FACULTY OF SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN

N.B: The text below is not legally binding only the original version in Danish is legally binding. This translation is an assisting text intended for non-Danish speaking students.

Curriculum for the MSc in Biochemistry (September 2009)

(Revised with effect from 1 September 2010)
The acts and regulations that form the framework for this curriculum are laid down in the following acts and ministerial orders, as well as later amendments to them. Act no. 754 of 17 June 2010 on Universities (the University Act). Ministerial Order no. 814 of 29 June 2010 on Bachelor's and Master's Programmes at Universities (the Programme Order). Ministerial Order no. 181 of 23 February 2010 on Admission to Bachelor's and Masters Programmes at Universities (the Admission Order). Ministerial Order no. 857 of 1 July 2010 on University Examinations (the Exam Order). Ministerial Order no. 250 of 15 March 2007 on the Grading Scale and Other Forms of Assessment of University Education (the Grading Scale Order). This curriculum has been drafted pursuant to sections 24 of the Programme Order, 27 of the Exam Order, and 19 of the Grading Scale Order. Those parts of the curriculum not determined by the aforementioned acts and ministerial orders are governed by the rules laid down by the University of Copenhagen and the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen. Some of these rules are described in the Programme Regulations of the Faculty of Science. The Biochemistry programme and this curriculum fall under the Board of Studies for Masters Programmes at the Faculty of Science, henceforth referred to as the Board of Studies. Students have the right to vote for and run as the Board's student representatives.

1. Title 2 2. Duration 2 3. Objectives and qualification description 2 4. Admission requirements 4 5. Structure and content of 5 6. Master's thesis 7 7. Examinations 9 8. Exemptions 9 9. Commencement, etc. 9

1. Title
Graduates of the MSc programme are entitled to use the title Master of Science (MSc) in Biochemistry. Graduates with a qualification profile in Molecular Cell Biology are entitled to use the title MSc in Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Molecular Cell Biology. Graduates with a qualification profile in Molecular Genetics are entitled to use the title MSc in Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Molecular Genetics. Graduates with a qualification profile in Molecular Microbiology are entitled to use the title MSc in Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Molecular Microbiology. Graduates with a qualification profile in Protein Chemistry are entitled to use the title MSc in Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Protein Chemistry. Graduates with a qualification profile in Immunology are entitled to use the title MSc in Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Immunology.

2. Duration
The MSc programme is prescribed to 120 ECTS credits, corresponding to two years of full-time study. (2) The total time taken to complete the programme (excluding any authorised leave of absence) must not exceed three years (36 months). Please refer to the Facultys Programme Regulations for details of interim regulations, sanctions and the rules for calculating the duration of study.

3. Objectives and qualification description

The MSc in Biochemistry is a research-based programme that aims to provide students with competences, skills and knowledge within one of the biochemistry subject areas, with an individually chosen specialisation centered on an independent, experimental research project. Within their area of specialisation, graduates will attain a high level of theoretical and experimental

expertise that will qualify them to work independently, be part of a research team and manage projects. The general competences, skills and knowledge outlined below apply to all graduates. The competences, skills and knowledge outlined under the subject-specific qualification profiles apply to all graduates with the profile concerned. General qualification description for the MSc Programme in Biochemistry Competences Graduates in Biochemistry are able to: formulate, structure and manage a research project develop and apply biochemical methodology to generate new knowledge evaluate and analyse data, including its degree of uncertainty, potential sources of error, the relevance of the methodology used and the validity of the data organise their own work, both individually and as part of a research group manage projects, laboratories and administration in public- and private-sector institutions and companies critically read and evaluate original biochemical literature within their subject area, identify scientific issues, reflect on the model solutions used and develop alternative solutions discuss the application of biochemistry research results in social, environmental and ethical contexts on the basis of academic arguments disseminate the results of their own and other people's experiments and complex problems using correct academic terminology, both orally and in writing take independent responsibility for their own academic development and specialisation. Skills Graduates in Biochemistry have acquired the skills to: master relevant theoretical and experimental scientific methods in their subject area read and understand original biochemistry literature document the results of experiments use the subject's main databases and relevant IT technology. Knowledge Graduates in biochemistry: have acquired research-based knowledge at a high international level, including an overview of the latest research in their area of specialisation and relevant adjacent main subject areas are familiar with the industrial and medical applications of their subject. Qualification profile: Molecular Cell Biology Specific competences, skills and knowledge in the following areas: the latest research and relevant theoretical and experimental methods in molecular cell biology.

Qualification profile: Molecular Microbiology Specific competences, skills and knowledge in the following areas:

the latest research and relevant theoretical and experimental methods in molecular microbiology.

Qualification profile: Protein Chemistry Specific competences, skills and knowledge in the following areas: the latest research and relevant theoretical and experimental methods in protein chemistry.

Qualification profile: Immunology Specific competences, skills and knowledge in the following areas: the latest research and relevant theoretical and experimental methods in immunology.

Qualification profile: Molecular Genetics Specific competences, skills and knowledge in the following areas: the latest research and relevant theoretical and experimental methods in molecular genetics.

4. Admission requirements
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, molecular bio-medicine or nanoscience from the University of Copenhagen, a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry or molecular biology from the University of Southern Denmark, or a Bachelor's degree in biotechnology from Aarhus University, may be admitted to the Master's Programme in Biochemistry. (2) Applicants with other Bachelor degrees from the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen, may be admitted if their programme included min. 60 ECTS credits in chemistry and biochemistry/molecular biology, of which min. 22.5 ECTS must be in chemistry and 22.5 ECTS in biochemistry/molecular biology. In total, the applicant must have min. 30 ECTS credits that stem from experimental laboratory exercises. Subject to approval from the Board of Studies, courses in protein chemistry or biophysical chemistry may be counted as either chemistry or biochemistry/molecular biology. Applicants must also be able to document that they have built up practical skills in laboratory or fieldwork in key subject areas corresponding to min. 30 ECTS credits. (3) Applicants with non-Nordic Bachelors degrees must document English proficiency at the following levels: an IELTS test score of min. 6.5 or a TOEFL test score of min. 213 (computerbased), 550 (paper-based) or 79 (Internet-based). (4) From 2011, applicants with Nordic Bachelor degrees must have studied English at min. level B at upper secondary school. (5) In addition, the Faculty may admit applicants who, after a thorough assessment, are deemed to possess educational qualifications equivalent to those required in subsections (1)(4). Prioritisation criteria

Applicants with Bachelor degrees in Biochemistry from the University of Copenhagen are guaranteed admission on the first MSc intake after graduation. Other applicants will then be prioritised on the basis of their total number of ECTS credits in the areas of chemistry and biochemistry/molecular biology. Applicants will then be ranked according to grades achieved in the areas concerned. If different grading systems make comparison impossible, applicants will be prioritised on the basis of an individual evaluation by the head of studies.

5. Structure and content

All five qualification profiles consist of compulsory subject elements, including the thesis, prescribed to 105 ECTS credits, and optional subject elements prescribed to 15 ECTS. (2) Qualification profiles The MSc in Biochemistry consists of the following qualification profiles: Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Molecular Cell Biology Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Molecular Genetics Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Molecular Microbiology Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Protein Chemistry Biochemistry with Qualification Profile in Immunology

(2.2.1.) Qualification Profile in Molecular Cell Biology The qualification profile in Molecular Cell Biology consists of: Compulsory courses: o Major-subject project, 7.5 ECTS credits o Molecular Cell Biology modules 1, 2 and 3,7.5 ECTS credits per module, blocks 1 and 3 Optional courses within the subject area (restricted optional courses), 15 ECTS credits Optional courses, 15 ECTS credits Thesis: 60 ECTS credits

(2.2 2.) Qualification profile in Molecular Genetics The Qualification profile in Molecular Genetics consists of: Compulsory courses: o Major-subject project, 7.5 ECTS credits o Molecular Genetics, modules 1, 2 and 3,7.5 ECTS credits per module, blocks 1 and 3, Optional courses within the subject area (restricted optional courses), 15 ECTS credits Optional courses, 15 ECTS credits Thesis: 60 ECTS credits

(2.2.3.) Qualification profile in Molecular Microbiology The Qualification profile in Molecular Microbiology consists of:

Compulsory courses: o Major-subject project, 7.5 ECTS credits o Molecular Microbiology, modules 1, 2 and 3,7.5 ECTS credits per module, blocks 2 and 4 Optional courses within the subject area (restricted optional courses), 15 ECTS credits Optional courses, 15 ECTS credits Thesis: 60 ECTS credits

(2.2.4.) Qualification profile in Protein Chemistry The Qualification profile in Protein Chemistry consists of: Compulsory courses: o Major-subject project, 7.5 ECTS credits o Protein Chemistry, modules 1, 2 and 3,7.5 ECTS credits per module, blocks 2 and 4 Optional courses within the subject area (restricted optional courses), 15 ECTS credits Optional courses, 15 ECTS credits Thesis: 60 ECTS credits

(2.2.5.) Qualification profile in Immunology The Qualification profile in Immunology consists of: Compulsory courses: o Major-subject project, 7.5 ECTS credits o Immunology, modules 1, 2 and 3,7.5 ECTS credits per module, blocks 1 and 2 Optional courses within the subject area (restricted optional courses), 15 ECTS credits Optional courses, 15 ECTS credits Thesis: 60 ECTS credits

(2.2.6.) Approved restricted optional courses: All MScs courses run by the departments of Biology and Chemistry. The courses are described in the prospectus on SIS. Contingent upon approval by the Dean, all courses may be subject to amendment as per 1 September each year. (2.2.7) The Exam Order stipulates that min. 1/3 of the programmes total ECTS credits must stem from external tests. This criteria is met by the external grading of the thesis. The Exam Order stipulates that max. 1/3 of the programmes total ECTS credits must stem from tests graded Pass/Fail. This criteria is met with the aid of the study administrative system (STADS), which does not allow students to enrol on subject elements that would make it impossible to meet the requirements of the Exam Order.

(3) Optional subject elements. Optional subject elements consist of courses, projects or other subject elements on at least Master's level. A list of optional subject elements is contained in the current prospectus on SIS (or equivalent). (4) Bachelor courses. Bachelor-level courses may be taken as part of the MSc programme if they contribute to the students' academic and personal development. Bachelor courses can only be approved if they consist of ancillary courses from a subject area other than the core MSc subject and/or constitute a prerequisite for the students work on their thesis. Bachelor courses may only account for max. 15 ECTS credits towards the MSc. Students must apply to the Board of Studies for permission to take Bachelor's courses. The application may include a letter of recommendation from the students thesis supervisor. (5) Other projects (not covered by the prospectus). Other projects are prescribed to 7.5 ECTS credits. However, the Board of Studies may grant exemptions and permit smaller projects by students who need, or will need, fewer than 7.5 ECTS credits to complete their programme. As well as projects linked to the Faculty, other projects may also include, e.g. assistance with research work and projects in relation to public- and private-sector institutions, organisations and companies. The combined total of other projects may not exceed 7,5 ECTS credits. Students seeking approval for projects not covered by the prospectus must apply to the Board of Studies. (6) Credit transfers. Students may apply to the Board of Studies for approval of subject elements taken at other higher education institutions in Denmark and abroad, and for the credits to be transferred to the MSc programme. They do not need to apply for credit transfers for Master's level subject elements taken at the Faculty of Science if these are to be transferred to the optional component of the MSc programme.

6. Master's thesis
The thesis is designed to demonstrate the student's ability to apply scientific theories and methods in their work on a specified subject. The thesis is prescribed to 60 ECTS credits and must be experimental in nature. The thesis must be of an experimental nature and include casework related to experiments or observations in execution, planning, modelling or computing, or in the development of a methodology or theory for this work. It may also involve the planning and conducting of experiments in the laboratory or in the field and/or collating and processing data. Work on the thesis may begin at four points during the year, coinciding with the beginning of a block, but not before the student has passed tests prescribed to 15 ECTS credits, of which the major-subject project must account for 7.5 ECTS credits.

Students may also take courses at the same time as they are writing their thesis. However, the final 15 ECTS credits for the thesis must fall within the final block of the two-year MSc programme. While working on their thesis, students must give at least one presentation, usually on the subject covered by the thesis, before it may be submitted. (2) Supervisors. The thesis supervisor must be a permanent member of staff at the Faculty of Science. Thesis work can done in other departments at the University of Copenhagen, at another university or a public- or private-sector research institution/company (external institution). If thesis work is done at an external institution, students are assigned an internal supervisor from one of the Facultys departments, as well as an external supervisor at the external institution. The internal supervisor reports to the head of department and is responsible for the overall quality of the thesis supervision. The internal supervisor also acts as an internal examiner. The external supervisor co-operates with the internal supervisor to plan work on the thesis and is entitled to attend the examination as an observer. (3) Group theses. Masters theses may be written in groups. Each students contribution must be clearly identified in order to facilitate individual assessments. The oral defence must follow the guidelines stipulated in both the Exam Order and the Facultys Programme Regulations. (4) Report and examination. An abstract in both Danish and English must be submitted along with the thesis. In the final assessment of Danish students, both versions will be taken into account. International students will only be assessed on the basis of the English version. Papers/published articles may be included as part of the Masters thesis. If manuscripts or published articles with several authors are included in the thesis as appendices, (co-)author declarations that clearly stipulate the extent of the students contribution must also be submitted. The thesis process culminates in a two-part individual examination, which consists of writing a thesis and then presenting an oral defence. The oral defence must be held within six weeks of submission of the thesis. The grading must take place on the same day as the defence. The thesis and the oral examination are assessed together. A single grade is awarded according to the seven-point grading scale (external grading). The thesis and its references form the syllabus for the thesis examination. (5) The thesis contract. At the start of the thesis period, students sign a thesis contract with their supervisor, head of studies and head of department. The contract is available on the Faculty homepage. The rules for thesis contracts, for using up examination attempts due to missed deadlines and for exemptions are also published on the Faculty homepage.

7. Examinations
Assessment of writing skills. If the standard of the spelling, formulation and communication is so poor that it makes assessment difficult, up to one whole grade on the scale may be deducted. If the standard makes assessment impossible, the lowest grade on the scale or a 'Fail' is awarded. (2) Weighting. If the examination in a subject element consists of two or more parts, then the weighting of individual parts is stipulated in the prospectus, along with information as to whether all of the parts must be passed individually, whether there are specific grade requirements for the separate parts, and whether all the parts must be taken and passed in the same exam period. (3) Grade-point average. Grade-point averages are not calculated for the MSc programme as a whole. (4) Specific test conditions. If an application is submitted to the Board of Studies at least two months prior to an examination, the Board may issue specific rules for special examination conditions for students who are able to document a need for them, e.g. due to impaired physical or mental functions. These special conditions must not affect the academic level of the exam. (5) Resits. Students who fail examinations have the option to resit in the same examination period. This also applies to students who are prevented from taking an examination due to illness. Please refer to the Facultys examination regulations on the programme's homepage.

8. Exemptions
Under special circumstances, the University is empowered to grant exemptions from the rules set by the University in this curriculum.

9. Commencement, etc.
This curriculum applies to all students enrolled on the programme at the beginning of the academic year 20092010 or later. (2) The curriculum may be amended once a year, in such a way that the changes will take effect from the start of the subsequent new academic year. Amendments must be approved by the Dean. (3) Students enrolled on previous curricula may be transferred to the new one as per the interim regulations, or according to an individual credit-transfer assessment by the Masters Board of Studies.