Program Overview

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Biological Sciences

Overview

Biological Sciences encompasses many aspects of the biosciences, from molecules to ecosystems and includes exploration of:
• Biological diversity, systematics and conservation
• Cell and tissue structure, function and physiology
• Ecology and behaviour
• Form and function of microorganisms, protists, fungi, plants and animals
• Genetics and mechanisms and pathways of evolution

The MSci Biological Science degree programme is underpinned by research. MSci students gain in-depth knowledge and understanding through research-led discovery. In the final year, students are immersed in a research-active environment where they develop subject specific research skills through completion of a full time project.

During stages 1-3 students will gain practical laboratory- and field-based skills to help them investigate and manipulate biological material including relevant physical, chemical and biological measurements and their application in a laboratory, field, and research project setting. During the third year research project module students will have access to cutting-edge research facilities across the molecular and ecological disciplines. Additional skills achieved include: Collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, including problem-solving; communication and application of knowledge; the use of computers for data management and presentations, and the development of intellectual, personal and team skills for employment and further study.

Highlights

• Professional Accreditations: Royal Society of Biology Accreditation
• Career Development: Optional work placements (16 weeks) provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment.
• Student Experience: Final year intensive research projects allow students to gain considerable research experience in one of the research laboratories at Queen’s University Belfast. Working alongside world-leading researchers enriches the students’ experience and assists them in pursuing a career in academia or in research.

Course Structure

• Stage 1: Students can move into a specialist degree option (Marine Biology, Zoology, Microbiology) or remain enrolled on the Biological Sciences pathway to retain breadth in subject teaching.
• Stage 2: Practical classes in Biological Sciences reinforce and complement theory in the biosciences, providing students with a solid foundation on which to build upon for stage 3.
• Stage 3: Students take a two-module research project under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. The research project generally involves practical work carried out in the field and/or laboratory.
• Stage 4: Students carry out a full-time research project under the supervision of academic staff based in the School. There are no taught modules or examinations in this year, thereby allowing students to concentrate fully on their research activity.

People Teaching You

• Dr Angela Mousley, Programme Director

Contact Teaching Hours

• Personal Study: 28 (hours maximum) for private study and writing assignments each week
• Large Group Teaching: 15 (hours maximum) typically around 9 hours teaching [3 hours for each module studied – see later information on course content] and 3 hours practical every two weeks for each module.

Learning and Teaching

• E-Learning technologies, lectures, personal tutor, practical classes, research projects, self-directed study, work placement, and Work-Related learning/Field Trips/Industrial Visits.

Assessment

• Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
  • The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Most modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of academic year examinations. Some modules [e.g. final year Honours Project module] are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Details of how each module is assessed are outlined in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction, and is available on our School website (www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/).

Feedback

• As students progress through the course they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including Lecturers, Module Coordinators, Placement Supervisors, Personal Tutors, Advisors of Study and through their peers.
• Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including: written comments, face to face comments, placement employer comments or references, online or emailed feedback, pre-submission advice, feedback and outcomes from practical classes.

Modules

• Year 1:
  • Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits)
  • Environmental Biology (20 credits)
  • Molecular Basis of Life (20 credits)
  • Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox (20 credits)
  • Biodiversity (20 credits)
  • World of Microorganisms (20 credits)
• Year 2:
  • Invertebrate Biology (20 credits)
  • Plant and Soil Science (20 credits)
  • Cell Biology (20 credits)
  • Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II (20 credits)
  • Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1 (20 credits)
  • Comparative Animal Physiology (20 credits)
  • Vertebrate Biology (20 credits)
  • Applied Ecology (20 credits)
  • Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis (20 credits)
  • Applied Genetics (20 credits)
  • Applied Ecology with Field Course (20 credits)
  • Coastal and Oceanic Biology (20 credits)
  • Microorganisms in Action (20 credits)
  • Work Placement (20 credits)
  • Advanced Cell Biology (20 credits)
  • Forensics and Toxicology (20 credits)
• Year 3:
  • Research Project (40 credits)
  • Global Change Biology (20 credits)
  • Conservation Biology (20 credits)
  • Medical Microbiology (20 credits)
  • Behavioural Ecology (20 credits)
  • Immunology and Immunotherapy (20 credits)
  • Parasitology (20 credits)
  • Zoonoses (20 credits)
  • Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations (20 credits)
• Year 4:
  • Research Project (MSci) (120 credits)

Entrance Requirements

• A level requirements:
  • AAB including Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or + GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
  • AAB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life & Health Sciences + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
  • AAA including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
• Irish leaving certificate requirements:
  • H2H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 and H3 in any order in Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics
  • H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 in Biology + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics
• Access Course: Not considered. Applicants should apply for the BSc degree.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma:
  • 34 points overall including 6,6,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry (preferred) or Mathematics or Physics or Geography + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
  • 36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
• Graduate: A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.

How We Choose Our Students

• Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Biological Sciences.
• Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form.
• Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

International Students

• Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.
• Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

• An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguage/

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) 1: £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2: £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1: £9,535
• EU Other 3: £26,600
• International: £26,600

Additional Course Costs

• Year 1 students are required to buy a laboratory coat at a cost of £10 and an E-Book at a cost of £25 and a dissection kit at a cost of £20.
• The following optional modules have a compulsory field trip:
  • Compulsory module: Year 1 Environmental Biology Module has a field trip costing £150.
  • Optional Modules: Year 2 Coastal and Oceanic Biology Module has a field trip costing £200. Year 2 Applied Ecology with Field Course Module has a field trip costing £200.

Scholarships

• Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students.
• Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

• Information on scholarships for international students, is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/

How to Apply

• Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
• Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

• Applying through UCAS
• Applying direct
• Applying through agents and partners

Careers

• A degree in biosciences opens the door to a wide range of careers.
• Our graduates are employed in organisations working within research and development, environmental monitoring and management, water quality management, animal welfare, academic research, the agri-food industries, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, teaching and education, and science communication.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.
• For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more.

Student Accommodation

• The most affordable, purpose-built student accommodation in Belfast.

Student Experience

• 89% of students were satisfied overall with their course.
• Data for courses in Biological Sciences (Undergraduate Masters) at Queen's University Belfast

Careers

• 79% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.
• Data for courses in Biosciences (non-specific) over two years at Queen's University Belfast

Course Location

• Biological Sciences

Can't Find Something?

• We're here to help with any questions or queries you may have about this course

Contact Us

• University Road, Belfast
• Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN
• +44 (0)28 9024 5133

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