Date of Revision 30/06/15 Date of Previous Revision
Programme Specification (2015-16)
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
BSc Honours BiochemistryFinal Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
BSc
Programme Code
BCM-BSC-SUCAS
Code
C700
JACS
Code
C700
Criteria for Admissions
(Please see General Regulations)
For current general University entry requirements for this programme go to http://www.qub.ac.uk/ado
Mode of Study (Full-time, Part-time, other)
FTType of
Programme
BSc Single Honours Biochemistry Length of ProgrammeThree
years
Total Credits for Programme360 CATS
Awarding Institution/Body
Queen’s University BelfastTeaching Institution
Queen’s University BelfastSchool/Department
School of Biological SciencesFramework for Higher Education
Qualification Level
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/informationan
dguidance
Level 6
QAA Benchmark Group
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuringstandardsandqualit
y/subject-guidance/pages/subject-benchmark-statements
Biosciences (Hons)
Collaborative Organisation and form of
Collaboration (if applicable)
N/A
Accreditations
External Examiner Name:
External Examiner Institution/Organisation
Professor Panos Soultanas School of Chemistry
The University of Nottingham
Room CBS/A13 Centre for Biomolecular Sciences (CBS) University Park
Nottingham NG7 2RD
Does the Programme have any approved
exemptions from the University General
Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)
Yes
□
No
(If yes, please state here any exemptions to regulations which have been approved for this programme)
Programme Specific Regulations
n/aStudents 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)
Please indicate No
Educational Aims of Programme On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
Please list below the overarching aims and objectives of the programme.
The overall aim of the programme is to provide a broad-based, high quality, learning and teaching environment that gives students the opportunity to:
Acquire a basic knowledge of the theories and concepts and a practical experience of the techniques of biochemistry;
Develop a wider appreciation of the biosciences;
Develop and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques of the major sub-divisions of biochemistry’
Develop the intellectual, personal and team skills necessary for the world of employment and further study.
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills
On the completion of this course successful students will
be able to:
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Methods of Assessment
Demonstrate ability in quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental
data. Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research project (BBC3025) Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report, written examinations, class tests Solve problems based on numerical or verbal data or a mixture of the two Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research project (BBC3025) Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report, written examinations, class tests Demonstrate critical reasoning Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research project
(BBC3025) Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report, written examinations, class tests Demonstrate ability to reliably record and process experimental data Practical classes in Stages 1 and 2; research project
(BBC3025) Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report, written examinations, class tests Proficiently use IT for data management and presentation Specific classes in BSC1009 require the use of IT;
thereafter the appropriate use of IT in the molecular bioscience is embedded in the theory and practical teaching in all modules. The research project, BBC3025 requires an extended write-up and data analysis for which students are trained by supervisors.
Continuous assessment exercises in BSC1009; Laboratory reports, project (dissertation) report.
Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills
On the completion of this course successful students will
be able to demonstrate:
Teaching/Learning Methods and
Strategies
Methods of Assessment
Good oral communication and presentation skills BSC1009: training and practice in oral presentations BBC3025: Seminar on research project (guidance
from supervisors given) BBC3025. Ability to communicate coherently and accurately in writing Written assignments and or examinations are required
on all modules. Students receive feedback on written work.
Practical reports; essays; written examinations; project report
Time management and planning Time management is required in all practical classes
and the project (BBC3025). In practical classes, academic staff and postgraduate demonstrators assist students with time management.
Practical work for BBC3025 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.
Capacity to learn through independent study 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.
Written examinations and continuously assessed essays require additional material (ie not in lecture notes etc) for the highest marks.
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding
On the completion of this course successful students will
be able to:
Teaching/Learning Methods and
Strategies
Methods of Assessment
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
the structure, biological function and biosynthesis of proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids
the major metabolic pathways in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and their control the role of lipids, hormones and signalling pathways in regulating cell function The chemical and physical principles underpinning biochemical separation methods, enzyme catalysis, biomolecular structure determination Recombinant DNA technology and protein engineering
Biochemical aspects of human disease and nutrition
The learning and teaching of the core subject matter is achieved via modular lecture courses reinforced by laboratory practical exercises, directed reading and a final year research project.
Practical reports; essays; written examinations; project report; class tests
Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific Skills
On the completion of this course successful students will
Ability to comprehend the scientific literature relating to Biochemistry and
integrate information there from 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.
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 Laboratory skills are taught in practical classes associated with L1 and l2 modules and in the final year research project.
Practical reports; project report; practical mark for project work
Comply with health and safety regulations Students are instructed about safety protocols relating to practical work and prepare risk assessments as part of their research project.
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 exploit bibliographic and bioinformatic databases 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.
Programme Requirements
Module Title
Module
Code
Level/
stage
Credits Availability Duration Pre-requisite
Assessment
S1
S2
Core
Option Coursework %
Examination %
Stage 1: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed below.
Students who wish to study for the degree of BSc Honours in Biochemistry with Mathematics may substitute a Level 1 Mathematics module (20 CATS) for BSC1009.
Genetics and Molecular Biology GEN1005 1 20 CATS 12 weeks None 30% 70%
Introductory Skills for the
Biosciences BSC1009 1 20 CATS 12 weeks None 30% Paper 49% Computer 21%
Basic Chemistry 1 CHM1001 1 20 CATS 12 weeks None 40% 60%
Biochemistry BCH1002 1 20 CATS 12 weeks None 30% 70%
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
CHM1004 1 20 CATS 12 weeks A level chemistry 25% 75%
Microorganisms MCB1006 1 20 CATS 12 weeks None 30% 70%
Stage 2: Students must take the compulsory modules (100 CATS) listed below and one other module (20 CATS) which it is recommended should be selected from the elective modules listed below.
Enzymology CHM2009 2 20 CATS 12 weeks BCH1002 or
GEN1005 30% 70%
Biochemical Methods BBC2015 2 20 CATS 12 weeks None 25% 75%
Mammalian Biochemistry BBC2008 2 20 CATS 12 weeks None 25% 75%
Microbial Metabolism and
Physiology BBC2010 2 20 CATS 12 weeks None 25% 75%
Molecular Genetics BBC2010 2 20 CATS 12 weeks None 25% 75%
Virology VMI2001 2 20 CATS 12 weeks None 25% 75%
Work Placement ALU2012 2 20 CATS 10
workshops and 16 week placement
None 100%
Genetic Systems BBC2020 2 20 CATS 12 weeks None 25% 75%
Stage 3: Students must take the compulsory modules (120 CATS) listed below.
Students who wish to study for the degree of BSC Honours in Biochemistry with Mathematics may substitute a Level 3 Mathematics module (20 CATS) module for one of: BBC3034, BBC3046, BBC3031 or BBC3045.
Research Project BBC3025 3 40 CATS 24 weeks None 100%
Biomolecular Structure BBC3034 3 20 CATS 12 weeks None 100%
Genetic Manipulation and
Biotechnology BBC3046 3 20 CATS 12 weeks BBC2012 20% 80%
Cell Signalling BBC3031 3 20 CATS 12 weeks None 20% 80%
Biochemical Basis of Disease BBC3045 3 20 CATS 12 weeks None 20% 80%
