Programme Specifications

Biochemistry


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

N/A



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science

5 : Programme title
Biochemistry

6 : UCAS code
C70F

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

Biosciences



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

August 2024



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

To provide students with subject specific knowledge required for research careers in the field of biochemistry.

Subject specific skills
To provide students with subject specific skills required for research careers in the field of biochemistry.

Generic and graduate skills
To provide students with the generic and graduate skills expected of any degree programme.



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

Overall aim of the scheme

To enable graduating students to practice as professional biochemists.



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

The theory and practical application of scientific research.

The planning and conducting of scientific research.

The techniques required for data sampling, analysis and interpretation.

The requirements of successful communication of research to scientific and lay audiences.

A broad knowledge of the underlying principals of biochemistry.

Learning and Teaching
Taught through lectures, practical classes, research projects, workshops and tutorials, with staff-directed and self-directed study.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Subject knowledge will be assessed through exams, tests and coursework, using a variety of media.



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.

Evaluate research and a variety of types of information and evidence critically.

Critically analyse information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent comprehension of theory and practice, synthesising and summarising the outcomes.

Develop and apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

Apply knowledge and comprehension to address familiar and novel problems.

Learning and Teaching
Taught through lectures, practical classes, research projects, workshops and tutorials, with staff-directed and self-directed study.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Intellectual skills will be assessed through exams, tests and coursework, using a variety of media.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

Design, apply and analyse various research/study techniques.

Plan, conduct, and report on investigations, including the use of secondary data.

Collect and record information or data in the library, laboratory or field, summarising it using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.

Conceive, plan and undertake field and/or laboratory investigations in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, legislation concerning experimental animal use, relevant health and safety regulations, other legal requirements and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders.

Communicate effectively with individuals and organisations in a range of scenarios.

Learning and Teaching
Taught through lectures, practical classes, research projects, workshops and tutorials, with staff-directed and self-directed study.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Practical skills will be assessed through tests and coursework, using a variety of media.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

Receiving and responding to a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal, graphical.

Communicating about their subject appropriately to a variety of audiences using a range of formats and approaches.

Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programs for presenting data visually.

Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills).

Using the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information.

Learning and Teaching
Taught through lectures, practical classes, research projects, workshops and tutorials, with staff-directed and self-directed study.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Key skills will be assessed through exams, tests and coursework, using a variety of media.



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Biochemistry [C70F]

Academic Year: 2024/2025Single Honours scheme - available from 2019/2020

Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 2 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR16700

Comparative Animal Physiology

BR16800

Skills for Biologists

BR17120

Genetics, Evolution and Diversity

BR17520

Cell Biology

Semester 2
BR16720

Comparative Animal Physiology

BR16820

Skills for Biologists

BR17320

Biological chemistry

BR19920

Microbial and Plant Diversity

Part 2 Rules

Year 3 Core (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR20620

Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

BR26620

Proteins and Enzymes

BR27500

Research Methods

Semester 2
BR22920

Practical Skills for Biochemists

BR25920

Cell and Cancer Biology

BR27520

Research Methods

Year 3 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
BG21720

Pynciau llosg yn y Biowyddorau

BR21720

Evolution and Molecular Systematics

BR26520

One Health Microbiology

Semester 2
BG24720

Sgiliau Ymarferol a Proffesiynol ym Microbioleg

BR21820

Chromosome Dynamics

BR22220

Immunology

BR24720

Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology

Final Year Core (60 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR36400

Research Project

Semester 2
BR35520

Biotechnology

BR36440

Research Project

Final Year Core (40 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR36120

Molecular Pharmacology

BR37120

Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics

Semester 2

Final Year Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 2
BR33720

Microbial Pathogenesis

BR36020

Molecular Biology of Development


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.