MSci Microbiology 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 Microbiology with Professional Studies |
Final Award |
Master in Science |
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Programme Code |
MCB-MSCI-P |
UCAS Code |
C505 |
HECoS Code |
100353 |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
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Mode of Study |
Full Time |
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Type of Programme |
Undergraduate Master |
Length of Programme |
5 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
600 |
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Exit Awards available |
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INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Biological Sciences |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 7 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
Biosciences (2007) |
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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 Microbiology.
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 Microbiology, and the application on 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: |
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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 & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: |
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. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations and also practical reports, oral presentations, essays and a project theses. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 |
MODULE INFORMATION
Stages and Modules
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability | Duration |
Pre-requisite |
Assessment | |||||
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S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Biorganic Chemistry | CHM1004 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Fundamentals of Chemistry | CHM1011 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
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 | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics | BIO2305 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Experimental Biochemistry | BIO2102 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Microorganisms in Action | BIO2202 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
Plant Biology and Rhizosphere Interactions | BIO2106 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
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% | ||
Bacterial Genetics and Genetic Manipulation | BIO3203 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
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 | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Research Project (MSci) | BIO4301 | 5 | 120 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules listed (80 CATS) and choose a further 40 CATS which are strongly recommended should be from the optional modules listed. CHM1004 pre-requisite: A-Level Chemistry
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (100 CATS) listed below and one other module (20 CATS) which it is recommended should be selected from the elective modules listed.
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (100 CATS) listed and one other module (20 CATS) which it is recommended should be selected from the optional modules listed.
Stage 4: Students must take the compulsory module listed (120 CATS)
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 Microbiology programme.