Undergraduate Programme Specification
MSci Biochemistry
Academic Year 2024/25
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 | MSci Biochemistry | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master in Science | |||||||||||
Programme Code | BIO-MSCI | UCAS Code | C702 | HECoS Code |
100344 - Biochemistry - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Undergraduate Master | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 4 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 480 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available | No |
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Biological Sciences |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Biosciences (2019) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
|
Royal Society of Biology |
Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 24-01-20 |
Regulation Information
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
Programme Specific Regulations In addition to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes: |
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
he MSci 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, innovation and leadership. 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. An integral component of the course will be the completion of a year-long research project that is informed by the knowledge and understanding of the subject through current scholarship and research. 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 SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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, MSci project, 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, MSci project, 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, MSci project online learning via the 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, MSci project online learning via the 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, MSci project online learning via the 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. |
Design, plan and manage a significant research project. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Through MSci research project. Methods of Assessment Project proposal, research lab book, interim reports and final dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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, MSci project, 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, MSci project 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, MSci project, 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, MSci project, 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, MSci project 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 in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specific aspect of the subject through research led discovery. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Through MSci research project. Methods of Assessment Project proposal, research lab book, interim reports and final dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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, MSci project and optional work placement. Skills Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays, and MSci 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 and MSci research projects. Students will follow safety protocols relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research projects. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays, and MSci 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. |
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 MSci project and, optional work placement. Skills Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays, and MSci 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. |
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 MSci project and, optional work placement. Skills Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through written reports, direct observation in the laboratory (OSPE) or field, essays, and MSci 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. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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, MSci project, 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: |
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, MSci project 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, MSci project 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, MSci project 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, MSci project 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 the ability to work productively and collaboratively as part of a team to collect data, produce reports and communicate science. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of transferrable skills is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning methods underpinning transferrable skill acquisition is through 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 |
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S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Molecular Basis of Life | BIO1103 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 65% | 35% | 0% |
Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox | BIO1304 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 15% | 25% | 60% |
Fundamentals of Chemistry | CHM1011 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 50% | 0% |
World of Microorganisms | BIO1301 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 15% | 25% | 60% |
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry | CHM1004 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Fundamentals of Microbiology | BIO1314 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 80% | 20% | 0% |
Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis | BIO2311 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 0% | 40% | 60% |
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II | BIO2313 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Experimental Biochemistry | BIO2102 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 40% | 60% | 0% |
Cell Biology | BIO2104 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 45% | 55% | 0% |
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1 | BIO2312 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 50% | 0% |
Advanced Cell Biology | BIO2304 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 0% | 40% | 60% |
Research Project | BIO3308 | 3 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Immunology and Immunotherapy | BIO3104 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations | BIO3203 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Biomolecules in Health and Disease | BIO3304 | 3 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Research Project (MSci) | BIO4301 | 4 | 120 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATs) listed.120728
CHM1011 and CHM1004: pre-requisite A-Level Chemistry
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATs) listed
BIO2311 Pre-requisite: BIO1301 and BIO1314
BIO2304 Pre-requisite BIO2104
BIO2102 Pre-requisite CHM1011
BIO2311 Pre-requisite BIO2312
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATs) listed
BIO3203 Pre-requisite: BIO1301 and BIO1314
Students are expected to commit to, and complete the MSci programme. Those who wish to exit the programme at the end of Stage 3 may be permitted to transfer to the corresponding BSc (Hons) by their Adviser of Studies.
Stage 4: Students must take the compulsory module (120 CATS) listed.