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Natural Sciences course catalogue 2023/4


USSC-AKM01: MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement

Leading to the award of MASTER IN SCIENCE IN NATURAL SCIENCES

Mode of attendance: Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement

Normal programme duration: 5 years

[Page last updated: 27 October 2023]


This course is for students who will be in Year 2 or later in 2023/24


Assessment Regulations
Applicable assessment regulations:
Undergraduate assessment regulations - https://www.bath.ac.uk/publications/undergraduate-assessment-regulations/
Approved exemptions:
None
Coexistent Masters course?:
Yes
DAPS and exit awards:
BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Year long work placement
Diploma of Higher Education [exit award]
Certificate of Higher Education [exit award]
Weighting towards final award by stage:
Stage 1: 0%
Stage 2: 16%
Stage 3: 0%
Stage 4: 34%
Final Stage: 50%

Please consult your course handbook or contact your Director of Studies for further information on assessment regulations


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

This course is being replaced by a new version so Year 1 of this version is not available in 2023/24.

Notes:

  • Courses and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This course catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this course, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • Assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how assessment regulations were applied to this course 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: Stage 2

Students following this subject stream must take the following in Year 2:
  1. Compulsory blocks BC2.1, Pc2.1 & Pc2.2
  2. At least one block from Cell Biology and Neuroscience (B2.3) and Developmental and Cell Biology (B2.5)
  3. 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 SL20036 Protein structure (BB20020)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL20009 Enzymology (BB20018)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Compulsory units for Pharmacology Pc2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL20008 Drug discovery (PA20343)3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 SL20021 Introduction to practical pharmacology for natural scientists (PA20291)3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 SL20028 Pharmacology of the central nervous system (PA20023)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL20004 Cardiovascular, renal and peripheral nervous system pharmacology (PA20016)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Pharmacology block Pc2 options: Select 6 credits from this list

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 SL20012 Experimental pharmacology for natural sciences (PA20348)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL20018 Infection and immunity for natural sciences students (PA20351)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 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 Neuroscience) and B2.5 (Developmental and Cell Biology)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL20041 The dynamic cell 1 (BB20024)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL20023 Molecular and cellular neuroscience (BB20028)6 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 Neuroscience) and B2.5 (Developmental and Cell Biology)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL20024 Molecular genetics of vertebrate development (BB20149)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL20042 The dynamic cell 2 (BB20160)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 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: Chemistry block C2.1/2/3

A maximum of two Chemistry units may 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: 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]


Skills units

Optional skills unit

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


Notes:

  • Courses and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This course catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this course, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • Assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how assessment regulations were applied to this course 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: Stage 3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY CH20250 Industrial placement60 credits       [equivalent to 120 CATS credits]
AY PH20040 Professional placement60 credits       [equivalent to 120 CATS credits]
AY SL20035 Professional training placement (BB20075)60 credits       [equivalent to 120 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Courses and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This course catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this course, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • Assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how assessment regulations were applied to this course 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: Stage 4

Students following this subject stream must take the following in this programme year:
  1. All units in block BC3.1
  2. 12 credits in each semester from block Pc3
  3. At least one block from Biology blocks B3.2 and B3.3 (subject to pre-requisites)
  4. One further block of free options if only one of blocks B3.3 and B3.5 was selected above (subject to pre-requisites)
  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 block Bc3.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL30075 Protein synthesis, folding and turnover (BB30162)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL40103 Enzymes: mechanisms, evolution and control in integrated biological systems (BB40048)6 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

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

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 CH30157 Chemistry of functional materials3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30220 Chemical thermodynamics in context3 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 Emotion science6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Cell Biology block B3.3

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL30051 Cell membranes (BB30045)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL30056 Developmental neurobiology (BB30161)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B3.5

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL30069 Molecular & medical neuroscience (BB30044)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL30044 Advanced developmental genetics (BB30067)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Pharmacology block Pc3: Select 12 credits in each semester

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL30045 Advanced topics, trends and technologies in pharmacology (PA30251)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 SL30070 Molecular applications in pharmacology (PA30142)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 SL30076 Recent advances in drug discovery (PA30214)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL30050 Cardiovascular pharmacology (PA30150)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL30052 Central nervous system pharmacology (PA30148)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL30058 Drug targets in the immune system (PA30168)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL30072 Pharmacology of regenerative medicine (PA30252)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL30086 The molecular biology and treatment of cancer (PA30157)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL30087 Trends in molecular signalling (PA30169)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Courses and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This course catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this course, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • Assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how assessment regulations were applied to this course 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 5: Final Stage

Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. Six credits in each semester from block BC4.1;
  2. Biochemistry project unit SL40126 in either S1 or S2;
  3. Either Biology block B4.3 (Cell Biology) or B4.5 (Developmental Biology and Neuroscience) (subject to pre-requisites) dropping six credits in the semester in which the biochemistry project is taken;
  4. 12 credits in each semester from blocks Pc4.1 and Pc4.2 (including SL40119 which is compulsory);
  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

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

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL40101 Entrepreneurial biotechnology (BB40078)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 SL40102 Enzymes in biotechnology & medicine (BB40083)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Students must take 12 credits in each semester for Pharmacology blocks Pc4.1 and Pc4.2, including SL40119 which is compulsory.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL40112 Molecular applications in pharmacology (PA40142)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 SL40125 Recent advances in drug discovery (PA40214)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL40093 Cardiovascular pharmacology (PA40159)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL40095 Central nervous system pharmacology (PA40160)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL40099 Drug targets in the immune system (PA40162)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL40120 Pharmacology of regenerative medicine (PA40252)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL40132 The molecular biology and treatment of cancer (PA40157)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL40133 Trends in molecular signalling (PA40163)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 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

Students taking this block must select 6 credits (2 units) in each semester. In Semester 2 students taking blocks C4.1 and C4.2 must take CH40212 and CH40219 from this list, students taking blocks C4.2 and C4.3 must take CH40212 and either CH40039 or CH40237 from this list.

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 CH40039 Computational chemistry3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH40212 Contemporary main group chemistry3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH40219 Organic and inorganic aspects of homogeneous catalysis3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH40237 X-ray & neutron techniques for chemists3 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]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B4.5

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL40104 Frontiers of neuroscience (BB40082)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 SL40106 Human developmental disorders (BB40124)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 SL40114 Molecular mechanisms of disease (BB40102)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL40111 Modern methods of researching neurodegeneration (BB40164)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Cell Biology block B4.3

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL40114 Molecular mechanisms of disease (BB40102)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 SL40098 Current topics in gene regulation and cell differentiation (BB40118)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Biochemistry Project Option

Biochemistry majors must take SL40126 in either S1 or S2.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL40126 Research project (MSci) (BB40130)18 credits       [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]
S2 SL40126 Research project (MSci) (BB40130)18 credits       [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]

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

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 SL40130 Structural biology in biotechnology & medicine (BB40109)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Students must take 12 credits in each semester for Pharmacology blocks Pc4.1 and Pc4.2, including SL40119 which is compulsory.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 SL40119 Pharmacology dissertation for MSci students (PA40288)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Courses and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This course catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this course, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • Assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how assessment regulations were applied to this course 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.