Expand+How to Apply

Applications 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 websi...

Hide-How to Apply

Applications 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.

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/filling-your-ucas-undergraduate-application

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2019 from 1 September 2018.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications is 15 January 2019 (18:00), however, for applicants applying to Oxford or Cambridge and for those whose choices include Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine/Science the closing date is 15 October 2018 (18:00).

Currently there are two intakes to Adult Nursing (one in September and the other in February) and application is made for both courses by 15 January (18:00) prior to the academic year of entry ie for September and the following February. The application deadline will not change but it should be noted that from 2019-20 entry, the two intakes may be combined. Please refer to the online prospectus which will be updated as further information becomes available.

Applicants are encouraged 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.

Applications for Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work must be submitted by the 15 January (18:00) deadline. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

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. Please note a Campus Code is not required.

Expand+Entrance requirements

A level requirements
BBB including Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC + GCSE Mathematics grade C
OR
BBB ...

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A level requirements
BBB including Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC + GCSE Mathematics grade C
OR
BBB including Double Award Applied Science + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC + GCSE Mathematics grade C
OR
ABB including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC + GCSE Mathematics grade C.

It would be an advantage to have studied Chemistry beyond GCSE level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements
H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 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
OR
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Biology + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics.

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

Access/Foundation Course
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 80% with no less than 70% in any module including sufficient relevant modules in Biology and Chemistry. GCSE Mathematics grade C or equivalent in Access Course.

Option to transfer
Transfers between BSc and MSci may be possible at the end of Stage 2.

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance notes on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

How we choose our students

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Biological Sciences. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by the Selector for the School of Biological Sciences along with a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For entry last year, applicants for programmes in the School of Biological Sciences must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The minimum acceptable is two subjects at A-level plus one at AS though candidates offering this combination will be considered on an individual basis depending on the degree for which they have applied. The offer for repeat candidates may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected and all subject requirements must be met.

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as BTEC Extended Diplomas, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, the International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate or an Access course, will also be considered.

The current entrance requirements for applicants offering a relevant BTEC Extended Diploma are successful completion of the BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with 100 credits at Distinction grade and 80 credits at Merit grade. The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates taking an Extended Diploma qualification.

For applicants offering a relevant HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 1 Distinction and remainder Merits.

For those offering a Higher National Diploma, there may be the possibility of advanced entry to Stage 2 depending on relevance of the HND and first year results (at least half of the first year units must be at Merit grade). Where offers are made for entry to Stage 2 students would be required to achieve 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits in all units assessed in final year. Those not eligible for entry to Stage 2 would be considered for entry to Stage 1 provided at least one first year unit is at Merit grade. Students would be required to achieve Merits in all units assessed in final year.
For those offering a HNC or HND, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile.

Candidates offering Access/Certificate in Foundation Studies courses will be considered individually on their own merits.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in the School of Biological Sciences, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

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: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
•Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
•Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FOUNDATION AND INTERNATIONAL YEAR ONE PROGRAMMES

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
•Foundation
The INTO progression course suited to this programme is
http://www.intostudy.com/en-gb/universities/queens-university-belfast/courses/international-foundation-in-engineering-and-science.

Expand+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...

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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, and Genetics and mechanisms and pathways of evolution.

The BSc Biological Sciences enables students to gain an understanding of Structure, function, and interactions of microorganisms, protists, fungi, plants and animals. Concepts and theories from the molecular and cellular levels through to whole-organism and ecosystems are also taught.

Students will gain practical laboratory skills to help them investigate and manipulate biological material including relevant physical, chemical and biological measurements and their application in a laboratory and research project setting.

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 intellectual, personal and team skills for employment and further study.

Biological Sciences Degree highlights

Biological Science graduates are employed in areas which have always been important, but have now become increasingly so due to worldwide problems such as climate change, food supply and security, biodiversity loss and global health issues.

Professional Accreditations
•The Society for Biology provides career advice and support for undergraduate Biological Sciences students, and professional recognition for graduate biologists through externally recognised awards commissioned by the Science Council.

Career Development
•Students complete a 16 work placement as a crucial component of stage 2. In previous years, students have gained placements with organisations such as Almac Pharma Services, Norbrook Laboratories, Warner Chilcott, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Belfast Zoo, the National Trust, Atlantic Whale Foundation, and the RSPB. In addition, students can avail of opportunities to undertake short summer placements abroad through programmes such as IAESTE, Operation Wallacea, and Frontier.

Course Structure

Introduction
Throughout Stages 1 and 2 of the Biological Sciences degrees, practical classes in Biological Sciences reinforce and complement the theory, providing students with the solid foundation on which to build upon for Stage 3 (and Stage 4 as necessary).

Expand+Stage 1
• Molecular Basis of Life
• The World of Microorganisms
• Biodiversity

At this stage students enrolled in the Biological Sciences can move into a specialist biological degree option (Environmental Biology, Marine Biology, Zoolog...

Hide-Stage 1
• Molecular Basis of Life
• The World of Microorganisms
• Biodiversity

At this stage students enrolled in the Biological Sciences can move into a specialist biological degree option (Environmental Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology), or vice versa.

Stage 2
• Animal Biology and Physiology
• Cell Biology 2
• Ecology and Evolution
• Animal Behaviour
• Microbes in Action
• Work placement (16 weeks)

Stage 3
• Parasitology and Zoonoses
• Plant Biology and Rhizosphere Interactions
• Conservation Biology
• Industrial Microbiology
• Immunology and Virology

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 (http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/).

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

Introduction
A degree in biosciences opens the door to a wide range of careers. Our graduates are employed in organisations working within environmental monitoring and management, water quality management, animal welfare, academi...

Hide-Career Prospects

Introduction
A degree in biosciences opens the door to a wide range of careers. Our graduates 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.

These employment areas have always been important, but have now become increasingly so due to worldwide problems such as climate change, food supply and security, biodiversity loss and global health issues.

Alternatively, the transferable skills you will obtain during completion of a biosciences degree will place you in excellent standing for specific graduate programmes to enter professions such as accountancy, management or journalism. Many of our graduates undertake the postgraduate teacher training programme (PGCE) for entry into the teaching profession.

Completion of the final year research project inspires many of our graduates to progress to postgraduate study, eg Master’s (MSc) or Doctorate (PhD), with the goal of pursuing a career as a research scientist or academic.

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

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. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.