Biochemistry BSc (Hons) - 2025/6
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 | UCC10010 | 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
BAILEY Sarah (Biosciences)
Date of production/revision of spec
15/11/2024
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 basic principles of Biochemistry and laboratory-based investigations in Biochemistry + Chemistry and the application of these to the study biochemical processes in healthy and diseased individuals. | 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 | Ord | |
| An understanding of the key principles of good laboratory, clinical and field-based investigation, good breadth of knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels and their application to a variety of aspects of Biosciences | K | Ord | |
| Engagement with many of the essential facts, major concepts, principles, theories and ethical and societal issues associated with a chosen discipline within the Bioscience | K | Ord | |
| Ability to recognise and outline the key principles of laboratory, clinical and/or field-based investigation within the Biosciences. | K | CertHE | |
| Broad basic knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels with some degree of specialist knowledge developing. | K | DipHE | |
| Recollection and appropriate use of much of the key concepts, principles, theories, terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in specific fields within the Biosciences. | K | DipHE | |
| Basic factual biological knowledge at the molecular, cellular and organism levels. | K | CertHE | |
| Recognition of some of the essential facts, major concepts, principles, theories, key terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in Biosciences. | K | CertHE | |
| 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 from different sources to address specific scientific questions while recognising the progressive nature of scientific research in defining our modern understanding of Biosciences | C | Ord | |
| Identify and solve problems using previously developed strategies, as well as demonstrate and understanding of the principles of research design and planning | 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 | CertHE | |
| Apply information gathered from suitable sources to address specific scientific questions and employ previously developed strategies to guide problem solving | C | CertHE | |
| Recognise the place of research in defining new paradigms and the importance of following research procedures accurately and the consequences of failing to do so | C | DipHE | |
| Utilise previously defined scientific procedures to illustrate bioscience principles, follow well defined schemes to solve problems; including the identification of sustainable actions in the laboratory and other professional settings | C | CertHE | |
| Learn and develop advanced practical and digital skills relevant to Biochemistry. | P | BSc (Hons) | |
| Apply basic statistical and numerical skills to biochemical data, interpret said data and put into context of the wider knowledge of the field | PT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Learn independently and take responsibility for planning and organisation of work undertaken both on their own and in a team, on a given project or task. | PT | BSc (Hons) | |
| With minimal instruction demonstrate competence in key practical skills, basic laboratory, clinical and/or field skills relevant to Biosciences | P | Ord | |
| Follow detailed investigative protocols as instructed, plan the work set out individually or within a team as appropriate, and accurately report and analyse data to draw conclusions | P | DipHE | |
| With appropriate instruction, demonstrate competence in basic laboratory, clinical and/or field skills relevant to Biosciences, in a safe and ethical manner in order to accurately report and analyse data to draw basic conclusions | P | CertHE | |
| Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means | T | BSc (Hons) | |
| Communicate bioscience concepts in a range of formats using appropriate scientific language | T | Ord | |
| Use academic literature, the internet and other electronic sources critically as a source of information | T | DipHE | |
| Identify own strategies for effective learning and time-management skills, and engage with necessary support where appropriate. | T | CertHE | |
| With some guidance work effectively on an individual task, as well as in small groups to achieve a common goal | T | DipHE | |
| Select and 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 to evidence and communicate basic bioscience principles using appropriate scientific language | T | CertHE |
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
4 from the 7 listed optional 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
4 from the 7 listed optional 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
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 |
Other information
Resourcefulness + resilience
Robust and well organised personal tutoring system to support students both pastorally and academically.
Incorporation of formative feedback within all modules to enable students to measure their progress and reflect and apply feedback to improve performance.
Development of research skills using databases and resources ¿ peer-reviewed journals, textbooks etc. Opportunity to apply these research skills to essays, presentations, posters, laboratory reports and the research dissertation.
Global + cultural capabilities
International mobility opportunities during Professional Training Year that challenge and enrich the lives of students and contribute to intercultural understanding.
There is a requirement for group work where the value of different abilities, perspectives and cultures is emphasised.
Module content covers a wide range of Biochemical topics from various disciplines with global impact.
Internationally broad and balanced EU and non-EU student population.
Sustainability
Sustainable practices in the laboratory are considered and applied, examples include appropriate n numbers and controls, consideration of reuse of materials where appropriate.
In line with OneHealth approach the modules within the programme work towards relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like SDG3 (health).
Reducing cost of disease burden across the life course by understanding molecular and cellular physiological, pathological and pharmacological processes in health and disease, leading to interventions to promote health and prevent or treat disease.
Digital capabilities
Students are required to produce digital posters, therefore using powerpoint, online databases for literature searches, figure production tools such as Biorender etc.
Analysis of data using excel and GraphPad Prism to both produce graphical representations of data and statistically analyse it.
Employability
Opportunity to undertake a Biochemistry-related Professional Training Year.
Access to a high-quality careers service which provides bespoke lectures for our students.
The programme will enhance employability through knowledge of subject area, problem solving and critical analysis skills - key to employment and success in the professional workplace.
The programme meets the specifications laid out by the Royal Society of Biology and is duly accredited.
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 2025/6 academic year.