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

ATAS Clearance Required

No

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

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)

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)

No

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.