1. Programme title and designation Biochemistry. For undergraduate programmes only Single honours Joint Major/minor

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1 PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 1 THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 1. Programme title and designation Biochemistry For undergraduate programmes only Single honours Joint Major/minor 2. Final award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria value equivalent MSci Biochemistry n/a 3. Nested award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria value equivalent n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 4. Exit award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria value equivalent BSc Biochemistry n/a UG Cert Biosciences n/a UG Dip Biosciences n/a Ordinary Biosciences n/a degree 5. Level in the qualifications framework Level 7 X 6. Attendance Mode of attendance Minimum length of programme Maximum length of programme Full-time Part-time Distance learning FT n/a n/a 4 years 10 years 7. Awarding institution/body King s College London 8. Teaching institution King s College London 9. Proposing department Biochemistry 10. Programme organiser and contact Details 11. UCAS code (if appropriate) C Relevant QAA subject benchmark/ Professional, statutory and regulatory body guidelines Dr Stuart Knight stuart.knight@kcl.ac.uk Bioscience 13. Date of production of specification November Date of programme review 2018/19

2 15. Educational aims of the programme i.e what is the purpose of the programme and general statements about the learning that takes place over the duration of the programme 1. To give students a good understanding of the major areas of Biochemistry 2. To develop students understanding of the application of biochemical principles to other areas of biology and biomedical sciences 3. To develop students awareness of the role of Biochemistry both as a research discipline and its practical use in commercial and industrial applications 4. To enable students to acquire relevant laboratory skills, and the application of these skills in the design and conduct of the student s own experiments and research projects 5. Provide the experience of an extended period of research to learn specialized research skills in an industrial or academic research environment. 6. Develop scientists who possess the key skills required for independent evaluation of data, critical appraisal of scientific literature. 7. Develop scientists who are capable of completing a research project in biochemistry and presenting this knowledge in a Masters level report. 8. Develop confidence in oral presentation skills to specialised audiences, and the ability to write scientific reports to publication quality. 9. To give students the opportunity to understand how academic science is funded and what is required to obtain funding. 10. To equip graduates with a good foundation for a career in scientific research or employment in industry in biochemistry and allied fields 16. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes (as relevant to the SEEC Credit Level Descriptors) The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding and skills in the following areas: The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the following: 1. Key concepts in areas of direct relevance to biochemistry; human physiology, genetics, cell biology, pharmacology and chemistry 2. Biochemistry of key biological macromolecules 3. Key concepts in enzymology, metabolic pathways and their regulation 4. Subcellular organisation of cells 5. Structure and function of nucleic acids 6. Structure and function of proteins 7. Role of hormones in cellular communications and signal transduction 8. Theoretical basis of key biochemical and immunological practical techniques Knowledge and understanding These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: 1-12 are achieved through lectures, lab work, formative assessments such as data handling, essays and lab write ups, and are reviewed and reinforced in tutorials. 1 is covered in the first year and is reinforced in core and optional modules taken in the second and third years. The basis of 2-12 are covered mainly in modules taken in the first three years and applied in more advanced studies in the final year. 13 is encouraged throughout all years and is consolidated during the laboratory project and seminar discussions in the final year.

3 9. Theoretical basis of the determination of protein structure 10. Basis of bioinformatics and sequence analysis 11. Molecular mechanism of key cellular processes 12. Awareness of major issues currently at the forefront of Biochemistry research 13. The ethical and safety issues surrounding research in Biochemistry. Assessment: 1-13 The knowledge base is assessed through a combination of coursework, unseen written examinations, essays, MCQs, library and practical projects, short answers, poster, seminar presentations and oral examination. Skills and other attributes Intellectual skills: 1. Collect, interpret and analyse biochemical data with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use. 2. Integrate subject knowledge and understanding to explore and solve familiar and unfamiliar problems. 3. Understand Biochemistry literature 4. Produce critical and original pieces of written work on biochemical topics 5. Think critically about their own work/research and to input into the formulation of future hypotheses and experiments 6. Recognise the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct. 7. Ability to present science to audiences of differing scientific knowledge These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: 1-2 are realised through in-course assignments such as data-handling and laboratory reports. 3-4 are achieved by referring students to (and the discussion of) primary research articles and the production by students of essays, reports and seminar presentations based on such material. 5-6 is achieved through projects in the third year and extended by the research project in the final year. 7 is covered in the taught component in the final year Assessment: 1-6 Understanding, independence of thought and ability for critical analysis are assessed by; unseen written examinations, the in-course production of essays and reports, library and practical projects, data-handling and experimental design exercises and by poster and seminar presentations that students undertake. 7 as part of coursework in the final year Practical skills: 1. Design and plan experimental research to test a stated hypothesis, giving due attention to all necessary controls. 2. Practical experience in a wide range of contemporary biochemical techniques. 3. Carry out extensive experimental work using practical microbiological, These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: 1-4 are achieved through practical labs in the first and second year together projects in the third year and integrated in the laboratory research project in the final year. 5 computer skills are covered in the first

4 immunological and biochemical techniques, or molecular biology techniques in exploring a biochemical problem. 4. Achieve competency in a subset of key techniques relevant to the nature of their research project 5. Computer skills, to include word processing, data presentation, spreadsheets and statistical analysis. 6. Appreciate the importance of risk assessment, good laboratory practice and safe handling of reagents. year skills course. 6 is covered in Student handbooks and during laboratory practicals. Students, in consultation with their supervisor, also have to draw up their own risk assessments when doing laboratory research projects. Assessment: 1-5 are assessed through practical accounts, project reports and poster presentations based on their experimental work. Generic/transferable skills: 1. Communication skills, both written and oral. 2. Problem solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information, extending to situations where evaluations have to be made on the basis of limited information. 3. Numeric and computational skills. 4. Information retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including on-line computer searches. 5. Information technology skills such as word processing, spreadsheet and database use, storing data and internet communication. 6. Interpersonal skills, relating to the ability to interact with other people and to engage in teamwork 7. Time management and organisational skills, such as the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working 8. Ability to work independently These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: 1 achieved through the students presentation of data during their final year project, and published research data in seminars, essays, laboratory reports and poster presentations. 2 & 8 are encouraged throughout all years through all aspects of teaching and is consolidated during work on the final year project. 3 is built upon through the first year key skills system and subsequently strengthened through laboratory write ups, posters and project reports. 4 students are taught how to use appropriate databases during their first year. 5 addressed through the skills module and web-based tutorials associated with the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) 6 developed through group work in practicals, tutorials, laboratory projects and discussions. 7 addressed via tutorials and developed throughout the programme 8 addressed in the final year project Assessment: Transferable skills are assessed as part of coursework, written seen/unseen examinations, essays, MCQs, short answers, poster presentations and oral presentation

5 17. Statement of how the programme has been informed by the relevant subject benchmark statement(s)/professional, statutory and regulatory body guidelines There are at present no entirely relevant QAA subject benchmark statements available, however the benchmark statements for Biosciences have been used to guide the construction of the curriculum. In addition the Society of Biology subject specific criteria for Biochemistry have been used to benchmark the content of the programme. 18. In cases of joint honours programmes please provide a rationale for the particular subject combination, either educational or academic n/a Which is the lead department and/or School?

6 19. Programme structure Please complete the following table and, if appropriate, to include joint, major/minor or other variations Code = code of each module available for the programme Title = title of each module available for the programme, plus its credit level and credit value Status = please indicate whether the module is introductory (I), core (Cr), compulsory (Cp), one or more of however many modules must be passed to progress (CrCp), (P) professional (i.e. module testing skills/competency that has no credit level or value but is a professional body requirement) or optional (O) for each type of programme. For postgraduate programmes use the "single honours" column Pre-requisite/Co-requisite = where appropriate please indicate whether the module is pre-requisite to another module or co-requisite by noting pre or co and the module code that it is pre/co-requisite to. Assessment = please indicate in broad terms the assessment for the module eg written examinations, coursework (Note: the availability of optional modules may vary slightly from year to year; the following are the modules available at the commencement of the programme) Code Title Credit Level Credit Value Status (I, Cr, Cp, CrCp, P, O) for each type of module Single Joint Major/ Minor Pre-requisite/ Corequisite (Please note the module code) Single Joint Major/ Minor Assessment Full-time Study First Year 4BBA1200 From Cells to Systems 4 15 Cr Written exam; coursework 4BBB0109 Biochemistry &Molecular A 4 30 Cr Written exam; coursework 4BBB0108 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology B: Cell Biology of 4 15 Cr Written exam; coursework Genetics 4BBL0111 Physiological Systems 4 30 Cr Written exam; coursework 4BBM0107 Fundamentals of Pharmacology 4 15 Cr Written exam; coursework 4BBY1000 Practice of Biomedical Science 4 15 Cr Written exam; coursework

7 Second Year 5BBB0231 Gene Cloning & Written exam; coursework 5 30 Cr Expression AB 5BBB0223 Metabolism 5 15 Cr Written exam; coursework 5BBB0224 Protein Structure & Written exam; coursework 5 15 Cr Function 5BBY2001 Cell Biology A 5 15 Cr/O* Written exam; coursework 5BBY2002 Cell Biology AB 5 30 Cr/O* Written exam; coursework Students must take up to 45 credits from O Varies other modules in the school Modern language 4, 5, 6 15 O Written exam; coursework Third Year 6BBB0333 Protein Structure & Design 6 15 Cr Written exam; coursework 6BBL0391 Research Project in Physiology 6 45 Cr** Dissertation; oral examination 6BBA3012 Laboratory Research Project in Neuroscience 6 45 Cr** Dissertation; oral examination 6BBL0301 Maternal & Fetal Health Project 6 45 Cr** Dissertation; oral examination 6BBB0313 Extended Research Project in Molecular 6 45 Cr** Dissertation; oral examination Science 6BBB0326 Molecular Biology Practical Project 6 30 Cr** Laboratory report; coursework 6BBB0321 Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Library 6 15 Cr** Dissertation project A 6BBB0322 Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Library 6 15 Cr** Dissertation project B students must take up to 60 credits from other modules in the school O Varies

8 Fourth Year 7BBB0401 7BBB0402 7BBB0403 7BBB0404 Research Techniques in Molecular Science Project Design in Biochemistry Biochemistry Research Skills Biochemistry Research Dissertation 7 15 Cr Coursework 7 15 Cr Presentation, coursework 7 30 Cr Presentations; coursework 7 60 Cr Dissertation If a Masters programme, are level 6 credit levels permitted within the programme? n/a Maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded) no condoned fails permitted Are students permitted to take any additional credits, as per regulation A3; 5.9? No Are students permitted to take a substitute module, as per regulation A3; 20.7? No Are there are any exceptions to the regulations regarding credits, progression or award requirements? (where relevant the information should also differentiate the particular requirements of pathways within a programme or nested/exit awards) Progression to the final year of the programme requires all 120 credits at level 6 passed with a mark above 60%. Students who fail to meet this requirement will graduate with exit award Other relevant information to explain the programme structure Please note that new students enrolling on the information provided on this section of the PAF will have these regulations stipulated throughout their programme of study. The only exception to this will be if there are changes made by Professional, Regulatory or Statutory Bodies that are noted to this programme. * Students must take either Cell Biology A or Cell Biology A/B ** Students must take either Extended Research Project in Molecular Science or Molecular Biology Practical Project plus Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Library Project or Research Project in Physiology or Laboratory Research Project in Neuroscience or Maternal & Fetal Health Project

9 20. Marking criteria All modules will be marked in accordance with the School s marking criteria where such exist or else in accordance with the College s generic marking criteria for integrated Masters degrees 21. Will this Programme report to an existing Board, and if so which one? If a new Programme Board of Examiners is to be set up please note name of Board here Biochemistry Undergraduate Exam Board 22. Please confirm that the process for nominating External Examiners has commenced, and if known, note whom the nominated External Examiner(s) may be Existing examiners will be used 23. Particular features of the programme which help to reduce the barriers experienced by disabled students and ensure that the programme is accessible to all students who meet the entry requirements Admissions All students in receipt of an offer receive an information booklet on the support services offered by the College. All students receiving offers who have indicated they have a disability in their application receive a letter from the School Disability Adviser with her contact details and offering the applicant the opportunity to discuss their requirements. Structure The 4 th year of programme has to be offered on a full time basis due to the nature of the module content. Publicity and programme handbook These clearly communicate the key skills that will be required during the programme, the content of each module (curriculum), the intended teaching methods to be used and modules status (core). It is a necessary requirement that students will have to complete modules in a laboratory environment. Therefore access and the ability to perform assays will require due consideration. Teaching methods A wide range of teaching methods is utilised, ranging from didactic and interactive lectures, to a certain amount of knowledge re-iteration in tutorials and workshop sessions where the format will be interactive and can be paced according to group ability. Group sizes are small (10) due to the nature of the programme, therefore facilitating student-tutor contact and flexibility of teaching arrangements. Practical classes will allow individuals to have a very high degree of contact with demonstrators. Assessment The Personalised Examination Provisions Committee (PEPC) considers requests for adjustments to assessment to take account of learning and/or physical disabilities. Module outlines specify the assessment methods that will be used and explain that PEPC will need

10 to be notified about requests for alternative assessment methods. The form that the alternative assessment will take will be specified for each module in advance. Feedback Feedback on the programme is regularly collected from students about their learning experience. The information collected is used towards the on-going development and improvement of the programme. In particular, it has prompted closer working with Library to ensure that subject resources are offered in a range of alternative formats wherever possible.