Queen's University Belfast

Source: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/biological-sciences-bsc-c100/ Parent: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/

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Undergraduate 2027

Undergraduate 2025

BSc | Undergraduate

Biological Sciences

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Entry year : Academic Year 2027/28

Entry requirements : BBB/ABB

Attendance : 3 years (Full-time) \

UCAS Code : C100

Overview
Course content
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Biological Sciences encompasses many aspects of the biosciences, from molecular biology through to whole organisms and 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\ \ Students will gain core technical skills and subject specific practical laboratory- / 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 final year project 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.

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.

Course highlights

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 optional work placements (16 week) provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical, transferable and professional 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 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 student experience and assists them in pursuing a career in academia or in research.

Further Study Opportunities

Master’s programmes offer the opportunity to train in specialist areas within the Biosciences (e.g. Parasitology, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Food Security) in order to enter professions in those fields or to further enhance academic and research skills before embarking on a PhD; see the University website for further study information. Those wishing to pursue a career in research will normally obtain a PhD, and both BSc and MSci Biological Sciences graduates are well-placed to compete for places on PhD programmes. Alternatively, the transferable skills gained during completion of a biosciences degree will place students 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.

“Studying Biological Sciences (with Professional Studies) at Queen’s allowed me to experience several different aspects of Biology and gave me the flexibility to decide which pathway interested me the most, as well as allowing me to gain many different skills in the process. My favourite part of the degree was the final year Honours project: being able to carry out my own unique research project was highly enjoyable, and well worth all the work involved! Studying Biological Sciences inspired me to pursue a career in research and gave me the confidence to begin a PhD project in QUB.”\ \ Fiona McKay, BSc Biological Sciences

"As I very much enjoyed biology at secondary school it was a logical transition to choose Biological Sciences at QUB. I find the course content most interesting as it is relevant to scenarios which occur in everyday life. Following completion of this degree I hope to enter the field of research, in which my knowledge of biological sciences will enable me to support the agricultural industry, an area close to my heart. If you work hard and remain focussed, the potential opportunities are endless!"\ \ Samuel Hawe, 3rd year Biological Sciences student

'What I enjoyed about the Biological Sciences pathway was the ability for me to choose my modules as the degree progressed, allowing me to decide on what I wanted to specialise in. There is a huge range of subjects covered and so I was guaranteed to find the pathway that I enjoyed the most. After third year, I am hoping to pursue a Masters course in parasitology- a subject introduced to me in my final year."\ \ Sorcha Donnelly, 3rd year Biological Sciences student.

“Studying Biological Sciences (with Professional Studies) at Queen’s allowed me to experience several different aspects of Biology and gave me the flexibility to decide which pathway interested me the most, as well as allowing me to gain many different skills in the process. My favourite part of the degree was the final year Honours project: being able to carry out my own unique research project was highly enjoyable, and well worth all the work involved! Studying Biological Sciences inspired me to pursue a career in research and gave me the confidence to begin a PhD project in QUB.”\ \ Fiona McKay, BSc Biological Sciences

"As I very much enjoyed biology at secondary school it was a logical transition to choose Biological Sciences at QUB. I find the course content most interesting as it is relevant to scenarios which occur in everyday life. Following completion of this degree I hope to enter the field of research, in which my knowledge of biological sciences will enable me to support the agricultural industry, an area close to my heart. If you work hard and remain focussed, the potential opportunities are endless!"\ \ Samuel Hawe, 3rd year Biological Sciences student

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