At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. On the BSc in Biological Sciences we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society. Students can make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are: * Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers). * Practical Classes: where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. All modules at Levels 1 and 2 have a practical element. Practical classes reinforce the teaching received in lectures and facilitate the acquisition of skills that are greatly valued by employers. * E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning tools are also embedded in the degree through, for example: online exercises and assessments, interactive web-based learning activities. * Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out. * Work placements: Students taking Biological Sciences may undertake an optional 16- week work-placement in the summer between Level 2 and Level 3. The work placement is assessed as a second year module and contributes towards your final degree mark. Students may transfer to Biological Sciences with Professional Studies if they wish to undertake a year-long (46 week) placement. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity. * Work-Related learning/Field Trips/Industrial Visits: As part of several modules, including Environmental Biology (EVB1004), Applied Ecology (BBC2025), Marine Ecology (BBC2026) and Marine Zoology (BBC3041), students are taken on field trips (up to one week in duration). During this time, students will be trained in subject-specific practical skills as well as the more generic ones associated with experimental design, statistical analysis, data interpretation and good laboratory/field practice. Students will be expected to undertake a number of group-based tasks and present their findings to classmates and a panel of lecturers. * Research (Honours) projects: In final year, you will undertake a laboratory- or field-based project under the supervision of an academic member of staff. The research that you undertake will be novel and will address an important biological question. Your supervisor will guide you in carrying out this research. Feedback will be provided on draft write-ups. This project will count for 20% of your final degree mark. * Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

Studying for a Biological Sciences at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including Biological Sciences. A degree in Biological Sciences opens the door to a wide range of careers. Completion of the final year research project inspires many of our graduates to continue into the higher degree programmes of Master of Science (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), with the goal of pursuing a career as a research scientist or academic. There are also numerous opportunities for graduates in both the commercial and public sector, with many securing jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, government departments, environmental agencies and charities. Many of our graduates enter postgraduate teacher training programmes (PGCE) for entry into the teaching profession. Alternatively, the transferable skills you will obtain during completion of a biosciences degree will place you in excellent standing for specific graduate programmes to enter professions such as accountancy, management or journalism. Indeed, although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in the life sciences, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors including agricultural and medical laboratory work, forensic science, nature conservation, journalism, commercial life, Civil Service and accountancy. The following is a list of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years: * Northern Ireland Civil Service * Agri-Food and Bioscciences Institute * Pharmaceutica (Almac; Randox Laboratories; Norbrook Laboratories; Warner Chilcott UK Ltd) * RSPB * Ulster Wildlife Trust * National Health Service * Queen’s University Belfast * Cancer Research UK * Major Supermarket Chains (Tesco; Sainsbury’s; Marks and Spencer) * Belfast City Council * National Trust