(Integrated Master in Science:) Integrated Master in Science
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
MSCICZ99
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
GCSE: Mathematics C/4
A-levels: ABB, including Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics. Psychology, Statistics, Physics, Applied Science, Human Biology, Geography, PE and Sociology (on a case by case basis) are all acceptable as second science A-levels.
BTEC: D*D*D, depending on subject and units studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5.Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects.
Standard Level Mathematics, if not taken at Higher Level, will also be required. We will accept grade 4 in either Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma: 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction - Entry requirements for students studying T-level qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Thomas Clarke
Senior lecturer/associate professor
University of East Anglia
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- An understanding of the molecular principles that underlie biochemical reactions and biotechnology processes.
- An understanding of biochemical methods and approaches.
- An understanding of theoretical and practical / bioinformatics skills in gene and protein engineering and genome analysis.
- Provide a broad overview of biotechnology, with in-depth treatment of specialised areas such as industrial biotechnology, plant biotechnology and molecular medicine.
- An ability to apply this understanding to critically analyse current biochemical and biotechnology problems and suggest solutions.
- The key skills of communication, numeracy, ITC use, problem solving, working with others, self-evaluation and self-improvement, and autonomous learning using biochemistry and biotechnology as a context and focus.
- A general scientific education including training in handling and interpretation of quantitative information and the ability to plan and carry out computational- or laboratory-based research under supervision.
- Gain knowledge of the key laboratory and workplace skills required for careers in the biotechnology sector and related subjects that require an integrated understanding of biochemical and molecular processes.
- An awareness of the need for compliance with health, safety and ethical policies in biotechnology.
- Expose students to employability skills and provide information on a wide range of bioscience sector careers, including biotechnology.
- Inclusivity will be maximised by making reasonable adjustments to learning and assessment on an individual basis.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Basic physics, maths and chemistry that are relevant to biochemistry
A2: The different levels of organisation and complexity, from molecules, through cells, tissues and organs to organisms
A3: The structures and functions of biological molecules and their assemblies, and the application of protein engineering and gene regulation for biotechnology application.
A4: Key metabolic reactions involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of biological molecules, and the application of bioinformatic approaches.
A5: A comprehensive, systematic knowledge and understanding of selected biotechnological applications
A6: Appropriate practical scientific methods and approaches: experimentation, bioinformatics and techniques used in their analysis.
A7: Key biotechnology issues facing society (e.g. drug performance enhancement, commercial protein production, synthetic biology).
A8: Advanced understanding of appropriate practical and scientific methods and approaches to conduct research.
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery of A1 to A7.
Lectures direct students to textbooks and on-line material (Years 1 to 4), and research papers and reviews (Year 2 and particularly Years 3 and 4).
Laboratory practicals in Years 1 and 2 complement lectures and develop A1 to A6.
Coursework associated with lecture modules in Years 2 to 4 develop A1 to A7.
The first research project in Year 3 teaches and develops A6 and also a range of A1-A5 and A7.
A7 is developed in the skills module in Year 2 and the issues module (Year 3).
Advanced research skills and planning in Year 4 will develop further A8.
Assessment methods
A1 to A7 are assessed by:
Multiple Choice Questions (Year 1)
Timed and un-timed essays (Years 2 and 3)
Verbal and written practical reports (Years 1 and 2)
Exercises in data analysis and interpretation (DAI), (Years 2 and 3)
Unseen written exams: short answer, essay (Years 1 and 2) and questions involving DAI (Years 2 and 3)
The Year 3 and Year 4 research project, cover a range of A2 to A8. A8 is tested in more depth in Year 4 together and is assessed by individual written report, oral and poster presentations.
Oral and written presentations in the Issues module in Year 3 are used to assess A7.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Retrieve, select and collate appropriate biochemical, genetic and biological information that link to biotechnology practices.
B2: Evaluate primary and secondary evidence and arguments
B3: Analyse and interpret quantitative information in graphs, figures, tables and equations.
B4: Integrate and link information across course components, including material met in different years and from different disciplines
B5: Plan and conduct a research task (including risk assessment and ethical approval where appropriate)
B6: Present data correctly, choose and apply an appropriate statistical test and interpret the output
Learning methods
Setting of directed learning topics develops skills in B1, B2 and B4 (Years 1 and 2).
B1 and B2 are partly covered by training in exam essay writing in Year 1 tutorials and further developed by setting of coursework essays (Years 2-4)
B2 and B3 are taught by explicit inclusion of data analysis in lectures and classes in Years 2-4, and through progressive development of DAI (data analysis and interpretation) coursework in Years 2-4.
B1 to B3, and in some cases B4, are developed through analysis and presentation of results of practical work in Years 1 to 4.
B4 is achieved by progressive subject development through the 4 years.
B5 results from setting team project work in some practicals in Year 2 and the Year 3 and 4 individual research project.
B6 is taught throughout with statistics introduced in Year 1 and continued in Year 2.
Assessment methods
B1, B2 and B4 are assessed by coursework and exam essays (Years 1-4).
B2 and B3 are assessed by coursework and exam DAI tasks (Years 2-4), practical reports (Years 1-2) and research project reports (Year 3-4).
B4 is assessed by integrative exam questions and coursework.
B1 to B4 are also assessed in the Year 3 and 4 individual research project and coursework in the Issues module in Year 3.
B5 is assessed in the Year 3 and 4 Research Skills module.
B6 is assessed in Year 1 and 2.
C: Practical skills
C1: Design, plan and carry out appropriate experiments in the laboratory effectively, working within current technical, regulatory, safety and ethical frameworks.
C2: Use appropriate laboratory equipment safely and efficiently
C3: Able to explain the principles and limitations of a range of more advanced practical techniques
C4: Able to use appropriate software packages for simulations, modelling and statistical analysis.
Learning methods
Skills C1 to C3 are taught in supervised practicals in Years 1 and 2 and in research modules in years 3 and 4.
Lectures in Years 1, 2 and 3 teach aspects of C1 and C3 Independent project work in research laboratories in Year 3 also teaches and develops C1 to C3.
As part of C1 to C3, safety and ethical issues are addressed through practical documentation (Years 1 and 2) and developed by students Year 3 and Year 4, and in preparing risk assessments and ethical permissions and consents where appropriate for research projects (Year 3 and 4).
C4 is addressed through IT and statistics training in Year 1, and the use of more specialised software is taught or developed in practicals, Bioinformatic modules (Year 2 and 3) and R for Life Sciences module (Year 2).
Assessment methods
C1 is assessed through Year 1 and Year 2 practicals and the Year 3 and 4 research project.
C2 is assessed in some Year 1 practicals.
C3 is assessed in many practicals in Year 1 and Year 2 and in theory exams in Years 1 to 4.
C4 is assessed in several Year 2 practicals and modules as well as in Year 3 Advanced Bioinformatic and research project.
D: Key skills
D1: Able to write clearly in: a) logically argued essays; b) longer reports, including basic scientific papers; c) a variety of other pieces of work for different target audiences; d) e-communications, in particular email. Plan, write and give oral presentations
D2: (i) Use of current networked PC operating systems for normal file management,
(ii) Use current common word-processing, spreadsheet, web browsing and email packages,
(iii) Ability to locate and use on-line catalogues and databases
D3: Use appropriate precision, scales, units, scientific notation, ratios, fractions, percentages, powers of 10, logarithms and exponentials. Use simple algebra and trigonometry and elementary calculus, (simple differentiation and integration). Use approximations for mental arithmetic estimation and verification.
D4: Explore, analyse and find effective solutions for problems involving reasonably complex information
D5: Work effectively as part of a team to collect data and/or to produce reports and presentations
D6: Study independently, set realistic targets, plan work and time to meet targets within deadlines. Reflect on assessed work, feedback, and progress; Plan, record and document personal development
Learning methods
Essay writing skills (D1) are taught in the Year 1 tutorials , the LSKS module and developed in all subsequent modules.
Additional guidance on Essay and Scientific Paper Format writing is given in the on-line "Academic Skills" WebCT course.
Required length of essays and reports increases from Year 1 to Year 4.
Oral presentation skills (D1) are developed from tutorial in Year 1 in some practicals and lecture modules (Years 2-4) and the Research Skills module in Year 3 and 4.
IT use (D2) is taught in Year 1, particularly in the tutorial modules and developed throughout all years.
Most coursework from Year 2 onwards is word-processed, and other computer produced work is required for some practical assignments e.g. Excel in Year 2 and in the Year 3 and 4 research project and in the Issues module (Year 3).
Library, on line catalogue and web skills (D2) are taught in Year 1; developed by provision of some module related material on the Web and through the preparation of the research project report (Year 3).
Web-based material (D2) is used in several modules including practicals.
D3 is taught in lectures and seminars (Year 1), and developed in many subsequent modules (Years 1-4).
D4 is taught through a WBL component in Year 1, DAI questions in Years 2 and 3, and in some practical classes, and developed in the Issues module (Year 3), and in supervised project work (Year 3 and 4).
Team work (D5) is introduced in some Year 1 practicals, the WBL part of a module in Year 1 and used in Year 2 practicals and in the skills module in Year 2.
D6 is addressed in the tutorial modules in Year 1, including introduction to PDP, developed through provision of explicit directed learning tasks (Year 1 and Year 2), increasing amounts of student managed learning from Year 1 to Year 4, attendance monitoring, rigid deadlines, feedback on assignments, and discussions with personal tutor.
D6 planning component is developed in the Year 3 and Year 4 Research Skills module.
Students are also directed to Key Skills Online, an online learning package which students can undertake at their own pace.
Assessment methods
Written skills (D1) are assessed through essays in coursework and exams (Years 1 to 3) and in practical reports (Year 1 and Year 2), in the Issues module (Year 3) and the research project report (Year 3 and Year 4).
Oral presentation skills (D1) are assessed in tutorial modules (Year 1) some of the practical courses (Year 2) skills module Year 2 and in the Year 3 and Year 4 Research Project modules.
IT and Maths skills (D2 and D3) are assessed through worksheets and exams in Year 1.
Thereafter, practical work, coursework and exam questions throughout the degree course assess numerical skills.
All coursework from Year 2 onwards has to be prepared by computer and submitted on-line.
Problem solving (D4) is assessed in some of the Year 2 practicals, in the Year 3 Issues Module, in DAI questions in Years 2 and 3 exams and in the Year 3 and Year 4 research project.
D5 is assessed through team presentations in the Year 1 tutorial, including WBL, Year 2 skills module, some Year 2 practical work and in the Issues module (Year 3).
D6 is assessed by examining directed learning material (Years 1 and 2), by awarding marks for evidence of additional reading (Year 3 and 4), and by imposing strict deadlines for coursework assignments.
D6 PDP is assessed in year 1 tutorial modules and through the development of a CV and e-portfolio, and is developed in Year 2 Skills module and Year 3 and 4 research and skill modules.
The planning component of D6 is assessed in the Year 3 and Year 4 Research Project module.