Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3057: Biopolitics

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

How this Module is Assessed

In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.

Formative Assessment

A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
'Biopolitics of the Week’ informal talks5 mins per week1-4; 6Oral
Contributions to class discussion – assessed via oral summaries of assigned reading + student questionsThroughout module1-4; 6Oral

Summative Assessment

A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
60040

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Case study research project605,000 word essay report1-5Written comments
Policy briefing: oral presentation + written paper + media article4010 min talk + 1500 word briefing + 400 word article1-6Written and oral comments

Re-assessment

Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Case study research project5,000 word essay report1-5August/September re-assessment period
Policy briefing: poster presentation, written paper + media article1500 word briefing + 400 word article + poster presentation1-6August/September re-assessment period