Bachelor Of Science (honours) In Biology And Chemistry in University of Malta, Malta

Bachelor Of Science (honours) In Biology And Chemistry in University of Malta

The Course shall consist of two parts, namely, Part One comprising the first three years and Part Two comprising the fourth year.

(1) Part One shall consist of study-units to which 180 credits are assigned and indicated in the programme of study and divided as follows:

First Year: in addition to the compulsory and elective study-units outlined in the programme of studies of the chosen areas (not less than 26 credits in each of the two areas), students are required to register for optional study-units to bring their total for the year to 60 credits,

Second Year: 30 credits in each of the two areas of study,

Third Year: 30 credits in each of the two areas of study.

At the end of Part One, students who obtain 180 credits as specified in paragraph (1) but who either opt not to proceed with the Course leading to the Honours Degree, or having proceeded, do not successfully complete the Course, shall be eligible for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).

(2) Part Two shall consist of study-units to which 60 credits are assigned divided as follows:

(a) 40 credits in one area of study, of which 18 credits are assigned to a dissertation, and

(b) 20 credits in the other area of study,

provided that in the case of Mathematics, the dissertation may be substituted by one or more additional taught study-units.


Biology

The overall aim of the Department of Biology is to provide students with the best possible teaching programmes in Biology in order to impart a sound theoretical and practical background to the subject and therefore to provide them with the necessary skills that would enable them to contribute effectively to Malta’s changing needs and requirements. Moreover, through its research programmes, the Department makes a direct contribution to the knowledge of the natural resources of the nation, their sustainable management, and to national economic development. During their course, students will have many opportunities to contribute directly to such research endeavours.

Chemistry

The main aims of this programme are to develop in students:
• a broad and balanced appreciation of the core areas of chemistry : inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry, as well as basic knowledge in macromolecular chemistry, colloids, solid-fluid and fluid-fluid interfaces, environmental chemistry, photochemistry and radiochemistry
• a range of practical skills in the main areas of chemistry: inorganic, organic, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry in order that they can understand and assess risks and work safely in a chemical laboratory
• generic skills in the context of chemistry which are transferable and thus applicable in other contexts
• the ability to apply standard methodology to the solution of problems in chemistry
• a knowledge and skills base from which they can proceed to graduate employment or to further studies in chemistry or multi-disciplinary areas involving chemistry.

Learning outcomes

Biology

Teaching in the Faculty of Science is organised on the modular system, which means that courses consist of a number of study-units, each allocated a number of ECTS credits. Each study-unit has specific learning outcomes. This modular system is a convenient way of organizing the programme of studies, but students should appreciate the unity of Biology and of its important interactions with other basic and applied fields of scientific endeavour as well as its economic, social and cultural dimensions. 

By the end of the study-unit, the students will be able to:
• Critically understand the basic theoretical concepts of biology,
• Perceive and appreciate the various cross-links and interactions of biology with other basic and applied fields of scientific endeavour as well as its economic, social and cultural dimensions,
• Appreciate the cutting edge developments in a range of areas specific to biology,
• Willingly apply biological concepts to analyse and solve real-life problems in a multidisciplinary approach,
• Relate and engage the various philosophical, moral and ethical issues arising from current developments in biological sciences,
• Acquire a range of laboratory and field techniques in the areas of biology covered during the course,
• Follow safety instructions and protocols and to work safely in a laboratory,
• Access relevant information from a wide range of sources and to make appropriate use of such information in communicating ideas such as writing of reports,
• Critically interpret and evaluate data and information and apply these to new situations,
• Plan appropriate experimental designs to test specific hypotheses, taking into account limitations of the methods to be applied, and then implementing them with minimal supervision,
• Analyse data, including the application of numerical methods such as statistics and modelling,
• Communicate ideas as well as findings of own research in a coherent and intelligent manner, through verbal and written means as well as graphically,
• Acquire a range of other personal and interpersonal skills that are required by a practicing biologist,
• Continuously update and enhance knowledge in biological sciences after the completion of the studies.

Chemistry

Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the course students will be able to:
• recall and explain of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the subject areas as identified above
• apply such knowledge and understanding to the solution of both qualitative and quantitative problems in chemistry
• recognise and analyse problems and plan strategies for their solution
• evaluate, interpret and produce chemical information and data
• apply theory using computer software and models
• apply information technology (IT) and data-processing skills, relating to chemical information and data
• communicate scientific material and arguments both in written and verbal form.

Practical skills

At the end of the course students will be able:
• handle chemical materials safely,
• conduct risk assessments
• document laboratory procedures involved in experimental work in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry
• record experimental work reliably
• operate standard chemical instrumentation
• assess the limits of accuracy of experimental data.

Generic Skills

At the end of the course students will be able to:
• display skills in written and oral communication
• solve problems of both a qualitative and a quantitative nature
• apply numerical and mathematical methods areas outside the field of study.
• seek and retrieve information
• use IT effectively
• work in a group
• organise one’s work and manage time effectively.

Course intended for

Biology

Students who have successfully finished their post-secondary studies, or mature students, who have the adequate entry requirements and who wish to pursue a first degree in biology with an aim at developing a professional carrier in biological sciences or related fields as identified above.

Chemistry

Whilst all programmes of study in Chemistry prepare graduates for a career in the chemical science and related areas such as laboratory analysis and management. The course is aimed at students who would like to have a general education in chemistry but who may want a general education in another area of study. The choice of the accompanying area of study depends on the interest of the individual student. Students who follow approved accompanying programmes may consult information on the Biology, Physics and Statistics and Operations Research programmes of study.

Career opportunites and access to further studies

Biology

Many biology graduates are employed in a wide range of jobs and professions. These include professions related to the following:

• Food, pharmaceutics and other industries
• Fish farming and fisheries
• Agricultural sciences
• Professions ancillary to medicine
• Environmental planning and management (Malta Environment and Planning Authority, Malta Resources Authority, etc.)
• Science teaching
• Science administration
• Consultancy work

On the basis of world-wide recognition of University of Malta degrees, our graduates and postgraduates have been accepted to continue their studies in a wide range of overseas institutions in Europe, the United States of America and elsewhere.

A growing number of international students are following courses in the Department of Biology, especially postgraduate courses leading to the M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees. These overseas students are attracted by the Department’s track record as well as by the facilities and expertise we are able to offer in a wide range of fields of study.

Chemistry

The course provides the necessary academic background for a chemistry career in industrial and teaching environments and fulfills the requirements for postgraduate studies at Masters or Doctoral level in chemistry and related subjects.