MSci Biochemistry with Professional Studies
Academic Year 2018/19
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 with Professional Studies |
Final Award |
Master in Science |
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Programme Code |
BIO-MSCI-P |
UCAS Code |
C705 |
HECoS Code |
100344 |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
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Mode of Study |
Full Time |
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Type of Programme |
Undergraduate Master |
Length of Programme |
5 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
600 |
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Exit Awards available |
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INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Biological Sciences |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 7 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
Biosciences (2007) |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
Programme Specific Regulations To be eligible to graduate, in addition to the university requirements, students must pass the module Professional Studies. Students who fail the module Professional studies will automatically be transferred to the same named degree without Professional Studies in the degree title. |
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:
1. Demonstrate an extensive knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to Biochemistry.
2. Demonstrate a range of practical laboratory skills and understanding of the principles and techniques relevant to Biochemistry, and the application of these skills in an extended research project setting.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem-solve.
4. Demonstrate an ability to communicate and apply knowledge on Biochemistry.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers for data management and presentation.
6. Demonstrate intellectual, personal and team skills necessary for the world of employment and further study.
7. Develop the ability to carry out high quality research work in the discipline.
8. Demonstrate how their degree learning outcomes can be applied to the workplace and show evidence of career management planning.
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 Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research project (BIO3308) Methods of Assessment Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report, written examinations, class tests |
Solve problems based on numerical or verbal data or a mixture of the two |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research project (BIO3308) Methods of Assessment Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report, written examinations, class tests |
Demonstrate critical reasoning |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research project (BIO3308) Methods of Assessment Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report, written examinations, class tests |
Demonstrate ability to reliably record and process experimental data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research project (BIO3308) Methods of Assessment Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report, written examinations, class tests |
Proficiently use IT for data management and presentation |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Appropriate use of IT in the molecular bioscience is embedded in the theory and practical teaching in all modules. The research project, BIO3308 requires an extended write-up and data analysis for which students are trained by supervisors. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment, laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The learning and teaching of the core subject matter is achieved via modular lecture courses reinforced by laboratory practical exercises, directed reading, research seminar attendance and an extended final year research project. Methods of Assessment Practical reports; essays; written examinations; project report; class tests |
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 integrate information there from |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Skills in the analysis and interpretation of biochemical data are developed in practical class exercises at Stages 1 and 2 and the research project at Stage 3. Competence in laboratory work is developed incrementally through set practicals and the final year research project. Methods of Assessment They are assessed through written reports. Particularly at Stage 3, students are referred to the primary literature in support of taught modules, and prepare a project-oriented review. |
Carry out routine and investigative work in a biochemical laboratory |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Laboratory skills are taught in practical classes associated with L1 and L2 modules and in the final year research project. Methods of Assessment Practical reports; project report; practical mark for project work |
Comply with health and safety regulations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students are instructed about safety protocols relating to practical work and prepare risk assessments as part of their research project. Methods of Assessment Not directly assessed, but student failing to comply with health and safety regulations may be excluded from classes and consequently fail practical assignments. |
Interrogate and evaluate bibliographic and bioinformatic databases |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students are encouraged to engage with scientific literature from Stage 1. Several modules have continuous assessment exercises which require engagement with literature and/or bioinformatics. Final year research projects require independent use of a wide range of scientific literature. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment of exercises requiring engagement with literature or bioinformatics. Project report. Examinations (use of appropriate scientific literature will be rewarded). |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate good oral communication and presentation skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminar on research project (guidance from supervisors given) Methods of Assessment Peer and staff assessment of seminars; research project talks assessed in the Honours and MSci projects. |
Communicate coherently and accurately in writing |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Written assignments and or examinations are required on all modules. Students receive feedback on written work. Methods of Assessment Practical reports; essays; written examinations; project report |
Efficiently time manage and plan |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Time management is required in all practical classes and the Honours and MSci projects. In practical classes, academic staff and postgraduate demonstrators assist students with time management. Methods of Assessment Practical work for the MSci project is directly assessed by the supervisor and includes an element of time management. While not generally directly assessed in practical classes, good time management is often critical to successful completion of practical work. |
Demonstrate a capacity to learn through independent study |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Throughout the whole programme the ethos is one of working independently with learning resources through independent study. All modules have set texts and/or reading lists of scientific papers etc which students are encouraged to study in their own time. Methods of Assessment Written examinations and continuously assessed essays require additional material (ie not in lecture notes etc) for the highest marks. |
Critically analyse their own data and that of others |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Completion of an extended Honours and MSci projects under supervision Methods of Assessment Literature reviews; project reports; interim reports for MSci project. |
Apply subject-specific knowledge in a workplace |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 46 week placement; workshops Methods of Assessment Placement report; placement seminar; employer evaluations |
Identify and develop work-related skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 46 week placement; workshops Methods of Assessment Placement report; placement seminar; assignments |
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Carry out experimental design |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Teaching and supervision on the MSci Research project . Methods of Assessment Exercises in BBC3050; Honours project, MSci project proposal, interim reports and dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Formulate research questions and design experiments to answer these |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Through active engagement with experimental planning and design in the MSci research project. Methods of Assessment MSci project plan for interim reports and dissertation |
Understand how Biochemistry can be applied in the workplace |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Skills in the analysis and interpretation of biochemical data are developed in practical class exercises at Stages 1 and 2 and the research projecst at Stages 3 and 4. Competence in laboratory work is developed incrementally through set practicals and the Honours and Msci research projects. Methods of Assessment They are assessed through written reports and project dissertations. |
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 % | ||||||
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Biorganic Chemistry | CHM1004 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Fundamentals of Chemistry | CHM1011 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
The World of Microorganisms | BIO1301 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | |
Molecular Basis of Life | BIO1304 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 25% | 75% | |
Cell Biology 2 | BIO2304 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | |
Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics | BIO2305 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Experimental Biochemistry | BIO2102 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Microorganisms in Action | BIO2202 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Professional Studies | BIO3303 | 3 | 120 | YES | YES | 46 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Research Project | BIO3308 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Bacterial Genetics and Genetic Manipulation | BIO3203 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Industrial Microbiology | BIO3103 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Immunology and Pathogenisis of Infectious Diseases | BIO3104 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 0% | 100% | ||
Biomolecules in Health and Disease | BIO3304 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | |
Research Project (MSci) | BIO4301 | 5 | 120 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed. CHM1004 pre-requisite: A-Level Chemistry
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (100 CATS) listed and 20 CATS points from the optional module(s) listed. 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) Biochemistry with Professional Studies by their Adviser of Studies.
Stage 4: Students must take the compulsory module (120 CATS) listed.
Year out: All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out some 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 MSci Biochemistry programme.