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Undergraduate Programme Specification

MSci Biochemistry

Academic Year 2021/22

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

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Undergraduate Master

Length of Programme

Full Time - 4 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

480

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	Biological Sciences
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 7
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf	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
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

In addition to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes:

To be awarded the degree of MSci Biochemistry Studies, students must pass the final year project module BIO4301 (120 CATS).

Students that have not met the minimum credit requirement for an integrated Master’s degree will exit with the BSc in Biochemistry.

In order to proceed to the MSCI degree, students must pass the honours project module BIO3308 (40 CATS) with a mark of 60% or more and must have an overall weighted average of at least 60%. Students who do not meet these requirements will be required to transfer to the BSc in Biochemistry.

To be awarded the exit award of the BSc Honours Biochemistry in addition to the Study Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes students must pass the honours project module BIO3308 (40 CATS).

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.

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

The 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 and innovation. 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 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

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/ MSci 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
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

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: Knowledge & Understanding

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

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

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 Specific

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

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
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 project. 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.

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

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
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 project. Students will follow safety protocols
relating to practical work at all stages and will prepare risk assessments as part of their research projects.

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
risk assessments as part of their research project.

Methods of Assessment

Interrogate and evaluate biochemical data, using informatics software and databases.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

Demonstrate an ability to communicate and apply biochemical knowledge to
peers and non-scientists using a range of media.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

TThe 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

Exhibit the personal and intellectual skills necessary for the world of
employment and lifelong learning including:
- intellectual independence,
- self-motivation,
- effective time management and planning,
- an adaptable, flexible approach to learning
- the ability to work as part of a team.

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.

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Apply subject knowledge and understanding to generate hypotheses to address familiar and unfamiliar problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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 & Understanding

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

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.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

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 Bioorganic 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		40%	0%	60%
Molecular Basis of Life	BIO1304	1	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		40%	0%	60%
Work Placement	BIO2303	2	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
Cell Biology	BIO2104	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N	YES		100%	0%	0%
Advanced Cell Biology	BIO2304	2	20		YES	12 weeks	Y	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	Y	YES		100%	0%	0%
Microorganisms in Action	BIO2202	2	20		YES	12 weeks	Y		YES	40%	0%	60%
Research Project	BIO3308	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES		100%	0%	0%
Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations	BIO3203	3	20		YES	12 weeks	Y	YES		40%	0%	60%
Industrial Microbiology	BIO3103	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
Immunology and Immunotherapy	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. BIO2202 Pre-requisite: BIO1301 BIO2304 Pre-requisite BIO2104 BIO2102 Pre-requisite CHM1011

Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (100 CATS) listed and 20 CATS points from the optional module(s) listed. BIO3203 Pre-requisite: BIO1301 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. Students must take an equal distribution of CATS points between semesters.

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