Course specification and structure
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UDBIOCHE - BSc Biochemistry

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Human Sciences
Subject Area Biosciences
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS 4 YEARS
Part-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The BSc course is designed to be fully inclusive, engaging with the sociocultural diversity of our students and ensuring that all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment allows for the promotion of different learning styles and an understanding of the multi-disciplinary areas of Biochemistry. Students will develop knowledge and skills which will empower them to be autonomous professional practitioners and be inclusive in their own careers and practice. The course will foster high level reasoning skills and promote lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD). Our graduates will go out into the world as confident, values driven and successful individuals, who as critical thinkers and problem solvers and are able to make a positive contribution to society.

Teaching and learning activities are integrated with assessment processes in line with the School learning and teaching strategy and the Education for Social Justice Framework (ESJF). Our inclusive assessment is cognisant of the student voice and reflective of different student learning styles. A Blended approach is utilised, with the methods used accommodating different learning styles and enable students to shine. Active learning techniques are used. There is an emphasis is placed on self-directed and problem-based learning within a lecture/tutorial/ practical framework and materials delivered via the VLE allowing students to be actively involved in the learning process, and encouraged to recognise and develop their own learning style. The Course learning materials are responsive to student diversity, accessibility and designed to support different learning styles. Students will explore case studies to promote critical reasoning within a professional context. They will compare laboratory diagnostic methods, consider new methodologies and examine research literature. Tutorial exercises and progress tests will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress. Students are expected to complement formal teaching with self-directed reading. The summative assessment of students’ knowledge base and their understanding will be incorporated into formal in-course tests/exercises and the individual presentation completed at the end of each unit. Coursework and online tests are also used to provide formative feedback. Formative diagnostic assessment of knowledge and understanding is carried out, particularly during the initial stages of the course.
Practical skills are highly sought after by future employers so there is a focus on developing practical skills as an essential part of the BSc course and students have access to the unparalleled facilities in the Science Centre Laboratory. Practical classes are designed to reinforce the knowledge from the lectures and tutorials. Practical skills exercises at each level are used to monitor proficiency at experimental work. Assessment of Data handling skills are embedded in practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations and seminar presentations. The level Six Independent Research Project provides the ultimate measure of scientific skills. The excellent science centre also provides an unrivalled facility in which to carry out the practical skills. BSc project assessment will culminate in the case-studies and a dissertation designed to allow the student to demonstrate their depth of knowledge and understanding.

Course aims

The course aims to promote a good knowledge-skills balance enhancing the professional practice of the students and enable students to feel a sense of belonging at London Met and to encourage student engagement with learning and the opportunities offered by the University. It will also give students opportunities to share experiences, encourages reflection on individual values and understand their response to the World.
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry has been designed to produce graduates with a sound knowledge base and a high standard of cognitive, practical and transferable skills, with the capacity for independent, evidence-based critical thinking, who will be equipped to take up employment in medical research, in hospital and public health laboratories, and in the pharmaceutical, food and agricultural industries. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed by biochemistry graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as accountancy, journalism and marketing. The aims of the single honours Biochemistry course are to provide the opportunity for students to explore the molecular, cellular and physiological bases of life processes. They will enhance their intellectual and practical skills necessary for the collection, analysis, interpretation and understanding of biochemical information and data as well as develop awareness of the ethical implications of the complex biochemical issues presented in the contemporary world. Students will be encouraged to develop skills of reflection and self-evaluation. The course will enhance employability awareness, professional performance and transferable evaluative skills, problem-solving skills and communication skills.

Course learning outcomes

The course aims to promote a good knowledge-skills balance enhancing the professional practice of the students. These aims are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for Biosciences (2019). By the end of the course students will:

  1. have developed an understanding of the structure and chemical functioning of biological molecules, of information storage, transfer and processing in living systems and of metabolic processes and their control
  2. have developed a knowledge of the diversity of cell types, and an understanding of the relationship between cellular structure and function, and of the mechanisms by which individual cells interact in complex organs and multicellular organisms
  3. have developed an awareness of the ethical dimensions within which contemporary biochemistry operates
  4. have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to critically evaluate and integrate information and develop ideas on issues, methodologies and processes within a biochemical context
  5. have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to construct logical and reasoned arguments to support their position on the social and ethical impact of advances in biochemistry
  6. have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, self-presentation and decision making
  7. be able to communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral and written means with clarity and confidence
  8. be able to identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills
  9. to able to undertake the collection and analysis of biochemical data with due regard to validity, accuracy, calibration, precision and reproducibility
  10. be able to devise and execute an independent project in a responsible, safe and ethical manner, and interpret and contextualise the findings within a contemporary understanding of biochemistry
  11. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible professionals in their discipline

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Biosciences 2019

Assessment strategy

Assessment and feedback are key means through which to engage students in processes that support their development, success and employability, while connecting with their own identities, experiences and cultural capital. The assessment strategy is aligned with that of the School and the ESJF and is cognisant of the student voice and reflective of different student learning styles.
Students are assessed through a variety of methods including problem-solving exercises, in-class test, data analysis, practical reports, case studies, oral presentations, extended essays, examinations, research project interim report, oral examination and dissertation. The choice of assessment instrument chosen to test the specified learning outcomes is reflective of students’ different learning styles and experiences. Assessment is part of the learning process and confirms the outcomes of the learning process. It also provides formative feedback on curriculum design and delivery and, via the on-going iterative process of module monitoring, makes a significant contribution to the continued development and improvement of the courses that links in with the School learning and teaching strategy. In light of this a variety of assessment methods will be used (see syllabi) including seen and unseen written examinations, individual and group assignments.
Practical skills are summatively assessed through coursework assignments, including those in the project module. Data-handling skills are summatively assessed by practical reports, problem-solving exercises, oral presentations and examinations.
Formative assessments include group activities in tutorial classes, mini-tests and project workshops. Laboratory and computer-based investigations, poster and oral presentations and a level 6 project giving students the opportunity to show the knowledge understanding and skills they have developed.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

The course includes the option to take a 15 credit Work Placement module at level 5 or 6.

Course specific regulations

Part time structure:

Students take 2 or 3 modules from list each year. BC6P01 is always taken last

Modules required for interim awards

CertHE Biosciences

BC4058 Anatomy and Physiology 1
BC4053 Cell Biology
BC4060 Laboratory Skills and Techniques
BC4052 Biochemistry
BC4056 Professional Studies
BC4059 Anatomy and Physiology 2
BC4055 Fundamentals of Molecular Biology
BC4057 General Microbiology

DipHE Biochemistry
BE5058 Metabolism
BE5059 Microbiology
BE5060 Molecular Biology
BE5061 Human Immunity
BC5062 Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry
BC5051 Methods of Bioanalytical Analysis
BE6058 Biochemical Pathology
BE6057 Toxicology
BE5056 Bioinformatics & Molecular Modelling
BC6062 Clinical Biochemistry

BSc Biochemistry
BC6059 Genomics
BC6P01 Project

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

During the induction phase of the programme students will be introduced to structured reflection on their development of Undergraduate Skills which constitute much as the substance of personal development planning. Students will undertake to produce their personal development plan (PDP) during their undergraduate career or in the workplace. PDP can include other activities outside of the academic aspect of university life.
By way of modules: Professional Studies (Level 4); Microbiology (Level 5); and, Research Project (Level 6) students will progressively develop their PDP which will culminate in a CV and graduation statement. Students will take part in tutorials at all levels designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs.
PDP is designed to allow students to articulate the skills developed during their undergraduate career and encourages them to critically reflect on their learning experience, to set new personal and academic goals and evaluate progress made in achieving those goals.
Progress with Undergraduate Skills will be articulated to students as the programme progresses through feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. This process assists students in developing as independent learners, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This will be of benefit throughout their future career.

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

On graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Graduate or Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology, depending on your degree classification.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

In line with the University Careers Education Framework (CEF), Careers, employability and enterprise information and guidance is given to students in a timely manner, to facilitate students taking maximum advantage of extra-curricular opportunities and help to develop, student self-awareness, self-belief and confidence to achieve realistic career goals.
Model CVs, covering letters, graduation statements, job adverts, job descriptions and person specifications for use by Academic Tutors and students are provided within course and module VLE pages. A number of employer and alumni-led career events will be organised by the School and each Subject Group. Also process of personal development planning takes place throughout the course to help students to crystallise their aims, reflect on their progress and plan ahead in the context of employability and career goals. In addition there are formal arrangements for Practitioners and the Careers Service to contribute to the embedded Employability skills throughout the degree programme. Further careers input will also be provided for those electing for the Work Placement module. Graduates are equipped for careers in medical research, in hospital and public health laboratories, and in the pharmaceutical, food and agricultural industries. Graduates' analytical, numerical and communication skills are also in demand in other careers such as accountancy, journalism, marketing and teaching.

Career opportunities

Biosciences graduates have gone on to exciting careers as researchers, science technicians and medical laboratory assistants at companies such as Health Services Laboratory, Imperial College Healthcare and the Scientists Laboratory.

This course provides an entry point into graduate studies at MSc or PhD level, either studying at London Met or at other educational establishments or research institutes.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • a minimum of 112 points from A levels including a C in Biology or Human Biology (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with MMM)
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent ie Key Skills Level 3)

If you don't have traditional qualifications or can't meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our Biochemistry (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 24 Feb 2012 Last validation date 24 Feb 2012  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes C720 (Biological Chemistry): 100%
Route code BIOCHE

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BC4052 Biochemistry Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
BC4053 Cell Biology Core 15 NORTH AUT MON AM
BC4055 Fundamentals of Molecular Biology Core 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
BC4056 Professional Studies Core 15 NORTH AUT THU PM
BC4057 General Microbiology Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
BC4058 Anatomy & Physiology 1 Core 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
BC4059 Anatomy & Physiology 2 Core 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
CY4051 General Chemistry Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BC5051 Methods of Bioanalytical Analysis Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
BC5062 Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry Core 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
BE5058 Metabolism Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
BE5059 Microbiology Core 15 NORTH SPR WED AM
BE5060 Molecular Biology Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI AM
BE5061 Human Immunity Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
BC5052 Parasitology Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
BC6060 Infection Control Option 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
BE6W67 Work Placement (for Life Sciences) Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BC6059 Genomics Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM
BC6062 Clinical Biochemistry Core 15 NORTH AUT MON AM
BC6P01 Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
BE6056 Bioinformatics & Molecular Modelling Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
BE6057 Toxicology Core 15 NORTH AUT THU PM
BE6058 Biochemical Pathology Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
BC6052 Virology Option 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
BC6053 Applied Immunology Option 15        
BE6063 Energy Metabolism & Endocrinology Option 15 NORTH SPR WED AM