Queen's University Belfast

Source: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/biological-sciences-bsc-c104/ Parent: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/

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Undergraduate 2027

Undergraduate 2025

BSc | Undergraduate

Biological Sciences with Professional Studies

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Entry year : Academic Year 2027/28

Entry requirements : BBB/ABB

Attendance : 4 years (Full-time) \

UCAS Code : C104

Placement : Yes

Overview
Course content
Modules
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Careers
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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\ \ Programmes with Professional studies undertake a 40 week work placement between stage 2 and 3\ \ Students will gain core technical skills, subject specific practical laboratory- / field-based skills, and employer-directed 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

The 40 week placement develops employer-orientated skills, providing confidence in ability and aptitude, and raising ambition.

Course highlights

Professional Accreditations

Royal Society of Biology\ \ This course has been accredited bye 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

The embedded 40 work placement on this degree programme provides 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 students 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

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Biological Sciences

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