Description
Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year
MSci (Hons) Biochemistry
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSci (Hons) Biochemistry | Programme code | UFX4BIOBIO02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 Level 1 |
Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MSci (Hons) Biochemistry programme is aimed at understanding biological systems at a molecular level. This 4-year programme mirrors the BSc Biochemistry programme during the first three years, but also includes an additional fourth year during which you will be able to pursue research interests you have developed during your first three years on the programme. The degree programme in Biochemistry focuses on understanding the biochemical control of biological processes, particularly in the cell, and the tools for investigating these mechanisms. After a foundation first year, which covers the range of biochemistry from organic chemistry to microbiology and cell biology, you have more freedom of module choice in your second and third years. The many optional modules allow you to shape your degree as you wish while still keeping a strong biochemical core. The final year of the programme then provides you the opportunity to focus on an intensive research project, within one of our leading research groups, together with undertaking advanced modules to further develop your academic and transferable skills.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The general aims of this programme are:
To provide education intended to give you competence in Biochemistry, and to encourage you to develop your intellectual capabilities within an institution that is committed to advancing research, scholarship and learning, and to disseminating knowledge.
More specifically, this programme aims:
- To provide you with knowledge and understanding of biochemistry from the fundamentals to the frontiers of the subject.
- To provide you with the basic scientific, intellectual, and practical training that will prepare you for lifelong learning, and, if you wish, for a career in biochemical research.
- To enable you to think critically, evaluate evidence, analyse, challenge, solve problems, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively.
- To enable you to experience a supportive learning environment that fosters your academic and personal development.
- To provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake a significant research project whilst working within our leading research groups.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take up to 30 credits of elective modules outside of the programme in the second and third years and up to 15 credits outside of the programme in the final year as long as you have obtained the explicit permission of the Programme Director, any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Alternative elective modules at stage 4 can be drawn from existing MSc-level modules (level 7).
You are also permitted to take the five, ten or 15 credit Professional Development Experience modules BIO3910, BIO3911 or BIO3912 in the second or final years. Registration on these modules is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, these modules will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
105 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO1332 | Biochemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO1333 | Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists | 15 | No |
| BIO1334 | Genetics | 15 | No |
| BIO1337 | Microbiology | 15 | No |
| BIO1339 | Cells | 15 | No |
| BIO1340 | Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO1345 | Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds I | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioS S1 BSc-MSci Biochem opt 2019-0 | |||
| BIO1338 | Plants | 15 | No |
| BIO1346 | Biophysical Chemistry | 15 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO2071 | Research Skills and Bioethics | 15 | No |
| BIO2085 | Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds II | 15 | No |
| BIO2086 | Metabolism | 15 | No |
| BIO2088 | Advanced Cell Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO2090 | Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioS S2 BSc-MSci Biochem opt 2019-0 | |||
| BIO2066 | Forensic Science | 15 | No |
| BIO2078 | Medical and General Microbiology | 15 | No |
| BIO2089 | Molecular Biology of the Gene | 15 | No |
| BIO2091 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO2092 | Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics | 15 | No |
| BIO2093 | Modern Theories of Evolution | 15 | No |
| BIO2094 | Molecular Microbiology | 15 | No |
| BIO2099 | Molecular Plant Science | 15 | No |
| CSC2004 | Medical Genetics | 15 | No |
| CSC2005 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 15 | No |
| BIO2001 | Preparing for Professional Placements | 0 | No |
Stage 3
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO3096 | Biosciences Research Project | 45 | Yes |
| BIO3085 | Horizons of Biochemical Research | 15 | No |
| BIO3093 | Energy Metabolism | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioS SF BSc-S3 MSci Biochem opt 2019-0 | |||
| BIO3041 | Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO3073 | Specialist Topics in Chemical Sciences | 15 | No |
| BIO3077 | Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO3078 | Cellular Basis of Immunity | 15 | No |
| BIO3079 | Molecular Basis of Infection | 15 | No |
| BIO3082 | Science Communication | 15 | No |
| BIO3086 | Cell Biology of Disease | 15 | No |
| BIO3089 | Organic Synthesis and Drug Design | 15 | No |
| BIO3090 | Secondary Metabolites | 15 | No |
| BIO3092 | Bioinformatics | 15 | No |
Stage 4
105 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOM518 | Research Project | 75 | Yes |
| BIOM509 | Professional Skills | 15 | No |
| BIOM527 | Research Grant Proposal | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioS SF MSci Biochem opt 2019-0 | |||
| BIOM528 | Advanced Topics in Biological Sciences | 15 | No |
| NSCM006 | Advanced Topics in Natural Sciences Chemistry I | 15 | No |
| NSCM009 | Bioimaging | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate broadly based knowledge and understanding in the biochemical and cellular levels of biological organisation. | Within the programme, teaching and learning activities are designed to encourage a progressive acquisition of subject knowledge and skills by moving from study methods that have a greater degree of support and assistance towards more independent learning. The programme uses a diversity of teaching and learning methods: lectures, laboratory classes, research projects, group work. Typically a 15-credit module would consist of 15-20 x 1-hour lectures in which the core subject material will be provided. The lecture notes will be available via the University of Exeter Virtual Learning Environment and references to outside reading will be made available. Laboratory classes will normally run for either 3 or 5 hours and you will be provided with a written schedule describing in detail the experimental procedures. You will normally work in groups (2-5 individuals depending on stage) with an expectation that the workload is divided equally. Some laboratory classes form the basis of assessment and require the submission of a final laboratory report. This will normally require data analysis in the form of tables and graphs. There is also an expectation that the data generated will be used in some subsequent calculations and analysis. Discussion of the findings or answers to short questions will be used to provide evidence of knowledge gained. The stage 3 research project will normally take place in the 1st term where you will undertake a project in a research group followed by production of a written report in the 2nd term. If the project is literature-based, you will normally receive feedback on a draft report before production of the written report in the 2nd term. The stage 4 research project is taken by all MSci students, and normally takes place in the 1st and 2nd term. Research will be followed by the production of a written report and oral presentation. This project is conducted alongside a research group but with a greater degree of independence than the stage 3 project. The stage 3 and stage 4 projects may be conducted alongside either the same or different research groups. However, if continuing to work alongside the same research group, the stage 4 project must be sufficiently distinct, and as a minimum be an extension of rather than a continuation of the stage 3 project. | The programme uses a diversity of formative and summative assessment methods such as: essay examinations, short answer and multiple choice tests (MCQ), practical work and reports, quantitative (numerical) problems, project reports, oral presentations. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. With limited guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation, and enquiry within the subject of biochemistry. | See above. | See above. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. Communicate ideas effectively and professionally by written, oral and visual means. | See above. | See above. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
To progress to stage 3 you must achieve a credit-weighted stage average of at least 65% in stage 2, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the relevant 3-year BSc programme if progression criteria for this programme have been achieved.
Programme-specific Award Rules
At the end of stage 3, you may be permitted to exit with a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry provided that you have achieved 360 credits in total, you have taken no more than 150 credits at level 4 and at least 90 credits at level 6 or 7. If you do exit with a BSc (Hons) the award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will be allocated a personal tutor for the duration of your studies. Their role is to both instil in you a sense of academic rigour and thinking, and to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme. This includes working with you to decide the appropriate optional module choices, and research project areas, and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. Project supervisors provide further academic and tutorial support once you move on to the research component of the programme in stages 3 and 4. There is also a Programme Director for the MSci (Hons) in Biochemistry who follows the cohort through to graduation and who will monitor student absences and progress, and meet any students needing additional support. You can also expect reasonable access to individual teaching staff through appointments. The Biosciences website and online Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) includes the student handbook and learning materials, and you have access to computers and printers within the University. You will also have access to the Biosciences external seminar speaker series where leading researchers are invited to give research seminars. The Biosciences Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of educational provision. The College documents the performance in each of its taught programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Programme Monitoring cycle:
- Admissions, progression and completion data
- In Year Analysis data
- Previous monitoring report
- Monitoring of core (and optional) modules
- External examiner's reports and University and College responses (reported to SSLC)
- Any Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body/accrediting body or other external reports
- Consultation with employers and former students
- Staff evaluation
- Student evaluation
- Programme aims
Subject areas are reviewed every four years through a periodic subject review scheme that includes external contributions. (http://admin.exeter.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/Part%209/9JREVISEDPSRSCHEME.pdf)
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
MSci (Hons) Biochemistry
19. UCAS Code
C738
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 10/12/2018 |
Date of last revision | 19/03/2019 |
|---|