Programme Title

MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master in Science

Programme Code

MCB-MSCI-P

UCAS Code

C505

HECoS Code

100353

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

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Biological Sciences

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Biosciences (2007)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations.
Transfers to and from the programme
Students enrolled on BSc in Microbiology with Professional Studies may transfer into this programme at any stage provided that they have a weighted mean mark of at least 60%.
Students enrolled on this pathway may transfer to BSc in Microbiology with Professional Studies up until the end of Stage 3.

Progression
To progress into Stage 4, students must obtain a weighted mean mark across Stage 1, 2 and 3 of at least 60% and attain a minimum mark of 60% in the Honours project module. Students who do not meet these requirements will be required to transfer to the BSc in Microbiology with Professional Studies.
Degree Classification
The following module weightings should be used when calculating the honours classification: Stage 1 5%, Stage 2 10%, Professional Studies module 10%, Stage 3 25%, Stage 4 50%.

To be eligible to graduate, students must pass the module Professional Studies. Students who fail the module Professional studies will automatically be transferred to the same named degree without Professional Studies in the degree title.

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

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate ability in quantitative analysis, problem solving, recording 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. Practical classes provide experimental data which is interpreted to draw conclusions.

Methods of Assessment

The relevant primary experimental data and derived results are reported and subject to critical assessment.

Demonstrate critical reasoning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research projects at Stages 3 and 4.

Methods of Assessment

Laboratory reports, project (dissertations) report, written examinations, class tests

Demonstrate ability to reliably record and process experimental data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research projects at Stages 3 and 4.

Methods of Assessment

Laboratory reports, project (dissertations) report, written examinations, class tests

Proficiently use IT for data management and presentation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Appropriate use of IT in the molecular bioscience is embedded in the theory and practical teaching in all modules. The research projects at Stages 3 and 4 require an extended write-up and data analysis for which students are trained by supervisors.

Methods of Assessment

Continuous assessment only in all level 1 modules. Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) reports.

Demonstrate ability in quantitative analysis, critical reasoning, problem solving, recording 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. Practical classes provide experimental data which is interrupted to draw conclusions.

Methods of Assessment

The relevant primary experimental data and derived results are reported and subject to critical assessment.

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, and presentation.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

i) The theoretical basis of microbiology (to include bacteriology, immunology, mycology and virology); Practical microbiological laboratory skills;

ii) The ways in which studies in pure microbiology underpin applied aspects of the subject.

iii) Its potential to enhance the quality of life with respect to human health, agri-food production and the environment.

iv) The interface between the microbiology subject and closely related areas such as – other molecular biosciences, ecology, biotechnology, medicine.
v) show in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specific aspect of the subject

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, tutorials and directed reading, and also within practical sessions.










Through the MSci project

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations and also practical reports, oral presentations, essays and a project theses.









Interim reports, dissertation and presentation for MSci project

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Comprehend the scientific literature relating to Microbiology and carry out routine and investigative work in a microbiological laboratory

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Skills in the analysis and interpretation of microbiological 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 third year and MSci research project.

Methods of Assessment

They 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

Students are instructed about safety protocols relating to practical work.

Methods of Assessment

Risk assessments are prepared as part of their research project.

Interrogate and evaluate bibliographic and bioinformatic databases

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are encouraged to engage with scientific literature from Stage 1. Several modules have continuous assessment exercises which require engagement with literature and/or bioinformatics. Third year and MSci research projects require independent use of a wide range of scientific literature.

Methods of Assessment

Continuous assessment of exercises requiring engagement with literature or bioinformatics. Project reports. Examinations (use of appropriate scientific literature will be rewarded).

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Show good oral communication and presentation skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminar on third year and MSci research projects (guidance from supervisors given)

Methods of Assessment

Research project talks assessed in third year and MSci projects.

Demonstrate an ability to communicate coherently and accurately in writing

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Written assignments and or examinations are required on all modules. Students receive feedback on written work.

Methods of Assessment

Practical reports; essays; written examinations; project reports

Demonstrate time management and planning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Time management is required in all practical classes and the research projects. In practical classes, academic staff and postgraduate demonstrators assist students with time management.

Methods of Assessment

Practical work for research projects is directly assessed by the supervisor and includes an element of time management. While not generally directly assessed in practical classes, good time management is often critical to successful completion of practical work.

Demonstrate a capacity to learn through independent study

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Throughout the whole programme the ethos is one of working independently with learning resources through independent study. All modules have set texts and/or reading lists of scientific papers etc which students are encouraged to study in their own time.

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations and continuously assessed essays require additional material (ie not in lecture notes etc) for the highest marks.

Apply subject-specific knowledge in a workplace

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

46 week placement; workshops

Methods of Assessment

Placement report; placement seminar; employer evaluations

Identify and develop work-related skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

46 week placement; workshops

Methods of Assessment

Placement report; placement seminar; assignments