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Undergraduate Programme Specification

MSci Biological Sciences with Professional Studies

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 MSci Biological Sciences with Professional Studies Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master in Science
Programme Code BSC-MSCI-P UCAS Code C105 HECoS Code 100345 - Biological sciences - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Undergraduate Master Length of Programme Full Time - 5 Academic Year(s) Total Credits for Programme 600
Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Biological Sciences

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Biosciences (2019)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Royal Society of Biology

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 24-01-20

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

In addition to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes:

To be awarded the degree of MSci Biological Science with Professional Studies, students must pass the final year project module BIO4301 (120 CATS).

Students that have not met the minimum credit requirement for an integrated Master’s degree will exit with the BSc in Biological Sciences with Professional Studies.


Progression: in order to proceed to the MSci degree, students must pass the honours project module BIO3308 (40 CATS) with a mark of 60% or more and must have an overall weighted average of at least 60%. Students who do not meet these requirements will be required to transfer to the BSc in Biological Sciences with Professional Studies.

Transfers to and from the programme:
Students enrolled on BSc Biological Sciences with Professional Studies may transfer into this programme at any stage provided that they have a weighted mean mark of at least 60%.
Students enrolled on this pathway may transfer to BSc in Biological Sciences with Professional Studies up until the end of Stage 3.

To be awarded the exit award of the BSc Biological Sciences with Professional Studies, in addition to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes students must pass the honours project module BIO3308 (40 CATS).

Degree Classification
The following module weightings should be used when calculating the honours classification: Stage 1 5%, Stage 2 10%, Professional Studies module 10%, Stage 3 25%, Stage 4 50%.

To be eligible to graduate, students must pass the module Professional Studies (BIO3303). 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

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 involves an extended work placement 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 Skills

On 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 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 familiar and unfamiliar problems in the academic and work-related environment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, Professional Studies module, 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, placement portfolio, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and project/MSci 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 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
of investigations.

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 & Understanding

On 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.
Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and
teaching is provided through lectures, module
practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials,
group work, final year project work, online learning via
the University VLE and independent study.
Students are assessed through unsee

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
organisms and the processes which underpin life on earth.

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
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 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 biology through to “omic” technologies.

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 Specific

On 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 teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, MSci project and compulsory 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 sciences laboratory and/or field site and workplace setting, and demonstrate competency in key practical skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, compulsory 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, compulsory 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
specific project type and/or practical environment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, compulsory 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,
manipulating, processing and presenting data and written assignments.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, compulsory 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 Skills

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

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 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 employment and lifelong learning including:
- intellectual independence,
- self-motivation,
- effective time management and planning,
- an adaptable, flexible approach to learning
- the ability to work as part of a team.

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, Professional Studies module, 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, Professional Studies module, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and MSci/honour 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 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 use of computers for data management and
presentation

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 presentation, and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem solve.

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 Skills

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

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.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specific aspect of the subject through research led discovery

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through MSci research project

Methods of Assessment

Project proposal, research lab book, interim reports and final dissertation.

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Manage and deliver project type work in the workplace setting.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Outcomes are achieved through Professional Studies module

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through preplacement assignment (CV, Cover letter, Reflective document), a Placement Portfolio (Work Based Learning activity, Placement Provider report, Reflective report, Log Book) and presentation

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specific aspect of the subject through research led discovery.

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

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%
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 40% 0% 60%
Forensics and Toxicology BIO2207 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Professional Studies BIO3303 3 120 YES YES 40 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 20% 0% 80%
Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations BIO3203 4 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 40% 0% 60%
Industrial Microbiology BIO3103 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Immunology and Immunotherapy BIO3104 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Behavioural Ecology BIO3108 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 40% 0% 60%
Global Change Biology BIO3205 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Conservation Biology BIO3206 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 50% 0% 50%
Medical Microbiology BIO3209 4 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Research Project (MSci) BIO4301 5 120 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 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) and four other 20 CAT modules from those listed. BIO3209 Pre-requisite BIO1301 BIO3203 Pre-requisite BIO1301 Students are expected to commit to, and complete the MSci programme. Those who wish to exit the programme at the end of Stage 3 may be permitted to transfer to the corresponding BSc (Hons) by their Advisor of Studies . Students must take an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters

Stage 4: Students must take the 120 CAT module listed.

Year out: All students will spend an extended period in a work placement during which they will carry out some project type work. 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 MSci Biological Sciences programme.