Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module NSCI3001: Science Enterprise

Department: Natural Sciences

NSCI3001: Science Enterprise

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to CFG0
Tied to CFG1
Tied to CFG2
Tied to FGC0
Tied to FGC1

Prerequisites

  • • Satisfactory completion of Level 2 course in Natural Sciences

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • • Biological Enterprise (BIOL3441)

Aims

  • To introduce students to: the key process of business start-up, specifically within the context of the science sector; the key factors and considerations that influence the decision making process of commercialisation of science innovation; the necessary skills, knowledge and resources required to take science innovation from concept through to credible commercial propositions; the purpose of a Business Plan and, using a self-generated idea, how to prepare and present a Plan.
  • To develop students’ enterprising and group working skills and behaviours.

Content

  • Overview of the science sector.
  • Generating and evaluating business ideas using SWOT analysis etc.
  • Testing ideas against the market eg primary and secondary research, competitor analysis etc.
  • Business Plan form and function and resource planning.
  • Financial management and planning.
  • Legal aspects , including Intellectual Property, regulatory and ethical issues.
  • Selling to the market.
  • Raising finance eg Venture Capitalists, Business Angels etc.
  • Presenting clear and commercially viable business concept and scientific basis of the product in Business Plan and oral formats.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Ability to discuss in depth a chosen science process particularly with regard to its potential application in a commercial context.
  • Demonstrate how to plan for the launch of a new business venture, particularly with regard to the science sector.
  • Describe the key challenges and issues associated with commercialisation of a science innovation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the responses and strategies used to overcome these challenges and address issues, risks etc.
  • Demonstrate development of their enterprising skills, behaviours and attitudes.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Describe and summarise information from self-study and guided research on a self-selected science topic.
  • Describe and summarise information from lectures, textbooks and other sources on key areas of business planning.
  • Describe the process and resources required in business planning, particularly start-ups in the science sector.
Key Skills:
  • Interpretation and understanding of information from relevant sources (lectures, textbooks, online sources).
  • Interpretation and evaluation of data.
  • Strategic thinking and planning of time, resources etc.
  • Group working, negotiation and consensus building.
  • Presentation of scientific and business ideas to academic and non-academic audiences in oral and written formats.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures, Tutorials, Group work, Data handling, Essays and Oral Presentation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 1 Once 2 hours 2
Workshop 16 Weekly 4 hours p/w 64
Presentation 2 Once 1 hour 2
Preparation & reading 132
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Business Plan 40%
Science Case 50%
Presentation 10%

Formative Assessment:

Two formative presentations


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University