Undergraduate Programme Specification
BSc Zoology 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 | BSc Zoology with Professional Studies | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
Programme Code | ZOO-BSC-S | UCAS Code | C301 | HECoS Code |
100356 - Zoology - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Single Honours | Length of Programme | Full Time - 4 Academic Year(s) | Total Credits for Programme | 480 | |||||||||
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 Zoology Programme is designed to give graduates in-depth knowledge of Zoology 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 animals from the molecular to the population and community levels. 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 involves an extended work placement to enable all students to develop comprehensive subject-specific knowledge with practical and transferable skills in the area of Zoology, 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 Zoological and Biological Sciences. On successful completion of the programme studies students will be able to:
• Acquire a basic knowledge of the theories and concepts and a practical experience of the techniques associated with the biology of animals
• Develop and enhance knowledge and understanding of the principles and study of animals from the molecular to the community/population levels
• Develop a broader appreciation of all branches of the biosciences
• Develop the intellectual, personal and team skills necessary for the world of employment and further study
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, 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 in the academic and work-related environment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, 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, 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, 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: |
|
Knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, theories and processes pertaining to zoology and the study of animals ranging from the molecular to the community level. |
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 presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Theoretical basis of zoology including an understanding of the similarities and diversity of living organisms and their wider impact on the environment, human health, agriculture and ecology. |
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 presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis. |
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of Zoological 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, 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 teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, 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: |
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Comprehend the scientific literature relating to Zoological 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 Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, |
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 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, |
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, |
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, |
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 |
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 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 transferrable skill acquisition is through 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 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 throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
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 Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
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 Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral |
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 |
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% | ||
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% | |
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% | |
Farm Animal Health and Welfare | BIO3106 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 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% | ||
Sustainable Oceans | BIO3102 | 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% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (BIO2306 and BIO2203), 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 are strongly advised to have an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters, unless in special circumstances.
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (60 CATS) and three other 20 CAT module from those listed above. BIO3209 Pre-requisite BIO1301 Students are strongly advised to have an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters, unless in special circumstances.
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 BSc Zoology programme.