Programme Title

BSc Marine Biology with Professional Studies

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

Bachelor of Science

Programme Code

MRN-BSC-S

UCAS Code

C164

HECoS Code

100351

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

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)

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

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

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 Level 3 during Honour’s project.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment during field courses and lab-based practicals via experimental write-ups. Data collected during honour’s project 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 module.

Methods of Assessment

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

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

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 an honour’s dissertation. Course work may be assessed personally, by peers or by staff.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

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

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

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. 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 Stage 3, 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 project at Stage 3. Competence in laboratory work is developed incrementally through set practicals and the final year research project. 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 Stage 3, students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules, and prepare a project-oriented review.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

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. As demonstrated by Skills Audit, 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 Honour’s module at level 3. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s project 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. As demonstrated by Skills Audit, 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 Honour’s module at level 3. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s project 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. As demonstrated by Skills Audit, 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 Honour’s module at level 3. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s project 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. As demonstrated by Skills Audit, 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 Honour’s module at level 3. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s project 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. As demonstrated by Skills Audit, 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 Honour’s module at level 3. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s project 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. As demonstrated by Skills Audit, 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 Honour’s module at level 3. Writing skills are assessed at all levels culminating in the Honour’s project 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.