Biological Sciences

Course Content (including module information)

Year 1

• Basic Chemistry Biochemistry Biology
• Fundamentals of Science
• Mathematical and Study Skills in Science

This module combination provides students with a core basis for further study in biological sciences.

Work-based Placement

Between Year 1 and Year 2 there is a compulsory work-based placement of ten weeks duration, which will provide students with opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from Year 1 content; to develop important employability skills required for the employment market; and to benefit from being exposed to biological science practices.

Year 2

• Biological Diversity and Evolution
• Bioscience Practical and Analytical Skills
• Ecology and Environmental Biology
• Food Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics

In addition to subject knowledge, modules aim to develop skills in critical, independent thought and management and decision-making. Year 2 modules include applied topics which will allow students the opportunity to consider progression into a range of honours degree courses.

Assessment (general): The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Most modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Some modules [e.g. final year Honours Project module (BBC3025)] are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction, and is available on our School website.

Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

We aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BSc in Biological Sciences we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society. Students can make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
• Practical Classes: where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. All modules at Levels 1 and 2 have a practical element. Practical classes reinforce the teaching received in lectures and facilitate the acquisition of skills that are greatly valued by employers.
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning tools are also embedded in the degree through, for example: online exercises and assessments, interactive web-based learning activities.
• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.