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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BSc Biological Sciences

Academic Year 2022/23

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 Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Science
Programme Code BSC-BSC-S UCAS Code C100 HECoS Code 100345 - Biological sciences - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Single Honours Length of Programme Full Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 360
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Biological Sciences

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 6

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Biosciences (2019)

Accreditations (PSRB)

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
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

In addition to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate
Programmes: in order to be awarded an honours degree, the honours degree students must pass the honours project module BIO3308 (40 CATS).

Where students have failed the honours project module BIO3308 (40 CATS) but meet the minimum credit requirement for a Bachelor’s degree they will be awarded the exit award of BSc Bioscience (not Royal Society of Biology Accredited).

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.

1. Demonstrate an extensive knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to the biological sciences from the molecular and cellular aspects through to the whole-organism

2.Demonstrate a range of practical laboratory skills with respect to the investigation and manipulation of biological material and physical, chemical and biological measurements relevant to the biological sciences, and the application of these skills in a research project setting

3.Demonstrate proficiency in the collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem-solve

4.Demonstrate an ability to communicate and apply knowledge on the biological sciences

5.Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers for data management and presentation

6.Demonstrate intellectual, personal and team skills necessary for the world of employment and further study

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 Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate scientific literature.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical
classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work,
final year project work, online learning via the
University VLE and independent study.

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
classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work,
final year project work, online learning via the
University VLE and independent study.

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
classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work,
final year project work, online learning via the
University VLE and independent study.

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.

Recognise the importance of academic and research integrity and ethical issues of investigations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical
classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work,
final year project work, online learning via the
University VLE and independent study.

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 & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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
teaching is provided through lectures, module
practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials,
group work, final year project work, online learning via
the University VLE and independent study.

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 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
teaching is provided through lectures, module
practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials,
group work, final year project work, online learning via
the University VLE and independent study.

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
teaching is provided through lectures, module
practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials,
group work, final year project work, online learning via
the University VLE and independent study.

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
teaching is provided through lectures, module
practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials,
group work, final year project work, online learning via
the University VLE and independent study.

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 Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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
teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final
year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills
in laboratory work and in the analysis and
interpretation of data is developed incrementally
beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year
research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare
risk assessments as part of their research project.

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
teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final
year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills
in laboratory work and in the analysis and
interpretation of data is developed incrementally
beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year
research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare
risk assessments as part of their research project.

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.

Document and present data, using appropriate statistical analysis.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online
teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final
year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills
in laboratory work and in the analysis and
interpretation of data is developed incrementally
beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year
research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare
risk assessments as part of their research project.

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
teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final
year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills
in laboratory work and in the analysis and
interpretation of data is developed incrementally
beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year
research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare
risk assessments as part of their research project.

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
teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final
year Honours project, optional work placement.

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

Skills
in laboratory work and in the analysis and
interpretation of data is developed incrementally
beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year
research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare
risk assessments as part of their research project.

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 Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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
throughout the curriculum. Learning methods
underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through
lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field
work, tutorials, group work, final year project work,
online learning via the University VLE and
independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as
self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

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:
- intellectual independence,
- self-motivation,
- effective time management and planning,
- an adaptable, flexible approach to learning
- the ability to work as part of a team.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The development of transferrable skills is embedded
throughout the curriculum. Learning methods
underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through
lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field
work, tutorials, group work, final year project work,
online learning via the University VLE and
independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as
self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

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
throughout the curriculum. Learning methods
underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through
lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field
work, tutorials, group work, final year project work,
online learning via the University VLE and
independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as
self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

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
throughout the curriculum. Learning methods
underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through
lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field
work, tutorials, group work, final year project work,
online learning via the University VLE and
independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as
self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

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 throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work,online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

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.

Skills
in laboratory work and in the analysis and
interpretation of data is developed incrementally
beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year
research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare
risk assessments as part of their research project.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

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.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Biodiversity BIO1305 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 50% 0% 50%
The World of Microorganisms BIO1301 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Molecular Basis of Life BIO1304 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Forensics and Toxicology BIO2207 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Invertebrate Biology BIO2203 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 25% 0% 75%
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics BIO2305 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Coastal and Oceanic Biology BIO2206 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Work Placement BIO2303 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Cell Biology BIO2304 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Plant and Soil Science BIO2106 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis BIO2311 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y -- YES 0% 40% 60%
Microorganisms in Action BIO2202 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks Y -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Cell Biology BIO2104 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Applied Genetics BIO2205 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Animal Biology and Physiology BIO2306 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Applied Ecology BIO2107 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Medical Microbiology BIO3209 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks Y -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Behavioural Ecology BIO3108 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Immunology and Immunotherapy BIO3104 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations BIO3203 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Parasitology BIO3107 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Conservation Biology BIO3206 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Global Change Biology BIO3205 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Research Project BIO3308 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Zoonoses BIO3204 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 20% 0% 80%

Notes

Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory module (40 CATS) listed and four other 20 CAT modules form the optional modules listed.
BIO3209 Pre-requisite BIO1301
BIO3203 Pre-requisite BIO1301

Students must take an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters.

Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules BIO2106, BIO2203 and BIO2104, the remaining modules are to be chosen from the optional modules listed to a credit weighting of 120 CATS.
BIO2202 Pre-requisite: BIO1301
BIO2304 Pre-requisite BIO2104
BIO2311 Pre-requisite: BIO1301
Students must take an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters.

Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.