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

Bachelor Of Science (honours) In Biology And Physics 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.


Physics

The concern of physics is the behaviour of matter and its interaction with energy under conditions as different as the chamber of a fusion reactor and the inside of an integrated circuit. With boundaries extending from the more specialised areas of theory to practical engineering, physics underlies the other exact and practical sciences and has now reached the stage of widespread application at most levels of civilised existence.

The design of the undergraduate physics course reflects the need to provide as wide a base as the human resources of the department permit. It is intended to provide a sound basis in the subject during the first three years, with some specialisation in chosen areas offered during the final year. It is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, experience and skills to pursue careers as scientists within the industry, administration, education and, of course, research.

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.

Physics

Physics students will acquire knowledge and cognitive skills through the study of course material and practical work, including project work. Central in the set of transferable skills is the acquisition of an aptitude for problem solving.

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.

Physics

Candidates who choose to study physics are those who satisfy the entry requirements, and have a strong interest in the subject and wish to dedicate their time to its study with a view of acquiring a range of transferrable skills, most important amongst which would be a refined problem solving aptitude. Such students would typically have a sound mathematical background and would be willing to improve this during the course.

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.


Physics

Physicists are the most versatile of scientists, capable of tackling a variety of both everyday and specialist problems. Physics graduates may find employment in government departments, with private industry, with public authorities, as teachers in state and private or church schools and research laboratories, both locally and abroad.

The physics programme equips students to join postgraduate courses (both locally and abroad). Such courses may range from taught and/or research Masters to M.Phil. and Ph.D.