Biochemistry

Course Content (including module information)

Thoughout stages 1 & 2 of the BSc Biochemistry degree, practical classes in Biochemistry reinforce and compliment the theroy, providing students with the solid foundation on which to build upon for stage 3.

Stage 1

• Molecular Basis of Life
• Basic Chemistry 1
• Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
• The World of Microorganisms

Stage 2

• Cell Biology 2
• Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
• Experimental Biochemistry
• Microbes in Action
• Work Placement (16 Weeks)
• Research Project

BSc students who achieve an average mark of at least 60% at the end of stage 2 may transfer to the MSci.

Stage 3

During stage 3, students carry out a two-module research project under the supervision of academic staff based in one of the School's biochemistry research laboratories. In addition, there are four taught modules:

• Biomolecules in Health & Disease
• Industrial Microbiology
• Immunology & Virology
• Bacterial Genetics & Genetic Manipulation

Assessment: The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. The majority are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction. This is also available online on our School website.

Feedback: As you progress through your course you will receive general and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. As a university student, you will be expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of your work. Feedback may be provided to you in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to quality of your work.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BSc in Biochemistry we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts – including several leading researchers in Biochemistry, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work. Students can make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments. In addition to “traditional” lectures you will also have classes where discussion is encouraged or problems are worked through as a group.
• Practical classes: where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles. Every first and second year module has at least six practical classes associated with it. Practical classes reinforce lectures and teach skills which are greatly valued by employers.
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.
• Self-directed study: This is an important part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment preparation is carried out.
• Work placements: Students taking Biochemistry may undertake an optional work-placement module in the summer between second and third years. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity. It counts towards your final degree mark and is assessed as a second year module. Students may transfer to Biochemistry with Professional Studies if they wish to undertake a longer, year out placement.
• Research (Honours) projects: In final year, you will undertake a project in one of the research laboratories in the School. You will be given a real problem to work on – i.e. something that we genuinely do not, yet, know the answer to. Your Supervisor will support you and guide you in carrying out your research. Feedback will be provided on draft write-ups. This project counts for 20% of your final degree mark.
• Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. Further details are shown in the section on the Student Guidance Centre. We take pride in the openness of all our staff: students can approach staff at the end of lectures or in other classes if they wish to ask questions. They can also make appointments to discuss the lecture material or more general aspects of the subject.