MSci Biological Sciences
Academic Year 2019/20
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 Biological Sciences | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master in Science | |||||||||||
Programme Code | BSC-MSCI-S | UCAS Code | C102 | HECoS Code | 100345 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Undergraduate Master | Length of Programme | 4 Academic Year(s) | Total Credits for Programme | 480 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available |
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 In addition to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes: |
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 MSci Biological Sciences Programme is designed to give graduates in-depth knowledge related to the diversity and complexity of living
organisms and their interactions. This course allows students to study life (bacterial, fungal, plant, animal) at the molecular level through to whole
populations and ecosystems. The programme is underpinned by an active research environment and aims to enable all students to develop
comprehensive subject-specific knowledge with practical and transferable skills in the core areas of Zoology, Genetics, Marine Biology, Biochemistry and
Microbiology whilst, encouraging creative thinking and innovation. An integral component of the course will be the completion of a year-long research project that is informed by the knowledge and understanding of the subject through current scholarship and research. On completion of the programme successful students will have developed the knowledge and expertise required to pursue a research or other professional career in Biological Sciences.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate scientific literature. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, MSci project, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and project/MSci thesis |
Apply subject knowledge and understanding to generate hypotheses to address |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, MSci project, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and project/MSci thesis |
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, MSci project, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and project/MSci thesis |
Recognise the importance of academic and research integrity and ethical issues |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, MSci project, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and project/MSci thesis |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a broad appreciation and understanding of the major theories and |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year/MSci project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and MSci/honour project thesis. |
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the similarities and diversity of |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year/MSci project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and MSci/honour project thesis. |
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of biological sciences from the |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year/MSci project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and MSci/honour project thesis. |
Exhibit a critical awareness of the molecular basis of genetics and molecular |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year/MSci project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and MSci/honour project thesis. |
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 Biological Sciences and integrate |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, MSci project and optional work placement. Skills in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data is developed incrementally beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year research project and the MSci research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research project. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and the honours and MSci projects. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
Be able to devise, evaluate and carry out experimental work in a biological |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data is developed incrementally beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year research project and the MSci research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research project. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and the honours and MSci projects. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
Document and present data, using appropriate statistical analysis. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data is developed incrementally beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year research project and the MSci research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research project. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and the honours and MSci projects. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
Comply with health and safety regulations and ethics procedures relevant to the |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data is developed incrementally beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year research project and the MSci research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research project. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and the honours and MSci projects. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
Be proficient in the use of IT for accessing databases and scientific literature, |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data is developed incrementally beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year research project and the MSci research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research project. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and the honours and MSci projects. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate an ability to communicate and apply knowledge of the biological |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, MSci project, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and MSci/honour project thesis. |
Exhibit the personal and intellectual skills necessary for the world of |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies TThe development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, MSci project, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and MSci/honour project thesis. |
Demonstrate innovation in science through discovery and the application of |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, MSci project, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen |
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers for data management and |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, MSci project, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and MSci/honour project thesis. |
Demonstrate proficiency in the collation, quantitative analysis, graphical |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, MSci project, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and MSci/honour project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Design, plan and manage a significant research project. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Through MSci research project. Methods of Assessment Project proposal, research lab book, interim reports and final dissertation. |
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 % | ||||||
Zoonoses | BIO3204 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Parasitology | BIO3107 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Conservation Biology | BIO3206 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
Invertebrate Biology | BIO2203 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 25% | 0% | 75% | ||
Coastal and Oceanic Biology | BIO2206 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Cell Biology 2 | BIO2304 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 40 weeks | N | YES | 55% | 0% | 45% | |
Plant Biology and Rhizosphere Interactions | BIO2106 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Biodiversity | BIO1305 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 35% | 15% | 50% | |
The World of Microorganisms | BIO1301 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 20% | 60% | |
Applied Ecology | BIO2107 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Experimental Biochemistry | BIO2102 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Bacterial Genetics and Genetic Manipulation | BIO3203 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Medical Microbiology | BIO3209 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Research Project | BIO3308 | 3 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Behavioural Ecology | BIO3108 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Industrial Microbiology | BIO3103 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Global Change Biology | BIO3205 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Forensics and Toxicology | BIO2207 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 35% | 0% | 65% | ||
Immunology and Immunotherapy | BIO3104 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Molecular Basis of Life | BIO1304 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 15% | 25% | 60% | |
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics | BIO2305 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 40 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Microorganisms in Action | BIO2202 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Animal Biology and Physiology | BIO2306 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 40 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Research Project (MSci) | BIO4301 | 4 | 120 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Applied Genetics | BIO2205 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Work Placement | BIO2303 | 2 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (80 CATS) listed and either two other 20 CAT modules, or one 40 CAT module from the optional modules listed. BIO2202 Pre-requisite: BIO1301 BIO2101 Pre-requisite CHM1011
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory module (40 CATS) and four other 20 CAT modules form the optional modules listed. BIO3209 Pre-requisite BIO1301 BIO3203 Pre-requisite BIO1301
Stage 4: Students must take the 120 CAT module listed.