Biochemistry

Transcription

1 Programme Specification for the Biochemistry and PLEASE NOTE. This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. This specification provides a source of information for students and prospective students seeking an understanding of the nature of the programme and may be used by the College for review purposes and sent to external examiners. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the course handbook or on-line at The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the College and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency. 1. Awarding Institution: Imperial College London 2. Teaching Institution: Imperial College London 3. External Accreditation by Professional / Statutory Body: n/a 4. Name of Final Award (BEng / BSc / MEng etc): BSc 5. Programme Title (e.g. Biochemistry with Management): BSc Biochemistry, BSc Biochemistry with Management ( 3year), BSc Biochemistry with Management (4 year), BSc Biochemistry with Research Abroad, BSc Biochemistry with a Year in Industry/Research, BSc Biochemistry with Management and a Year in Industry/Research( 4 year), BSc Biochemistry with Management with a Year in Industry/Research (5 year), BSc, BSc with Management, BSc with Research Abroad, BSc and a Year in Industry/Research, BSc with Management and a Year in Industry/Research, BSc Biochemistry with French for Science, BSc Biochemistry with German for Science, BSc Biochemistry with Spanish for Science, BSc with French for Science, BSc with German for Science, BSc with Spanish for Science 6. Name of Department / Division: Life Sciences 7. Name of Faculty: Natural Sciences 8. UCAS Code (or other coding system if relevant): C700, C7N2, C7NG, C702, C701, C7NF, C7NA, J700, J7N2, J701, J702, J7NF, C7R1, C7R2, C7R4, J7R1, J7R2, J7R4 9. Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s) and/or other external/internal reference points Biosciences Biochemistry

2 10. Level(s) of programme within the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ): Bachelor s (BSc, BEng, MBBS) Level Mode of Study Full time 12. Language of Study: English 13. Date of production / revision of this programme specification (month/year): October Educational aims/objectives of the programme The programme aims/objectives are to: attract motivated students of high intellectual calibre, both from within the UK and from overseas, and teach them in a way that encourages originality of thought and breadth of vision; provide a supportive learning environment, underpinned by world class research; provide distinctive courses at each level within appropriate areas of biochemistry and / or biotechnology, drawing on the expertise and strengths of our academic staff; produce first-degree graduates well equipped to pursue careers both in biochemical sciences and more broadly, in industry and the public sector; provide a training in laboratory and research skills; foster the ability to work independently and as part of a group, and to develop presentation skills, both written and oral; ensure that all students gain experience in computing and information technology; provide all students with a broad education in fundamental aspects of biochemistry and a higher level of knowledge and understanding of subjects chosen in their final year; enable degree students to follow discrete pathways in the final year; provide placement students with enhanced investigative, literature review and report writing skills together with work experience in an industry/research institute (Year in Industry / Research degrees). On graduating, students should, in line with the QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Biosciences and the FHEQ descriptors for Bachelor s degrees with honours: have a coherent and detailed knowledge of the key aspects of biochemistry or biotechnology, some of which is at the forefront of particular aspects of the subject; be able to access and evaluate bioscience information from a variety of sources, including reviews and original research, and to communicate the principles both orally and in writing (eg essays, laboratory reports) in a way that is well organised, topical and recognises the limits of current hypotheses; have ability in a broad range of appropriate practical techniques and skills relevant to biochemistry or biotechnology. This will include the ability to place the work in context and to suggest lines of further investigation, have a secure and accurate understanding of the explanation of biological phenomena at a variety of levels and be able to understand the relationship of evolutionary theory to their area of study; be able to plan, execute and present an independent piece of work (the final year project), in which qualities such as time management, problem solving and independence are evident, as well interpretation and critical awareness of the quality of evidence; be able to construct reasoned arguments to support their position on the ethical and social impact of advances in the biosciences and be able to apply relevant advanced numerical skills (including statistical analysis, where appropriate) to biological data; Biochemistry

3 have well-developed strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing their knowledge of the biosciences; be able to understand and explain the chemistry that underlies biochemical reactions and the techniques used to investigate them; understand the principles that determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules and be able to explain detailed examples of how structure enables function; acquire a critical understanding of the molecular basis of genetics and be able to explain some detailed examples; have critical knowledge and understanding of gene expression, with a detailed knowledge of specific examples; the structure, arrangement, expression, and regulation of genes; and relevant experimental methods; be familiar with a wide range of cells (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic) and be able to explain critically how their properties suit them for their biological function, and how they could be investigated experimentally; be able to devise and evaluate suitable experimental methods for the investigation of relevant areas of biochemistry and molecular biology; have a critical understanding of essential features of cell metabolism and its control, including topics such as energy and signal transduction, respiration and photosynthesis. This should include knowledge and experience of some experimental techniques; understand the chemical and thermodynamic principles underlying biological catalysis and the role of enzymes and other proteins in determining the function and fate of cells and organisms; 15. Programme Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge and Understanding Knowledge and Understanding of 1. Biological chemistry; molecular biology and genetics; cell biology; protein and enzyme structure and function (Year 1); 2. Molecular biology and genomics; physical biochemistry; molecular cell biology; immunology; protein science (Year 2); 3. Knowledge and understanding of three specialist modules as described in Section 17. (Year 3). Teaching/learning methods and strategies Acquisition of 1 to 3 is through foundation, core courses in Year 1 and Year 2 together with more advanced specialist options in Year 3. All students gain experience of laboratory work in Year 1 and more advanced and specialist laboratory work in Years 2 and especially in Year 3. Lectures are an integral part of all modules and are supported by a variety of other teaching and learning methods, including tutorials, seminars, computer-based work, coursework and keynote lectures. Throughout the three years, students are encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Directed learning in the form of small group project work is found in all three years. Independent major assignments include a placement year dissertation (for Year in Industry / Research students) and the final year research project/dissertation. Assessment of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen written examinations, assessed coursework in the form of laboratory write-ups, essays, reports, dissertations and presentations, and the individual research project report and viva 2. Skills and other Attributes Intellectual Skills Students should be able to: 1. analyse and solve biochemistry-based problems; Biochemistry

4 2. integrate and evaluate information; 3. formulate and test hypotheses using appropriate experimental design and analysis of data; 4. plan, conduct and write-up a programme of original research. Teaching/learning methods and strategies Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning methods outlined above and in section 17. Information sifting and sorting, analysis and problem solving skills are promoted through the use of group exercises. Experimental design and numerical skills are developed in lectures, problem sessions and computer-based practical work in the core course and subsequently in project work. Individual, formative and summative feedback is given to students on all work produced including oral presentations. Assessment is through coursework, unseen written examinations and project work. Practical Skills Students should be able to: 1. plan and execute safely a series of experiments; 2. use laboratory methods to generate data; 3. analyse experimental results and determine their strength and validity; 4. prepare technical reports; 5. give technical presentations; 6. use the scientific literature effectively; 7. use computational tools and packages. Teaching/learning methods and strategies Practical skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 17). Practical experimental skills (1 to 3) are developed through laboratory, computer-based and project work. 4 and 5 are taught and developed through feedback on reports written and presentations made as part of coursework assignments. 6 is developed through lectures, coursework reports and essays, group project exercises and the individual supervised research project. 7 is taught and developed through coursework exercises and project work. Practical skills are assessed through laboratory experiment write-ups, coursework reports and the research project dissertation. Transferable Skills Students should be able to: 1. communicate effectively through oral presentations, computer processing and presentations, and written reports; 2. demonstrate management skills: objective criteria, problem definition, project design and evaluation, teamwork and coordination; 3. integrate and evaluate information from a variety of sources; 4. use Information and Communications Technology; 5. manage resources and time; 6. learn independently with open-mindedness and critical enquiry; 7. learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development. Teaching/learning methods and strategies Biochemistry

5 Transferable skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above and in section is taught through coursework and developed through feedback on reports, essays and oral presentations. 2 is developed through coursework, including group project work. 3 is developed through First and Second Year Coursework (e.g. making a web page based on a protein structure) and the Final Year Project. 4 is developed through computer-based exercises, projects and other coursework activities and individual learning. 5 is developed throughout the 3-year courses within a framework of staged coursework deadlines and examination system. Although not explicitly taught, skills 6 and 7 are encouraged and developed throughout the course, which is structured and delivered in such a way as to promote this. 1 is assessed through coursework, presentations and written examinations. 2 to 4 are assessed through coursework, including project work. 5 is also assessed through written examinations. 16. The following reference points were used in creating this programme specification QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Biosciences, the FHEQ descriptors for Bachelor s degrees with honours, Biochemical Society Curriculum Working Party Report on the Core Content of Biochemistry First Degrees. 17. Programme structure and features, curriculum units (modules), ECTS assignment and award requirements Each degree programme is offered as a full-time, 3-year, 4-year (Year in Industry/Research, Research Abroad or Biochemistry/ with Management (4 year degree)), or 5-year (Biochemistry with Management with a Year in Industry/Research or with Management with a Year in Industry/Research) course and leads to the BSc Honours Degree. All students take the same four first year course modules. Two modules are examined in February and two in June. Students on the Language for Science programmes also take Language Classes and History and Politics of (chosen country e.g. France). In their second year, students take four core modules and an elective module in the Business School or the Centre for Co-Curricular Studies according to their interests and degree requirements. Secondyear exams are held in February and and June. Students on the Language for Science programmes also take Language Classes and Science and Technology in (chosen country e.g. France). In the final year, students take elective modules in the Autumn and Spring terms. Two final year modules are examined at the start of the Spring Term and the third at the beginning of March. They are followed by a full-time 10-week independent research project, or a three week Science Communication course and a 7 week literature project. Subject to approval, students may switch between the different degrees offered; changing degrees to the Placement Year is subject to satisfactory academic progress. Changing degrees between Biochemistry and titles depends on which final year modules are taken (see below). Year One: All students take the same four 15 ECTS credit modules, each comprising lectures, plus associated laboratory classes and tutorials. Biological Chemistry Organic and physical chemistry; structure and function of biologically important polymers and cellular structures; radioactivity and use of radioisotopes. Cell Biology Cellular and sub-cellular structure; cell growth and communication; multicellular organisms and development. Molecular Biology Principles of genetics; structure and function of nucleic acids. Proteins and Enzymes Enzyme kinetics; protein structure; control of enzyme activity; metabolism. Biochemistry

6 Term one: Biological Chemistry and Cell Biology. Term Two: Biological Chemistry and Cell Biology then followed by Proteins and Enzymes and Molecular Biology. Term Three: Proteins and Enzymes and Molecular Biology. Students must pass 60 ECTS credits to proceed to the second year. Students who fail course modules may resit the examination component the next two times it is offered. For first-year and second-year students this will be before the start of the next academic year. Year Two (if applicable): All students take four core Biochemistry modules and in addition an optional course chosen from a wide range, most of which are not directly related to biochemistry. These count for 60 ECTS credits in total which are split between four 13.5 ECTS credits for the core Biochemistry courses and 6 ECTS credits for the optional course. The four core courses are: Genes and Genomics (13.5 ECTS) -Molecular mechanism of gene regulation at the transcription and translation levels; gene and genome structure (roles in gene regulation and phenotypic diversity); genomics techniques; application of bioinformatics. Macromolecular Structure and Function I (13.5 ECTS) protein purification and analysis; protein structure determination; understanding and exploiting protein structure (incorporating modern bioinformatics approaches); specific examples of how an understanding of protein structure provides functional insights Integrative Cell Biology (13.5 ECTS) Cell to cell communication; neurobiology; Stem and developmental cell biology; Immunology Macromolecular Structure and Function II (13.5 ECTS) - principles of enzyme and protein kinetics; principles of protein-ligand binding; Interpretation of mass spectrometry data; biological electron transfer; application of optical spectroscopy and microscopy to understanding of macromolecular function The optional course (6 ECTS) is taken from a wide range of language and other courses offered by the Centre for Co-Curricular Studies or from courses offered by the Business School. Term one: Genes and Genomics and Macromolecular Structure and Function I Term Two: Genes and Genomics and Macromolecular Structure and Function I followed by Integrative Cell Biology and Macromolecular Structure and Function II Term Three: Integrative Cell Biology and Macromolecular Structure and Function II Students must pass 60 ECTS credits to proceed to the final year. Placement Year (if applicable): (Only for Year in Industry/Research & Research Abroad Degrees) All students carry out full time work during term-time in an Industrial setting (e.g. Glaxo SmithKline, Celltech), a research institute (e.g. Cancer Research UK) or a University abroad. Students submit two interim and one final report to their College Supervisor who also visits them on site, at least once during the year. This assessment does not count towards the final degree, but is required to be passed in order to gain the Year in Industry/Research Research Abroad addendum to the certificate. Biochemistry

7 Year Three (Year 4 for Year In Industry/Research & Research Abroad Degrees) Students take three, 13 ECTS, elective modules in the Autumn and Spring terms according to their interests and degree requirements (one module from each row in the grid below). Biochemistry degree students can choose from any of the options in each row. Each of these courses is currently capped at 45 students per course. students must choose courses whose combined points weighting adds up to 9 points. The final examinations are at the start of the Spring Term for the Autumn courses and the beginning of March for the Spring Course, followed by a 10-week, full-time research project (21 ECTS) or 3-week Science Communications course (8 ECTS) and 7-week dissertation (13 ECTS). Term One Damage & Repair in Biological Systems weighting 1 Macromolecules in 3-D weighting 4 Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing weighting 1 Medical Microbiology weighting 2 Neuroscience Research: From Molecules to Mind weighting 1 Plant and Development weighting 3 Cancer weighting 2 Mechanisms of Gene Expression weighting 3 Integrative Systems Biology weighting 5 Metabolic and Network Engineering weighting 2 Adv Topics in Parasitol & Vector Biology weighting 2 Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease Weighting 1 Adv Topics in Infection & Immunity weighting 2 Medical Glycobiology weighting 3 Term Two: Biotech Applications of Proteins weighting 5 Research project Mol Basis of Bacterial Infection weighting 3 Bioinformatics Weighting 3 Systems Neuroscience Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease weighting 1 Synthetic Biology weighting 5 Biodiversity Genomics Weighting 2 Term Three Research project continues 18. Support provided to students to assist learning (including collaborative students, where appropriate). One week induction programme (Year 1) for orientation, introduction to library and information technology. First, Second and Third Year Handbook with aims and objectives, details of each module, methods and criteria for assessment (also published electronically). Additional information, e.g. lecture notes, problems, past exams, links to the www, provided on Blackboard. Staff:student ratios for teaching of approximately 1:9. Extensive library and other learning resources and facilities at South Kensington campus. Dedicated computing, printing and copying facilities (including scanning) with extended daily access, and providing , on-line journals, journal databases. Log-on facility from outside College. Recently refurbished teaching laboratories and access where appropriate to adjacent research facilities. Biochemistry

8 A Staff - student committee, which meets three times per year. Student feedback obtained via SOLE and the staff-student committee. Feedback to students provided via the student-staff committee, by and via Blackboard. Research seminar programmes within the Department. In addition to the Senior Tutor, who has overall responsibility for student welfare and guidance, all students are allocated personal tutors whose role is to assist them with personal problems and to advise on pastoral and academic issues. The Undergraduate Teaching Office, open Monday to Friday during normal office hours. Support to Placement Students, before, during and after the Placement from the Placements Administrators. Student and open personal access to tutorial staff including the Senior Tutor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Access to student counsellors. Access to Teaching and Learning Support Services, which provide assistance and guidance, e.g. Careers Advisory Service and the English Language Support Programme. Opportunities for students to conduct their Final Year Research Projects in other Departments/Centres within Imperial College and at other research laboratories in London. 19. Criteria for admission: Minimum entry requirements are AAA at A2 level (340 points). These must include chemistry and at least one other science subject (biology is preferred but not mandatory) or mathematics. The ideal combinations would be: chemistry and two further science subjects; or chemistry and one further science subject and mathematics; but other combinations are considered. General studies will not be accepted at any level. Other qualifications, such as Key Skills or Critical Thinking, while useful, will not count towards an offer. Two AS levels may be acceptable in place of a third A level. This is in addition to grade C or above in GCSE mathematics, chemistry, biology (or combined sciences), and English language (or an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS with a minimum of 6.5 in all modules). For Research Abroad options, foreign language to GCSE or AS level is beneficial. For International Baccalaureate we ask for 38 overall with grade 6 in chemistry, grade 6 in biology at Higher level, and grade 5 in Standard level English. Other, non-a level, qualifications will also be considered on a case by case basis. 20. Processes used to select students: Students are assessed on whether they are within 2 grades (40 UCAS Tariff points) of potentially obtaining our AAA (or equivalent) entry requirements. Then, their overall potential is evaluated from their personal statement, teacher's reference and school environment. A conditional offer is made taking into account measures to widen participation where appropriate. 21. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning a) Methods for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards: The external examiner system and Boards of Examiners are central to the process by which the College monitors the reliability and validity of its assessment procedures and academic standards. Boards of Examiners comment on the assessment procedures within the College and may suggest improvements for action by relevant departmental teaching Committees. The Faculty Studies Committees and the Graduate Schools Postgraduate Quality Committees review and consider the reports of external examiners and accrediting bodies and conduct periodic (normally quinquennial) and internal reviews of teaching provision. Regular reviews ensure that there is opportunity to highlight examples of good practice and ensure that recommendations for improvement can be made. At programme level, the Head of Department/Division has overall responsibility for academic standards and the quality of the educational experience delivered within the department or division. Biochemistry

9 Most of the College s undergraduate programmes are accredited by professional engineering and science bodies or by the General Medical Council. Accreditation provides the College with additional assurance that its programmes are of an appropriate standard and relevant to the requirement of industry and the professions. Some postgraduate taught courses are also accredited. b) Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards: The Senate oversees the quality assurance and regulation of degrees offered by the College. It is charged with promoting the academic work of the College, both in teaching and research, and with regulating and supervising the education and discipline of the students of the College. It has responsibility for approval of changes to the Academic Regulations, major changes to degree programmes and approval of new programmes. The Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (QAAC) is the main forum for discussion of QA policy and the regulation of degree programmes at College level. QAAC develops and advises the Senate on the implementation of codes of practice and procedures relating to quality assurance and audit of quality and arrangements necessary to ensure compliance with national and international standards. QAAC also considers amendments to the Academic Regulations before making recommendations for change to the Senate. It also maintains an overview of the statistics on completion rates, withdrawals, examination irregularities (including cases of plagiarism), student appeals and disciplinaries. The Faculty Studies Committees and Graduate School Postgraduate Quality Committees are the major vehicle for the quality assurance of undergraduate / postgraduate courses respectively. Their remit includes: setting the standards and framework, and overseeing the processes of quality assurance, for the areas within their remit; monitoring the provision and quality of e-learning; undertaking reviews of new and existing courses; noting minor changes in existing programme curricula approved by Departments; approving new modules, changes in module titles, major changes in examination structure and programme specifications for existing programmes; and reviewing proposals for new programmes, and the discontinuation of existing programmes, and making recommendations to Senate as appropriate. The Faculty Teaching Committees maintain and develop teaching strategies and promote interdepartmental and inter-faculty teaching activities to enhance the efficiency of teaching within Faculties. They also identify and disseminate examples of good practice in teaching. Departmental Teaching Committees have responsibility for the approval of minor changes to course curricula and examination structures and approve arrangements for course work. They also consider the details of entrance requirements and determine departmental student numbers. The Faculty Studies Committees and the Graduate School Postgraduate Quality Committees receive regular reports from the Departmental Teaching Committees. c) Mechanisms for providing prompt feedback to students on their performance in course work and examinations and processes for monitoring that these named processes are effective: Coursework feedback is provided by a feedback form attached to items of coursework. Feedback is also provided via Blackboard on automatically-assessed pieces of coursework and on formative MCQ quizzes. Personal tutors hold timetabled tutorials at the start of the academic year to give feedback on examination performance and can be approached by their tutees at any point in the year for further guidance. The undergraduate teaching office repeatedly informs individual staff via when coursework is due back at the appropriate time. The Director of Undergraduate Studies routinely monitors the quality and quantity of feedback provided on marked coursework. In some instances, generic class feedback is returned to all students via or a Blackboard announcement once coursework is marked. d) Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience and how students are provided with feedback as to actions taken as a result of their comments: Biochemistry

10 Staff Student Committee. Biochemistry/ Teaching Committee (student representative is a member). Course questionnaires. SOLE Undergraduate Teaching Office, Personal Tutors, Senior Tutor, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Course Convenors. Vivas with External Examiners. Feedback to students on actions taken as a result of their comments is provided via the student representative on the Teaching Committee, via the staff-student committee, by , by announcements on Blackboard and via Personal Tutors. e) Mechanisms for monitoring the effectiveness of the personal tutoring system: All staff are personal tutors. When new staff are appointed, they are given written guidelines on the duties of personal tutors. The Senior Tutor advises new staff on how to be an effective personal tutor and the limits of his / her responsibility. Students contact the Senior Tutor if they have difficulties accessing their personal tutor and / or obtaining appropriate advice. This results either in the appropriate contact being made, or else the Senior Tutor deputises for the personal tutor to assist students in need. Staff are contacted by to ensure personal tutorials have taken place. Records of personal tutorials are kept in the undergraduate teaching office. Students are provided with guidelines for what can take place in personal tutorials and they choose content relevant to their needs. f) Mechanisms for recognising and rewarding excellence in teaching and in pastoral care: Staff are encouraged to reflect on their teaching, in order to introduce enhancements and develop innovative teaching methods. Each year College awards are presented to academic staff for outstanding contributions to teaching, pastoral care or research supervision. A special award for Teaching Innovation, available each year, is presented to a member of staff who has demonstrated an original and innovative approach to teaching. Nominations for these awards come from across the College and students are invited both to nominate staff and to sit on the deciding panels. g) Staff development priorities for this programme include: active research programme in Biological Sciences; staff appraisal scheme and institutional staff development courses; ICCED and HEA accreditation for academic and research staff; HEA participation through Departmental Contact; updating professional and IT/computing developments. 22. Regulation of Assessment Minimum pass mark is 40% overall for each course module, which must include a mark of at least 35% in the coursework component and a mark of at least 35% in the examination. For course modules that include a written examination, coursework typically contributes 20-25% of the total marks available. Assessment details are provided in the First, Second and Third Year Student Handbooks. The final degree mark is calculated from the mean mark achieved in Years 1, 2 and 3. For students admitted in or after October 2013 weighted 11.1 : 33.3 : 55.6, respectively. For Students Admitted before October 2013 weighted 5:35:60. To qualify for the award of BSc Honours, students must pass all courses. A student who is unable to complete their final year exams because of illness, or the death of a near relative, may be considered for a degree under the aegrotat provisions. Biochemistry

11 a) Assessment Rules and Degree Classification: For undergraduate programmes classification of degrees will be according to the following range of marks: First class % Second class (upper division) % Second class (lower division) % Third class % b) Marking Schemes for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes: The Pass Mark for all undergraduate modules is 40%. Students must additionally obtain a minimum of 35% for both the examination and coursework components of a course to pass. All undergraduates are required to pass all their ECTS credits to progress to the next year. c) Processes for dealing with mitigating circumstances: Candidates with mitigating circumstances are not subject to the borderline restrictions but should be considered individually. However, as a general principle, candidates whose marks are more than 5% below the borderline should not normally be raised to the next higher classification. Where the Board of Examiners determines that a higher classification should be awarded extra marks should be applied to bring the final marks into the higher range. d) Processes for determining degree classification for borderline candidates: Candidates who fall no more than 2.5% below the minimum mark for a higher honours classification shall be eligible for review of their final classification; this review could include an oral examination or practical test or other mechanism appropriate to the discipline. Candidates whose marks are below the 2.5% borderline may be considered for a higher honours classification where certain provisions apply. Where the Board of Examiners determines that a candidate should be awarded a higher honours classification extra marks should be applied to bring their final marks into the higher range. Detailed records of all decisions should be recorded in the minutes of the meeting of the Board. e) Role of external examiners: The primary duty of external examiners is to ensure that the degrees awarded by the College are consistent with that of the national university system. External examiners are also responsible for approval of draft question papers, assessment of examination scripts, projects and coursework (where appropriate) and in some cases will attend viva voce and clinical examinations. Although external examiners do not have power of veto their views carry considerable weight and will be treated accordingly. External examiners are required to attend each meeting of the Board of Examiners where recommendations on the results of individual examinations are considered. External examiners are required to write an annual report to the Rector of Imperial College which may include observations on teaching, course structure and course content as well as the examination process as a whole. The College provides feedback to external examiners in response to recommendations made within their reports. 23. Indicators of Quality and Standards Favourable comments by External Examiners. High proportion of students achieving a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours Degree. First destination data for BSc graduates, showing that a high proportion find employment or further postgraduate research training in biosciences and related areas. Independent review of the quality of the educational provision of the Department by the Quality Assurance Agency subject review process in 1998 achieving an excellent grading of 22 out of a maximum 24 points. Curriculum Design Content and Organisation = 4 Biochemistry

12 Teaching Learning and Assessment = 3 Student Support and Guidance = 4 Student Progression and Achievement = 4 Learning Resources = 4 Quality Management and Enhancement = Key sources of information about the programme can be found in Biochemistry