detail

BSc Human Biology

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 Human Biology

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

Bachelor of Science

Programme Code

BIO-BSC-S

UCAS Code

B100

HECoS Code

100262

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Single Honours

Length of Programme

3 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

360

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical 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)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

Programme Specific Regulations
The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations.

Examinations
1. Students will normally be allowed only 2 attempts at examinations. A student must normally take a supplementary examination at the first opportunity offered by the University.
2. In the case of incomplete continuous assessments the student’s mark will be referred until the compulsory element is satisfactorily completed and in the case of elements which cannot be repeated within the timescale set, such as attendance at lectures or practicals etc, then the Board of Examiners may set an alternative piece of work to be completed by a stated deadline.
3. At the end of Stage 1, students may be permitted to transfer to the Biomedical Science programme, subject to approval by their Adviser of Studies and the Academic Selector.
4. For the award of the Honours degree, students must pass the Research Project module of final year.

5. For students permitted to transfer from other courses to the Human Biology programme at stage 3, the classification will be based on the weighted average of the modules taken at level 3.

Stage 1

1. In Stage 1 of the Human Biology degree, students must take the 3 specified modules.
2. In order to proceed to Stage 2, students must have passed all Level 1 modules

Stage 2

1. Students must take the modules, Scientific Methods and Statistics (BMS2014), Anatomical Sciences (BMS2101) and Physiological Sciences (BMS2108) and a first semester 20 CATS level 2 module from those listed in the Programme Requirements.
2. In order to proceed to Stage 3, students must have passed all level 1 modules and have no more than 20 CATS worth of failed or incomplete Level 2 modules.

Stage 3

At Stage 3, students must take the Research Project module (BMS3112) plus any 2 others from the level 3 modules listed in the Programme Requirements.

Students with protected characteristics

This programme includes practical and laboratory elements where safety must be the primary consideration. Applications will be considered on an individual basis and in conjunction with Occupational Health and Disability Services.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME

1. Integrate knowledge from a range of human biology disciplines, including the anatomical and physiological sciences, in order to gain a fundamental understanding of the normal structure and function of the human organism at molecular, cell, organ and system levels.

2. Link normal structure and function with some examples of the abnormal, including how these can be modified through intervention.

3. Demonstrate clear and systematic understanding of specialised areas of human biology knowledge and skills.

4. Demonstrate practical skills relevant to a variety of disciplines in human biology.

5. Apply the scientific method in the construction and experimental evaluation of hypotheses in human biology with appropriate data collection and statistical analysis.

6. Interpret scientific and other data and demonstrate critical awareness of the quality of evidence

7. Demonstrate well developed transferable skills, including communication, team work, scientific writing and oral presentation

8. Plan, execute and present an independent piece of work.

9. Demonstrate qualities such as efficient time management and problem solving.

10. Utilise well developed self-learning strategies for maintaining, updating and enhancing knowledge.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Generate hypotheses and analyse these using decision making processes which satisfy safety and accountability procedures

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Module practical classes; undertaking of project work; small group discussion; analysis and discussion of data through the use of examples within class or through project work; formative assessment with class discussion and presentation of journal papers, posters or students talks; one to one discussions with tutor and/or project supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Practical lab reports; written and practical examinations; oral and poster presentations; project reports

Analyse personally generated data from designed experimental situations in order to formulate and synthesise concepts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

Practical lab reports; written and practical examinations; oral and poster presentations; project reports.

Integrate, interpret and synthesise data from a variety of sources to formulate hypotheses and defend them in an appropriate manner

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

Practical lab reports; written and practical examinations; oral and poster presentations; project reports.

Employ critical analysis in order to interpret and synthesise concepts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

Practical lab reports; written and practical examinations; oral and poster presentations; project reports.

Judge the ethical aspects of specific issues within human biology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

Practical lab reports; written and practical examinations; oral and poster presentations; project reports.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

Describe and discuss an extensive range of concepts within human biology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Student-centred learning, including oral and written presentations of literature, supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical classes; dynamic, modern learning environment; online technology to support student learning; Formative assessments to promote engagement and comprehension

Methods of Assessment

Summative assessment through course work and appropriate written and practical examinations; portfolio, demonstrating reflective practice

Apply acquired knowledge to analyse critically, interpret and illustrate comprehension of established concepts in specific areas of human biology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

Summative assessment through course work and appropriate written and practical examinations; portfolio, demonstrating reflective practice

Discuss and evaluate the application of new or emerging concepts in a range of learning contexts, using data from a variety of human biology sources

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

Summative assessment through course work and appropriate written and practical examinations; portfolio, demonstrating reflective practice

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

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

Demonstrate competence in following experimental procedures and practical methodologies in human biology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of project work; experiential learning in practical classes, tutorials and seminars; formative assessment in the form of written course work, including reflective practical reports, laboratory records and logbooks

Methods of Assessment

Project reports, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations

Demonstrate good observational skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratory practical classes and project work

Methods of Assessment

Project reports, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations

Document and present data, applying statistical analysis where appropriate

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratory practical classes and project work; formal lectures and practical classes in statistics and interpretation

Methods of Assessment

Project reports, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations; written exams and assignments in statistical practice

Evaluate and interpret scientific data using a variety of appropriate methods

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratory practical classes and project work; Coursework assignments particularly at level 3

Methods of Assessment

Project reports, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations; written assignments on interpretation and analysis of scientific papers

Apply and judge the significance of a range of human biology concepts in a work related context

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratory practical classes and project work; Coursework assignments particularly at level 3

Methods of Assessment

Project reports, lab reports; lab/log book assessment; oral/poster presentations; written assignments on interpretation and analysis of scientific papers

Comply with ethical practice for biological specimens, health and safety, and other relevant legislation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in safety procedures including relevant paperwork, such as COSHH and ethical approval forms for project reports

Methods of Assessment

Project reports and supervisor’s report

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

Work as effective members of a team

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Small group projects;

Methods of Assessment

Assessment using observed structured behavioural examinations, where the effectiveness of a team and its members is determined; completion of group project assignments.

Use successful strategies for fostering and developing present knowledge

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Promotion of active learning ( by doing) in lab-based classes

Methods of Assessment

Project reports

Carry out a variety of practical and laboratory procedures

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Module lab based classes; project work

Methods of Assessment

Practical lab reports; formal assessed demonstrations of lab skills and their outcomes

Communicate ideas effectively both in writing and orally

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of written reports, essays, dissertations; oral presentations;

Methods of Assessment

Formal oral, poster and written presentations

Manage their time efficiently

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Schedule the undertaking and completion of a range of coursework and study opportunities within a time-limited framework

Methods of Assessment

Completion of coursework within agreed deadlines; successful completion of study schedules in time for summative assessments

Deduce outcomes using a range of relevant problem-solving approaches

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Module lab-based classes; problem-solving activities through coursework; Project work

Methods of Assessment

Practical lab reports; completion of coursework; written exams particularly at Level 3

MODULE INFORMATION

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Human Structure and Function	BMS1104	1	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		50%	0%	50%
The World of Microorganisms	BIO1301	1	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		28%	30%	42%
Molecular Basis of Life	BIO1304	1	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		33%	25%	42%
Scientific Methods/Statistics	BMS2014	2	20		YES	12 weeks	Y	YES		50%	0%	50%
Molecular Cell Biology	BMS2015	2	20	YES		12 weeks	Y		YES	100%	0%	0%
Human Physiological Measurement	BMS2028	2	20	YES		12 weeks	Y		YES	100%	0%	0%
Anatomical Sciences	BMS2101	2	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y	YES		50%	0%	50%
Physiological Sciences	BMS2108	2	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y	YES		40%	0%	60%
Human Evolution	BMS2105	2	20	YES		12 weeks	Y		YES	100%	0%	0%
Research Project	BMS3112	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y	YES		100%	0%	0%
Embryology & Developmental Biology	BMS3105	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y		YES	50%	0%	50%
Exercise, Sports Science and Medicine	BMS3103	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y		YES	65%	0%	35%
Advanced Neurosciences	BMS3102	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y		YES	50%	0%	50%
Cardiovascular Pathobiology & Treatment	BMS3107	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y		YES	50%	0%	50%
Principles of Pharmacology & Therapeutics	BMS3106	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y		YES	50%	0%	50%

Notes

Stage 1: Students must take the 3 Level 1 core modules listed.

Stage 2: Students must take the core modules. A further 20 credit module may be chosen from those available in this or other programmes.

Stage 3: Students must take the Research Project module and and two from the Level 3 options listed. Choices may be restricted because of timetabling constraints.