Expand+How To Apply

Applications for admission to full-time undergraduate courses at Queen’s 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/...

Hide-How To Apply

Applications for admission to full-time undergraduate courses at Queen’s 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/apply.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in Autumn 2017 from 1 September 2016.

The normal closing date for the receipt of applications is 15 January 2017.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

Earlier applicants normally receive decisions more quickly, however, UCAS accepts that some applicants, especially those from outside the UK, may find this difficult. Late applications are, in practice, accepted by UCAS throughout the remainder of the application cycle, but you should understand that they are considered by institutions at their discretion, and there can be no guarantee that they will be given the same full level of consideration as applications received by the advisory closing date.

Take care to enter the details of the institutions and courses clearly and correctly on the application. For Queen's, the institution code name is QBELF and the institution code is Q75. These should be entered in the Choices section of your UCAS application. A Campus Code is not required.

Queen’s University Belfast Terms and Conditions 2017 Entry
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/TermsandConditions/

Expand+A-level: CC including Biology or Double Award Applied Science + GCSE Chemistry grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC + GCSE Mathematics grade C. Note: It would be an advantage to have studied Chemistry beyond GCSE level.

BTEC Level 3 Exte...

Hide-A-level: CC including Biology or Double Award Applied Science + GCSE Chemistry grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC + GCSE Mathematics grade C. Note: It would be an advantage to have studied Chemistry beyond GCSE level.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a relevant science subject with 9 Merits and 9 Passes. A minimum grade may be stipulated in relevant units. In addition, applicants must have GCSE passes at grade C or better in English Language, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry. GCSE Double Award Science grades CC would be acceptable in lieu of GCSE Biology and Chemistry.

Access Course: Access Course containing significant Biology content with an overall average of 65%. A minimum grade may be stipulated in the Biology modules. Students should have GCSE Mathematics and Chemistry at grade C or equivalent in the Access Course. GCSE Double Award Science grades CC would be acceptable in lieu of GCSE Chemistry.

Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H4H4H4H4/H3H3H4H4 including grade H3 in Biology and H4 in Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.

If not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level Chemistry grade O4 would be considered.

Note: It would be an advantage to have studied Higher Level Chemistry.

Other Qualifications: students offering other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis by the Admissions and Access Service in consultation with the Selector for the Foundation Degree.

RPL: applicants must provide evidence of their ability in appropriate skills and knowledge to undertake the programme. Guidance is available for such candidates from the College and any evidence submitted will be assessed by subject specialists who will determine the applicant’s suitability for the course. Applicants may be required to attend for interview.

Note: CCEA Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable in lieu of a grade C in GCSE English language

For students whose first language is not English

An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

Expand+Learning and Teaching

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.

...

Hide-Learning and Teaching

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.

Expand+Overview
This programme aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of scientific methods of enquiry and theoretical principles of biological sciences, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment ...

Hide-Overview
This programme aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of scientific methods of enquiry and theoretical principles of biological sciences, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context. Completion of the course will allow students to:
•Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of biological sciences in the current economic environment
•Show an understanding of the hierarchical nature of biological sciences ranging from molecular level to whole organism and species interactions
•Demonstrate competence and dexterity in contemporary biological practical techniques and cognate disciplines
•Demonstrate competence in subject specific key skills, problem solving, and a professional approach to work, study and lifelong learning

This course is based at Belfast Metropolitan College, (Titanic Quarter campus).

Why Queen's?

Progression: students who complete all required modules (240 CATS Points) will be awarded the Foundation Degree in Biological Sciences from Queen’s University Belfast. Successful students will have the opportunity/be eligible to apply for Year 2 (Stage 2) of the BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences. Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree with an overall weighted mark of 55% and, in addition, at least 55% in each module assessed in final year will be eligible to progress to degree programmes in the School of Biological Science at Queen’s. Students who have successfully completed the Foundation Degree may also have the opportunity to study for a different (Full) Degree at the same or other Institutions. Some students may prefer to take the opportunity of direct entry to employment as a Foundation Degree graduate.

Professional Recognition: graduates of the FdSc are eligible for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status, conferred by the Science Council and with appropriate CPD would be eligible for Registered Scientist status (RSci). The Society of Biology also confers varying levels of membership depending on qualifications and experience.

Expand+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 bi...

Hide-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.

Expand+Assessment & Feedback

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 mo...

Hide-Assessment & Feedback

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.

Expand+Career Prospects

Graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are employed in organisations working within environmental monitoring and management, water quality management, animal welfare, academic research, the agri-food industries, biotechn...

Hide-Career Prospects

Graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are employed in organisations working within 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.

In addition students find employment in areas outside Science utilising their skill set, developed during their degree.

Progression: Students who complete all required modules (240 CATS Points) will be awarded the Foundation Degree in Biological Sciences from Queen’s University Belfast.

Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree with an overall weighted mark of 55% and, in addition, at least 55% in each module assessed in final year will be eligible to progress to degree programmes in the School of Biological Science at Queen’s.

Students who have successfully completed the Foundation Degree may also have the opportunity to study for a different (Full) Degree at the same or other Institutions. Some students may prefer to take the opportunity of direct entry to employment as a Foundation Degree graduate.