BSc in Biological Sciences with Professional Studies

Biological Sciences encompasses many aspects of the biosciences, from molecular biology through to whole organisms and ecosystems, and includes exploration of:

• Biological diversity, systematics, and conservation
• Cell and tissue structure, function, and physiology
• Ecology and behavior
• Form and function of microorganisms, protists, fungi, plants, and animals
• Genetics and mechanisms and pathways of evolution

Programs with Professional studies undertake a 46-week work placement between stages 2 and 3

In BSc Biological Sciences with Professional Studies, students will gain core technical skills, subject-specific practical laboratory- / field-based skills, and employer-directed skills to help them investigate and manipulate biological material including relevant physical, chemical, and biological measurements and their application in a laboratory, field, and research project setting. During the final year project, students will have access to cutting-edge research facilities across the molecular and ecological disciplines. Additional skills achieved include Collation, quantitative analysis, and interpretation of experimental data, including problem-solving; communication and application of knowledge; the use of computers for data management and presentations, and the development of intellectual, personal, and team skills for employment and further study.

Biological Sciences With Professional Studies Degree Highlights

The 46-week placement develops employer-orientated skills, providing confidence in ability and aptitude, and raising ambition.

Professional Accreditations

• Royal Society of Biology
• This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. This highlights the academic quality of the course and recognizes the course in enabling graduates to meet the needs of the employer through the development of technical and transferable skills.

Career Development

• The embedded 46 work placement in this degree program provides students with the opportunity to utilize the practical, transferable, and professional skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment. In previous years, students have gained placements with organizations such as Almac Pharma Services, Norbrook Laboratories, Warner Chilcott, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Belfast Zoo, the National Trust, Atlantic Whale Foundation, and the RSPB. In addition, students can avail of opportunities to undertake short summer placements abroad through programs such as IAESTE, Operation Wallacea, and Frontier.

Student Experience

• Final-year research projects allow students to gain considerable research experience in one of the research laboratories at Queen’s University Belfast. Working alongside world-leading researchers enriches the student's experience and assists them in pursuing a career in academia or research.

Queen’s University Belfast is ranked in the Top 200 Universities in the World (QS World University Rankings 2019)

140 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020)

Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, one of three Queen's Colleges in Ireland, it became an independent university in 1908 and is the ninth oldest university in the UK. Today, Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group, combining excellence in research and education with a student-centred ethos.

Queen’s is ranked 8th in the UK for Research Intensity (REF 2014/ Times Higher Education) with over 75% of its research assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF 2014.

We’re A Global University

Students enjoy being educated by world-leading academics working at the forefront of their disciplines and a significant investment in the student experience has resulted in high levels of student satisfaction and employability rates.

Global Research Institutes

Building on its disciplinary excellence, the University has created four flagship Global Research Institutes which bring leading academics together to tackle some of the greatest global challenges of our time in the areas of: Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety.

The Faculty Of Medicine, Health & Life Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at Queen’s deliver high quality, leading-edge education, through world-class staff, focused on the needs of society. We provide an educational experience that is research-led and enriches our students intellectually, socially and culturally.

Our hope is that students from around the world will join with us to both learn and also bring new ideas and approaches to help drive forward our ambitions to enhance and advance life. Queen's is at the heart of Belfast's culture, as well as its art and social scenes. We're proud to be part of a bustling, cosmopolitan city boasting a vibrant social life and rich cultural heritage.

Addressing Global Challenges

Through our education and research, we strive to address some of the world’s greatest challenges, our academic staff undertake world-leading research through our Schools and Global research institutes in Health Sciences and Global Food Security. This has resulted in new treatments for patients and greater levels of protection for the food we eat.

Faculty Schools

The School of Biological Sciences The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences The School of Nursing and Midwifery The School of Pharmacy