BSc Zoology 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 Zoology with Professional Studies |
Final Award |
Bachelor of Science |
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Programme Code |
ZOO-BSC-S |
UCAS Code |
C301 |
HECoS Code |
100356 |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
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Mode of Study |
Full Time |
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Type of Programme |
Single Honours |
Length of Programme |
4 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
480 |
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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 6 |
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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
The overall aim of the programme is to provide a broad-based, high quality, learning and teaching environment that gives students the opportunity to:
• Acquire a basic knowledge of the theories and concepts and a practical experience of the techniques of this branch of the biological sciences
• Develop a broader appreciation of all branches of the biosciences
• Develop and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the principles and study of animals from the molecular to the community level
• Develop the intellectual, personal and team skills necessary for the world of employment and further study
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Display critical reasoning utilising the theory and major concepts learnt during their course of study. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, field trips and associated group projects, seminars, independent reading and study. Methods of Assessment Assessment of course practicals, essays, seminars, poster presentations, class tests and formal examinations. |
Demonstrate laboratory based skills and the ability to: design and execute an experiment including accurate recording, processing and critical analysis of the experimental data obtained. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, interactive group sessions, field trips and associated group assignments and projects, additional reading material both directed and independently sought. Methods of Assessment Critical assessment of practical reports and project assignments with annotated feedback provided to the student. |
Undertake quantitative analysis demonstrating numerical problem solving, employing both computer packages and non-computer based methodologies for data management, interpretation and presentation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, field trips, individual and group projects. Methods of Assessment Class tests, practical reports, project write-ups, course essays, seminar presentations and exams. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Show knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, theories and processes pertaining to zoology and the study of animals ranging from the molecular to the community level. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge is disseminated through lectures, essays, tutorials, directed reading, field-work, projects and computer-based learning practicals and materials. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, practical reports, class tests, oral presentations and seminars, essays projects, including a final Honours year thesis. Course work may be assessed either personally, by peers or by staff. |
Demonstrate the theoretical basis of Zoology including an understanding of the similarities and diversity of living organisms and their wider impact on the environment, human health, agriculture and ecology. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, practicals, tutorials, field work, projects and computer based learning practicals. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, practical reports, class tests, oral presentations and seminars, essays projects, including a final Honours year thesis. Course work may be assessed either personally, by peers or by staff. |
Exhibit practical zoology laboratory skills including the competent manipulation of biological material, data recording and evaluation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, field work, field course projects, optional work placement. Methods of Assessment Practical assessment, projects and a final year Honours project, work placement visits. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Display the ability to interrogate and comprehend scientific literature relating to Zoology and integrate information there from. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Analysis and interpretation of zoological data are developed in practical class exercises at Stages 1 and 2 and the research project at Stage 3. Laboratory competence and skills develop incrementally through set practicals and the final year research project. Methods of Assessment Written reports. Particularly at Stage 3, students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules, and prepare a project-oriented review. |
Design and execute routine investigative work in a zoological laboratory. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Mandatory practical classes held at Stages 1 and 2 develop skills such as dissection, anatomical, physiological knowledge, analysis and interpretation of data, field course projects, Final Year Honours project. Methods of Assessment Practical assignments, field work and associated projects, Honours project. |
Comply with laboratory health and safety regulations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students receive instruction in safety protocols pertaining to practical work and preparation of risk assessments which they complete as part of their research project. Methods of Assessment Completion of COSSH forms. |
Interrogate and evaluate scientific, bioinformatics and bibliographic databases. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars. Methods of Assessment Essay assignments, reports, projects, exams. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Communicate effectively and efficiently in both a verbal and written format to a diverse range of audiences. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, poster and seminar assignments, work placement, honours project. Methods of Assessment Seminar presentations, project write-ups, interview assessment techniques, site visits for work placements, poster presentations. |
Demonstrate effective time management and project/study planning. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Completion of Honours project, field-work projects and assignments. Methods of Assessment Timely completion of practical write-up, essay assignments etc. |
Demonstrate good interpersonal skills facilitating the ability to work as part of an effective team. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Group assignments, field course projects, Honours project work in laboratory setting. Methods of Assessment Honours project laboratory work, work placement reports. |
Demonstrate capacity for independent study. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Honours project, practicals, essay assignments, optional work placement. Methods of Assessment Practical write-ups, seminar and poster presentations, project write-ups, including final year Honours project. |
Demonstrate self-reliance,critical analysis and ability to work alone and problem solve. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, project work including module assignment and final year Honours project, seminars, optional work placement. Methods of Assessment Practical write-ups, seminar and poster presentations, project write-ups, including final year Honours project, work placement evaluation visits. |
Demonstrate numeracy skills including the proficient use of computer based packages for data analysis and interpretation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Computer based practicals, statistics workshops. Methods of Assessment Practical write up and interactive sessions, exams, class tests. |
Demonstrate proficiency in collating, processing and evaluating data from a diverse range of information sources comprising verbal, textual, electronic sources, electronic data bases or graphical sources. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, group study and projects. Methods of Assessment Exams, practical reports, project write up. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Develop cognitive and interpersonal skills within a working environment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Work placement. Methods of Assessment Work placement, work placement notebooks, reports and seminar presentation. |
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 % | ||||||
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 1 | BIO2104 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Coastal and Oceanic Biology | BIO2206 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Invertebrate Biology | BIO2203 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
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 | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
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% | |
Farm Animal Health and Welfare | BIO3106 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 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 | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Future Oceans | BIO3102 | 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% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
Stage 2: Students must take the two compulsory modules (40 CAT Animal Biology & Physiology and 20 CAT Invertebrate Biology) and at least three modules (60 CATS) from the elective modules listed. Alternatively they can take Animal Physiology (40 CAT) and Cell Biology (40 CAT) and two 20 CAT modules from those listed.
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory module (40 CATS) and at least three modules (60 CATS) from the elective modules listed and one other module (20 CATS) from those offered in the University, preferably also from those listed.
Year out: All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out a project. The project will be agreed between the student, the placement provider and university tutor before the student starts the placement. 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 Zoology programme.