Biochemistry MSci (Hons) - 2022/3
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSci (Hons) Biochemistry
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | Biochemistry |
| Ord | Biosciences |
| DipHE | Biosciences |
| CertHE | Biosciences |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | UCC31001 | 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |
| Full-time with PTY | UCC31001 | 600 credits and 300 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Biosciences
Other internal and / or external reference points
NA
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Biosciences
Programme Leader
MEIRA Lisie (Biosciences)
Date of production/revision of spec
12/09/2023
Educational aims of the programme
- To provide a framework upon which students research interests may be refined and in which both practical and intellectual research skills will be developed.
- To deliver a cutting-edge employability advantage in which skills may be applied to research based and alternative career pathways.
- 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 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 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.
- 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.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Apply complex Biochemical concepts to design and undertake experiments which will address a Biochemical research question (linked to BSc (Hons) | K | MSci (Hons) | |
| Design, apply and critically evaluate Biochemical techniques to a range of Biochemical problems (linked to BSc (Hons) | K | MSci (Hons) | |
| Critically evaluate Biochemical research problems and apply and contextualise them within the established subject literature (linked to BSc (Hons) | K | MSci (Hons) | |
| An understanding of laboratory-based investigations in biochemistry applicable to studying biochemical processes in healthy and diseased individuals. | K | BSc (Hons) | |
| 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 | BSc (Hons) | |
| 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) | |
| 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 | |
| A good breadth knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels with some degree of specialist knowledge apparent | K | Ord | |
| Appropriate use of key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in specific fields within the Biosciences | K | Ord | |
| Engagement with many of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with a chosen discipline within the Bioscience | K | Ord | |
| A basic appreciation of some ethical issues and the impact on society of advances in the Biosciences | K | Ord | |
| Ability to recognise and outline the key principles of laboratory, clinical and/or field-based investigation within the Biosciences. | K | DipHE | |
| Broad basic knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels with some degree of specialist knowledge developing. | K | DipHE | |
| Recollection of much of the key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in specific fields within the Biosciences. | K | DipHE | |
| Recollection of many of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with a chosen discipline within the Biosciences. | K | DipHE | |
| Ability to recognise the purpose of laboratory, clinical and/or field-based investigations within the Biosciences. | K | CertHE | |
| Basic factual biological knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels. | K | CertHE | |
| Recognition of some of the key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in Biosciences. | K | CertHE | |
| Recognition of some of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with a chosen discipline within the Bioscience. | K | CertHE | |
| Critically evaluate current subject literature and research findings and propose additional research avenues based upon the existing information. Applying rigorous standards of information quality to the source material (linked to BSc (Hons) | C | MSci (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate competency in research design and critically evaluate the limitations of research findings (linked to BSc (Hons) | C | MSci (Hons) | |
| Evaluate research findings and scientific literature and find, evaluate and critically assess appropriate sources of material. | C | BSc (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate an understanding of research design and planning and the limits of scientific findings. | C | BSc (Hons) | |
| Synthesise information gathered different sources to address specific scientific questions | C | Ord | |
| Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of research design and planning | C | Ord | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Apply information gathered from suitable sources to address specific scientific questions | C | DipHE | |
| Recognise the importance of following research procedures accurately and the consequences of failing to do so | C | DipHE | |
| Recognise the place of research in defining new paradigms. | C | DipHE | |
| Employ previously developed strategies to guide problem solving | C | DipHE | |
| 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 | |
| Identify suitable sources of scientific information | C | CertHE | |
| Recognise the importance of following research procedures accurately | C | CertHE | |
| Utilise previously defined scientific procedures to illustrate bioscience principles. | C | CertHE | |
| Follow well defined schemes to solve problems | C | CertHE | |
| 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 | C | CertHE | |
| Demonstrate competency in advanced laboratory skills and apply their use appropriately to Biochemical problems (linked to BSc (Hons) | P | MSci (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate competency in the execution of research skills appropriate practical design (linked to BSc (Hons) | P | MSci (Hons) | |
| Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data and articulate the limitations of research (linked to BSc (Hons) | P | MSci (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate effective independent learning (linked to BSc (Hons) | P | MSci (Hons) | |
| Assume responsibility for engagement with learning, careers and research opportunities (linked to BSc (Hons) | P | MSci (Hons) | |
| Learn basic laboratory skills relevant to biochemistry. | P | BSc (Hons) | |
| Develop advanced practical skills relevant to biochemistry. | P | BSc (Hons) | |
| Interpret qualitative and quantitative data. | P | BSc (Hons) | |
| Learn independently. | P | BSc (Hons) | |
| Take responsibility for planning and organisation of work both on their own and in a team. | P | BSc (Hons) | |
| With minimal instruction demonstrate competence in basic laboratory, clinical and/or field skills relevant to Biosciences | P | Ord | |
| With minimal instruction demonstrate competence in some of the key practical skills relevant to a particular specialism within Biosciences | P | Ord | |
| Accurately report and analyse bioscience data to draw conclusions | P | Ord | |
| Follow detailed investigative protocols as instructed, and plan the work set out individually or within a team as appropriate | P | Ord | |
| 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 | |
| With appropriate instruction, demonstrate an ability to perform some key practical skills relevant to a particular specialism within Biosciences | P | DipHE | |
| Accurately report and analyse bioscience data to draw basic conclusions | P | DipHE | |
| Follow investigative protocols as instructed and perform the work set out efficiently either individually or within a team | P | DipHE | |
| 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 | |
| Clearly and concisely report biological procedures and data and draw some basic conclusions | P | CertHE | |
| Follow basic laboratory protocols as instructed | P | CertHE | |
| Undertake laboratory, clinical and/or fieldwork as instructed, in a safe and ethical manner. | P | CertHE | |
| Communicate Biochemical ideas, research problems, principles and data effectively to a range of stakeholders and via a range of communications media both written, oral and through digital communications platforms (linked to BSc (Hons) | T | MSci (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate effective individual, group and team-based practices, when provided with projects and tasks (linked to BSc (Hons) | T | MSci (Hons) | |
| Apply appropriate statistical and numerical skills to biochemical data (linked to BSc (Hons) | T | MSci (Hons) | |
| Apply technology appropriately to the undertaking and analysis of Biochemical research and the communication of the results (linked to BSc (Hons) | T | MSci (Hons) | |
| Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means. | T | BSc (Hons) | |
| Work effectively and independently on a given project or task. | T | BSc (Hons) | |
| Work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal/outcome. | T | BSc (Hons) | |
| Apply basic statistical and numerical skills to Biochemical data. | T | BSc (Hons) | |
| Employ learning and time-management strategies to organise learning effectively | T | Ord | |
| Communicate bioscience concepts in a range of formats using appropriate scientific language | T | Ord | |
| With minimal guidance work effectively on a given project or task | T | Ord | |
| With minimal guidance work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal | T | Ord | |
| Select and apply the numerical and statistical approaches required to analyse particular bioscience data | T | Ord | |
| Use academic literature, the internet and other electronic sources critically as a source of information | T | Ord | |
| Identify own strategies for effective learning and develop time-management skills | T | DipHE | |
| Communicate basic bioscience principles using appropriate scientific language | T | DipHE | |
| With some guidance work effectively on an individual task | T | DipHE | |
| With some guidance work effectively in small groups to achieve a common goal | T | DipHE | |
| Apply basic statistical and numerical skills, with some guidance, to analyse simple bioscience data | T | DipHE | |
| Use the internet and other electronic resources to identify appropriate sources of scientific information | T | DipHE | |
| With support, take responsibility for own time-management and academic efforts | T | CertHE | |
| Communicate basic scientific information | T | CertHE | |
| With guidance work on specific tasks | T | CertHE | |
| With guidance work in small groups on a specific task | T | CertHE | |
| Apply basic statistical and numerical skills, under direction, to analyse simple bioscience data | T | CertHE | |
| Use the internet and other electronic resources to identify appropriate sources of scientific information | T | CertHE |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Integrated Master'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 7). 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 (Honours) (360 credits)
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Full-time with PTY
This Integrated Master's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over five academic years, consisting of 600 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6, 7 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 (Honours) (360 credits)
- 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 4 - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
N/A
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) -
| 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) -
N/A
Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7
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) | Y | |
| 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.