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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BSc Zoology

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 Zoology Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Science
Programme Code ZOO-BSC-S UCAS Code C300 HECoS Code 100356 - Zoology - 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 Zoology Programme is designed to give graduates in-depth knowledge into Zoology at a broad level. This course allows students to study the theories and concepts of this branch of the Biological Sciences enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the principles and study of animals from the molecular to the population and community level. Students will develop a broader appreciation of all branches of the biosciences including molecular biology and genetics, microbiology and ecology. 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 Zoology, 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 Zoological and Biological Sciences.
On successful completion of the programme studies students will be able to:

• Acquire a basic knowledge of the theories and concepts and a practical experience of the techniques of this branch of the biology of animals.

• Develop a broader appreciation of all branches of the biosciences

• Develop and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the principles and study of animals from the molecular to the community/population levels

• Develop the intellectual, personal and team skills necessary for the world of employment and further study

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:

Knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, theories and processes pertaining to zoology and the study of animals ranging from the molecular to the community level.

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.

Theoretical basis of zoology including an understanding of the similarities and diversity of living organisms and their wider impact on the environment, human health, agriculture and ecology.

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 Zoological 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 Zoological
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. 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 transferable 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 transferable 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 transferable 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 transferable 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 problem-solve.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The development of transferable 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.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
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%
Molecular Basis of Life BIO1304 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
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%
Cell Biology BIO2104 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
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%
Animal Biology and Physiology BIO2306 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Applied Genetics BIO2205 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Work Placement BIO2303 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Forensics and Toxicology BIO2207 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Microorganisms in Action BIO2202 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks Y -- YES 100% 0% 0%
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%
Immunology and Immunotherapy BIO3104 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Behavioural Ecology BIO3108 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Conservation Biology BIO3206 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Farm Animal Health and Welfare BIO3106 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 80% 20% 0%
Zoonoses BIO3204 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 20% 0% 80%
Research Project BIO3308 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Parasitology BIO3107 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Global Change Biology BIO3205 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Sustainable Oceans BIO3102 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (60 CATS) and three other 20 CAT modules from those listed below.
BIO3209 Pre-requisite BIO1301

Students are strongly advised to have an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters, unless in special circumstances.

Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (BIO2306 and BIO2203), 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 are strongly advised to have an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters, unless in special circumstances.

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