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Programmes in Natural Sciences 2021/2


UXXX-AFM01: MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream)

Leading to the award of MASTER IN SCIENCE IN NATURAL SCIENCES

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Normal programme duration: 4 years


Possible DAPs for this programme:

Please see your programme handbook for circumstances where transfer to DAP may be permitted/required.

  

Possible exit awards for this programme:



Natural Sciences students must take units totaling 60 credits in each programme year, usually comprising five blocks of 12 credits each, although some final year projects are worth 18 or 24 credits. Students must choose a major subject stream to follow and must take two blocks of units in this major subject each year. For further information on the structure of the programme, please see the Natural Sciences Course Guide.

Year 1: Part 1 Stage 1

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 15 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 16 [pdf].
  • Part 1 Stage 1 of this programme contributes 0% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following in Year 1:
  1. Both units in Biochemistry block BC1.1 and Life Sciences block Ls1.1
  2. Two all-year Chemistry units
  3. One block of free options - either Pharmacology, Mathematics, or non-science

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory skills unit (Designated Essential Unit)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX10238 Skills for Natural Scientists I credits       [equivalent to 0 CATS credits]

Compulsory units for Biochemistry (BC1.1 & Ls1.1)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY BB10263 Biochemistry12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY BB10264 Cell biology12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]

Two units to be selected from this list (blocks C1.1, C1.2 & C1.3)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY CH10133 Atomic structure, bonding and the Periodic Table12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY CH10135 Fundamentals of organic chemistry12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY CH10137 From molecules to materials12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Optional units: Mathematics for life sciences block M1.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 MA10201 Modelling the dynamics of life 16 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MA10202 Modelling the dynamics of life 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Non science options
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY PS10086 Mind and behaviour12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
S1 MN10071 Organisational behaviour6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 ED10002 Learning: Theory & context6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MN10248 Introduction to accounting6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Pharmacology block PC1.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY PA10315 Fundamentals of physiology and pharmacology for Natural Sciences students12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 2: Part 2 Stage 2

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 23 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 24 [pdf].
  • Part 2 Stage 2 of this programme contributes 16% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following in Year 2:
  1. Compulsory block BC2.1
  2. At least one block from Cell Biology (B2.3) and Developmental Biology & Neuroscience (B2.5)
  3. Two all-year Chemistry units
  4. One further block of free options if only one of blocks B2.3 and B2.5 was selected above (subject to pre-requisites)

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory units for Biochemistry BC2.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20020 Protein structure6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20018 Enzymology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Two Chemistry units to be selected from this list (C2.1, C2.2 & C2.3).
  • You may only select CH20150 from this list if you took CH10135 (block C1.1) in Year 1;
  • You may only select CH20148 from this list if you took CH10133 (block C1.2) in Year 1;
  • You may only select CH20152 from this list if you took CH10137 (block C1.3) in Year 1.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY CH20148 Inorganic synthesis, structure and reactivity (NS/CwM)12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY CH20150 Organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy (NS/CwM)12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY CH20152 Principles of physical chemistry (NS/CwM)12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Optional units: Cell Biology block B2.3

Students on this stream must select at least one block from B2.3 (Cell Biology) and B2.5 (Developmental Biology & Neuroscience)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20024 The dynamic cell 16 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20160 The dynamic cell 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B2.5

Students on this stream must select at least one block from B2.3 (Cell Biology) and B2.5 (Developmental Biology & Neuroscience)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20149 Molecular genetics of vertebrate development6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20028 Molecular and cellular neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Environmental Studies block ENV2.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX20239 Introduction to environmental sciences and sustainability12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Optional units: Non science options
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY PS20167 Cognitive neuroscience12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
S1 ED20003 Education in society6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 MN20072 Managing human resources6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 ED20126 Educational psychology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MN20073 Marketing6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Mathematics for life sciences block M2.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX20231 Mathematical and statistical methods for the life sciences12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Optional units: Pharmacology block PC2.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PA20023 Pharmacology of the central nervous system6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA20016 Cardiovascular, renal and peripheral nervous system pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


SKILLS

Optional skills unit

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX20251 Skills for Natural Scientists II credits       [equivalent to 0 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 3: Part 2 Stage 3

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 23 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 24 [pdf].
  • Part 2 Stage 3 of this programme contributes 34% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following in Year 3:
  1. All units in Biochemistry block BC3.1
  2. At least one block of Biology options (B3.3 or B3.5)
  3. Two blocks of Chemistry units (C3.1, C3.2, & C3.3)
  4. One further block of free options (subject to pre-requisites) if only one Biology block (B3.3 or B3.5) is selected.
  5. Further information on DoS approved options Director of Studies approved option allowed: Students may be permitted to take Director of Studies approved units as an alternative to a maximum of 12 credits during this programme year.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory units for Biochemistry BC3.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30162 Protein synthesis, folding and turnover6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40048 Enzymes: mechanisms, evolution and control in integrated biological systems6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C3.1

Students choosing this block must take all units S1 and 6 credits (two units) in S2.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CH30128 Topics in organic chemistry I3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 CH30235 Organic chemistry of biomolecules3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30065 Biosynthesis & biotransformations3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30211 Chemistry beyond the molecule3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30230 DNA in the modern world3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C3.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CH30127 Topics in inorganic chemistry I3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 CH30203 Radiochemistry3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30086 Inorganic chemistry in biological systems3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30231 Porous materials3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C3.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CH30129 Topics in physical chemistry I3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 CH30218 Analytical chemistry for natural scientists3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30227 Advanced spectroscopic techniques3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30239 Introduction to computational chemistry for natural scientists3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Optional units: Mathematics for life sciences block M3.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 MA30047 Mathematical biology 16 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MA30063 Mathematical biology 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Non science options
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 ED30005 Science education in practice6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 MN20074 Digital business innovation6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PS30115 Contemporary educational psychology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 ED30006 Issues in science education6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MN30076 Business strategy6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PS30156 Affective neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Cell Biology block B3.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30045 Cell membranes6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30161 Developmental neurobiology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B3.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30044 Molecular & medical neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30067 Advanced developmental genetics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Pharmacology block PC3.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PA30142 Molecular applications in pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PA30214 Recent advances in drug discovery6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PA30251 Advanced topics, trends and technologies in pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30148 Central nervous system pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30150 Cardiovascular pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30157 The molecular biology and treatment of cancer6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30168 Drug targets in the immune system6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30169 Trends in molecular signalling6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30252 Pharmacology of regenerative medicine6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Environmental Studies block ENV3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CE40129 Law, environmental legislation & waste management6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 XX30001 Renewable energy6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 XX30172 State of the planet6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 XX30213 Global challenges: Water6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 XX30252 The transition to sustainability6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 4: Part 3 Stage 4

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 27 (Section B) [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 28 (Section B) [pdf].
  • Part 3 Stage 4 of this programme contributes 50% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. Six credits in each semester for block BC4.1
  2. Biochemistry project unit BB40130 in either S1 or S2. Students taking BB40130 in S1 must take either BB40118 or BB40164 in S2 (subject to pre-requisites); students taking BB40130 in S2 must take either BB40102, BB40124 or BB40071 in S1(subject to pre-requisites)
  3. Two blocks of Chemistry units (C4.1, C4.2, & C4.3)

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Students must take one unit in each semester for Biochemistry block Bc4.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40078 Entrepreneurial biotechnology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 BB40083 Enzymes in biotechnology & medicine6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40109 Structural biology in biotechnology & medicine6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Biochemistry Project Option A

Biochemistry majors must take BB40130 in either S1 or S2. Students who take BB40130 in S1 must select either BB40118 or BB40164 in S2.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40130 Research project (MSci)18 credits       [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]
S2 BB40118 Current topics in gene regulation and cell differentiation6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40164 Modern methods of researching neurodegeneration6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Biochemistry Project Option B

Biochemistry majors must take BB40130 in either S1 or S2. Students who take BB40130 in S2 must select either BB40102, BB40124 or BB40082 in S1.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40082 Frontiers of neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 BB40102 Molecular mechanisms of disease6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 BB40124 Human developmental disorders6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Biochemistry majors must take BB40130 in either S1 or S2. Students who take BB40130 in S2 must select either BB40102 or BB40082 in S1.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 BB40130 Research project (MSci)18 credits       [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C4.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CH40098 Techniques in drug discovery3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 CH40206 Topics in organic chemistry II3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH40037 Synthesis of medicinal compounds3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH40068 Physical organic chemistry3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C4.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CH40155 Advanced structural methods3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 CH40205 Topics in inorganic chemistry II3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH40162 Advanced organometallic chemistry3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH40212 Contemporary main group chemistry3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C4.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CH40207 Topics in physical chemistry II3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 CH40222 Advanced theoretical methods3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH40158 Chemistry of functional materials3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH40220 Chemical thermodynamics in context3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.