biological sciences bsc programme handbook€¦ · transfer of knowledge between fields. this...

Biological Sciences BSc programme handbook

Welcome and Overview

Welcome to theSchool of Biological& Chemical Sciences (SBCS), and specifically to one of our four BiologicalScienceBScdegreeprogrammes:Biology(C100),Zoology(C300),Genetics(C400)orMedicalGenetics(C431).HereinSBCSwehaveworld-class researchexpertise inawidevarietyof subjects, from largescale "wholeorganism"subjectslikeecologyandevolutionarybiology,throughgenomics,epigeneticsandphysiologydowntothescaleofthecellandevenfurthertothemolecularcomponentsoflife.OurfourBiologyBScprogrammesofferthehighest-quality training in theconceptsandtechniquesnecessary togaina fullunderstandingof thebiological sciences,goingallthewayfromthebasicstothecuttingedgeofmodernresearch,andwearedelightedthatyou'rejoiningusforthenextthreeyears.Whetheryourinterestsareinanimalbehaviourandecology,themedicalapplicationsofgenomesequencing,thestructureofchromosomesorthewaythatproteinsfoldwehavemodulesthatshouldexciteyou,andifyoudon'tyetknowwhatyouwouldliketospecialiseinthennoproblem:comeandfindout!

Key Names and Contacts

ROLE NAME EMAILADDRESS

Director of Teaching &Learning(DTL)[BiologicalSciences]

DrDaveHone [email protected]

ProgrammeTutors:

Allprogrammes

DrAngelikaStollewerk

&DrChrisFaulkes

[email protected]

[email protected]

StudentSupportOfficer MsShahedaBatha [email protected]

Director of TaughtProgrammes(DTP)

DrChrisBray [email protected]

Programmeoverviews

CloseencounterwithagiraffeonthethirdyearSavannahEcologyFieldcourse

TheBiologyBScprogramme(C100) isthemostflexibleonofferwithinSBCSandofferstheopportunitytostudybiology at all levels of organisation - ranging from the molecular to the cellular/organ levels, and from theorganismal to the environmental levels. The programmes include training in fundamental topics and conceptsapplicable to all biologists and zoologists, such as taxonomy, evolution, molecular genetics and the cell as abiologicalunit.Wehavesomesuggestedpathwaysthroughtheprogrammeforpeoplewithspecificinterestsbutyouarealsowelcome tobuild yourownbespoke setofmodules togive you trainingandunderstanding in theconceptsthataremostimportanttoyou.

The Genetics BSc programme (C400) provides an in-depth understanding of how measurable attributes(phenotypes) arise from inherited DNA sequences. You'll study the three major types of genetics (inheritancepatterns, population genetics, and molecular genetics) and provides a detailed analysis of how each of theseimpactonourunderstandingofevolutioninawidevarietyoforganismswithanintroductiontokeyprinciplesofproteinstructureandfunction,thechemicalsciences,cellbiology,geneticsandmicrobiology.Emphasisisgiventomolecularconceptsofcomplexbiologicalsystems.SBCSisparticularlystronginresearchintothenewscienceofgenomics,andthis isreflected inthemodulesofferedwhichwillgiveagenuinelycutting-edgeunderstandingofthesubject.

TherationalefortheMedicalGeneticsBScprogramme(C431)istoprovidetrainingforstudentswithaninterestinmedicallyorientatedgenetics.Geneticsisattheheartofresearchintohumandiseases,becauseofitsdirectroleindisease and because of the instruments used to study disease. Understanding in this area unifies areas acrossbiology from genetics, molecular biology, physiology, statistics, biochemistry and population genetics, enablingtransfer of knowledge between fields. This programmehas been designed to enable you to find the value andimportanceoffundamental,yettargetedresearchinmedicine.

TheZoologyBScprogramme(C300)isspecificallytailoredforstudentswithaninterestinthebiologyoftheanimalkingdom.Wehavemodules giving an in-depth look at thebiologyof a numberof important groupsof animalsincluding both invertebrates and vertebrates, and there are opportunities to learn about animal behaviour,ecology,comparativephysiologyandpalaeontology.

Eachofthefourbiologicalscienceprogrammesprepareyouforfurtherstudyatthepostgraduatelevel(MScandPhD)andcareersthatrequireknowledgeofbiology,zoology,geneticsormedicalgenetics,asappropriate.

Due to thecommoncontentof the firstyearmodules,upuntil theendofYear1,youcan requestaChangeofProgramme(CoP)betweenBiology,GeneticsandZoology(seeSection14).(ShouldyouwishtorequestachangefromanyoftheseprogrammesontoMedicalGenetics,yourrequestwouldhavetobereceivedby01December2018sincestudentsenrolledontheMedicalGeneticsBScstudydifferentmodulesinSemesterB).Becauseoftheoptiontoswitchbetweenbiologicalsciencesforyoursecondandthirdyearsofstudy,thishandbookdetailseachofthebiologicalsciencedegreeprogrammes.

Inclosing,canwereiterateourwelcometoQMUL,toSBCS,andspecificallytooneofthefourbiologicalsciencedegreeprogrammes.Wehopethatyoufindthisprogrammehandbookusefulandthat,overthenext3years,youfindyourundergraduatedegreetobeasenjoyableasitiseducational.WehopethatyouwillmakethemostoftheopportunitiesforpersonalandprofessionaldevelopmentofferedbythewiderangeofcompulsoryandelectivemodulesthateachbuildonthebreadthofexpertiseofferedbyacademiccolleaguesintheDepartmentofBiology,aswellasbycolleaguesfromBart’s&theLondonSchoolofMedicine&Dentistry.Allofthestaffinvolvedinyourdegreewishyougoodluckwithyourstudiesandlookforwardtosupportingyourpersonalandcareeraspirationsoverthecourseofyourdegreeand,beyondthat,whenyougraduateandbecomeanalumnusofQMUL.

DrDaveHone:SeniorLecturerinZoology,DirectorofTeachingandLearning[BiologicalSciences]

ProfessorStephenRossiter:HeadoftheBiologyDepartment,SBCS.

Programme aims and structure Becauseofthecommonmodulesandtheoptiontotransferbetweenbiologicalprogrammes,theprogrammeaimsfor all four biological science degrees are broadly similar with relatively subtle differences. In addition to thespecificprogrammeaimspresentedbydegreeprogramme,allfourprogrammesaimto:

* Provide a rational, flexibly structured and coherent programme of study which is relevant to the needs ofemployers,facilitatesyourprofessionaldevelopmentandlaysthefoundationsforasuccessfulcareerwhichistothebenefitoftheeconomyandsociety;

* Provide a sound knowledge base in the fields studied and develop key transferable skills in the areas ofcommunication, numeracy, information technology, working with others, problem solving, time and taskmanagement;

*Fosterthedevelopmentofanenquiring,open-mindedandcreativeattitude,temperedwithscientificdisciplineandsocialawareness,whichencourageslifelonglearning.

Allofourprogrammesshareacommonfirstyearstructurewhichisdesignedtomakesurethateveryoneentersthesecondyearwithareallystrongunderstandingofalloftheideas,factsandconceptswhichwillbeneededforsuccessfuladvancedstudyinbiology.Themoduleswhichyoutakeinfirstyearare,therefore,designedtogiveyouabroadandfundamentalunderstandingofalloftheaspectsofthebiologicalscienceswhicheveryonestudyinginthese fields needs. The only exception is C431Medical genetics which has onemodule (Tissue biology) whichreplaces the Ecology module which students taking other programmes take. Years two and three have moreflexibility, and students taking all of our programmeswill have amix of compulsory and electivemodules. Thecompulsorymodules teach topics which everyonewith a degree in that particular subject should have a goodunderstandingof,whereastheelectivemodulesallowspecialisationanddeeperlearninginthesubjectsthatreallyinterestyou.

In theprogrammeoutlinesprovidedon the followingpages,compulsorymodules aredenoted in standard textwhereaselectivemodules are denoted in italicised text. In each academic year, anymodules indicated by thepostscript“F”(i.e.thecompulsoryYear1moduleBIO123andtheelectiveYear2and3modulesBIO291,BIO293,BIO391andBIO395)entailresidentialfieldcoursesofbetween4consecutivenightsand2weeksinduration.

Thecreditvalueofeachmodule isdenoted inparentheses. Ineachacademicyear,youmuststudy120credits(such that you study a total of 360 credits over the course of your 3 year BSc).We recommended thatwhereelectivemodules are available, you should select a total of 60 credits to study in SemesterA and a total of 60creditsinSemesterB.IfyouwishtostudymorecreditsinoneorotherSemester,youshoulddiscussthiswithyourAcademicAdvisor and thenwith theDirectorof Teaching and Learning forBiological Sciences,DrHone, beforemakingyourpre-selection.Youmaynotenrolformorethan75creditsinanygivensemester.

Toassistyourchoiceofelectivesmostappropriatetoyourinterestsandcareeraspirations,wewantyoutohaveeveryopportunitytoresearchtheelectivemodulesavailabletoyoupriortomodulepre-selection(whichhappensin themonthofMay). Wewillprovideyouwithpublished information thatoutline themodulecontentand inSemesterB,wealsoorganisea“ModuleFair”atwhichyoucanmeetwithModuleOrganisersandseniorstudentswhohavestudiedeachmodule toaskanyquestionsaboutelectivemodules thatyoumightwish to take in thenextacademicyear.

Please note that some elective modules have to operate caps on the maximum number of students that themodulecanaccommodate,e.g.field-basedmoduleswhereafinitenumberofstudentscanbeaccommodatedinthe field station. In this case, acceptance on to a module with capped numbers may be contingent on youracademicperformancepriortothepointofmoduleselection(typicallyyourYear1academicperformance).

Themoduleslistedintheprogrammeoutlineswhichfollowareindicativeonly.Everyeffortwillbemadetorunallof the modules advertised in these degree programme outlines. However, to offer you the best educationalexperiencewhileatQMUL,inanyoneyear,amoduleadvertisedonthefollowingpagesmaynotbeofferedif:

(a) thenumbersofstudentseligibletoselectaparticularmodule(eithertoomanyortoofew)wouldprovideyouwithacompromisedstudentexperience;

(b) academic staffwith the requisiteexperienceareunavailable to teachamodule (e.g. through ill health,injuryorretirement)

Likewise,dependentonstaffavailabilityandappropriatequalityassurance,wemaybeabletoaddnewmodulestosubsequentyearsofyourdegreeprogrammeandimproveevenfurtheryourchoiceofelectivemodules.

C100 Biology Aims and Structure

The Biology BSc programme aims to provide studentswith an understanding of the livingworld across awiderangeoflevelsofbiologicalorganisation,frommoleculestoecosystems.Inlateryears,youwillbeabletochoosetospecialiseinparticularfieldswithinbiologyortotakeamoreintegratedapproachtoyourdegreebycoveringabroadrangeofmodules(subjecttotimetablingconstraints).Youwillreceiveinstructioninkeybiologicalconcepts,the theories that underpin these concepts and the applications of biological knowledge to important problemsfacing the world today (e.g., emerging human diseases and climate change). In addition to developing keybiological skills, youwill alsodevelopessential transferable skills thatwill further strengthenyour future careerprospects.

C100Biologylearningoutcomes

This table summariseswhatwe call the learningoutcomes fromyourdegree:whatwe think someonewhohasgraduatedfromthisprogrammeshouldhavelearnt.

AcademicContent

OnsuccessfulcompletionofyourBScprogramme,youwillhavestudied:

1. Biology as a whole, with the possibility to specialise on particular areas (e.g.wholeorganismbiologyasopposedtomorebiochemical,molecularormicrobialaspects)ortotakeamoreholisticoverviewofthedisciplinebyintegratingacrossawiderangeoffields.

2. How biological systems operate over a range of levels of organisation, frommoleculestoecosystems.

3. The importance of variation in biology (e.g. genetic diversity within humans;biodiversity and species richness in ecosystems) and how to dealwith it (e.g. via datahandlinganduseofstatisticaltechniques).

4. Thedynamicsandstructureofbiologicalsystems(e.g.proteinstructure;enzymekinetics;populationdynamics).

5. Cause-and-effect relationships and the role of experiments in testing (anddeveloping) biological theories. Students should develop knowledge of the generalscientificprocess,andhowitisappliedtobiologicalsystemsinparticular.

6. Howbiological systems respond toperturbations (e.g. infectionsofpathogens;climatechange inecosystems)and to recognise thesymptomsof those responses (e.g.diseaseinhumans;globalspeciesloss).

DisciplinarySkills OnsuccessfulcompletionofyourBScprogramme,youwillbeableto:

1. Reasoncritically.

2. Identifyandformulateproblems.

3. Applybiologicalknowledgeandprinciples,incombinationwithproblem-solvingskills,inawiderangeoftheoreticalandpracticalsituations.

4. Use advanced theories and concepts to explain/rationalize biologicalphenomena,andtoinvestigateunfamiliarproblems.

5. Conductpracticalworkefficientlyandwithdueregardforsafety.

6. Use a wide range of laboratory and analytical equipment, as well ascomputationaltoolsandpackages.

7. Analyseandevaluate/interprettheresultsofcontrolledexperiments.

8. Retrieve,filterandcollatebiologicaldatafromavarietyofinformationsources.

9. Preparescientific/technicalreports.

10.Plan,undertakeandreportabibliographically-basedpieceofresearch.

Attributes OnsuccessfulcompletionofyourBScprogramme,youwillbeableto:

1. Communicateeffectivelybywrittenand/orverbalmeans.

2. Capacityforindependentlearning,andtoworkindependently.

3. Able to participate constructively as amember of a group/team,with skills toinfluence,negotiateandlead.

4. Assess the relevance, importance and reliability of the ideas of others anddifferentsourcesofinformation.

5. Competentintheuseofcomputer-basedtechnology,includingthemanipulationandanalysisofquantitativedata.

6. Awareness of the role and impact of science in society, including the globalperspective.

7. Useinformationforevidence-baseddecision-makingandcreativethinking.

StructureoftheBiologyProgramme

Boldtextindicatesacompulsorymodule:allothersareelective.

SEMESTERA SEMESTERB

Year1 BIO100EssentialSkillsforBiologists(10)

BIO111CellBiology(15)

BIO113Evolution(15)

BIO163MolecularGenetics(15)

BIO190PracticalMolecular&CellularBiology(10)

BIO100EssentialSkillsforBiologists(10)

BIO123Ecology(15)F

BIO125Physiology(15)

BIO161BasicBiochemistry(15)

BIO192PracticalBiology(10)

Year2 BIO211Animal&PlantDiversity(15)

BIO213CellBiology&DevelopmentalGenetics(15)

BIO215Comparative&IntegrativePhysiology(15)

BIO221EvolutionaryGenetics(15)

BIO223Genes&Bioinformatics(15)

BIO269TechniquesforBiological&ChemicalSciences(15)

BIO291Marine&AnimalDiversity(15)F*

BIO209ResearchMethods&CommunicationI(15)

BIO231MicrobialPhysiology&Growth(15)

BIO241TransmissionGenetics(15)

BIO263Membrane&CellularBiochemistry(15)

BIO265MetabolicPathways(15)

BIO293EcologicalInteractions(15)F

Year3 BIO309ResearchMethods&CommunicationII(15)

BIO311BehaviouralEcology(15)

BIO323HumanGenetics&Genomics(15)

BIO325Population&ChromosomeGenetics(15)

BIO391SavannahEcology&Conservation(15)F*

BIO395Species:DinosaurstoDNA(15)F*

BIO327FunctionalGenomics&Epigenetics(15)

BIO331Mammals&Evolution(15)

BIO333Neuroscience:FromMoleculestoBehaviour(15)

BIO335Parasites&InfectiousDiseases(15)

BIO337Reproductive&DevelopmentalBiology(15)

BIO343ClimateChange&ConservationChallenges(15)

BIO600BiologicalSciencesResearchProject(30)ORBIO603ProjectSkillsintheLifeSciences(30)

FDenotesamodulewithafieldcourse,F*Denotesafield-basedmodulewhichrunsinAugust/SeptemberbeforethestartofsemesterA.

Year1:AllYear1modulesarecompulsorytoensurethatallstudentsonthedegreeprogrammehavetherequisiteunderstandingtopreparethemforYears2and3ofthedegreeprogramme.NotethatBIO100runsoverSemesterAandBandisworth10creditsintotal,not10ineachsemester.

Year2:There isonly1compulsory,15creditYear2module:BIO209(ResearchMethodsandCommunication I),leavingyouwithachoiceof7electivemodulesfromachoiceof12.

Year3:Thereisonly1compulsory,15creditYear3module:BIO309(ResearchMethodsandCommunicationII).Inaddition,youmustselectoneofthetwo30creditmodules:eitherBIO600(BiologicalSciencesResearchProject)orBIO603(ProjectSkillsintheLifeSciences).Inordertohaveafreechoicebetweenthesetwo30creditoptions,youwillneedtoperformwellinYear1ofyourdegree,typicallyscoringinexcessof65%(ifnot70%)ineachofyourYear1modules.Ifyouarenotabovethe70thpercentileforYear1averagemarks,youwillhavetostudyBIO603inYear3.Thisleavesyouwithachoiceof5electivemodules(75credits)from13potentialelectives.

WhatmodulesshouldItakeinthesecondandthirdyearsofmybiologydegree?

Oneofthegreatstrengthsofourbiologydegreeisthevarietyofmodulesavailable,butthisisalsosomethingthatcancauseadegreeofchoiceoverload.Tohelpyouplanyourpathwehaveproducedfoursuggestionsfordifferentroutesthatyoucouldtake,dependingonyourpersonalinterests.Theseareentirelyoptionalandthereisnothingwrongwithmixingandmatchingabit,or ifyouwishfollowingyourownpathcompletely:thesearesuggestionsthataretheretohelpandthat’sall.

Cell biology and physiology

This gives you training inwhat youmight think of as “traditional” biology, with an emphasis on the processesoccurringwithin the organism. In year 2 you’ll learn about cell biology from the scale of the individual proteinupwards,plusphysiologyanddevelopmentalprocessesandmetabolism.Inthirdyearyoucanchoosetospecialisemore inmolecular biology or you can focusmore on physiology and you can also choose to take an in-depthmoduleonthenewscienceofgenomics.Thisprovidesgoodtrainingforbiologistswhoare interested inbiologyfromamedicalorveterinaryviewpoint,or inbiotechnology,orwhojustwanttoknowwhatmakesanimalsandpeopleworkthewaytheydo.

Year2 Year3

SemesterA SemesterBBothsemesters:Researchprojectorprojectskillsinthelifesciences

BIO213Cellbiologyanddevelopmentalgenetics

BIO209Researchmethodsandcommunication SemesterA SemesterB

BIO223Genesandbioinformatics

BIO265Metabolicpathways

BIO309ResearchmethodsandcommunicationII

BIO269Techniquesforbiologicalandchemicalsciences

BIO231Microbialphysiologyandgrowth 5fromthefollowing7:

BIO215Comparativeandintegrativephysiology

BIO263Membraneandcellularbiochemistry

BMD311Endocrinephysiologyandbiochemistry

BIO335Parasitesandinfectiousdisease

BIO361Membraneproteins

BIO333Neuroscience:frommoleculestobehaviour

BIO363Molecularbasisofdisease

BIO337Reproductiveanddevelopmentalbiology

Molecular genetics and genomics

Ifyoufollowthispathyouwilllearnalotofmolecularandcellbiologyandphysiology,butyou’llalsogainastrongfocus on the science of heredity: genetics from the molecular to the population level, and genomics andepigenetics.You’llhavetheoptioninthirdyeartolearnmoreaboutneuroscience,ortoincreaseyourknowledgeofphysiologyanddevelopmentorofthemolecularprocessesthatunderliealloflife.Thisprogrammeissuitableforthosewithaninterestinbiomedicalorveterinarygeneticsandforthosewhoareinterestedinapplyinggeneticandgenomicsciencetocellularandphysiologicalprocessesinotherareas.

Year2 Year3





BIO241Transmissiongenetics


BIO221Evolutionarygenetics

BIO265Metabolicpathways

BIO325Populationandchromosomegenetics

BIO327Functionalgenomicsandepigenetics


BIO263Membraneandcellularbiochemistry 3fromthefollowing5:

BMD311Endocrinephysiologyandbiochemistry

BIO333Neuroscience:frommoleculestobehaviour

BIO361Membraneproteins


BIO363Molecularbasisofdisease

Evolutionary and ecological genetics and genomics

ThebiologydepartmentatQMULhasparticularlystrongexpertiseinevolutionaryandecologicalgenetics,andwehave a considerable amount of world-leading research in the application of genomics to evolutionary andecological questions. This leads us to this unusual but potentially very rewarding path which blends whole-organismandpopulationscaleprocesseswithgeneticsandgenomics.Ifyou’reinterestedinthegeneticsofwholepopulations,oryou’reinterestedinevolutionarybiologyorecologyandyouwanttoknowhowthesesciencesarebeingtransformedbygenomicsthenyoushouldconsidertheseoptions.

Year2 Year3





BIO241Transmissiongenetics



BIO234EcologicalinteractionsI


BIO327Functionalgenomicsandepigenetics

BIO211Animalandplantdiversity

BIO294EcologicalinteractionsII 3fromthefollowing7:

BIO311Behaviouralecology


BIO397Species:dinosaurstoDNA

BIO331Mammalsandevolution

BIO392Savannahecologyandconservation


BIO343Climatechangeandconservationchallenges

Ecology and Conservation

This path is designed for those who are interested in biology at the scale of the organism, population orcommunity. Ifyou’re interested inhowecosystemsfit together,howevolutionshapesanimalbehaviourorhowwecanunderstandandplan for the impactsofhabitat lossandclimatechange thenyoushouldconsider theseoptions.

Year2 Year3





BIO234EcologicalinteractionsI


BIO211Animalandplantdiversity

BIO294EcologicalinteractionsII

BIO311Behaviouralecology

BIO331Mammalsandevolution


BIO392Savannahecologyandconservation

BIO343Climatechangeandconservationchallenges

BIO291Marineandanimaldiversity 1fromthefollowing5:



BIO397Species:dinosaurstoDNA


BIO333:Neuroscience:frommoleculestobehaviour

C400 Genetics Aims and Structure

TheGenetics BSc programme aims to provide a general foundation in biological scienceswith a significant andbalancedinputofgeneticstraining.Compulsorymoduleswilldirectyoutowardsunderstandingofgeneticsincellbiologyanddevelopment,evolutionaryprocesses,speciationandgenomics.Itwillalsoprovideanenvironmenttodeveloptransferableskills inpublicspeaking,verbalreasoning,reportwritinganddatabasemining.Thegeneticsprogramme has considerable flexibility, although not as much as the biology programme, in order to allowspecialisation in ecological or evolutionary genetics aswell as “classical” genetics or genomics.Whilewe don’tthinkweneedtogiveentiresuggestedstreamsaswedoforthebiologyprogrammewedogivesomesuggestionsbelowformodulesthatmightfitwithparticularinterests.

C400Geneticslearningoutcomes

This table summariseswhatwecall the learningoutcomes fromyourdegree:whatwe think someonewhohasgraduatedfromthisprogrammeshouldhavelearnt.

AcademicContent


1. Keyconceptsingenetics,developmentandevolution.

2. Evolutionarytheoryandhowthisisappliedtothespeciation,biosystematicsanddevelopment.

3. Howanunderstandingof evolution canbederived fromstudiesof interactionbetweenpopulations,speciesandcommunities.

4. Understandingofevolutionarygeneticsfromthemolecularperspective,derivedfromthedisciplinesofclassical,chromosomal,populationandmoleculargenetics.




3. Apply biological and genetics knowledge and principles, in combination withproblem-solvingskills,inawiderangeoftheoreticalandpracticalsituations.

4. Use advanced theories and concepts to explain/rationalize phenomena ingenetics,andtoinvestigateunfamiliarproblems.




StructureoftheGeneticsprogramme


SEMESTERA SEMESTERB



BIO113Evolution(15)


BIO190PracticalMolecular&

CellularBiology(15)


BIO123Ecology(15)F




Year2 BIO221EvolutionaryGenetics(15)


BIO211Animal&PlantDiversity(15)

BIO213 Cell Biology& Developmental Genetics(15)

BIO215 Comparative & Integrative Physiology(15)

BIO227HumanGeneticDisorders(15)


BIO209ResearchMethods&

CommunicationI(15)


BIO231 Microbial Physiology & Growth(15)

BIO263 Membrane & CellularBiochemistry(15)




BIO325 Population & Chromosome Genetics(15)



BIO361MembraneProteins(15)

BIO391 Savannah Ecology & Conservation (15)F*

BIO395Species&TheirRelationships:DinosaurstoDNA(15)F*

BIO327 Functional Genomics &Epigenetics(15)


BIO333Neuroscience: FromMolecules toBehaviour(15)

BIO335 Parasites & Infectious Diseases(15)

BIO337 Reproductive & DevelopmentalBiology(15)

BIO341EnvironmentalMicrobiology(15)

BIO365EnzymeCatalysis(15)

BIO600BiologicalSciencesResearchProject(30)ORBIO603ProjectSkillsintheLifeSciences(30)


Year 1: All Year 1 modules are compulsory to ensure that all students on the degree programme have therequisiteunderstandingtopreparethemforYears2and3ofthedegreeprogramme.NotethatBIO100runsoverSemesterAandBandisworth10creditsintotal,not10ineachsemester.

Year 2: There are4 compulsory, 15 credit Year 2modules:BIO209 (ResearchMethods and Communication I),BIO221 (EvolutionaryGenetics),BIO223 (Genes&Bioinformatics)andBIO241 (TransmissionGenetics). Thiswillleaveyouwithachoiceof4electivemodules(60credits)from9potentialelectives.Whileyoucanselectvariouscombinationsfromthemoduleslistedabove,thefollowingcombinationsofYear2modulesaresuggestedifyouhaveaninterestinaspecificaspectofgenetics:

AspectofGenetics SemesterA SemesterB

Cellular&moleculargenetics BIO213,BIO269 BIO209,BIO231,BIO263,BIO265

Wholeorganismgenetics BIO211,BIO215 BIO209,BIO231

Ecologicalgenetics BIO211,BIO291 BIO209,BIO293

Evolutionarygenetics BIO213,BIO221,BIO223 BIO209,BIO241

Year 3:There are3 compulsory, 15 credit Year 3modules:BIO309 (ResearchMethods and Communication II),BIO325(Population&ChromosomeGenetics)andBIO327(FunctionalGenomics&Epigenetics). Inaddition,youmust select one of the two 30 creditmodules:either BIO600 (Biological Sciences Research Project)or BIO603(ProjectSkills intheLifeSciences). Inordertohaveafreechoicebetweenthesetwo30creditoptions,youwillneedtoperformwellinYear1ofyourdegree,typicallyscoringinexcessof65%(ifnot70%)ineachofyourYear1modules.Ifyouarenotabovethe70thcentileforYear1averagemarks,youwillhavetostudyBIO603inYear3.Thisleavesyouwithachoiceof3electivemodules(45credits)from12potentialelectives.Whileyoucanselectvariouscombinationsfromthemoduleslistedabove,thefollowingmodulecombinationsaresuggestedifyouhaveaninterestinaspecificaspectofgenetics:

AspectofGenetics SemesterA SemesterB

Cellular&moleculargenetics BIO309,BIO361,

BIO600orBIO603

BIO327,BIO333,BIO335,BIO341,BIO365

Wholeorganismgenetics BIO309,BIO311,BIO391,

BIO600orBIO603

BIO331,BIO333,BIO335,BIO337,BIO341

Ecologicalgenetics BIO309,BIO311,BIO391,

BIO600orBIO603

BIO327,BIO331,BIO341

Evolutionarygenetics BIO309,BIO321,BIO323, BIO325,BIO395,

BIO600orBIO603

BIO327,BIO331

C431 Medical Genetics Aims and Structure

TheMedicalGeneticsBScprogrammeaimstoprovideageneralfoundationinbiologicalscienceswithasignificantand balanced input ofmedical genetics training. Compulsorymoduleswill direct you towards the genetics andecology of humandisease. This programmewill provide an environment to develop transferable skills in publicspeaking,verbalreasoning,reportwritinganddatabasemining.

C431MedicalGeneticslearningoutcomes

This table summariseswhatwe call the learningoutcomes fromyourdegree:whatwe think someonewhohasgraduatedfromthisprogrammeshouldhavelearnt.

AcademicContent


1. Keyconceptsingeneticsandgeneticdiseases.

2. Evolutionary theory and how this is applied to the study andmanagement ofdisease.

3. How the molecular perspective understanding in medical genetics is derivedfromthedisciplinesofclassical,chromosomal,populationandmoleculargenetics.

4. How evolutionary understanding is derived from studies from interactionbetweenhumanpopulations,virusesandsexuallytransmitteddiseases.

DisciplinarySkills

OnsuccessfulcompletionofyourBScprogramme,youwillbeableto:



3. Apply biological and genetics knowledge and principles, in combination withproblem-solvingskills,inawiderangeoftheoreticalandpracticalsituations.

4. Use advanced theories and concepts to explain/rationalize phenomena inmedicalgenetics,andtoinvestigateunfamiliarproblems.





StructureoftheMedicalGeneticsprogramme


SEMESTERB SEMESTERB



BIO113Evolution(15)


BIO191 Practical Molecular & CellularBiology(15)


BMD181TissueBiology(15)




Year2 BIO221EvolutionaryGenetics(15)

BIO227HumanGeneticDisorders(15)

BIO213 Cell Biology & DevelopmentalGenetics(15)


BMD211HumanMolecularBiology(15)

BIO209 Research Methods &CommunicationI(15)




BMD251BasicImmunology(15)




BIO361MembraneProteins(15)

BIO363MolecularBasisofDisease(15)

BMD311 Endocrine Physiology &Biochemistry(15)


BIO333 Neuroscience: From Molecules toBehaviour(15)


BIO337Reproductive&

DevelopmentalBiology(15)

BMD351AdvancedImmunology(15)

BMD381CancerBiology(15)

BMD383 Molecular Basis of PersonalisedMedicine(15)

BIO600BiologicalSciencesResearchProject(30)OR

BIO603ProjectSkillsintheLifeSciences(30)


Year 2: There are4 compulsory, 15 credit Year 2modules:BIO209 (ResearchMethods and Communication I),BIO221(EvolutionaryGenetics),BIO227(HumanGeneticsDisorders)andBIO241(TransmissionGenetics).Thiswillleave you with a choice of 4 elective modules (60 credits) from 6 potential electives. (There are no specific,recommendedmodulesforYear2ontheMedicalGeneticsdegree;all6potentialelectivesareequallyrelevant.)

Year 3: There are4 compulsory, 15 credit Year 3modules:BIO309 (ResearchMethods and Communication II),BIO323 (Human Genetics & Genomics), BIO325 (Population & Chromosome Genetics) and BIO327 (FunctionalGenomics&Epigenetics).Inaddition,youmustselectoneofthetwo30creditmodules:eitherBIO600(BiologicalSciencesResearchProject)orBIO603(ProjectSkillsintheLifeSciences). Inordertohaveafreechoicebetweenthesetwo30creditoptions,youwillneedtoperformwellinYear1ofyourdegree,typicallyscoringinexcessof65%(ifnot70%)ineachofyourYear1modules.Ifyouarenotabovethe70thcentileforYear1averagemarks,youwillhavetostudyBIO603inYear3. This leavesyouwithachoiceof2electivemodules(30credits)from9potentialelectives.Oftheelectivemoduleslistedonthepreviouspage,thetwowiththemostdirectrelevancetomedical(human)geneticsareBIO363andBMD383.

C300 Zoology Aims and Structure The Zoology BSc programme aims to provide students with an understanding of the phylogeny, morphology,physiology,behaviourandecologyofanimals,exploitingthespecialistexpertiseofSBCSstaffwhostudymammals,birds,fishandavarietyofinvertebrates.

C300Zoologylearningoutcomes

This table summariseswhatwecall the learningoutcomes fromyourdegree:whatwe think someonewhohasgraduatedfromthisprogrammeshouldhavelearnt.

AcademicContent


1. Animaldevelopment,morphologyandphysiology.

2. How evolutionary theory and comparative genomics provide frameworks forunderstandinganimaldiversity,behaviourandecology.

3. Theneuralmechanismsthatunderliesensationandbehaviourinanimalsandanunderstandingoftheadaptivesignificanceofanimalbehaviour.

4. Current thinking and controversies on animal phylogenetic relationships andunderstandingofhowbiologicaldataisusedtoinvestigateanimalphylogeny.




3. Applyzoologicalknowledgeandprinciples,incombinationwithproblem-solvingskills,inawiderangeoftheoreticalandpracticalsituations.

4. Use advanced theories and concepts to explain/rationalize zoologicalphenomena,andtoinvestigateunfamiliarproblems.

5. Propose plausible schemes for zoological synthesis (subject to areas ofspecialisation)





10.Preparescientific/technicalreports.


Structure of the Zoology programme


SEMESTERA SEMESTERB



BIO113Evolution(15)


BIO191PracticalMolecular&CellularBiology(15)


BIO123Ecology(15)F




Year2 BIO211Animal&PlantDiversity(15)


BIO213CellBiology&DevelopmentalGenetics(15)

BIO221EvolutionaryGenetics(15)



BIO209ResearchMethods&CommunicationI(15)








BIO391SavannahEcology&Conservation(15)F*

BIO395Species:DinosaurstoDNA(15)F*

PSY315AnimalBehaviour&Cognition(15)



BIO333Neuroscience:FromMoleculestoBehaviour(15)


BIO337Reproductive&DevelopmentalBiology(15)

BIO343ClimateChange&ConservationChallenges(15)

BIO600BiologicalSciencesResearchProject(30)OR

BIO603ProjectSkillsintheLifeSciences(30)



Year 2: There are3 compulsory, 15 credit Year 2modules:BIO209 (ResearchMethods and Communication I),BIO211 (Animal&PlantDiversity)andBIO215 (Comparative&IntegrativePhysiology).Thiswill leaveyouwithachoiceof5electivemodules (75credits) from7potentialelectives. Whileyoucanselectvariouscombinationsfromthemoduleslistedabove,thefollowingcombinationsofYear2modulesaresuggestedifyouhaveaninterestinaspecificaspectofzoology:

AspectofZoology SemesterA SemesterB

Cellular&molecularbiology BIO213 BIO209,BIO231

Wholeorganismbiology BIO211,BIO215 BIO209,BIO231

Ecology/ecosystems BIO211,BIO291 BIO209,BIO293

Genes/evolution BIO213,BIO221,BIO223 BIO209,BIO241

Year3:Thereisonly1compulsory,15creditYear3module:BIO309(ResearchMethodsandCommunicationII).Inaddition,youmustselectoneofthetwo30creditmodules:eitherBIO600(BiologicalSciencesResearchProject)orBIO603(ProjectSkillsintheLifeSciences).Inordertohaveafreechoicebetweenthesetwo30creditoptions,youwillneedtoperformwell inYear1ofyourdegree,typicallyscoring inexcessof65%(ifnot70%) ineachofyourYear1modules.Ifyouarenotabovethe70thcentileforYear1averagemarks,youwillhavetostudyBIO603inYear3.Thisleavesyouwithachoiceof5electivemodules(75credits)from14potentialelectives.Whileyoucanselectvariouscombinationsfromthemoduleslistedonthepreviouspage,thefollowingcombinationsofYear3modulesarerecommendedifyouhaveaninterestinaspecificaspectofzoology:

AspectofZoology SemesterA SemesterB

Cellular&molecularbiology

BIO309,

BIO600orBIO603

BIO327,BIO333,BIO335, BIO341

Wholeorganismbiology BIO309,BIO311,BIO391,PSY315,

BIO600orBIO603

BIO331,BIO333,BIO335, BIO337,BIO341

Ecology/ecosystems BIO309,BIO311,BIO391,

BIO600orBIO603

BIO327,BIO331,BIO341, BIO343

Genes/evolution BIO309,BIO321,BIO323, BIO325,BIO395,

BIO600orBIO603

BIO327,BIO331,BIO343

Learning and assessment

HowWillYouLearn?

Youwill acquire knowledge anddevelop yourunderstandingmainly through lectures anddirected independentstudy. Yourunderstandingwillbereinforcedthroughacombinationoftutorialworkshops,problemclassesandlaboratoryclasses(dependinguponthemoduleswhichyoustudy),includingregularfeedbackonsubmittedwork.Students taking Biology, Genetics or Zoologywill have the opportunity to take part in a variety of field-taughtmodules as well. Additional learning support is provided through Queen Mary's online learning environment,QMplus,andthefacilitiesoftheQMULStudentPCService.

Eachpracticalclassislikelytoberepeatedtwoormoretimesinthesameweek.Youwillbeallocated(randomly)toaspecificpracticalgrouptoattendthepracticalclassonagivendate/time.Ifyouareunabletoattendontheassigneddate/time(e.g.,ifyouareallocatedtoaWednesdayafternoon,buthavesportscommitments,orifyouareallocatedtoaFridayafternoonbutneedtoattendjumahortogethomebeforeshabbat),youarerequiredto(a)negotiateaswapwithafellowstudentfromadifferentgroupandthen(b)emailtheModuleOrganiserwithdetails of that swap (confirmingwhoyouwill be swappingwith). If youareunable tonegotiate a swap for anassessedpracticalclass,youmaybeabletosubmitaclaimforextenuatingcircumstancesprovidedthereasonfornon-attendance is (i)unforeseeableand (ii)beyondyourcontrol,andyoucanprovidedocumentaryevidencetosupportyourapplication.

WhatIs“IndependentStudy”?

Foreveryhourofcontactwithacademicstaff,youwillbeexpectedtodevotebetween3-5hourstoindependentstudy. This may include staff-directed exercises (e.g. completion of coursework assignments) or self-directedindependentstudy.Therearevariousformsofindependentstudywhichinclude:

● preparation(inadvanceofalecture/tutorial/practicalclass)

● consolidationofmaterialintroducedbythelecturer/tutor(e.g.writingupyourlecturenotes)

● elaboration/extension(e.g.readingaroundthetopicafterthelecture)

● application (i.e. reinforcing your understanding of a topic by applying any principles introduced in alecture/tutorial/practicalclasstoanewscenario)

Youmightbeexpectingtoprepareandconsolidate,sincetheseactivitiesmostcloselyresemblethe“homework”forSecondary/FurtherEducation.However,tosucceedinyourundergraduatedegreeatuniversity,youwillhaveto make time to elaborate/extend and apply new knowledge in order to develop the depth of understandingrequiredifyouaretoberecommendedforfirstoruppersecondclasshonours.

HowWillYouBeAssessed?

Foreachmodulethatcomprisesyourbiologicalsciencedegree,yourknowledgeandunderstandingwillgenerallybetestedthroughacombinationofassessedcourseworkandunseenwrittenexaminations. Forthemajorityofmodules,thecourseworktoexamweightingwillbeasfollows:

Coursework Exam

Year1 25% 75%

Year2 25% 75%

Year3 20% 80%

Forsomemodules(e.g.field-basedmodules),ahigherproportionofmarkswillbederivedfromthecoursework,and there are somemoduleswhich are assessed entirely by coursework and in-class assessments andwith nowrittenexam. PleasecheckthemoduledetailsonQMPlustoconfirmtheexactcoursework:examweightingforeachmodule.

Theexactnatureofthecourseworkvariesfrommoduletomoduleandmayincludeworkintheformoflaboratoryexperimentwrite-ups,essaysand/orproblemsheets.Thecourseworkmarkmayalsoincludeacontributionfromcomputer-basedassessmentsandin-coursetests.Specificmodules(iftaken)includeassessedoralexaminations,oralpresentationsandextendedreports/dissertations.

Theweightingofmarksavailableforagivencomponentshouldbereflected intheamountoftimethatyouwillneed to commit toworking on each element. For example,where 25%of themodulemarks are available forcoursework, you should expect to devote 25% of 150 hours (i.e. approximately 37 hours) to completing thecourseworkelementstothebestofyourability. Theremaining75%of150hours(i.e.approximately113hours)shouldbedevoted toattending lectures/tutorialsand independent study toensureyouunderstand themodulecontentwellenoughtoachieveahighgradeinthemoduleexam.Thedefaultexamdurationsandstructuresalsodifferbetweenyears,asfollows:

Defaultexamduration

Numberofsections

SectionA SectionB SectionC

Year1 1.5hours 2 MultipleChoiceQuestions(50%ofmark)

ShortAnswerQuestions(choiceof1from2)(50%ofmark)

N/A

Year2 2hours 3 MultipleChoiceQuestions(25%ofmark)

ShortAnswerQuestions(choiceof1from2)(25%ofmark)

Essay(choiceof1from3)(50%ofmark)

Year3 3hours 3 MultipleChoiceQuestions(33.3%ofmark)

Essay (choiceof1from3)(33.3%ofmark)

Essay (choiceof1from3)(33.3%ofmark)

ToprogressbeyondYear1ofeachBSc,youmustpassatleast6modulesx15credits(i.e.90creditsintotal).ToprogressbeyondYear2,youmustpassatleast195creditscumulativelyfromYear1and2modules.Tograduate

with a BSc degree, youmust pass at least 315 credits across your 3 year BSc degree. (An alternative way ofconsideringthesecriteriaisthatyoucanfailnomorethan3x15creditmodulesacross3years.)

Feedback and Support HowDoWeListenAndActOnYourFeedback?

You are strongly encouraged to provide informal feedback to Module Organisers and/or to the relevantProgrammeDirectorwhere you can see away that your teaching could be significantly improved or you havecauseforcomplaint.IfyoufeeluncomfortableapproachingaModuleOrganiserand/orProgrammeDirector,youcanalsomakeanysuggestions/raiseanyconcernsbyemailto:sbcs-studentvoice@qmul.ac.uk.Thisemailaddressismonitoreddailybyseveralcolleaguessoyoucanreasonablyexpectaresponsewithin3workingdaysifyouusethe“studentvoice”emailaccount.

TheStudent-StaffLiaisonCommittee(SSLC),ChairedbytheDirectorforStudentExperience,DrDennis,providesaformalmeansofcommunicationanddiscussionbetweentheSchoolanditsstudents.ThecommitteeconsistsofelectedstudentrepresentativesfromeachyearintheSchool,togetherwithappropriaterepresentationfromstaffwithintheSchool. SSLCisdesignedtorespondtotheneedsofstudents,aswellasactasaforumfordiscussingprogrammeandmoduledevelopments.TheSSLCmeetsregularlythroughouttheyear.

TheTeaching&LearningCommittee(TLC)advisestheSchool'sDirectorofTaughtProgrammes(DTP),DrBray,onallmattersrelatingtothedeliveryoftaughtprogrammesatschool level, includingmonitoringtheapplicationofrelevant QM policies and reviewing proposals for module and programme approval and amendment beforesubmission to Taught Programmes Board (TPB). Student views are incorporated in the committee’s work in anumberofways,suchasthroughconsiderationofstudentsurveysandinputfromtheSSLC.

Allschools/institutesoperateanAnnualProgrammeReview(APR)oftheirtaughtundergraduateandpostgraduateprovision.APRisacontinuousprocessofreflectionandactionplanningwhichisownedbythoseresponsibleforprogramme delivery; the main document of reference for this process is the Taught Programmes Action Plan(TPAP)which is thesummaryof theschool/institute'swork throughout theyear tomonitoracademicstandardsand to improve the student experience. Students’ views are considered in this process through analysis of theNationalStudentSurvey(NSS),QueenMaryStudentSurvey(QMSS)andmoduleevaluations.

AcademicSupport

Youwillbeprovidedwithapersonaltutor,referredtoasanAcademicAdvisor,whowillserveasyourmainpointof contact for advice regarding academic matters and for assistance with pastoral concerns, throughout yourwhole programme. SBCS no longer operates the system of “office hours” since all advisees may have verydifferent patterns of availability dependent on their choice of elective modules. Instead you can schedule anappointmenttomeetwithyourAdvisorviaemail. Moreover, ifandwhenyourAdvisor isunavailableorcannothelpwithaspecificproblem,theSchoolhasseveralexperiencedProgrammeTutorsandaStudentSupportOfficerplusStudentSupportAssistantwhocanaddressanyconcernsthatyoumighthave.(TheDTPisalwayshappytoschedulemeetingswith individualstudentsand/orsmallgroupsofstudents,butonlywheretheyhavenotbeenabletoresolveissueswiththeirAcademicAdvisors/ProgrammeTutorsortheStudentSupportOfficer/Assistant).

SBCSalsooperatesaPeerAssistedStudySupport(PASS)programmeforpeerguidance.

SpecificSupportForDisabledStudents

QueenMaryhasacentralDisabilityandDyslexiaService(DDS)thatofferssupportforallstudentswithdisabilities,specific learningdifficultiesandmentalhealthissues.TheDDSsupportsallQueenMarystudents:full-time,part-time,undergraduate,postgraduate,UKandinternationalatallcampusesandallsites.

Studentscanaccessadvice,guidanceandsupportinthefollowingareas:

● Findingoutifyouhaveaspecificlearningdifficultylikedyslexia

● ApplyingforfundingthroughtheDisabledStudents'Allowance(DSA)

● ArrangingDSAassessmentsofneed

● Specialarrangementsinexaminations

● Accessingloanedequipment(e.g.digitalrecorders)

● Specialistone-to-one"studyskills"tuition

● Ensuringaccesstocoursematerialsinalternativeformats(e.g.Braille)

● Providingeducationalsupportworkers(e.g.note-takers,readers,libraryassistants)

● Mentoringsupportforstudentswithmentalhealthissuesandconditionsontheautisticspectrum.

AdviceAndCounselling

QueenMaryhasanAdviceandCounsellingService(ACS),basedinGeographySquare,thatofferssupportforallstudents at all stagesof theirdegree studies. The full rangeof servicesofferedby theACS is detailedon theirwebsite (www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk). On this website, you will find a series of self-help and guidance bookletscoveringsuchdiverseissuesasadaptingtolifeasastudentatuniversitythroughmakingaclaimforextenuatingcircumstancestorequestinganinterruptionofstudiesorwithdrawing.

Supporting “The Student Transition” And Improving Your Preparation ForPostgraduateStudyAnd/OrEmployment

Alongsidestudyingcompulsoryandelectivemodulescoveringarangeofbiologicaland/orgenetictopics,therewillalsobeopportunitiesforyourpersonalgrowthandtodevelop‘graduateattributes’alongsideyourBScdegree.TosupportyourtransitionintoandthroughHigherEducation,colleaguesinSBCShavedevisedonlinematerialsandexercises in the Personal & Professional Development (PPD) pages of QMPlus at:https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6200https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6201.

ChangeOfProgramme

Duetothecommoncontentofthefirstyearmodules,upuntiltheendofYear1(01August2019),youcanrequestaChangeofProgramme(CoP)betweenBiology,Genetics&Zoology. ShouldyouwishtorequestachangefromBiology,Genetics or Zoology on to C431MedicalGenetics or fromMedicalGenetics on to Biology,Genetics orZoology, your requestwouldhave tobe receivedby01December2019 since studentsenrolledon theMedicalGeneticsprogrammestudydifferentmodulestostudentsreadingBiology,GeneticsorZoologyinSemesterB.

Shouldyouwish tobeconsidered foraChangeofProgramme,youwillneedtocompleteaCoP form,availablefromtheSBCSreception.BeforesigningandsubmittingyourformyoushouldmeetwithyourAcademicAdvisororarelevantProgrammeTutortodiscusstheprosandconsofswitchingprogrammes. YoushouldthenreturnthecompletedandsignedformtotheSBCSreceptiontobeconsideredand,ifpossible,approvedbyDrMichaelastheDTP.Assoonasadecisionhasbeenreached,youwillbeemailedandadvisedoftheoutcomeofyourapplicationbytheSBCSSSO.

YoumayrequestasingleCoPduringyourdegree.Ineachacademicyear,therearefourdeadlinesforrequestingaCoP,thesebeing:

01December2019 where there are implications for the Semester Bmodules required onthenewprogramme;

01February2020 where you would like your CoP to be approved before entry to theexams;

01April2020 approvaloftheCoPwillbeconsideredattheJuneExamBoardmeeting,contingentonpassingtherequisitenumberofcredits;

01August2020 approval of the CoP will be considered at the September Exam Boardmeeting,contingentonpassingtherequisitenumberofcredits.

Approvalwillbecontingenton (a) therebeingplacesavailableontheprogrammeontowhichyouwould liketotransfer,and (b)meeting theadmissionscriteria for thenewprogramme. (Althoughtheadmissionscriteriaareidentical forBiology,GeneticsandZoology, youmay requirehigherA level grades/an IB score to transferon toC431MedicalGenetics.)

Further study and industrial links OpportunitiesForPostgraduateStudyInTheSchoolOfBiological&ChemicalSciences

Oncompletionof yourBScdegree, youmightwish toembarkonapostgraduate researchdegree tobecomeaDoctorofPhilosophy(PhD).Increasingly,competitiveapplicantsforPhDopportunitieshavenotonlyahighclasshonoursdegree (first or upper second classhonours), but theywill alsohave completed apostgraduate taughtMasterofScience(MSc)orMastersbyResearch(MRes)degree(commonlywithaMeritorDistinction).

At the timeofwriting, SBCSoffers the followingbiologicalMScdegreeswhichexploit the researchexpertiseofstaffintheDepartmentsofOrganismalBiologyandofCell&MolecularBiology:

● MScAquaticEcologybyResearch(AER)

● MScBioinformatics

● MScEcologyandEvolutionaryBiology(EEB)

● MScEcologyandEvolutionaryGenomics(EEG)

● MScFreshwaterandMarineEcology(EEB)

● MSc Plant & Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity & Conservation (run in association with the Royal BotanicalGardensatKew)

If you wish to know more about any of the MSc programmes listed above, you can contact the Director forTeaching&Learning[Postgraduate],DrChristophEizaguirre([email protected]).

LinksWithEmployers,PlacementOpportunitiesAndTransferableSkills

TheBiologyandZoologydegreesprovidethe idealtrainingforgraduatesthatwantanear-medicalcareer inthelifesciences.Halfofourgraduatesfindworkorfurthertraininginthelifesciencesincludingteaching,researchorenvironmental monitoring and regulation, sales work and careers in the growing biotechnology industry. Theremaininghalfmoveon toother jobsor further trainingbut take transferable skills froma scientificeducation:numeracy, computer literacy, data handling and analysis, descriptive and critical writing, familiarity withbiotechnology and scientific methods. Recent roles for Biology and Zoology graduates include laboratorytechnician,dataanalyst,publichealthofficer,marketresearcher,NHSadministrator,medicalrepresentativeandenvironmentalconsultant.

OurGeneticsandMedicalGeneticsgraduateswillbeatthecuttingedgeofmodernbiology.SomewillchoosetoenterfrontlineresearchthroughfurthertraininginMaster'sandPhDmodules.Othersmayputtheirskillstoworkin consulting, biomedical publishing, or medical sales. The flourishing biotechnology industry, healthcare andforensicservicesalsoofferavarietyofcareers.Finallyagooddegree,togetherwitharangeoftransferableskills,willmakeyouattractivetoawidevarietyofemployersseekingtorecruittop-classgraduates.

Under QMUL’s International Exchange Programme (‘Global Opportunities’), students on most BSc and MSciprogrammesmay have the opportunity to ‘study abroad’ at one of QMUL’s partner universities for a full yearbetweenYears1and2oftheirBScdegree.Ifyouwishtotakeadvantageofthisopportunity,youwouldhavetorequestaCoPontoBiology/Genetics/MedicalGenetics/ZoologywithaYearAbroad.WhiletheyearoverseaswouldnotcounttowardsyourS3CollegeMarkandhencetoyourBSc/MSciclassification,anyYearAbroadshould

includerelevantmodulesandyouwouldneedtomeetthepassstandardsoftheoverseasuniversity inordertograduate with the title “Biology / Genetics / Medical Genetics / Zoology with a Year Abroad”. As you willappreciate,positionsonsuchinternationalexchangesaresubjecttoasuccessfulapplicationandareawardedonacompetitive basis. (If youwish to apply to transfer on to a Year Abroad programme, in the first instance, youshoulddiscusstheprosandconswithyourAcademicAdvisorandaProgrammeTutor,asappropriate.)SBCSoffersseveraldegrees“withaYearAbroad”becauseweappreciatetheopportunitiesthatthiscanprovideforpersonaland professional growth, and for the acquisition of transferable skills thatwill enrich your CV and bolster yourprospectsforagraduatecareer.

biological sciences bsc programme handbook€¦ · transfer of knowledge between fields. this...

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