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BSc 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

BSc Microbiology with Professional Studies

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

Bachelor of Science

Programme Code

MCB-BSC-S

UCAS Code

C504

HECoS Code

100353

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Single Honours

Length of Programme

4 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

480

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Biological Sciences

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

Level 6

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

Biosciences (2007)

Accreditations (PSRB)

REGULATION INFORMATION

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.
The following module weightings should be used when calculating the honours classification: Stage 1 10%, Stage 2 20%, Professional Studies module 10% and Stage 3 60%.

To be eligible to graduate, in addition to the university requirements, 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

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 how their degree learning outcomes can be applied to the workplace and show evidence of career management planning.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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 project (BIO3308)

Methods of Assessment

Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) 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 project (BIO3308)

Methods of Assessment

Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) 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 project, BIO3308 requires 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) report.

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.

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.

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 thesis.

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 project at Stage 3. Competence in laboratory work is developed incrementally through set practicals and the final year research project.

Methods of Assessment

They are assessed through written reports. Particularly at Stage 3, 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. Final year 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 report. 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

BIO3308: Seminar on research project (guidance from supervisors given)

Methods of Assessment

Research project talks assessed in BIO3308.

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 report

Demonstrate time management and planning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Time management is required in all practical classes and the project (BIO3308). In practical classes, academic staff and postgraduate demonstrators assist students with time management.

Methods of Assessment

Practical work for BIO3308 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
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 40% 0% 60%
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 0% 0% 100%

Notes

Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (80 CATS) listed and a further module (40 CATS) which are strongly recommended to be from the optional modules listed. CHM1004: Pre-requisite - A-Level Chemistry

Stage 2: 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 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.

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.