BSc (Hons) Biochemistry Degree: Overview, Aims, Skills, and Career Opportunities, Summaries of Biochemistry

Download BSc (Hons) Biochemistry Degree: Overview, Aims, Skills, and Career Opportunities and more Summaries Biochemistry in PDF only on Docsity! C18 Nottingham Trent University Course Specification Basic Course Information 1. Awarding Institution: Nottingham Trent University 2. School/Campus: Science and Technology/Clifton 3. Final Award, Course Title and Modes of Study: BSc (Hons) Biochemistry FT, SW 4. Normal Duration: 3 years Full Time (FT), 4 years Sandwich (SW) 5. UCAS Code: C700 6. Overview and general educational aims of the course BSc (Hons) Biochemistry aims to provide you with in-depth knowledge and skills in the molecular aspects of living processes. Our course provides you with necessary references as to how molecular biochemistry is integrated in broad living processes. As a result, together with acquiring solid biochemical training, you will gain an awareness of the role of biochemistry in living organisms. You will study key aspects of DNA/RNA synthesis, protein folding, structure and function, enzyme catalysis, metabolic control, biochemical disorders and the molecular genetics of human diseases. You will gain practical experience in fundamental techniques including PCR (polymerase chain reaction), molecular cloning, protein analysis, biochemical catalysis and kinetic models as well as bioinformatics as applied to the analysis of gene databases and protein structure-function relationships. There is an emphasis on developing knowledge and understanding such that you acquire the skills, qualities and attributes expected by employers or for postgraduate studies and research. This course is offered in full time mode (3 years) and sandwich mode (4 years). In the sandwich mode, you will spend year 3 of the course on a work placement for example in food standards testing. If you decide to follow this route, the Employability Team will work with you to develop your curriculum vitae and will help you to target your applications so that you get a placement that is right for you. You will also be assigned a Placement Tutor who will monitor your progress and visit you at the company. New and returning students participate in a matriculation event during Welcome Week. This matriculation event is designed to facilitate getting to know one’s peers, reflect on your motivations for studying at university, support transition into higher education and promote course cohesion. Re/integration events for international students, mature students, placement students are part of this event. This creates the opportunity to build international relationships with fellow peers, mentors and academics. For students who graduate in 2019/20 and subsequent years this named award is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and subject to successful completion of the level 6 Research Project module. This 40 credit point module has to be passed and cannot be compensated. 7. Course outcomes Course outcomes describe what you should know and be able to do by the end of your course if you take advantage of the opportunities for learning that we provide. Knowledge and understanding By the end of the course you should be able to: 1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, terminology, classification systems, major concepts, principles and theories in biochemistry; 2. critically evaluate concepts in biochemistry and apply them in problem solving scenarios; 3. identify current developments in biochemistry and the applications arising out of them; 4. understand methods used to acquire, interpret and analyse biochemical information from a variety of sources; 5. use and assess the values of a range of practical and presentation techniques and methodologies, including data analysis and use of statistics; 6. understand and appreciate complex ethical issues within the biosciences, and perceive how debate informs concerns about the quality and sustainability of life at local and international scales; C18 7. make appropriate and informed career management choices and be knowledgeable about entrepreneurial issues concerning biochemistry. Skills, qualities and attributes By the end of the course you should be able to: 8. acquire, analyse, interpret, evaluate and apply data from a variety of sources; 9. develop critical skills in the interpretation of scientific knowledge and data; 10. apply scientific principles and methodologies in investigations; 11. use equipment and materials competently and demonstrate acquisition of technical skills relevant to biochemistry; 12. communicate effectively in written, graphical and oral formats; 13. prepare and present scientific reports to professional standards; 14. apply numerical skills; 15. select, use and critically evaluate appropriate information using digital and traditional resources; 16. work independently and as part of a team, developing leadership capacity and the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively; 17. demonstrate the skills required to plan, implement, draw conclusions, evaluate and report on a programme of research; 18. plan and prioritise effectively to manage work and time, and to reflect appropriately on your own performance. 8. Teaching and Learning Methods Teaching and learning are focused on lectures supported by practical, laboratory classes and workshops. Much of the theory introduced in lectures is consolidated through these laboratory sessions and through small group seminars. Lecture material is supported through e-resources. The University Virtual Learning Environment is widely used to post summary slides of lectures, resources such as articles and recent research papers and information about the organization of modules and the course. It is additionally used for multiple choice and other question sets that you can use to check your progress and understanding of material. On this course you will take part in ethical debates on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the different international positions on this issue. You will consider the financial and environmental costs of scientific research versus potential improvements to human and animal health, as well as the economic benefits of a successful biotechnology industry. You will also examine how bioinformatics informs development of new medical treatments. During your course, practical classes focus on hands-on acquisition of scientific skills in the application of key principles, concepts and methods in biochemistry. Laboratory sessions involve problem solving, data collection and observation. Further time is allocated to the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of your results. Seminars are used to offer a small group teaching environment often led by students' needs to review, discuss and consider aspects of taught material from either lecture or laboratory classes. Through these activities, you will develop the capacity to undertake self-directed study and to become autonomous, independent learners. You will also be expected to carry out supplementary reading and research, which will consolidate taught material, situate your own work within wider theory and allow you to contribute knowledge to your chosen discipline. Opportunities will exist for you to enhance your communication skills by writing reports in various formats, producing posters and giving oral presentations to your colleagues. As your course progresses, you will assemble a Skills Portfolio, which is a complementary and highly personalised aspect to your learning experience. It provides a vehicle for you to evaluate, collate and showcase your practical and transferable skills for personal development and future employment. You will be given support and formative feedback in course tutorial sessions at all levels. As the course progresses you will collect information for your Skills Portfolio. To ensure timely progression and achievement, at Levels 4 and 5 you will submit some portfolio evidence for summative assessment and feedback. The Skills Portfolio culminates at Level 6 in a capstone summative assessment with reflection on your work, where it contributes to the Research Project module.