Foundation Degree Programme Specification
FD Biological Sciences
Academic Year 2024/25
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
| Programme Title | FD Biological Sciences | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Foundation Degree | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | BIO-FD-S | UCAS Code | 0353 | HECoS Code |
100346 - Biology - 100 |
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ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
-- |
Interview Required |
-- |
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| Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Foundation Degree | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 2 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 240 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | No | |||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Belfast Metropolitan College |
School/Department |
Biological Sciences |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 5 |
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Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Biosciences (2019) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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No accreditations (PSRB) found. | |
Regulation Information
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Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
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Programme Specific Regulations The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations |
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Students with protected characteristics The programme does not contain barriers to access or progression among protected groups. |
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Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
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.
On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
1.Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and the hierarchical nature of biological sciences ranging from molecular level through to whole organism, populations, ecosystems and species interactions.
2.Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of biological sciences in workplace setting and the current economic environment.
3.Demonstrate competence and dexterity in contemporary biological practical techniques and cognate disciplines.
4.Demonstrate competence in subject specific key skills, data analysis, problem solving, and the use of information technology.
5. Demonstrate an ability to communicate, work independently and as part of a team, and display a professional approach to work, study and lifelong learning.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in biosciences. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through term papers; laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback. |
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Demonstrate the ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through term paperd; laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Construct reasoned arguments to support their position on the ethical and social impact of advances in the biosciences. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment through term papers; laboratory reports; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Plan, execute and present investigations in which qualities such as time management, problem solving and independence are evident, as well as interpretation and critical awareness of the quality of the evidence. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment through term papers; laboratory reports; work-based learning report(s) supported by timely formative feedback |
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Apply numerical skills and techniques to interpret data. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate scientific literature. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through term papers; laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; supported by timely formative feedback. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate information technology skills, including word processing, spreadsheet use, database use, and internet use. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment through term papers; laboratory reports; presentations (oral/poster); supported by timely formative feedback |
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Evaluate qualitative and quantitative data including acquisition, interpretation and critical evaluation of data. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through term papers; laboratory reports; presentations (oral/poster); supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate interpersonal skills; the ability to communicate and interact professionally with peers, academic staff, non-scientists, and others in the workplace setting, including appropriate written and oral skills and using a range of media. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment through group presentations; participation in tutorials/seminars; work-based learning report(s); supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate time management and organization skills including the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through group presentations; participation in tutorials/seminars; work-based learning report(s); supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as a part of a team to generate, collect and analyse data, produce reports, and communicate science. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment through group presentations; participation in tutorials/seminars; work-based learning report(s); supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate skills required for the development of career action plans and in the management of the students own responsibilities |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and workplace learning, independent study Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment through group presentations; participation in tutorials/seminars; work-based learning report(s); supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate creative skills developed through projects, academic posters and work placement presentations. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures and workplace learning Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment through group presentations; participation in tutorials/seminars; work-based learning report(s); supported by timely formative feedback |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of diversity of organisms at a variety of levels (from molecular to ecological systems) and in the context of evolution and natural selection. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports and online MCQs; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the major theories and concepts in biological sciences and the way in which those principles have been developed. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through laboratory reports and online MCQs; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate successful application of theoretical and applied knowledge of biological sciences in the workplace setting. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through tutorial problem sets; work-based learning; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular aspects of biological sciences including biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and related experimental tools. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through tutorial problem sets; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; online MCQs; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Explain critically how the properties or a range of cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) suit them for their biological function, and how they could be investigated experimentally |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through tutorial problem sets; continuous assessment through laboratory reports ; online MCQs supported by timely formative feedback |
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Describe the structure, diversity and reproduction of organisms studied. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through tutorial problem sets; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; online MCQs supported by timely formative feedback |
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Describe and exemplify patterns of distribution of organisms in relation to biotic and abiotic factors |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through tutorial problem sets; continuous assessment through laboratory reports; supported by timely formative feedback |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate competence in a broad range of appropriate practical techniques and field based skills relevant to the Biosciences and a compliance with relevant health and safety regulations. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Observation of project and extended laboratory work; group and individual presentations; laboratory reports; online MCQs; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate the ability to place their practical and field work in context and to suggest lines of further investigation |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Observation of project and extended laboratory work; group and individual presentations; laboratory reports; online MCQs; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate well developed strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing their knowledge of the biosciences and comprehension of scientific literature. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through class tests, laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; online MCQs; supported by timely formative feedback |
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Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific ideas in a range of formats, including formal scientific reporting |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies is supported through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars and field visits, independent study Methods of Assessment Unseen written examination; continuous assessment through class tests, laboratory reports; tutorial problem sets; online MCQs; supported by timely formative feedback |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
| Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Fundamentals of Science | FDR1101 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 10% | 30% | 60% |
| General Biology | FDR1203 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 10% | 30% | 60% |
| General Chemistry | FDR1201 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 10% | 30% | 60% |
| Biochemistry & Cell Biology | FDR1202 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 30% | 10% | 60% |
| Introductory Mathematics and Study Skills | FDR1102 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 70% | 0% | 30% |
| Work Based Learning 1 | FDR1301 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Chemistry of Organic Molecules | FDR2204 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 0% | 40% | 60% |
| Environmental Science and Conservation | FDR2205 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | -- | YES | 30% | 10% | 60% |
| Ecology | FDR2201 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 10% | 30% | 60% |
| Work Based Learning 2 | FDR2014 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Microbiology | FDR2203 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 0% | 40% | 60% |
| Genetics & Molecular Biology | FDR2202 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 5% | 35% | 60% |
| Biological Diversity and Evolution | FDR2101 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 10% | 20% | 70% |
Notes
In addition to the higher education tuition fee, an additional fee of £50 is required to defray expenses associated with residential field trips.
Learners select either Chemistry of Organic Molecules OR Environmental Science & Conservation. Those intending to articulate to BSc (Hons) Biochemistry must select Chemistry of Organic Molecules (Pre-requisite General Chemistry)
In addition to the higher education tuition fee, an additional fee of £50 is required to defray expenses associated with residential field trips.