Undergraduate Programme Specification
BSc Biological Sciences
Academic Year 2021/22
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 Biological Sciences | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
Programme Code | BSC-BSC-S | UCAS Code | C100 | HECoS Code |
100345 - Biological sciences - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Single Honours | Length of Programme | Full Time - 3 Academic Year(s) | Total Credits for Programme | 360 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available |
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Biological Sciences |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 6 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Biosciences (2019) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
|
Royal Society of Biology |
Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 16-10-18 |
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 |
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 BSc Honours 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.
1. Demonstrate an extensive knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to the biological sciences from the molecular and cellular aspects through to the whole-organism
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 the biological sciences, and the application of 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
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. 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: |
|
Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate scientific literature. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Apply subject knowledge and understanding to generate hypotheses to address familiar and unfamiliar problems. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems and appreciate the limitations of current hypotheses. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Demonstrate a broad appreciation and understanding of the major theories and concepts in biological sciences. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Comprehend the scientific literature relating to Biological Sciences and integrate information there from to address problems, and formulate and test hypotheses. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary |
Be able to devise, evaluate and carry out experimental work in a biological sciences laboratory and/or field site. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary |
Document and present data, using appropriate statistical analysis. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary |
Comply with health and safety regulations and ethics procedures relevant to the specific project type and/or practical environment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary |
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 sciences to peers and non-scientists using a range of media. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Exhibit the personal and intellectual skills necessary for the world of employment and lifelong learning including: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate innovation in science through discovery and the application of knowledge. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers for data management and presentation |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate proficiency in the collation, quantitative analysis, graphical presentation, and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problemsolve. |
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,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 a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Recognise the importance of academic and research integrity and ethical issues of investigations. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the similarities and diversity of organisms and the processes which underpin life on earth. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of biological sciences from the molecular to the whole organism, based on the recurring theme of evolution and natural selection. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Exhibit a critical awareness of the molecular basis of genetics and molecular biology through to “omic” technologies. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Be proficient in the use of IT for accessing databases and scientific literature, manipulating, processing and presenting data and written assignments. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary |
Be proficient in the use of IT for accessing databases and scientific literature, manipulating, processing and presenting data and written assignments. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Skills Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 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 a project thesis. |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
The World of Microorganisms | BIO1301 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | |
Biodiversity | BIO1305 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Molecular Basis of Life | BIO1304 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | |
Work Placement | BIO2303 | 2 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Cell Biology | BIO2104 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Advanced Cell Biology | BIO2304 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics | BIO2305 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
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 | 25% | 0% | 75% | ||
Applied Ecology | BIO2107 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Microorganisms in Action | BIO2202 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Animal Biology and Physiology | BIO2306 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Plant and Soil Science | BIO2106 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Applied Genetics | BIO2205 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 25% | 0% | 75% | ||
Forensics and Toxicology | BIO2207 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Research Project | BIO3308 | 3 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Parasitology | BIO3107 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Zoonoses | BIO3204 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations | BIO3203 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Industrial Microbiology | BIO3103 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Immunology and Immunotherapy | BIO3104 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Behavioural Ecology | BIO3108 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Global Change Biology | BIO3205 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Conservation Biology | BIO3206 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
Medical Microbiology | BIO3209 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules BIO2106, BIO2203 and BIO2104, the remaining modules are to be chosen from the optional modules listed to a credit weighting of 120 CATS. BIO2202 Pre-requisite: BIO1301 BIO2304 Pre-requisite BIO2104 Students must take an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters.
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory module (40 CATS) listed and four other 20 CAT modules form the optional modules listed. BIO3209 Pre-requisite BIO1301 BIO3203 Pre-requisite BIO1301 Students must take an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters.