Undergraduate Programme Specification
BSc Biochemistry with Professional Studies
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 | BSc Biochemistry with Professional Studies | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
Programme Code | BCM-BSC-S | UCAS Code | C704 | HECoS Code |
100344 - Biochemistry - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Single Honours | 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 6 |
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 28-02-24 |
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: in order to be awarded an honours degree, the honours degree students must pass the honours project module BIO3308 (40 CATS) |
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 with Professional Studies 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 involves an extended work placement 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. 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, 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, |
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 in the academic and work-related environment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical classes, discussions, field work, tutorials, group work, Professional Studies module final year project work, online learning via the University VLE and independent study. Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through class tests, unseen written examinations, practical reports, placement portfolio, 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. |
Manage and deliver project type work in the workplace setting. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Outcomes are achieved through Professional Studies module Methods of Assessment Students are assessed through preplacement assignment (CV, Cover letter, Reflective document), a Placement Portfolio (Work Based Learning activity, Placement Provider report, Reflective report, Log Book) and presentation. |
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, 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. |
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. |
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 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, 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 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 |
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 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 |
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 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 |
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 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 |
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, 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: |
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. |
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% |
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry | CHM1004 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
World of Microorganisms | BIO1301 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 15% | 25% | 60% |
Fundamentals of Microbiology | BIO1314 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 80% | 20% | 0% |
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% |
Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis | BIO2311 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 0% | 40% | 60% |
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% |
Professional Studies | BIO3303 | 3 | 120 | YES | YES | 40 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Immunology and Immunotherapy | BIO3104 | 4 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations | BIO3203 | 4 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Research Project | BIO3308 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Biomolecules in Health and Disease | BIO3304 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
CHM1004: pre-requisite - A-Level Chemistry
All students will spend an extended period in a work placement during which they will carry out project type work. Students will begin preparations for the placement in the first semester of Stage 2 and the placement will be assessed within the module Professional Studies, BIO3303. Students unable to secure a year placement will be transferred to the BSc Biochemistry programme.
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed.
BIO2311 Pre-requisite BIO1301 and BIO1314
BIO2102 Pre-requisite CHM1011
BIO2304 Pre-requisite BIO2104
BIO2313 Pre-requisite BIO2312
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed
BIO3203 Pre-requisite: BIO1301 and BIO1314