FD | Undergraduate
Biological Sciences
Entry year
2021
2021
Entry requirements
CC
CC
Duration
2 years (Full Time)
2 years (Full Time)
UCAS code
C101
C101
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Overview
This programme aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of scientific methods of enquiry and theoretical principles of biological sciences, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context.
Students studying the FdSci in Biological Sciences will develop understanding of:
1. the relevance of biological sciences in the current economic environment
2. the hierarchical nature of biological sciences ranging from molecular level to whole organism and species interactions
3. the need for competence and dexterity in contemporary biological practical techniques and cognate disciplines
4. a professional approach to work, study and lifelong learning
This course is taught at Belfast Metropolitan College, Belfast.Biological Sciences Degree highlights
This course is taught at Belfast Metropolitan College.
Professional Accreditations
- Graduates of the FdSci are eligible for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status, conferred by the Science Council and with appropriate CPD would be eligible for Registered Scientist status (RSci). The Society of Biology also confers varying levels of membership depending on qualifications and experience.
Career Development
- The FdSc is a new programme with the first graduates expected in July 2018. Our graduates in similar programmes are employed in organisations working within environmental monitoring and
management, water quality management, animal welfare, academic research, the agri-food industries, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, teaching and education, and science communication.
These employment areas have always been important, but have now become increasingly so due to worldwide problems such as climate change, food supply and security, biodiversity loss and global health issues.
Brexit Advice
Information on the implications of Brexit for prospective students.
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Course content -
Course content
Course Structure
Work Placement Between Year 1 and Year 2 there is a compulsory work-based placement for a duration of ten weeks. This will provide students with opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from Year 1 content; to develop important employability skills required for the employment market; and to benefit from being exposed to biological science practices. Year 1 • Fundamentals of Science
• Mathematical and Study Skills in Science
• General Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• BiologyYear 2 • Biological Diversity and Evolution
• Bioscience Practical and Analytical Skills
• Food Biochemistry
• Ecology and Environmental Biology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Microbiology
In addition to subject knowledge, modules aim to develop skills in critical, independent thought and management and decision making. Year 2 modules include applied topics which will allow students the opportunity to consider progression into a range of Honours degree courses.
The modules introduce a wide range of up-to-date biological techniques including genetic manipulation, electron microscopy, physiological studies of living organisms and modern approaches to ecology and evolution.Learning and Teaching
During the FD Biological Sciences, we provide a range of learning experiences to enable students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip you for life and work.
Students can make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.- Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
E-Learning technologies, lectures, practical classes, self-directed study, and work placement.
Assessment
The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the learning outcomes of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction, and is available on our School website (http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/).
- Most modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.
Feedback
As students progress through the FdSc in Biological Sciences they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. Students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work.
- Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including: formal written comments, face to face comments, placement employer comments or references, online or emailed feedback, pre-submission advice, feedback and outcomes from practical classes, and others.
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Entry Requirements - Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
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Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements
Selection Criteria
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by School of Biological Sciences. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
A minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics) would be required, though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
Offers are normally made on the basis of two A-levels. The offer for repeat applicants is the same standard as for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.
Applicants offering other qualifications will also be considered. The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those applicants offering other qualifications.
The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of the Foundation Degree in Biological Sciences, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered. However, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.
If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes
INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Careers -
Careers
Career Prospects
Introduction
The FdSc is a new programme with the first graduates expected in July 2018. Our graduates in similar programmes are employed in organisations working within environmental monitoring and management, water quality management, animal welfare, academic research, the agri-food industries, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, teaching and education, and science communication.
These employment areas have always been important, but have now become increasingly so due to worldwide problems such as climate change, food supply and security, biodiversity loss and global health issues.
Successful students will be eligible to apply for Year 2 (Stage 2) of the BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences provided they meet certain academic criteria. Students who have successfully completed the Foundation Degree may also have the opportunity to study different (full) degrees.Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Fees and Funding -
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £3,020 Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £3,020 England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £6,167 EU Other 3 £11,600 International £11,600 1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees, in line with the Common Travel Agreement arrangements. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
For further information please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit-advice/information-for-students.
All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2021-22, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.
If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.
Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Biological Sciences costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
How do I fund my study?
There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.
Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.
Scholarships
Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/.
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Apply
How and when to Apply
How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2021 from 1 September 2020.Advisory closing date: 15 January 2021 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.
Applications from UK and EU students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2021) subject to the availability of places.
Applications from International (non-UK/EU) students are normally considered by Queen’s for entry to this course until 30 June 2021. If you apply for 2021 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.
The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.
Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students
- Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2021. - Applying direct
The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more. - Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.
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Fees and Funding - Applying through UCAS