Biological Sciences
This programme aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of scientific methods of enquiry and theoretical principles of biological sciences, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context.
| Award Name | Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 | Queens University Belfast |
Duration
2 years (Full Time)
Entry Requirements
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H3H4H4H4H4/H3H3H4H4 including grade H3 in Biology and H4 in Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.
If not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level Chemistry grade O4 would be considered.
Careers / Further progression
Career Prospects
Introduction
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.
Successful students will be eligible to apply for Year 2 (Stage 2) of the BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences provided they meet certain academic criteria. Students who have successfully completed the Foundation Degree may also have the opportunity to study different (full) degrees.
Further information
Start date: September 2024
Deadlines for on-time applications
2024 entry application deadlines
For courses starting in 2024 (and for deferred applications), your application should be with us at UCAS by one of these dates – depending on what courses you apply for. If your completed application – including all your personal details and your academic reference – is submitted by the deadline, it is guaranteed to be considered.
16 October 2023 for 2024 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry. You can add choices with a different deadline later, but don’t forget you can only have five choices in total.
31 January 2024 for 2024 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – for the majority of courses.
Some course providers require additional admissions tests to be taken alongside the UCAS application, and these may have a deadline. Find out more about these tests at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/admissions-tests
Check course information in the search tool to see which deadline applies to you at the application weblink below.
Apply as soon as possible: Student funding arrangements mean that as offers are made and places fill up, some courses may only have vacancies for students from certain locations. It’s therefore really important that you apply for your chosen courses by the appropriate deadlines mentioned above, as not all courses will have places for all students.
All applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing - find out more about Clearing at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day/what-clearing
This programme aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of scientific methods of enquiry and theoretical principles of biological sciences, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context.
Students studying the FdSci in Biological Sciences will develop understanding of:
1. the relevance of biological sciences in the current economic environment
2. the hierarchical nature of biological sciences ranging from molecular level to whole organism and species interactions
3. the need for competence and dexterity in contemporary biological practical techniques and cognate disciplines
4. a professional approach to work, study and lifelong learning
This course is taught at Belfast Metropolitan College, Belfast.
Professional Accreditations
Graduates of the FdSci are eligible for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status, conferred by the Science Council and with appropriate CPD would be eligible for Registered Scientist status (RSci). The Society of Biology also confers varying levels of membership depending on qualifications and experience.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Year 1
Core Modules
Biochemistry % Cell Biology (20 credits)
Introductory Mathematics and Study Skills (20 credits)
Work Based Learning 1 (20 credits)
General Chemistry (20 credits)
General Biology 1 (20 credits)
Fundamentals of Science (20 credits)
Year 2
Core Modules
Work Based Learning 2 (20 credits)
Genetics & Molecular Biology (20 credits)
Biological Diversity and Evolution (20 credits)
Microbiology (20 credits)
Ecology (20 credits)
Optional Modules
Environmental Science and Conservation (20 credits)
Chemistry of Organic Molecules (20 credits)
Admissions
Tel: 028 9097 3838
Fax: 028 9097 5151
Email address: admissions@qub.ac.uk