Expand+How and when to Apply
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...

Hide-How and when to Apply
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/students.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in Autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00).

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.

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

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Expand+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
O...

Hide-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
OR
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
OR
AAA including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

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

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
OR
H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 in Biology + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics.

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

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
OR
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

Standard Level grade 4 would be acceptable in lieu of the GCSE requirement.

Graduate
Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.

Further information
MSci applicants will automatically be considered for admission to the BSc if they are not eligible for entry to the MSci, both at initial offermaking stage and when results are received.

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 below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

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. 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/4 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 offer for repeat applicants 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 will also be considered. The same GCSE (or equivalent) profile is usually expected of those applicants offering other qualifications.

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.

Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/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.

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
• ...

Hide-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.

Programmes with Professional studies undertake a 46 week work placement between stage 2 and 3. 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.

Biological Sciences with Professional Studies Degree highlights
Biological Science graduates are employed in sectors which are addressing worldwide problems such as climate change, food supply and security, biodiversity loss, and global health issues.

Professional Accreditations
•Royal Society of Biology Accreditation This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. This highlights the academic quality of the course and recognises the course in enabling graduates to meet the needs of the employer through development of technical and transferable skills.

Career Development
•Embedded year-long work placements on this degree programme provides students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment. 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.

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.

Expand+Introduction
Biological Sciences graduates tackle worldwide problems such as climate change, food supply and security, biodiversity loss, and global health issues. Students on this programme will complete a set of core compulsory modules at stages 1...

Hide-Introduction
Biological Sciences graduates tackle worldwide problems such as climate change, food supply and security, biodiversity loss, and global health issues. Students on this programme will complete a set of core compulsory modules at stages 1 and 2, and will select from a range of optional modules at stages 2 and 3. All students will undertake a compulsory Research Project module at stage 3 which can be lab- or field-based, and will spend year 4 in a research-intensive environment. Students will also undertake a 46-week work placement to develop the core skills and employment related experiences valued by employers.

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 degree option (Marine Biology, Zoology, Microbiology) or remain enrolled on the Biological Sciences pathway to retain breadth in subject teaching.

Stage 2
Core Modules
•Cell Biology 2
•Plant Biology and Rhizosphere Interactions
•Invertebrate Biology

Optional Modules
•Invertebrate Biology
•Forensics and Toxicology
•Applied Genetics
•Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
•Coastal and Oceanic Biology
•Applied Ecology
•Animal Biology and Physiology
•Microorganisms in Action

MSci Biological Sciences with Professional Studies students will complete a one year, degree related work placement

Stage 3
Core Modules
•Research Project

Optional Modules
•Parasitology
•Zoonoses
•Industrial Microbiology
•Immunology and Immunotherapy
•Medical Microbiology
•Bacterial Genetics and Genetic Manipulation
•Behavioural Ecology
•Global Change Biology
•Conservation Biology

*During stage 3, students in Biological Sciences 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
• Research Project

*Students carry out a full-time research project under the supervision of academic staff based in the School or an affiliated research centre. There are no taught modules or examinations in this year, thereby allowing students to concentrate fully on their research activity.

Year Out
All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out employer-focused 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.

Expand+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 ...

Hide-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 (http://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.

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 research and development, environmental monitoring and management, water quality management,...

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 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. Employment in these areas is critical to address global problems such as climate change, food supply and security, biodiversity loss, antibiotic resistance, and global health issues.

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.