Demonstrate ability in quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Throughout the course progress is assessed through logical/numerical problems on which feedback is given. The relevant primary experimental data and derived results are reported and subject to critical assessment. Statistical analysis is taught via tutorial and ‘laboratory’ based practicals in levels 2 and 3.

Methods of Assessment

Continuous assessment in level 2 and 3 modules, where experimental, involves aspects of data analysis.

Demonstrate the ability to problem solve

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Elements of problem solving are covered primarily during field courses where students are required to develop their own experimental protocols in line with temporal and spatial constraints on sampling.

Methods of Assessment

Experimental designs are presented orally during field courses, and assessed formally during written continuous assessment.

Show critical reasoning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Modules include elements of ‘peer teaching’ whereby students present a mini-lecture to the class on a given topic. Level 3 modules require students to undertake ‘oral critiques’ of contemporary studies.

Methods of Assessment

Group oral presentation (peer-teaching); individual and group oral presentation of scientific papers (critique) in level 3.

Demonstrate the ability to reliably record and process experimental data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

A strong emphasis on sampling rigour and experimental design is taught during field courses and during lab-based practicals at all three levels. These skills are refined at during the third year and MSci projects.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment during field courses and lab-based practicals via experimental write-ups. Data collected during third year and MSci projects are assessed by supervisor (including assessment of effort and diligence) and 2nd marker.

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Level 2 and 3 modules place a strong emphasis on computer literacy. This ranges from taught analytical practicals through to independent computer based learning and assessment. Literature review completed as part of Honour’s and MSci research project modules.

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentations using PowerPoint at level 2 and 3. Data-base themed practicals at level 3. Literature reviews at level 3.Stage 3 and 4

Design, plan and manage a significant sized research project

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through their MSci research project.

Methods of Assessment

MSci Project proposal, research diary, interim reports and dissertation.

Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, problem solve and make decisions based on their own and others evidence.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Review of own and others work, through literature and practice.

Methods of Assessment

MSci Project proposal, interim reports, presentation.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the:
i) similarities and diversity of living things and the processes which underpin life on earth;
ii) range of biological sciences from the molecular to the whole organism approach, based on the recurring theme of evolution through natural selection;
iii) major theories and concepts concerning the marine environment and its flora and fauna

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, field-work and computer-based learning materials. QUB has a diverse range of marine related staff that allows teaching at all levels of biological complexity.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations and practical reports, oral and poster presentations, essays and honour’s and MSci dissertations. Course work may be assessed personally, by peers or by staff.

Demonstrate an ability to comprehend the scientific literature relating to Marine Biology and integrate information there from

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Skills in the analysis and interpretation of biological sciences data are developed in practical class exercises at Stages 1 and 2 and the research projects at Stages 3 and 4. Competence in laboratory work is developed incrementally through set practicals and the final year and MSci research projects. Students are instructed about safety protocols relating to practical work and prepare risk assessments as part of their research project.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through written reports. Particularly at Stages 3 and 4, students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules, and prepare a project-oriented review.

Carry out routine and investigative work in a biological sciences laboratory

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Skills in the analysis and interpretation of biological sciences data are developed in practical class exercises at Stages 1 and 2 and the research projects at Stages 3 and 4. Competence in laboratory work is developed incrementally through set practicals and the final year and MSci research projects. Students are instructed about safety protocols relating to practical work and prepare risk assessments as part of their research project.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through written reports. Particularly at Stages 3 and 4, students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules, and prepare a project-oriented review.

Comply with health and safety regulations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Skills in the analysis and interpretation of biological sciences data are developed in practical class exercises at Stages 1 and 2 and the research projects at Stages 3 and 4. Competence in laboratory work is developed incrementally through set practicals and the final year and MSci research projects. Students are instructed about safety protocols relating to practical work and prepare risk assessments as part of their research project.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through written reports. Particularly at Stages 3 and 4, students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules, and prepare a project-oriented review.

Interrogate and evaluate scientific, bibliographic databases

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Skills in the analysis and interpretation of biological sciences data are developed in practical class exercises at Stages 1 and 2 and the research projects at Stages 3 and 4. Competence in laboratory work is developed incrementally through set practicals and the final year and MSci research projects. Students are instructed about safety protocols relating to practical work and prepare risk assessments as part of their research project.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through written reports. Particularly at Stages 3 and 4, students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules, and prepare a project-oriented review.

Demonstrate good oral communication and presentation skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 1 provides initial training and assessment in communication, ICT, numeracy, problem solving, team working and personal development skills. These are enhanced during Stages 2 and 3 by assessed exercises embedded in compulsory modules on the degree pathway. ICT skills are consolidated throughout the pathway as an aid to report writing, visual presentation, literature searching and data handling. Although not formally assessed, qualities such as self-reliance, good time management and the ability to undertake independent study are fostered and encouraged throughout the course.

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentations are marked by a panel of academic staff as core components of CA within Level 2 and 3 modules. Clear marking criteria are given to students ahead of time and respective feedback provided along with assessment mark after the seminars. Oral presentations are also a key component of the third year and MSci project modules. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s and MSci projects and literature review at level 3. Teamwork is assessed via a range of continuous assessment exercise ranging from literature critiques, oral presentation, experimental design, field-based data collection and statistical analysis.

Demonstrate ability to communicate coherently and accurately in writing

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 1 provides initial training and assessment in communication, ICT, numeracy, problem solving, team working and personal development skills. These are enhanced during Stages 2 and 3 by assessed exercises embedded in compulsory modules on the degree pathway. ICT skills are consolidated throughout the pathway as an aid to report writing, visual presentation, literature searching and data handling. Although not formally assessed, qualities such as self-reliance, good time management and the ability to undertake independent study are fostered and encouraged throughout the course.

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentations are marked by a panel of academic staff as core components of CA within Level 2 and 3 modules. Clear marking criteria are given to students ahead of time and respective feedback provided along with assessment mark after the seminars. Oral presentations are also a key component of the third year and MSci project modules. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s and MSci projects and literature review at level 3. Teamwork is assessed via a range of continuous assessment exercise ranging from literature critiques, oral presentation, experimental design, field-based data collection and statistical analysis.

Demonstrate time management and planning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 1 provides initial training and assessment in communication, ICT, numeracy, problem solving, team working and personal development skills. These are enhanced during Stages 2 and 3 by assessed exercises embedded in compulsory modules on the degree pathway. ICT skills are consolidated throughout the pathway as an aid to report writing, visual presentation, literature searching and data handling. Although not formally assessed, qualities such as self-reliance, good time management and the ability to undertake independent study are fostered and encouraged throughout the course.

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentations are marked by a panel of academic staff as core components of CA within Level 2 and 3 modules. Clear marking criteria are given to students ahead of time and respective feedback provided along with assessment mark after the seminars. Oral presentations are also a key component of the third year and MSci project modules. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s and MSci projects and literature review at level 3. Teamwork is assessed via a range of continuous assessment exercise ranging from literature critiques, oral presentation, experimental design, field-based data collection and statistical analysis.

Work effectively with other people

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 1 provides initial training and assessment in communication, ICT, numeracy, problem solving, team working and personal development skills. These are enhanced during Stages 2 and 3 by assessed exercises embedded in compulsory modules on the degree pathway. ICT skills are consolidated throughout the pathway as an aid to report writing, visual presentation, literature searching and data handling. Although not formally assessed, qualities such as self-reliance, good time management and the ability to undertake independent study are fostered and encouraged throughout the course.

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentations are marked by a panel of academic staff as core components of CA within Level 2 and 3 modules. Clear marking criteria are given to students ahead of time and respective feedback provided along with assessment mark after the seminars. Oral presentations are also a key component of the third year and MSci project modules. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s and MSci projects and literature review at level 3. Teamwork is assessed via a range of continuous assessment exercise ranging from literature critiques, oral presentation, experimental design, field-based data collection and statistical analysis.

Demonstrate the capacity to learn through independent study

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 1 provides initial training and assessment in communication, ICT, numeracy, problem solving, team working and personal development skills. These are enhanced during Stages 2 and 3 by assessed exercises embedded in compulsory modules on the degree pathway. ICT skills are consolidated throughout the pathway as an aid to report writing, visual presentation, literature searching and data handling. Although not formally assessed, qualities such as self-reliance, good time management and the ability to undertake independent study are fostered and encouraged throughout the course.

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentations are marked by a panel of academic staff as core components of CA within Level 2 and 3 modules. Clear marking criteria are given to students ahead of time and respective feedback provided along with assessment mark after the seminars. Oral presentations are also a key component of the third year and MSci project modules. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s and MSci projects and literature review at level 3. Teamwork is assessed via a range of continuous assessment exercise ranging from literature critiques, oral presentation, experimental design, field-based data collection and statistical analysis.

Show a level of self reliance

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 1 provides initial training and assessment in communication, ICT, numeracy, problem solving, team working and personal development skills. These are enhanced during Stages 2 and 3 by assessed exercises embedded in compulsory modules on the degree pathway. ICT skills are consolidated throughout the pathway as an aid to report writing, visual presentation, literature searching and data handling. Although not formally assessed, qualities such as self-reliance, good time management and the ability to undertake independent study are fostered and encouraged throughout the course.

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentations are marked by a panel of academic staff as core components of CA within Level 2 and 3 modules. Clear marking criteria are given to students ahead of time and respective feedback provided along with assessment mark after the seminars. Oral presentations are also a key component of the third year and MSci project modules. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s and MSci projects and literature review at level 3. Teamwork is assessed via a range of continuous assessment exercise ranging from literature critiques, oral presentation, experimental design, field-based data collection and statistical analysis.

Show in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specific aspect of the subject

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through the MSci project

Methods of Assessment

Interim reports, dissertation and presentation for MSci project