MSci Biological Sciences with Professional Studies
Academic Year 2018/19
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 |
MSci Biological Sciences with Professional Studies |
Final Award |
Master in Science |
|||||||||||
Programme Code |
BSC-MSCI-P |
UCAS Code |
C105 |
HECoS Code |
100345 |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
|||||||||||||
Mode of Study |
Full Time |
|||||||||||||
Type of Programme |
Undergraduate Master |
Length of Programme |
5 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
600 |
|||||||||
Exit Awards available |
|
INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
|||||||||||||
School/Department |
Biological Sciences |
|||||||||||||
Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 7 |
|||||||||||||
QAA Benchmark Group |
Biosciences (2007) |
|||||||||||||
Accreditations (PSRB) |
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
Programme Specific Regulations The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations. |
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
On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
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
7. Demonstrate the ability to propose, plan and carry out high quality research work in the discipline.
8. Demonstrate how their degree learning outcomes can be applied to the workplace and show evidence of career management planning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
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 |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, independent study Methods of Assessment End of semester examinations, mid-semester class tests, essays, practical reports, oral/poster presentations, project write-ups |
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 |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, final year project work Methods of Assessment Practical reports, project assessment |
Demonstrate proficiency in the collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem-solve |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement Methods of Assessment End of semester examinations, mid-semester class tests, essays, practical reports, oral/poster presentations, project write-ups |
Design, plan and manage a significant sized research project |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Through their MSci research project Methods of Assessment 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 Project proposal, interim reports, and presentation. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of: |
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 and extended in a specific area through the Honours and MSci projects Methods of Assessment Students are assessed primarily through unseen written examinations but also on the basis of practical reports, oral presentations, essays and a project thesis. Course work may be assessed personally, by peers or by staff |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Comprehend the scientific literature relating to Biological Sciences 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 project at Stage 3. Competence in laboratory work is developed incrementally through set practicals and the final year research project to the MSci research project. Methods of Assessment They are assessed through written reports. Particularly at Stage 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 Subject specific practicals, practical skills workshops, final years Honours project, optional work placement and MSci project. Methods of Assessment Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio, MSci diary. |
Comply with health and safety regulations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students are instructed about safety protocols relating to practical work and prepare risk assessments as part of their research project. Methods of Assessment Completion of / compliance with COSHH Risk Assessments |
Interrogate and evaluate scientific, bibliographic databases |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material Methods of Assessment Written reports, essays, honours project thesis, MSci dissertation and interim reports. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Demonstrate an ability to communicate (orally and in writing) and apply knowledge on the biological sciences |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement, MSci project Methods of Assessment End of semester examinations, mid-semester class tests, essays, practical reports, oral/poster presentations, project write-ups |
Demonstrate personal-, intellectual-, independent- and team-skills necessary for the world of employment and further study |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement, MSci project Methods of Assessment Practical reports, oral/poster presentations, project write-ups |
Demonstrate proficiency in the collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem-solve |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement, MSci project Methods of Assessment End of semester examinations, mid-semester class tests, essays, practical reports, oral/poster presentations, project write-ups |
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers for data management and presentation |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, library courses, final year Honours project, MSci project Methods of Assessment Practical reports, oral/poster presentations, project write-ups |
Demonstrate effective time management and planning |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement, MSci project. Methods of Assessment Honours project progress. MSci interim reports. |
Work effectively with other people |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement, MSci project. Methods of Assessment practical reports, oral/poster presentations, project write-ups |
Show an ability to learn through independent study |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement, MSci project. Methods of Assessment practical reports, oral/poster presentations, project write-ups |
Demonstrate self-reliance |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement, MSci project. Methods of Assessment practical reports, oral/poster presentations, project write-ups |
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 | 30% | 0% | 70% | |
Biodiversity | BIO1305 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | |
Molecular Basis of Life | BIO1304 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 25% | 75% | |
Cell Biology 2 | BIO2304 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | |
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% | ||
Experimental Biochemistry | BIO2102 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Invertebrate Biology | BIO2203 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Applied Ecology | BIO2107 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Microorganisms in Action | BIO2202 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Animal Biology and Physiology | BIO2306 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 5% | 25% | 70% | |
Plant Biology and Rhizosphere Interactions | BIO2106 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Applied Genetics | BIO2205 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 25% | 0% | 75% | ||
Professional Studies | BIO3303 | 3 | 120 | YES | YES | 46 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Research Project | BIO3308 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Parasitology | BIO3107 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Zoonoses | BIO3204 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Industrial Microbiology | BIO3103 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Immunology and Pathogenisis of Infectious Diseases | BIO3104 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 0% | 100% | ||
Behavioural Ecology | BIO3108 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Global Change Biology | BIO3205 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
Conservation Biology | BIO3206 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
Research Project (MSci) | BIO4301 | 5 | 120 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (80 CATS) listed and either two other 20 CAT modules, or one 40 CAT module from the optional modules listed.
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory module (40 CATS) and four other 20 CAT modules from those listed.
Stage 4: Students must take the 120 CAT module listed.
Year out: All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out some project type work. Students will begin preparations for the placement in the first semester of Stage 2 and the placement will be assessed within the module Professional Studies, BIO3303. Students unable to secure a year placement will be transferred to the BSc Biological Sciences programme.