Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Study Abroad
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Study Abroad | Programme code | UFS4BIOBIO01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time Part Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Study Abroad programme is aimed at understanding biological systems at a molecular level. After a foundation first year, which covers the range of biochemistry from organic chemistry to microbiology and cell biology, you have more freedom of module choice in your second and final years. The many optional modules allow you to shape your degree as you wish while still keeping a strong biochemical core. This Biochemistry degree leads to career opportunities in biotechnological, pharmaceutical and other industries, as well as many further study options.
This four-year version of the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree includes a year studying abroad, between the second and final years. In this third year you study in a university with which we have established links, for example in North America or Australia, and credit for this academic work counts towards your degree at Exeter.
Studying abroad offers you a fantastic opportunity to expand your educational and cultural experiences. Moreover, research indicates that 64% of employers consider an international experience important for recruitment and report that graduates with an international background are given greater responsibility more frequently. 92% of employers involved in a study conducted in 2014* indicated that they look for skills such as openness to and curiosity about new challenges, problem-solving and decision-making skills, confidence, and tolerance towards other personal values and behaviours. The study revealed that studying abroad had a positive impact on the development of these skills and concluded that the employability and competences of students greatly benefit from mobility.
*European Commission (2014) The Erasmus Impact Study, Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2014
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The general aims of this programme are:
To provide education intended to give you competence in Biochemistry, and to encourage you to develop your intellectual capabilities within an institution that is committed to advancing research, scholarship and learning, and to disseminating knowledge.
More specifically, this programme aims:
- To provide you with knowledge and understanding of biochemistry from the fundamentals to the frontiers of the subject.
- To provide you with the basic scientific, intellectual, and practical training that will prepare you for lifelong learning, and, if you wish, for a career in biochemical research.
- To enable you to think critically, evaluate evidence, analyse, challenge, solve problems, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively.
- To enable you to experience a supportive learning environment that fosters your academic and personal development.
- To provide you with the opportunity to study some aspects of biochemistry in a university abroad and to give you an insight into the culture of the host country.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/current/modules
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules can be found via the Study Information website:
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in the second or final years of the programme as long as you have obtained the explicit permission of the Programme Director, any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
In addition, you will be enrolled on the non-credit bearing module BIO2002 Preparing for Study Abroad.
You are also permitted to take the five, ten or 15-credit Professional Development Experience modules BIO3910, BIO3911 or BIO3912 in the second or final years. Registration on these modules is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, these modules will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO1332 | Biochemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO1333 | Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists | 15 | Yes |
| BIO1334 | Genetics | 15 | No |
| BIO1337 | Microbiology | 15 | No |
| BIO1339 | Cells | 15 | No |
| BIO1345 | Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds I | 15 | Yes |
| BIO1347 | General Chemistry | 30 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO2071 | Research Skills and Bioethics | 15 | Yes |
| BIO2085 | Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds II | 15 | No |
| BIO2086 | Metabolism | 15 | No |
| BIO2088 | Advanced Cell Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO2090 | Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioS S2 BSc-MSci Biochem opt 2023-4 | |||
| BIO2066 | Forensic Science | 15 | No |
| BIO2089 | Molecular Biology of the Gene | 15 | No |
| BIO2091 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO2092 | Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics | 15 | No |
| BIO2093 | Modern Theories of Evolution | 15 | No |
| BIO2099 | Molecular Plant Science | 15 | No |
| BIO2101 | Advanced Microbiology | 15 | No |
| BIO2106 | Employability and Workplace Learning | 15 | No |
| CSC2004 | Medical Genetics | 15 | No |
| CSC2005 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 15 | No |
| CSC2026 | The Biology of Cancer | 15 | No |
| CSC2027 | Experimental Pharmacology | 15 | No |
Stage 3
120 credits of compulsory modules
For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the College Study Abroad Coordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s factfile at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/abroad/where/ and navigating to the “Course Requirements” section of that factfile where a link to the modules on offer in the partner institution is displayed.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO3062 | One Year Study Abroad | 120 | Yes |
Stage 4
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO3096 | Biosciences Research Project | 45 | Yes |
| BIO3085 | Horizons of Biochemical Research | 15 | No |
| BIO3093 | Energy Metabolism | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioS SF BSc-S3 MSci Biochem opt 2022-3 | |||
| BIO3041 | Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO3046 | Frontiers in Plant Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO3073 | Specialist Topics in Chemical Sciences | 15 | No |
| BIO3077 | Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO3082 | Science Communication | 15 | No |
| BIO3086 | Cell Biology of Disease | 15 | No |
| BIO3089 | Organic Synthesis and Drug Design | 15 | No |
| BIO3090 | Secondary Metabolites | 15 | No |
| BIO3092 | Bioinformatics | 15 | No |
| BIO3058 | Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology | 15 | No |
| BIO3059 | Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection | 15 | No |
| BIO3078 | Cellular Basis of Immunity | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate broadly based knowledge and understanding in the biochemical and cellular levels of biological organisation. | Within the programme, teaching and learning activities are designed to encourage a progressive acquisition of subject knowledge and skills by moving from study methods that have a greater degree of support and assistance towards more independent learning. The programme uses a diversity of teaching and learning methods: lectures; laboratory classes; research project; group work. Typically a 15 credit module would consist of 15-20 x 1 hour lectures in which the core subject material will be provided. The lecture notes will be available via the University of Exeter Virtual Learning Environment and references to outside reading will be made available. Laboratory classes will normally run for either 3 or 5 hours and you will be provided with a written schedule describing in detail the experimental procedures. You will normally work in groups (2-5 individuals depending on Stage) with an expectation the workload is divided equally. Some laboratory classes form the basis of assessment and require the submission of a final laboratory report. This will normally require data analysis in the form of tables and graphs. There is also an expectation that the data generated will be used in some subsequent calculations. Discussion of the findings or answers to short questions will be used to provide evidence of knowledge gained. The Stage 4 research project will normally take place in the 1st term where you will undertake a project in a research group followed by production of a written report in the 2nd term. If the project is literature-based, you will normally receive feedback on a draft report before production of the written report in the 2nd term. In the year of study abroad, the teaching, learning and assessment methods will be those used by the host university. | The programme uses a diversity of assessment methods such as: essay examinations; short answer and multiple choice tests (MCQ); practical work and reports; quantitative (numerical) problems; project report or dissertation; oral presentations. In the year of study abroad, the teaching, learning and assessment methods will be those used by the host university. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. With limited guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation, and enquiry within the subject of biochemistry. | See above. | See above. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Communicate ideas effectively and professionally by written, oral and visual means. | See above. | See above. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
To progress to Stage 2 you must achieve an average mark of at least 60% in Stage 1, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the three year Biochemistry programme. This is to ensure that only those students who are likely to succeed in their studies abroad are selected for placement. Since the study methods and contexts differ from those in the UK, you need the confidence in your subject specialism in order to benefit from the learning experience abroad.
The Year Abroad counts as a single 120 credit module and is not condonable; you must pass this module to graduate with the degree title of BSc Biochemistry with Study Abroad. If you fail the Year Abroad module your degree title will be commuted to BSc Biochemistry. You will be assessed by your host university during your academic year abroad with their grades converted back to Exeter grades to contribute towards your degree classification. The rules governing failure and referral will be determined by the host institution.
While BIO2085 is condonable to allow progression, any student wishing to undertake a laboratory-based chemistry project at Stage 4 must pass BIO2085 at Stage 2. This is to ensure that only those students with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence undertake laboratory-based chemistry research at Stage 4. Any student who fails BIO2085 will be offered a wide range of alternative projects, including non-laboratory-based (theoretical) chemistry projects and laboratory-based projects in other (non-chemistry) subject areas.
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will be allocated a personal tutor for the duration of your studies. Their role is to both instil in you a sense of academic rigour and thinking, and to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme. This includes working with you to decide the appropriate optional module choices, and research project areas, and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. Project supervisors provide further academic and tutorial support once you move on to the research component(s) of the programme (stages 3 and/or 4). There is also a Programme Director who follows the cohort through to graduation and who will monitor student absences and progress, and meet any students needing additional support. You can also expect reasonable access to individual teaching staff through appointments. The Biosciences website and online Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) includes the student handbook and learning materials, and you have access to computers and printers within the University. You will also have access to the Biosciences external seminar speaker series where leading researchers are invited to give research seminars. The Biosciences Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
The College complies with the University’s Code of Practice on Study and Work Experience Abroad. The name of the member of staff acting as the programme’s Co-ordinator for study abroad is made known to you before you leave Exeter, and this person is responsible for liaison and oversight of your progress during the year abroad. Contact will be maintained with you during your year abroad by regular email communication.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Study Abroad
19. UCAS Code
C732
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Biosciences
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 06/03/2012 |
Date of last revision | 04/03/2024 |
|---|
