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MSci Biochemistry

Academic Year 2017/18

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 and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.

Programme Title

MSci Biochemistry

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master in Science

Programme Code

BIO-MSCI

UCAS Code

C702

JACS Code

C720 (DESCR) 100

Criteria for Admissions

A-level:
AAB including Chemistry and Biology + GCSE Mathematics grade C
OR
AAA including Chemistry and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC + GCSE Mathematics grade C.
Note: where A-level Biology, Mathematics or Physics are not offered, A-levels in three other subjects including Chemistry and AS-level Biology would be considered.

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level):
AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade A and B2 in any order in Chemistry and Biology + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics
OR
AAB2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade A and B2 in any order in Chemistry and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + Ordinary Level Biology grade C + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics.

Note: applicants for the the MSci degree will automatically be considered for admission to the BSc degree if they are not eligible for entry to the MSci degree both at initial offer making stage and when results are received.

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please click on Your Country in the International Students website.

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO at Queen's is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including the International Foundation in Engineering and Science.

For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

ATAS Clearance Required

Health Check Required

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Undergraduate Master

Length of Programme

4 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

480

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Biological Sciences

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Biosciences (2007)

Accreditations (PSRB)

REGULATION INFORMATION

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

None

Programme Specific Regulations

The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations.

Transfers to and from the programme
Students enrolled on BSc in Biochemistry may transfer into this programme at any stage provided that they have a weighted mean mark of at least 60%.
Students enrolled on this pathway may transfer to BSc in Biochemistry up until the end of Stage 3.

Progression
To progress from Stage 3 to Stage 4, students must obtain a weighted mean mark across Stage 1, 2 and 3 of at least 60% and attain a minimum mark of 60% in the Honours project module. Students who do not meet these requirements will be required to transfer to the BSc in Biochemistry.

Degree Classification
The following module weightings should be used when calculating the honours classification: Stage 1 5%, Stage 2 15%, Stage 3 30%, Stage 4 50%.

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)

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.

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

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 & Understanding

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

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
i) The structure, biological function and biosynthesis of proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids
ii) The major metabolic pathways in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and their control
iii) The role of lipids, hormones and signalling pathways in regulating cell function
iv) The chemical and physical principles underpinning biochemical separation methods, enzyme catalysis, biomolecular structure determination
v) Recombinant DNA technology and protein engineering
vi) Biochemical aspects of human disease and nutrition
vii) Current trends in biochemical research

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 Specific

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

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 Skills

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

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.

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Carry out effective experimental design

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching supervision on the MSci Research project.

Methods of Assessment

Project report and exercises, Honours projects, MSci project proposal, interim reports and dissertation.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

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

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

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

Critically analyse their own data and that of others

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Preparation for the Honours and MSci projects literature review;completion of an extended research project under supervision (BBC4001)

Methods of Assessment

Literature reviews; project reports; interim reports for MSci project.

MODULE INFORMATION

Programme Requirements

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				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		20%	20%	60%
Molecular Basis of Life	BIO1304	1	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		15%	25%	60%
Work Placement	BIO2303	2	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
Cell Biology 2	BIO2304	2	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		50%	0%	50%
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	50%	0%	50%
Research Project	BIO3308	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		100%	0%	0%
Bacterial Genetics and Genetic Manipulation	BIO3203	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N	YES		100%	0%	0%
Industrial Microbiology	BIO3103	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
Immunology and Pathogenisis of Infectious Diseases	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 (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. CHM1004: pre-requisite - A-Level Chemistry

Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (100 CATS) listed and one other module (20 CATS) which it is recommended should be selected from the optional modules 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 by their Adviser of Studies.

Stage 4: Students must take the compulsory module (120 CATS) listed.