of the programme is to provide students with a broad theoretical and practical background. Knowledge of biotechnology will be based on a general chemistry platform and thorough training in chemical analysis techniques, which will give the students flexibility in terms of their choice of career and further studies.

Biotechnology is sometimes referred to as the new global growth industry. Great progress has been made in biotechnology, especially in connection with medical diagnostics, forensic analyses, treatment of illnesses, production processes (beer, wine, yoghurt and cheese), animal feed, biological water treatment, the utilisation of enzymes in technical processes, for example in biodiesel and petrol production, and waste management.

An education in biotechnology and chemistry provides opportunities to take part in exciting developments in the food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry, chemical industry, and the aquaculture and fisheries industry. The education can also provide opportunities for jobs relating to R&D activities at several research institutions and in various research communities.

Possible work areas also include the operation of water treatment facilities, analyses of polluting emissions and mapping of the damaging effects of such pollution on people, animals and nature. The broad chemistry background this programme provides will also enable candidates to work in the industrial production of glue, paint and varnish, detergents and petroleum products.

Further education

The bachelor’s degree programme in Biotechnology and Applied Chemistry has one programme option:

• Biotechnology

It is a three-year programme, and candidates who have completed the programme will be awarded the degree Bachelor of Biotechnology and Applied Chemistry.

There are a number of further education options for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Many students go on to take a master’s degree in technology at OsloMet (for example at the Faculty of Health Sciences), NTNU, UMB, UiO or other Norwegian and foreign universities.

The programme is aimed at applicants who have a background in natural science and wish to take higher education in an engineering field. Applicants without a natural science background can apply for admission to OsloMet's introductory course ( Forkurs) or three-semester scheme ( Tre-termin) to qualify for the engineering programmes. See OsloMet’s website: www.oslomet.no/

The Higher Education Entrance Qualification/prior learning and work experience and Mathematics R1+R2 and Physics 1. An introductory course or qualifications from a technical college under previous systems are sufficient to meet the qualification requirements. Applicants with qualifications from a technical college pursuant to the Act relating to Tertiary Vocational Education (2003) only need to take Mathematics R1+R2 and Physics 1.

Reference is made to the Regulations concerning Admission to Higher Education,https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2017-01-06-13

After completing and passing the three-year bachelor’s degree programme in Biotechnology and Applied Chemistry, the candidate is expected to have achieved the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate:

• has broad knowledge of different sub-disciplines of chemistry (general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry and applied chemistry) that gives an overall perspective on the work of chemical engineers
• has basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics, physics and relevant social science and economics subjects, and how to use them in problem-solving in the field of engineering
• has fundamental knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology and genetics
• has fundamental knowledge of sampling, sample preparation and instrumental analysis techniques
• is familiar with Norwegian laws and regulations relating to the use of biotechnology and genetic engineering
• has knowledge of technological developments in chemical subjects, the role of chemical engineers in society, consequences of developments and the use of technology
• is capable of updating their knowledge related to the field of chemical engineering by obtaining new and relevant information and through contact with academic/industry experts and practical work
• is familiar with research and development work in the field of chemistry and with relevant methods in the specialisation subjects such as biotechnology, biochemical engineering and analytical chemistry

Skills

The candidate:

• is capable of applying and processing knowledge to solve chemistry-related problems, proposing technical solutions, and analysing and quality assuring the results
• is capable of using computer tools and relevant computer and simulation programs
• is capable of working in chemical labs, and has mastery of spectroscopy, chromatography and electrochemistry methods that contribute to both analytical and innovative work.
• can document results in laboratory notebooks and write reports based on standardised methods
• is capable of finding and assessing information and specialist literature and critically assessing the quality of the source
• can present and discuss such material, both orally and in writing, so that it sheds light on an issue
• is capable of citing literature correctly and compiling reference lists in accordance with the applicable referencing guidelines
• is capable of handling chemicals in accordance with regulations and of using HSE-data
• is capable of contributing new ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship through participation in the development and realisation of sustainable solutions and products, systems and/or solutions that benefit society
• is capable of working on biotechnology issues in both medical research and development and technological production
• is capable of using methods such as recombinant DNA technology and classical mutagenesis techniques to develop biotechnology production organisms, and has experience of growing microorganisms and operating and optimising fermenters
• masters methods such as PCR, restriction digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis and hybridisation to prepare DNA for analysis

General competence

The candidate:

• has insight into the environmental, health-related, social and financial consequences of chemical products, analyses and processes, and is capable of placing them in an ethical and a life-cycle perspective
• is capable of communicating chemistry knowledge to different target groups, both orally and in writing, and has the ability to illustrate the importance and consequences of technology
• is capable of participating in professional discussions, showing respect and being open to other fields and contributing to interdisciplinary work
• has applied quality assurance procedures for laboratory work
• has information literacy skills; knows why it is necessary to search for quality-assured sources of knowledge, how and why sources must be cited, and is familiar with plagiarism and cheating

Key disciplines are:

• mathematics, statistics and physics
• general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and physical chemistry, with a high degree of practical laboratory work
• chemical engineering as the basis for chemical and biotechnology processes
• biochemistry and microbiology, with training in how to grow and identify microorganisms
• biotechnology, genetics and genetic engineering methods, with emphasis on how microorganisms and other cells can be used and genetically manipulated for the production of antibiotics, proteins, vaccines and other useful products
• instrumental analysis methods
• oral and written communication relating to the chemistry courses

Teaching materials

Most of the courses will use English textbooks. Dedicated compendiums will be prepared for some of the courses. The course descriptions for the individual courses will contain a list of required reading.

The programme comprises the following courses (see the national curriculum):

• Common courses (C), 30 credits – basic mathematics, systems perspectives on engineering and an introduction to professional engineering practice and work methods. The common courses are common to all study programmes.
• Programme courses (P), 50-70 credits – technical subjects, natural science subjects and social science subjects. Programme courses are common to all programme options in a study programme
• Technical specialisation courses (TS), 50-70 credits –provide a clear specialisation in the student’s engineering field and that are based on programme courses and common courses
• Elective courses, 30 credits (E) – provide breadth or depth in the professional specialisation.

For the academic year 2019-2020, a compulsory introductory topic was introduced in HSE for students. The HSE course is held early in the fall semester.

Elective courses for the 2020–2021 academic year

Initially, the students are expected to choose the electives KJVE3510 Analytical Chemistry II and KJM3500 Molecular Biology. Students who want to choose different electives are required to come in for a mandatory guidance session.

In addition to those two courses, the students can choose some electives that are common to the engineering programs. Please note that students do not have access to registering for other courses than those listed below, on the basis of their admission to the programme in Biotechnology and Applied Chemistry. A separate admissions process (and a separate application to have those courses approved within this programme) would be required to take other courses as electives. Also, the faculty can not adjust the course-schedule or exam-plan for the sake of other courses. If exam-dates collide students who are absent from one of the programme’s exams will not be eligible for a new or postponed examination, as exams from courses not provided by the programme is not considered valid absence from an exam.

Elective courses may be cancelled if not enough students register for a particular course.

5. semester

• KJVE3510 Analytical Chemistry II
• DAVE3700 Mathematics 3000 (*)
• DAVE3710 Academic English  (*)

6. semester

• KJM3500 Molecular Biology
• DAVE3705 Mathematics 4000 (*)

 (*) Electives common to the engineering programs.

See the respective course descriptions for more detailed information about work methods, reading lists, assessment and exam aids. As indicated there, lectures, exercises, laboratory work, supervision and other teaching methods will be used to a varying extent in the different courses.

A course description is provided for each individual course. Before the programme starts, the person responsible for the course will prepare a detailed teaching plan for the course that will contain a reading list, a progress schedule, detailed information about exercise schedules and coursework requirements with applicable deadlines etc.

Special emphasis will be placed on the students acquiring a high level of engineering expertise and creativity. The mechanical engineering programme emphasises expertise and a professional attitude in the following courses and subject areas:

The engineering programme is adapted for internationalisation in that the students can take courses abroad, mainly from the fourth semester. See https://student.oslomet.no/retningslinjer-sensorer

In addition, OsloMet collaborates with institutions in several European countries on an English-language course called European Project Semester (EPS). It is worth 30 credits and is mainly intended for incoming exchange students, but can also be relevant for OsloMet’s own third-year students in the sixth semester. Admission to the course is based on individual application.

Engineering is an international field. Much of the course literature is in English, and several of the systems and work tools use English as their working language. Some of the teaching may be in English. The individual course descriptions will state which courses this concerns. These courses will give the students good experience and knowledge of English engineering terminology.

Required coursework means compulsory assignments/activities that must be approved by a given deadline in order for students to be able to sit the exam. Coursework can be written work, project work, oral presentations, lab courses, compulsory attendance at lectures etc. Required coursework can be done individually or in groups.

The required coursework is intended to ensure the students’ progress and development and that they participate in necessary elements of the programme. Coursework requirements can also be set to ensure that students achieve a learning outcome that cannot be tested in an exam.

Previously approved coursework can be valid for two years after it is approved, provided that the course has not changed.

Required coursework is assessed as ‘approved’ or ‘not approved’.

The coursework requirements for each course are described in the course description. The number and type of coursework requirements, the rules for meeting the coursework requirements, deadlines and other details are set out in the course descriptions and teaching plans that are announced at the start of the semester.

Not approved coursework

Valid absence documented by, for example, a medical certificate does not exempt students from meeting the coursework requirements. Students who have valid grounds for absence, or who have submitted coursework that is not approved, should as far as possible be given a new chance to resubmit it before the exam. This must be agreed with the lecturer in question on a case-to-case basis. If another attempt at meeting a coursework requirement is not possible because of the nature of the subject/course, the student must be prepared to meet the coursework requirement on the next possible occasion. This can result in delayed progress in the programme.

The examination regulations are specified in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet. See OsloMet’s website www.oslomet.no

Oral and practical exams are assessed by two examiners, as these forms of exams cannot be appealed. Formal errors can nonetheless be appealed.

One overall grade is given for the portfolio.

It is only possible to appeal the exam result for the portfolio assessment as a whole. Any information provided about weighting is only considered additional information in relation to the final grade. If parts of the portfolio contain elements such as an oral presentation, practical assignments etc., the exam result cannot be appealed. The rules concerning right of appeal are described in each individual course description.

Exams that are only assessed by internal examiners shall be regularly selected for external assessment.

Assessment

The grades pass/fail or a grade scale with grades from A to E for pass and F for fail are used for exam grades.

Prerequisite knowledge and study progress

Prerequisite knowledge is described in the course descriptions.

Even if no specific requirements for prior knowledge are defined, the students should take courses worth at least 50 credits each year to be able to complete the programme within the nominal length of study.

• From the first to the second year of the programme – courses worth 50 credits should be completed
• From the first and second years to the third year of the programme – courses worth 100 credits should be completed

Students must be registered in the third year and have completed at least 100 credits from the first and second years of the programme by 1 October before they can be assigned a topic for their bachelor’s thesis.

Programme supervisor scheme

Programme supervision is part of the quality assurance of each individual study programme. A programme supervisor is not an examiner, but someone who supervises the quality of the study programmes. All study programmes at OsloMet shall be supervised by a programme supervisor, but there is leeway to practise the system in different ways. Reference is made to the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet: https://student.oslomet.no/retningslinjer-sensorer

Rescheduled/resit exams

Students must register for resit/rescheduled exams themselves. Resits/rescheduled exams are normally organised together early in the following semester. Resit exams are for students who have taken the exam and failed. Rescheduled exams are for students who did not take the regular exam. The conditions for taking resit/rescheduled exams are set out in the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet.

Diploma

The final assessment for each course will be included on the diploma for the Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and the title of the bachelor’s thesis shall be stated.

The purpose of OsloMet’s quality assurance system is to improve the students’ learning outcomes and development by raising quality at all levels. OsloMet wishes to cooperate with the students, and their participation in the quality assurance work is crucial. The overriding goals for the quality assurance system include:

• to ensure a high level of quality in educational activities, including practical training and the learning and study environment
• to ensure that the study programmes are relevant to the professional fields
• to ensure that the quality continues to improve

For the students, this entails, among other things, student evaluations:

• course evaluations
• annual student surveys for all of OsloMet

More information about the quality assurance system is available here: https://student.oslomet.no/regelverk#etablering-studium-evaluering-kvalitetssystem