Queen's University of Belfast - Medical Faculty

BSc in Zoology with Professional Studies

Year 1

• Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox (20 credits)
• Biodiversity (20 credits)
• Molecular Basis of Life (20 credits)
• World of Microorganisms (20 credits)
• Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits)
• Environmental Biology (20 credits)

Year 2

• Invertebrate Biology (20 credits)
• Comparative Animal Physiology (20 credits)
• Vertebrate Biology (20 credits)

Year 3

• Professional Studies (120 credits)

Year 4

• Parasitology (20 credits)
• Research Project (40 credits)

Year Out (Professional Studies)

All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out some project-type work. Students will begin preparations for the placement in the first semester of Stage 2 and the placement will be assessed within the module Professional Studies.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

How you are assessed will vary according to the Learning Outcomes of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end-of-semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are outlined in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and non-scientific careers. These positions encompass areas of innovative research and development of new products, advisory, and consultancy work, particularly in companies or organizations concerned with animal and plant health, environmental management, pharmaceutical products, and biotechnology.

Graduates pursue careers in teaching, nature conservation, and laboratory-based posts in biomedical, industrial, pharmaceutical, academic, and government institutions as well as in universities and colleges of higher education. The remainder undertakes further training in areas such as computing, administration, and management or medicine (human or veterinary), developing their skills from a sound scientific background. Further training also helps them to find employment in a variety of non-biological careers, including public service administration, industrial management, banking, accountancy, and computing.

Employers are looking for graduates with generic skills of communication, problem-solving, data analysis, social skills, a range of interests, and a record of success. We believe that a degree in Zoology will help our students to develop these skills. For further information on careers see the Institute of Biology website. Please note that the same careers are open to both Zoology and Biology graduates.

Career Services

The School of Biological Sciences employs a dedicated careers adviser who has developed an extensive portfolio of employers, both nationally and internationally, within the science sector. Advice is also provided on CV preparation, interview techniques, and securing summer work or longer placements.

Placement Employers

Our past students have also gained work placement with organizations such as:

• Northern Ireland Water Ltd
• The Environment Agency
• The Forensic Service
• Moy Park
• North Atlantic Whale Foundation
• The National Trust
• Randox Laboratories
• Norbrook Laboratories Ltd
• The Almac Group
• Ulster Wildlife Trust
• Castle Espie
• Belfast Zoo
• RSPB
• Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary
• Harnas Wildlife Foundation
• Mopane and Mapesu Private Game Reserve
• Turtle Foundation
• Wildfowl and Wetland trust

Degree Plus Award for Extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports, and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognized by a world-leading university, but you'll also have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Contact Teaching Hours

Personal Study

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

Large Group Teaching

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

Learning and Teaching

On the BSc (Hons) in Zoology with Professional Studies we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning.

We do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.