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Programme Specification

BSc Biochemistry

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title BSc Biochemistry Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Science
Programme Code BCM-BSC-S UCAS Code C700 HECoS Code 100344 - Biochemistry - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Single Honours Length of Programme Full Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 360
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Biological Sciences

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 6

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Biosciences (2019)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Royal Society of Biology

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 16-10-18

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

In addition to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes: in order to be awarded an honours degree, the honours degree students must pass the honours project module
BIO3308 (40 CATS).

Where students have failed the honours project module BIO3308 (40 CATS) but meet the minimum credit requirement for a Bachelor’s degree they will be awarded the exit award of BSc Bioscience, which is not Royal Society of Biology Accredited.

Students with protected characteristics

The programme does not contain barriers to access or progression among protected groups.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
The BSc Honours Biochemistry Programme is designed to give graduates an extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts and theories relating to Biochemistry. This will include a solid foundation in physical, analytical, bioinorganic and organic chemistry, which will equip students with the necessary subject knowledge to understand and explain biochemical processes underpinning the relationship between genotype and phenotype. This knowledge base will be supplemented with experience and proficiency across a wide range of practical laboratory skills and techniques. The programme is underpinned by an active research environment and aims to enable all students to develop comprehensive subject-specific knowledge with practical and transferable skills in the area of Biochemistry whilst, encouraging creative thinking and innovation. On completion of the programme, successful students will be proficient in the collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and will have well developed problem solving abilities. Students will have a demonstrable ability to communicate biochemical principles and knowledge to a variety of audiences, and will be proficient in the use of computers for data management and presentation. Students will also have developed general intellectual, personal and teamwork skills necessary for the world of employment and further study.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate ability in quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate scientific literature.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Apply subject knowledge and understanding to generate hypotheses to address familiar and unfamiliar problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Demonstrate the ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems and appreciate the limitations of current hypotheses.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Recognise the importance of academic and research integrity and ethical issues of investigations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the chemistry, structure and function of biological molecules.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Describe and explain major metabolic pathways in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Explain the biochemical processes underpinning the link between genotype and phenotype.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Demonstrate an understanding of the principles relating to a wide range of biochemical techniques, including: basic molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, enzyme kinetics, the determination of biomolecular structure,
spectrophotometry, and biochemical separation techniques

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of prokaryote and eukaryote cells.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Biochemical aspects of human disease and nutrition.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, module practical classes, discussions, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Comprehend the scientific literature relating to Biochemistry and use the literature to address problems, form and test hypotheses.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data is developed incrementally beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research project.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio. Completion of /compliance with Ethical procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessments.

Demonstrate practical proficiency in a wide range of biochemical techniques, including: basic molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, enzyme kinetics, the determination of biomolecular structure, spectrophotometry, and biochemical separation techniques.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data is developed incrementally beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research project.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary
literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio.

Conduct data visualisation and analysis, including the application of data transformations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data is developed incrementally beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research project.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary
literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio.

Interrogate and evaluate biochemical data, using informatics software and databases.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Scientific writing workshops, library courses, online teaching material. Subject specific practicals, final year Honours project, optional work placement. Skills in laboratory work and in the analysis and interpretation of data is developed incrementally beginning at stage 1 and 2 through to the final year research project. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research project.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays and honours project thesis. Students are referred to the primary
literature in support of taught modules and prepare a project-oriented review. Practical reports, completion of practical skills portfolio.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate an ability to communicate and apply biochemical knowledge to peers and non-scientists using a range of media.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through
lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Exhibit the personal and intellectual skills necessary for the world of employment and lifelong learning including:
- intellectual independence,
- self-motivation,
- effective time management and planning,
- an adaptable, flexible approach to learning
- the ability to work as part of a team.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through
lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Demonstrate innovation in science through discovery and the application of knowledge.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through
lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers for data management and presentation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through
lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Demonstrate proficiency in the collation, quantitative analysis, graphical presentation, and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem-solve.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through
lectures, module practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Certain transferable skills, such as self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility are embedded within the learning and may not be separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed through unseen written examinations, class tests, practical reports, oral presentations, essays, posters, case studies, data analysis and a project thesis.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
The World of Microorganisms BIO1301 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Fundamentals of Chemistry CHM1011 1 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 50% 50% 0%
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry CHM1004 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Molecular Basis of Life BIO1304 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Experimental Biochemistry BIO2102 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks Y YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Cell Biology BIO2304 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis BIO2311 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y YES -- 0% 40% 60%
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics BIO2305 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 50% 0% 50%
Cell Biology BIO2104 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Immunology and Immunotherapy BIO3104 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Biomolecules in Health and Disease BIO3304 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Research Project BIO3308 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations BIO3203 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y YES -- 40% 0% 60%

Notes

Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
CHM1011 and CHM1004: pre-requisite - A-Level Chemistry

Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed
BIO2311 Pre-requisite: BIO1301
BIO2304 Pre-requisite BIO2104
BIO2102 Pre-requisite: CHM1011

Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed
BIO3203 Pre-requisite: BIO1301