Biochemistry BSc (Hons) - 2022/3
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 6
Final award and programme/pathway title
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| Ord | Biosciences |
| DipHE | Biosciences |
| CertHE | Biosciences |
Professional recognition
Royal Society of Biology
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | UCC10001 | 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits |
| Full-time with PTY | UCC10001 | 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Biosciences
Other internal and / or external reference points
Biochemistry Society (United Kingdom)
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Biosciences
Programme Leader
TRINDER Sarah (Biosciences)
Date of production/revision of spec
17/09/2023
Educational aims of the programme
- To provide a high quality education in the various aspects of Biochemistry for students with diverse interests and career aspirations (including clinical laboratory scientist, researcher, scientific writer/editor, medical studies).
- To further the students' knowledge of the fundamental principles of Biochemistry and to develop a deeper knowledge in specific areas of the subject.
- To provide the appropriate environment to encourage the development of the students' interest in Biochemistry and to help them acquire appropriate intellectual, scientific, technical and key transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning.
- To provide opportunities for students to think creatively, both individually and within groups, in order to propose innovative solutions to a range of problems of a biological nature.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| An understanding of laboratory-based investigations in Biochemistry + Chemistry applicable to studying biochemical processes in healthy and diseased individuals. | K | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks (2015) - 5.2, 5.3, 7.7, 7.8, subject specific content |
| An understanding of the basic principles of Biochemistry and the application of these to the understanding and solution of a range of scientific and academic problems. | K | DipHE | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks (2015) - 5.2, 5.3, subject specific content |
| A good breadth of knowledge in the field of Biochemistry in general and a good depth of knowledge in any specialist subjects. | K | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks (2015) - 5.2, 5.3, 7.7, 7.8, subject specific content |
| An understanding of the key principles of good laboratory, clinical and field-based investigation and their application to a variety of aspects of Biosciences | K | Ord | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2, 5.3, 7.7 |
| A good breadth knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels with some degree of specialist knowledge apparent | K | Ord | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2, 5.3, 7.7 |
| Appropriate use of key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in specific fields within the Biosciences | K | Ord | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2, 5.3, 7.7 |
| Engagement with many of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with a chosen discipline within the Bioscience | K | Ord | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2, 5.3, 7.7 |
| A basic appreciation of some ethical issues and the impact on society of advances in the Biosciences | K | Ord | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2, 5.3, 7.7 |
| Ability to recognise and outline the key principles of laboratory, clinical and/or field-based investigation within the Biosciences. | K | DipHE | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2 + 5.3 |
| Broad basic knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels with some degree of specialist knowledge developing. | K | DipHE | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2 + 5.3 |
| Recollection of much of the key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in specific fields within the Biosciences. | K | DipHE | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2 + 5.3 |
| Recollection of many of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with a chosen discipline within the Biosciences. | K | DipHE | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2 + 5.3 |
| Ability to recognise the purpose of laboratory, clinical and/or field-based investigations within the Biosciences. | K | CertHE | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2 + 5.3 |
| Basic factual biological knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels. | K | CertHE | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2 + 5.3 |
| Recognition of some of the key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in Biosciences. | K | CertHE | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2 + 5.3 |
| Recognition of some of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with a chosen discipline within the Bioscience. | K | CertHE | QAA Benchmark statements 5.2 + 5.3 |
| Evaluate research findings and scientific literature and find, evaluate and critically assess appropriate sources of material | C | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.2, 4.3, 5.5, 5.7. Key Skills mapping related to many areas |
| Demonstrate an understanding of research design and planning and the limits of scientific findings | C | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.2, 4.3, 5.5, 5.7. Key Skills mapping related to many areas |
| Synthesise information gathered different sources to address specific scientific questions | C | Ord | (5.3, 5.5) |
| Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of research design and planning | C | Ord | (4.2, 5.5) |
| Recognise the on-going nature of scientific research in defining our modern understanding of Biosciences | C | Ord | |
| Identify and solve problems using previously developed strategies | C | Ord | (5.3, 4.2, 5.5) |
| Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues and the impact of advances in the biosciences encompassing an appreciation of the responsibilities of bioscientists to wider society | C | Ord | (4.2, 5.5) |
| Apply information gathered from suitable sources to address specific scientific questions | C | DipHE | (5.3) |
| Recognise the importance of following research procedures accurately and the consequences of failing to do so | C | DipHE | (4.2, 5.5) |
| Recognise the place of research in defining new paradigms | C | DipHE | |
| Employ previously developed strategies to guide problem solving | C | DipHE | (5.3, 4.2, 5.5) |
| Demonstrate an appreciation of the wider ethical issues of research and the impact of advances in the biosciences on wider society and the environment | C | DipHE | (4.2, 5.5) |
| Identify suitable sources of scientific information | C | CertHE | (5.3) |
| Recognise the importance of following research procedures accurately | C | CertHE | (4.2, 5.5) |
| Utilise previously defined scientific procedures to illustrate bioscience principles | C | CertHE | |
| Follow well defined schemes to solve problems | C | CertHE | (5.3, 4.2, 5.5) |
| Demonstrate a basic appreciation of some of the ethical issues surrounding the Biosciences including the need to carry out biological procedures in a safe and ethical manner | CertHE | (4.2, 5.5) | |
| Learn basic laboratory skills relevant to Biochemistry. | P | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.2, 5.5, 5.6, 4.4, 5.7, 4.6 |
| Develop advanced practical skills relevant to Biochemistry. | P | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.2, 5.5, 5.6, 4.4, 5.7, 4.6 |
| Interpret qualitative and quantitative data. | P | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.2, 5.5, 5.6, 4.4, 5.7, 4.6 |
| Learn independently. | P | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.2, 5.5, 5.6, 4.4, 5.7, 4.6 |
| Take responsibility for planning and organisation of work both on their own and in a team. | P | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.2, 5.5, 5.6, 4.4, 5.7, 4.6 |
| With minimal instruction demonstrate competence in basic laboratory, clinical and/or field skills relevant to Biosciences | P | Ord | (4, 5.6) |
| With minimal instruction demonstrate competence in some of the key practical skills relevant to a particular specialism within Biosciences | P | Ord | (4, 5.6) |
| Accurately report and analyse bioscience data to draw conclusions | P | Ord | (4.2, 5.5, 4.4, 5.7) |
| Follow detailed investigative protocols as instructed, and plan the work set out individually or within a team as appropriate | P | Ord | (4.6) |
| Undertake laboratory, clinical and/or fieldwork as instructed, in a safe and ethical manner | P | Ord | |
| With appropriate instruction, demonstrate competence in basic laboratory, clinical and/or field skills relevant to Biosciences | P | DipHE | (4, 5.6) |
| With appropriate instruction, demonstrate an ability to perform some key practical skills relevant to a particular specialism within Biosciences | P | DipHE | (4, 5.6) |
| Accurately report and analyse bioscience data to draw basic conclusions | P | DipHE | (4.2, 5.5, 4.4, 5.7) |
| Follow investigative protocols as instructed and perform the work set out efficiently either individually or within a team | P | DipHE | (4.6) |
| Undertake laboratory, clinical and/or fieldwork as instructed, in a safe and ethical manner | P | DipHE | |
| With detailed instruction, demonstrate some ability to perform basic laboratory, clinical and/or field skills in Biosciences | P | CertHE | (4, 5.6) |
| Clearly and concisely report biological procedures and data and draw some basic conclusions | P | CertHE | (4.2, 5.5, 4.4, 5.7) |
| Follow basic laboratory protocols as instructed | P | (4.6) | |
| Undertake laboratory, clinical and/or fieldwork as instructed, in a safe and ethical manner | P | CertHE | |
| Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means | T | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.4, 5.7, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 |
| Work effectively and independently on a given project or task | T | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.4, 5.7, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 |
| Work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal/outcome | T | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.4, 5.7, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 |
| Apply basic statistical and numerical skills to biochemical data | T | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.4, 5.7, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 |
| Use Information Technology e.g. WWW, virtual learning resources, word processors and statistics packages | T | BSc (Hons) | Relevant QAA Bioscience Benchmarks - 4.4, 5.7, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 |
| Employ learning and time-management strategies to organise learning effectively | T | Ord | (4.6) |
| Communicate bioscience concepts in a range of formats using appropriate scientific language | T | Ord | (4.4) |
| With minimal guidance work effectively on a given project or task | T | Ord | (4.6) |
| With minimal guidance work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal | T | Ord | (4.5) |
| Select and apply the numerical and statistical approaches required to analyse particular bioscience data | T | Ord | (4.4, 5.7) |
| Use academic literature, the internet and other electronic sources critically as a source of information | T | Ord | (4.4) |
| Identify own strategies for effective learning and develop time-management skills | T | DipHE | (4.6) |
| Communicate basic bioscience principles using appropriate scientific language | T | DipHE | (4.4) |
| With some guidance work effectively on an individual task | T | DipHE | (4.6) |
| With some guidance work effectively in small groups to achieve a common goal | T | DipHE | (4.5) |
| Apply basic statistical and numerical skills, with some guidance, to analyse simple bioscience data | T | DipHE | (4.4, 5.7) |
| Use the internet and other electronic resources to identify appropriate sources of scientific information | T | DipHE | (4.4) |
| With support, take responsibility for own time-management and academic efforts | T | CertHE | (4.6) |
| Communicate basic scientific information | T | CertHE | (4.4) |
| With guidance work on specific tasks | T | CertHE | (4.6) |
| With guidance work in small groups on a specific task | T | CertHE | (4.5) |
| Apply basic statistical and numerical skills, under direction, to analyse simple bioscience data | T | CertHE | (4.4, 5.7) |
| Use the internet and other electronic resources to identify appropriate sources of scientific information | T | CertHE | (4.4) |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Full-time with PTY
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMSP007 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | 120 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year
N/A
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | Y | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.