Biochemistry with Professional Studies
Bachelor's degree
In Belfast City
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Belfast city (Northern Ireland)
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Duration
4 Years
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Start date
Different dates available
Overview Biochemistry is the molecular basis of life. It applies chemical principles to some of the most exciting problems in the life sciences, explains how drugs work, helps us understand what goes wrong in diseases and enables 'genetic engineering'. Consequently, the subject is essential to drug discovery, biotechnology and biomedical research. Biochemists investigate the structures, functions and biological roles of molecules involved in metabolism, cell signalling and the transmission of genetic information. In addition to the BSc Honours, we now offer students the opportunity to study for an MSci Honours degree, which is an integrated, undergraduate Masters degree, aimed at high-achieving students who are considering careers in biochemical research. <div...
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Start date
Start date
About this course
Entry Requirements Selection Criteria In addition to the entrance requirements below, it is essential that you read the How We Choose Our Students pdf prior to submitting your UCAS application. Entrance Requirements A-level: BBB including Chemistry and Biology + GCSE Mathematics grade C OR ABB including Chemistry and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC + GCSE Mathematics grade C. Note: where A-level Biology, Mathematics or Physics are not offered, A-levels in...
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Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Project
- Staff
- Quality Training
- Quality
- Biotechnology
Course programme
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 & 4.
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
- 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
Year out - Work Placement
Stage 4
During stage 4, 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 & Feedback
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 students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided 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 will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.
Learning and TeachingAt 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 with Professional Studies 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 with Professional Studies undertake a “year out” between second and third year. During this year, they are employed in laboratories or other course-related settings. Typical employers include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government laboratories and research laboratories in other universities. Some students use the year out to take the opportunity to work overseas. The year out is assessed through in-work assessment, a portfolio and a seminar. It counts for 10% of the overall degree mark.
- 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.
Additional information
Biochemistry with Professional Studies