FD Biological Sciences
Academic Year 2017/18
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 and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title |
FD Biological Sciences |
Final Award |
Foundation Degree |
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Programme Code |
BIO-FD-S |
UCAS Code |
0353 |
JACS Code |
F751 (DESCR) 100 |
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Criteria for Admissions A-Levels – 160 UCAS points, including a C in A2 Biology, plus a minimum of three GCSE passes at Grade C or above to include English, Maths and Double Award Science (or GCSE Biology and Chemistry) at Grade C or above if not achieved at A-level. |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
Interview Required |
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Mode of Study |
Full Time |
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Type of Programme |
Foundation Degree |
Length of Programme |
2 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
240 |
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Exit Awards available |
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INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Awarding Institution/Body |
Queen's University Belfast |
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Teaching Institution |
Belfast Metropolitan College |
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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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REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
Programme Specific Regulations Awards, Credits and Progression of Learning Outcomes |
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
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.
On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of biological sciences in the current economic environment
2. Show an understanding of the hierarchical nature of biological sciences ranging from molecular level to whole organism and species interactions
3. Demonstrate competence and dexterity in contemporary biological practical techniques and cognate disciplines
4. Demonstrate competence in subject specific key skills, problem solving, and a professional approach to work, study and lifelong learning
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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1. Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in biosciences. (All Modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment. |
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2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems. (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment. |
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3. Construct reasoned arguments to support their position on the ethical and social impact of advances in the biosciences. (FDR101x FDR201x, FDR204x, FDR205x) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test. |
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4. Plan, execute and present investigations in which qualities such as time management, problem solving and independence are evident, as well as interpretation and critical awareness of the quality of the evidence. (All practical modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test |
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5. Apply numerical skills and techniques to interpret data. (FDR101X, FDR102X, FDR103X, FDR104X, FDR105X, FDR202x, FDR203x, FDR204x, FDR205x, FDR206x) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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1. Develop Information technology skills, including word processing, spreadsheet use, database use, and internet use. (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment. |
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2. Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data including acquisition, interpretation and critical evaluation of data. (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment. |
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3. Interpersonal skills; the ability to interact professionally with peers, staff and others, including appropriate written and oral skills. (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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4. Time management and organization; ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working. (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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5. Study skills for lifelong learning, including independent study. (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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6. Skills required in the development of career action plans and in the management of the students own responsibilities (FDR102X, FDR106X, FDR202x) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and workplace learning, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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7. Creative skills developed through work such as projects, academic posters and work placement presentations (FDR106X, FDR102X, FDR202x) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures and workplace learning Methods of Assessment assessed through assignment and practical assessment. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of biological phenomena at a variety of levels (from molecular to ecological systems) and be able to understand the relationship of evolutionary theory to their area of study (FDR101X, FDR104X, FDR105X, FDR201x, FDR202x, FDR203x, FDR204x, FDR205x, FDR206x) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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2. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles in biosciences and the way in which those principles have been developed. (All Modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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3. Demonstrate successful application in the workplace of the range of knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme (FDR106x, FDR202x) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular aspects of Biology including biochemistry and experimental techniques (FDR101x, FDR102X, FDR104x, FDR202x, FDR203x |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular basis of genetics and gene expression and be able to give detailed examples (FDR205x |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment. |
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6. Explain critically how the properties or a range of cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) suit them for their biological function, and how they could be investigated experimentally (FDR101x, FDR105x, FDR201x, FDR206x) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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7. Describe the structure, diversity and reproduction of organisms studied. (FDR105x, FDR201x, FDR206x) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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8. Describe and exemplify patterns of distribution of organisms in relation to biotic and abiotic factors (FDR204x). |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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1. Demonstrate competence in a broad range of appropriate practical techniques and skills relevant to the Biosciences (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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2. Demonstrate the ability to place their practical work in context and to suggest lines of further investigation (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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3. Demonstrate well developed strategies for updating , maintaining and enhancing their knowledge of the biosciences (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
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4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific ideas in a range of formats, including formal scientific reporting (All modules) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment assessed through unseen exam, assignments, class test and practical assessment |
MODULE INFORMATION
Programme Requirements
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability |
Duration |
Pre-requisite |
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Assessment |
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S1 |
S2 |
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Core |
Option |
Coursework % |
Practical % |
Examination % |
Basic Biology |
FDR1203 |
1 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
0% |
60% |
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Biochemistry |
FDR1202 |
1 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
30% |
0% |
70% |
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Mathematical & Study Skills in Science |
FDR1102 |
1 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
70% |
0% |
30% |
||
Basic Chemistry |
FDR1201 |
1 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
0% |
60% |
||
Fundamentals of Science |
FDR1101 |
1 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
0% |
60% |
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Work Based Learning |
FDR1301 |
1 |
20 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
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Biological Diversity and Evolution |
FDR2101 |
2 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
30% |
0% |
70% |
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BioScience Practical and Analytical Skills |
FDR2102 |
2 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
60% |
0% |
40% |
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Food Biochemistry |
FDR2103 |
2 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
0% |
60% |
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Ecology and Environmental Biology |
FDR2201 |
2 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
30% |
0% |
70% |
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Molecular Biology and Genetics |
FDR2202 |
2 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
0% |
60% |
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Microbiology |
FDR2203 |
2 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
30% |
0% |
70% |
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Notes
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