College examinations (Collections)

These are held at the start of term in most Colleges. They typically consist of one or more 3 hour papers with questions on the topics that you have covered in the previous term or year. They are normally marked by your tutor(s). These are important as they allow you and your tutor to assess your progress as well as giving you practice in exam technique, and improving your writing speed under exam conditions.

Normally Collections marks are intended for your guidance, and will not formally affect your progression in the course. However, if you perform persistently poorly in tutorials, practicals etc., your College may insist on a certain mark in Collections as a condition of your remaining on the course. These exams are known as Penal Collections, and you will be formally warned by your tutor before being set such examinations.

University examinations (Prelims and Finals)

These are held at three stages of your course - at the end of your first year (Preliminary Examinations), at the end of your third year (Finals Part I) and at the end of your fourth year (Finals Part II). They are held either at Ewert House, Summertown (Prelims) or in the Examination Schools in the High St. (Finals). Since these are formal University Examinations, you are required to attend them in Academic Dress.

Prelims has 5 written papers. You are required to pass all five and have a satisfactory practical record before proceeding to the Finals course.

Finals Part I has 7 written papers plus 4 Termly Summative Assessments. If you do not reach a satisfactory standard in the Part I examinations, or have not achieved a satisfactory standard in the practical course in years 2 and 3, you will not be allowed to proceed to Part II.

Finals Part II consists of assessment of your current opinion coursework, and a dissertation and oral presentation based on your research project.

On the basis of your performance in both Parts I and II, you will be classified for an Honours Masters degree called M. Biochem. in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.

University examinations (Supplementary Subjects)

In addition, Biochemistry undergraduate students can take one or more supplementary subjects. These are intended to provide additional breadth, outside the normal scope of the undergraduate course, and can also contribute to final exam marks.

Standards of conduct in exams and mitigating circumstances

Information on (a) the standards of conduct expected in examinations and (b) what to do if you would like examiners to be aware of any mitigating circumstances that may have affected your performance before or during an examination (such as illness, accident or bereavement) are available on the Oxford Students website.

Last modified on 19th February 2024