student profile

32
Biological Sciences
Key facts – biological sciences
Assessment
For all programmes you must take 120 credits (normally
eight modules) in each academic year. Each module is
assessed through a combination of theory examinations
(typically accounting for 75-80 per cent of the final mark)
and coursework (for example practical reports, field
course reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises
and tests). Theory examinations are normally two and
a half hours for first and second years and three hours
for final year papers. Final year students undertake
a research project worth 30 credits or a practical/
investigative project worth 15 or 30 credits; these are
assessed with a detailed written report, oral presentation,
poster and an interview. There are presently no midsession
exams and the main examination period is in
April/May, with the additional possibility of deferred
exams and resits in August.
The format of undergraduate examinations varies from
programme to programme and may include multiple
choice questions (MCQ), extended matching questions
(EMQ), short answer questions, problem-solving or casebased
exercises, and essays.
Field trip
A view of student accommodation from Regent’s canal