Undergraduate Programme Specification
BSc Marine Biology
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 Marine Biology | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
Programme Code | MRN-BSC-S | UCAS Code | C160 | HECoS Code |
100351 - Marine biology - 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 Programmes: in order to be awarded an honours degree, the honours degree students must pass the honours project module BIO3308 (40 CATS). |
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 Marine Biology Programme is designed to give graduates in-depth knowledge into marine sciences at a broad level. This course allows students to study the theories and concepts of this branch of the biological sciences enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the principles and study of marine life from the molecular through to populations and ecosystems. Students will develop a broader appreciation of all branches of the biosciences including molecular biology and genetics, microbiology and ecology. 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 area of marine science 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 the Marine and the broader 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, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
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 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 |
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, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
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, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, theories and processes pertaining to the marine environment and its flora and fauna. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
Theoretical basis of marine science including an understanding of the physical and chemical processes that occur in the marine environment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of marine system from the molecular through to populations and ecosystems, 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, Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
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, Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
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 marine science 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 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 literature in support of taught modules and prepare a |
Be able to devise, evaluate and carry out experimental work in a marine sciences laboratory and/or and intractable marine environment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours 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 literature in support of taught modules and prepare a |
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 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 literature in support of taught modules and prepare a |
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 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 literature in support of taught modules and prepare a |
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 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 literature in support of taught modules and prepare a |
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 transferable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
Exhibit the personal and intellectual skills necessary for the world of employment and lifelong learning including: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning 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 |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning 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 |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning 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 problem-solve. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning 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 |
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% | ||
Coastal and Oceanic Biology | BIO2206 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Applied Ecology | BIO2107 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
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 | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Marine Systems | BIO2108 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Research Project | BIO3308 | 3 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Sustainable Oceans | BIO3102 | 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% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (100CATS) listed and an optional module (20CATS)
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules 120 CATS module listed.