Students enter Second Science Biological Sciences from the First Science Area of Study: Biological and Chemical Sciences (CK402) provided they have passed First Science. In Second Science the programme consists of compulsory modules to the value of 50 credits, and additional elective modules to the value of 10 credits. Students taking biological sciences degree outlets, who entered First Science in 2015/16, must take a minimum of 20 credits of chemistry modules and BT1001 during the first two years of CK402. In Third Science, students enter the honours degree programme in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Neuroscience or Physiology. Entry to these degree programmes is subject to quotas. The fourth year curriculum is specific to each degree programme but includes a research project.

Students enter Second Biological Sciences from First Biological and Chemical Sciences (CK402) and can proceed to a BSc (Hons) Degree in one of the following:

Programme Requirements
In Second Science, students take core modules to the value of 50 credits and elective modules to the value of 10 credits from the modules listed below. See Table 2 for Degree Outlets and Special Requirements for Second Science.

Students take 60 credits as follows:

Core Modules
Biochemistry: BC2001 (5 credits), BC2002 (5 credits)
Molecular Biology: ML2001 (5 credits)
Microbiology: MB2005 (5 credits), MB2006 (5 credits)
Neuroscience: AN2003 (5 credits), AN2004 (5 credits)
Physiology: PL2021 (5 credits), PL2022 (5 credits)
Statistics: ST2001 (5 credits)

Elective Modules (for students entering Second Science in 2015/16 only)
Students select 10 credits from the following:
Semester 1
Chemistry: CM2001 (5 credits), CM2002 (5 credits), CM2003 (5 credits),
Plant Science: PS2001 (5 credits)
Zoology: ZY2000 (5 credits)

Semester 2
Chemistry: CM2006 (5 credits), CM2007 (5 credits)
Ecology: AE2001 (5 credits)

Note: CM2002 is a co-requisite for CM2006

Elective Modules (for students entering Second Science from 2016/17 onwards)

Note: Students repeating Second Science in 2016/2017 will be required to repeat under the new programme.

All students must take CM1201 in first year or CM2201 in second year.
All students must take BT1001 in first year or second year.

Students select 10 credits from the following:
Semester 1
Chemistry: CM2001 (5 credits), CM2002 (5 credits), CM2003 (5 credits)
Plant Science: PS2001 (5 credits)
Zoology: ZY2000 (5 credits)

Semester 2
Biotechnology: BT1001 (5 credits)
Chemistry:CM2201 (10 credits), CM2007 (5 credits)
Ecology: AE2001 (5 credits)

TABLE 2: Degree Outlets and Special Requirements for Second

Science (2015/16 only)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations

Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book, and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016.

Three Year Rule

Students must pass the Second University Examination in Science - Biological Sciences within three academic years from the date of first registration for Second Year. Failure to comply with this rule would mean that the student would be ineligible to proceed further with his/her studies. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the College only for very serious reasons.

Transfer from Second Science Chemistry to Biochemistry

Students who have taken Second Science Chemistry with BC2001, BC2002 and ML2001 may apply to the Head of the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology by the First Friday in August to transfer to the Third Science Biochemistry Degree programme. Awarding of places is subject to the approval of the Head of the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and will be included in the Biochemistry quota of 30.

Please complete the transfer form available here and submit to the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Administration office 3.19, Western Gateway Building, Western Rd, UCC.

Applicable to students entering Third Science in 2015/16

Degree Outlets, Quotas and Transfers

In Third Science, students enter the honours degree programme in one of the degree outlets listed in Table 2 under 'Second Science' above. Entry to the degree programmes is subject to quotas (See Quotas below). Each year of a degree programme has a core of compulsory modules and a specified number of elective modules to the total value of 60 credits.

Transfer from Second Science Chemistry to Biochemistry
Students who have taken Second Science Chemistry with BC2001, BC2002 and ML2001 may apply to the Head of the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology by the first Friday in August to transfer to the Third Science Biochemistry Degree programme. Awarding of places is subject to the approval of the Head of the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and will be included in the Biochemistry quota of 30.

Please complete the transfer form available here and submit to the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Administration office 3.19, Western Gateway Building, Western Rd, UCC.

Quotas
All students who pass the Second University Examination in Science and have taken the prerequisites, specified in Table 2 under 'Second Science' above, may enter an honours degree programme in Third Science but entry to a particular programme is subject to a quota. In filling the quotas, preference will be given to students passing the Second University Examination in Science at the Summer Examination in the first year of registration for the Second University Examination in Science, and in order of merit of aggregate marks obtained thereat. Remaining places, if any, will be filled in order of merit without distinction as to when the examination was completed. The decision as to the filling of such remaining places will be made after the results of the Autumn Supplemental Examination are known. The quotas for entry to the various degree programmes in Third Science are as follows:

Programme Requirements

Students take modules to the value of 60 credits in one of the degree outlets as follows:

Biochemistry
Core Modules (50 credits)
BC3001 (5 credits), BC3003 (5 credits), BC3004 (5 credits), BC3005 (5 credits), BC3006 (5 credits), BC3007 (5 credits), BC3008 (5 credits), BC3009 (5 credits), BC3010 (5 credits), BC3012 (5 credits)

plus 10 credits from:
CM3104 (5 credits), MB3001 (5 credits), MB3002 (5 credits), MB3012 (5 credits), PE4010 (5 credits),
PL3005 (5 credits), PT3001 (5 credits), PT3002 (5 credits), PT3005 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.
Microbiology
Core Modules (60 credits)
MB3002 (5 credits), MB3003 (5 credits), MB3005 (5 credits), MB3006 (5 credits), MB3007 (5 credits), MB3008 (5 credits), MB3012 (5 credits), MB3016 (10 credits), MB3017 (5 credits), MB3021 (5 credits), MB3914 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.
Neuroscience
Core Modules (55 credits)
AN3001 (5 credits), AN3003 (5 credits), AN3004 (5 credits), AN3009 (5 credits), AN3011 (5 credits), AN3012 (10 credits), AN3013 (5 credits), BC3006 (5 credits), BC3008 (5 credits), PT3001 (5 credits)

plus 5 credits from:
AN3005 (5 credits), AP2102 (5 credits), AP2103 (5 credits), PL3005 (5 credits), PL3020 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.
Physiology
Core Modules (60 credits)
AN3001 (5 credits), BC3005 (5 credits) PL3005 (5 credits), PL3009 (5 credits), PL3020 (5 credits), PL3021 (5 credits), PL3022 (5 credits), PL3023 (5 credits), PL3024 (5 credits), PL3025 (5 credits), PT3001 (5 credits)

plus 5 credits from:
PT3002 (5 credits), PT3005 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.
Examinations

Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book, and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016.

Students who have passed Third Year may choose not to proceed to Fourth Year and may opt instead to be conferred with a BSc Ordinary Degree.

Three Year Rule

Students must pass the Third University Examination in Science - Biological Sciences within three academic years from the date of first registration for Third Year. Failure to comply with this rule would mean that the student would be ineligible to proceed further with his/her studies. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the College only for very serious reasons.

Programme Requirements

In Fourth Science students take modules to the value of 60 credits. The following list indicates the modules for each degree programme.

Biochemistry
Core Modules (60 credits)
BC4001 (5 credits), BC4002 (5 credits), BC4005 (5 credits), BC4009 (5 credits), BC4010 (5 credits), BC4011 (5 credits), BC4012 (15 credits), BC4016 (5 credits), BC4017 (5 credits), GN4001 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Ecology* (2015/16 only)
Core Modules (50 credits)
AE4001 (5 credits), AE4015 (5 credits), [AE4012 (10 credits) or ZY4020 (10 credits)], BL4001 (15 credits), BL4004 (5 credits), BL4005 (5 credits), ST4001 (5 credits)

AE/BL/PA/PS/ZY (10 credits from):
BL4003 (5 credits), EV4012 (5 credits), PA4300 (5 credits), PS4006 (5 credits), PS4018 (5 credits), PS4021 (5 credits), PS4023 (5 credits), ZY4012 (5 credits), ZY4013 (5 credits), ZY4016 (5 credits), ZY4019 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.
Environmental Plant Biotechnology* (2015/16 only)
Core Modules (50 credits)
BL4001 (15 credits), BL4004 (5 credits), BL4005 (5 credits) PS4006 (5 credits), PS4018 (5 credits), PS4021 (5 credits), PS4023 (5 credits), ST4001 (5 credits)

plus 10 credits from:
AE4001 (5 credits), AE4012 (10 credits), AE4015 (5 credits), BL4003 (5 credits), ZY4012 (5 credits), ZY4013 (5 credits), ZY4019 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.
Microbiology
Core Modules (35 credits)
MB4002 (15 credits), MB4019 (5 credits), MB4025 (5 credits), MB4026 (5 credits), MB4027 (5 credits)

plus 25 credits from:
CS4801 (5 credits), MB4007 (5 credits), MB4008 (5 credits), MB4009 (5 credits), MB4010 (5 credits),
MB4011 (5 credits), MB4013 (5 credits), MB4020 (5 credits), MB4022 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.
Neuroscience
Core Modules (55 credits)
AN4008 (10 credits), AN4009 (5 credits), AN4010 (15 credits), AN4012 (5 credits), AN4013 (5 credits),
AN4014 (5 credits), BC4011 (5 credits), PT4005 (5 credits)

plus 5 credits from:
AP2102 (5 credits), AP2103 (5 credits), AP2203 (5 credits), BC3004 (5 credits), BC4008 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.
Physiology
Core Modules (60 credits)
PL4020 (20 credits)

Plus 40 credits from:
PL4005 (5 credits), PL4006 (5 credits), PL4007 (5 credits), PL4009 (5 credits), PL4010 (5 credits), PL4011 (5 credits), PL4012, (5 credits), PL4013 (5 credits), PL4014 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.
Zoology* (2015/16 only)
Core Modules (45 credits):
[AE4012 (10 credits) or ZY4020 (10 credits)], BL4001 (15 credits), BL4004 (5 credits), BL4005 (5 credits), ST4001 (5 credits), ZY4019 (5 credits)

AE/BL/PS/ZY (15 credits from):
AE4001 (5 credits), AE4015 (5 credits), BL4003 (5 credits), PS4018 (5 credits), PS4021 (5 credits), PS4023 (5 credits), ZY4012 (5 credits), ZY4013 (5 credits), ZY4016 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Note: *Ecology, Environmental Plant Biotechnology and Zoology are available only to students who entered First Science via CK402 in 2012-13. These outlets are not available to students who entered First Science via CK402 from 2013-14 onwards.

Examinations

Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book, and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016.

Three Year Rule

Students must pass the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences Degree Examination within three academic years from the date of first registration for Fourth Year. Failure to comply with this rule would mean that the student would be ineligible to proceed further with his/her studies. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the College only for very serious reasons.

Programme Learning Outcomes for BSc in Biochemistry (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of Biochemistry.
• Describe, apply and perform a range of Biochemistry laboratory techniques.
• Design, implement and evaluate scientific investigations and assess, interpret and present scientific data.
• Analyse critically research literature and present such analyses in both written and oral formats.
• Engage in professional and academic communication with other scientists.
• Work effectively, ethically and professionally as an individual, in teams and in multi-disciplinary settings, with the capacity for leadership and innovation.

Programme Learning Outcomes for BSc in Ecology (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of habitats and communities from aquatic and terrestrial systems.
• Assemble information on ecological issues and critically appraise it for scientific credibility and relevance.
• Communicate in oral and written reports about ecological issues with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of human activities on ecosystems and evaluate approaches to minimize or prevent negative impacts.
• Demonstrate an ability to undertake an independent research project. Design experiments, collect data, select and execute appropriate analyses and interpret and present results in appropriate formats.
• Analyze the appropriateness of different laboratory and field experimental protocols.

Programme Learning Outcomes for BSc in Environmental Plant Biotechnology (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the biochemistry, physiology, genetics, molecular biology and taxonomy of plant species.
• Assemble information on plant science and biotechnological issues and critically appraise it for scientific credibility and relevance.
• Communicate in oral and written reports about plant science and biotechnological issues with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Evaluate the use of plant biotechnology to deal with plant environmental problems.
• Demonstrate an ability to undertake an independent research project.
• Design experiments, collect data, select and execute appropriate analyses and interpret and present results in appropriate formats.
• Analyze the appropriateness of different laboratory and field experimental protocols as appropriate.

Programme Learning Outcomes for BSc in Microbiology (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Discuss the key principles and concepts underpinning the discipline of Microbiology.
• Describe the role of microbes in society and critically analyze future microbiological developments of relevance to society.
• Discuss in detail the physiology and biochemistry of bacteria, and the key elements of genetics in prokaryotes, eukaryotic microbes and viruses.
• Explain the molecular basis of infectious diseases and host immune responses.
• Explain the role and applications of microbes in the food and biotechnology industries, in environmental biotechnology and in ecosystem functioning.
• Critically assess recent and ongoing developments in scientific research and effectively communicate scientific knowledge both orally and in writing.
• Apply fundamental laboratory procedures in Microbiology for applications in research, in medical and/or industrial laboratories.
• Apply the scientific method of investigation and hypothesis testing, including the development of theoretical and practical skills, in the design and execution of experiments.
• Demonstrate appropriate scientific proficiency for entry into further postgraduate education/research or for employment in government, academic or industrial positions.

Programme Learning Outcomes for BSc in Neuroscience (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Use fundamental knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and applied psychology to derive and apply solutions which promote a better understanding of the function of the human nervous system.
• Use fundamental knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and applied psychology to derive and apply solutions which promote a better understanding of the diseased or injured human nervous system and its repair.
• Work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary settings having developed the capacity to undertake lifelong learning and critical thinking.
• Communicate effectively with the scientific community and appreciate the importance of contributing to the public understanding of science and neuroscience in particular.
• Design and execute an experiment to test a hypothesis or theory in neuroscience.
• Prepare written laboratory reports that describe an experiment or study, explain the scientific rationale clearly, present results and provide an appropriate conclusion.
• Prepare a scientific report based on experimental or literature research.
• Organise and deliver an oral presentation based on research.

Programme Learning Outcomes for BSc in Physiology (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Describe the different physiological systems and how they integrate to determine the function of the organism as a whole.
• Explain with suitable molecular, cellular and integrated physiology examples, the concept of homeostasis and how its disruption can lead to the disease state.
• Select techniques suitable for the evaluation of physiological process at the molecular, cellular, organ and system level, in an integrated manner that can be used to increase our knowledge of both normal and pathophysiological states.
• Critically evaluate research publications to enable them to formulate research ideas and hypotheses, and design experiments with appropriate controls.
• Interpret laboratory findings, perform appropriate statistical analysis and clearly communicate their research findings to both scientific and lay audiences, both orally and in writing, in the context of their laboratory research projects and course work.

Programme Learning Outcomes for BSc in Zoology (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate and vertebrate biology, systematics and taxonomy.
• Assemble information on zoological issues and critically appraise it for scientific credibility and relevance.
• Communicate in oral and written reports about zoological issues with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of human activities on ecosystems and evaluate approaches to minimize or prevent negative impacts.
• Demonstrate an ability to undertake an independent research project.
• Design experiments, collect data, select and execute appropriate analyses and interpret and present results in appropriate formats.
• Analyze the appropriateness of different laboratory and field experimental protocols.