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. 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

Optional work placements (16 weeks) on these degree programmes provide 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.

Further Study Opportunities

Those wishing to pursue a career in academic research will normally obtain a PhD, and MSci Biological Sciences graduates are well-placed to compete for places on PhD programmes especially in the context of the experience gained during the final year-long Research Project. 

Taught Master’s (MSc) programmes offer the opportunity to train in specialist areas within the Biosciences (e.g. parasitology, animal behaviour and welfare, food security and more) 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 on specific courses.

Alternatively, the transferable skills gained during completion of the MSci Biological Sciences 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.

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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 can choose to complete an optional work placement to develop the core skills and employment related experience valued by employers.

Stage 1

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

Throughout stages 1 and 2 practical classes in Biological Sciences reinforce and complement theory in the biosciences, providing students with a solid foundation on which to build upon for stage 3.

Work Placement

•Biological Sciences students can complete a 16 week degree-related work placement during the summer period between stages 2 and 3.

Stage 3

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. There are no taught modules or examinations in this year, thereby allowing students to concentrate fully on their research activity.

• People Teaching You
  Dr Angela Mousley

  Programme Director

  School of Biological Sciences
  

• Contact Teaching Hours

  Personal Study

  28 (hours maximum)
  For private study and writing assignments each week

  Large Group Teaching

  15 (hours maximum)
  Typically around 9 hours teaching [3 hours for each module studied – see later information on course content] and 3 hours practical every two weeks for each module.

• Teaching Times
  Classes typically end at 1 on Wednesday
• Learning and Teaching

  During the MSci Biological Sciences, the school provides a range of learning experiences to enable students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip for life and work.

Students can make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.

  Learning and Teaching Introduction

  E-Learning technologies, lectures, personal tutor, practical classes, research projects, self-directed study, work placement, and Work-Related learning/Field Trips/Industrial Visits.

• Assessment

  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/).

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.

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level. Please note that a BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will not be accepted in lieu of A-level Biology or A-level Chemistry. A BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be considered on an individual basis in lieu of the second science subject.

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.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account when shortlisting for an offer. Applicants should include this information in their UCAS application.

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

If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 4 in Chemistry and Mathematics would be accepted.

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.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

• How we choose our students

  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. These decisions can only be made on the basis of the information given and applicants must show due care and diligence when completing their applications. In particular, full details must be included about qualifications completed or still to be completed.
  
  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.
  
  For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account. For last year’s entry applicants for this degree must have had, a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit, 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 Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.
  
  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 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

  Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

  Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region

  International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

  For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

  If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre 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.

  • Foundation
    The progression course suited to this programme is
    https://qubisc.com/en/courses/international-foundation-for-science-and-engineering.