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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BSc Microbiology

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 Microbiology Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Science
Programme Code MCB-BSC-S UCAS Code C500 HECoS Code 100353 - Microbiology - 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, which is 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 Microbiology Programme is designed to give graduates in-depth knowledge into the concepts and theories relating to microbiology. This course allows students to understand the complexity and diversity of life through the study of micro-organisms at the molecular and physiological level through to their genetics and evolution. Students will gain a broad appreciation of the importance of microbiology to human health, agri-food production and the environment and the field of biotechnology. 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 area of 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 the Microbial 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 unseen written examinations, class tests, 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 unseen written examinations, class tests, 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 unseen written examinations, class tests, 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 unseen written examinations, class tests, 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 knowledge and understanding of the theoretical basis of microbiology (to include bacteriology, immunology, mycology and virology).

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.

Appreciate the ways in which studies in pure microbiology underpin applied aspects of microbiology.

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 ability of microbiology to enhance the quality of life with respect to human health, agri-food production and the environment. Recognising that microbiology spans diverse areas including medicine, ecology, biotechnology and other molecular biosciences.

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 biodiversity and evolution through the study of micro-organisms.

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 microbiology 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 are 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 Assessment.

Be able to devise, evaluate and carry out experimental work in a microbiology laboratory.

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 are 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 Assessment.

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 are 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 Assessment.

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. Skills
in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data are 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 Assessment.

Interrogate and evaluate bibliographic and bioinformatic databases.

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 Assessment.

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 are 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 Assessment.

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 transferable 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 transferable 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 transferable 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 transferable 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 problem-solve.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The development of transferrable skills is embedded
throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferable 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.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Molecular Basis of Life BIO1304 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry CHM1004 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
The World of Microorganisms BIO1301 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Biodiversity BIO1305 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Ecology and Environmental Science BIO1309 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Fundamentals of Chemistry CHM1011 1 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 50% 50% 0%
Advanced Cell Biology BIO2304 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis BIO2311 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y YES -- 0% 40% 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 -- 100% 0% 0%
Cell Biology BIO2104 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Medical Microbiology BIO3209 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks Y YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Zoonoses BIO3204 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 20% 0% 80%
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%
Research Project BIO3308 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed
BIO3203 Pre-requisite: BIO1301
BIO3209 Pre-requisite BIO1301

Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (80 CATS) listed and a further module (40 CATS) which are strongly recommended to be from the optional modules listed.
CHM1004: Pre-requisite - A-Level Chemistry
CHM1011: Students wishing to take this module should discuss with their Advisor of Studies before choosing.

Students must take an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters

Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS)
BIO2202 Pre-requisite: BIO1301
BIO2311 Pre-requisite: BIO1301
BIO2304 Pre-requisite: BIO2104