BSc Biological Sciences with Professional Studies
Academic Year 2019/20
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
Programme Title | BSc Biological Sciences with Professional Studies | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
Programme Code | BSC-BSC-S | UCAS Code | C104 | HECoS Code | 100345 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Single Honours | Length of Programme | 4 Academic Year(s) | Total Credits for Programme | 480 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available |
INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Biological Sciences |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 6 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
Biosciences (2007) |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
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Royal Society of Biology |
Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 16-10-18 |
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
Programme Specific Regulations In addition to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate |
Students with protected characteristics The programme does not contain barriers to access or progression among protected groups. |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME
The BSc Honours Biological Sciences Programme is designed to give graduates in-depth knowledge related to the diversity and complexity of living organisms and their interactions. This course allows students to study life (bacterial, fungal, plant, animal) at the molecular level through to whole
populations and ecosystems. The programme is underpinned by an active research environment and aims to enable all students to develop
comprehensive subject-specific knowledge with practical and transferable skills in the core areas of Zoology, Genetics, Marine Biology, Biochemistry and Microbiology whilst, encouraging creative thinking and innovation. On completion of the programme successful students will have developed the knowledge
and expertise required to pursue a research or other professional career in Biological Sciences.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate scientific literature. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters,case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Apply subject knowledge and understanding to generate hypotheses to address familiar and unfamiliar problems |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters,case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems and appreciate the limitations of current hypotheses. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters,case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a broad appreciation and understanding of the major theories and concepts in biological sciences. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Comprehend the scientific literature relating to Biological Sciences and integrate information there from to address problems, and formulate and test hypotheses. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
Be able to devise, evaluate and carry out experimental work in a biological sciences laboratory and/or field site. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
Comply with health and safety regulations and ethics procedures relevant to the specific project type and/or practical environment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
Be proficient in the use of IT for accessing databases and scientific literature, manipulating, processing and presenting data and written assignments. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate an ability to communicate and apply knowledge of the biological sciences to peers and non-scientists using a range of media. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Exhibit the personal and intellectual skills necessary for the world of employment and lifelong learning including: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate innovation in science through discovery and the application of knowledge. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers for data management and presentation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate proficiency in the collation, quantitative analysis, graphical presentation, and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problemsolve. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Recognise the importance of academic and research integrity and ethical issues of investigations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters,case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the similarities and diversity of organisms and the processes which underpin life on earth. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of biological sciences from the molecular to the whole organism, based on the recurring theme of evolution and natural selection. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Exhibit a critical awareness of the molecular basis of genetics and molecular biology through to “omic” technologies. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Document and present data, using appropriate statistical analysis. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
MODULE INFORMATION
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Zoonoses | BIO3204 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Parasitology | BIO3107 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Conservation Biology | BIO3206 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
Invertebrate Biology | BIO2203 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 25% | 0% | 75% | ||
Coastal and Oceanic Biology | BIO2206 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Cell Biology 2 | BIO2304 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 55% | 0% | 45% | |
Plant Biology and Rhizosphere Interactions | BIO2106 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Biodiversity | BIO1305 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 35% | 15% | 50% | |
The World of Microorganisms | BIO1301 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 20% | 60% | |
Applied Ecology | BIO2107 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Experimental Biochemistry | BIO2102 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Bacterial Genetics and Genetic Manipulation | BIO3203 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Medical Microbiology | BIO3209 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
Research Project | BIO3308 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Behavioural Ecology | BIO3108 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Industrial Microbiology | BIO3103 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Global Change Biology | BIO3205 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Forensics and Toxicology | BIO2207 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 35% | 0% | 65% | ||
Immunology and Immunotherapy | BIO3104 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Molecular Basis of Life | BIO1304 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 15% | 25% | 60% | |
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics | BIO2305 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Microorganisms in Action | BIO2202 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Animal Biology and Physiology | BIO2306 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Applied Genetics | BIO2205 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Professional Studies | BIO3303 | 3 | 120 | YES | YES | 46 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out some project type work. Students will begin preparations for the placement in the first semester of Stage 2 and the placement will be assessed within the module Professional Studies, BIO3303. Students unable to secure a year placement will be transferred to the BSc Biological Sciences programme.
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (80 CATS) listed and either two other 20 CAT modules, or one 40 CAT module form the optional modules listed. BIO2202: Pre-requisite BIO1301 BIO2102 Pre-requisite CHM1011
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory module (40 CATS) and four other 20 CATS modules from the optional modules listed. BIO3209 Pre-requisite BIO1301 BIO3203 Pre-requisite BIO1301