Teaching and assessment for Biological and Biomedical Sciences (joint degree with National University of Singapore) BSc (Hons)

This module equips you to operate safely within a bioscience laboratory. You will work, with appropriate guidance, on a range of practical protocols to successfully employ basic bioscience techniques.

This module addresses the structures and biochemical properties of key biological molecules such as nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. You will discover how enzymes work and look at their importance in the catalysis of biological reactions. The module also considers the origin of cells, and examines their main components.

You will continue to develop the research skills introduced during the previous semester. Undertaking a short independent research project will help you practice and extend your technical capabilities. You will gain understanding and practical experience of techniques such as PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA analysis.

The module addresses the cell cycle and cell replication, and the transfer of information from DNA to protein. It considers physiological systems and the specialisation and organisation of cells into the major organ systems. It develops an evolutionary perspective by considering the above processes and structures in diverse organisms.

How do cells talk to each other, and what happens when those conversations go wrong?

You will explore the key mechanisms of inter- and intra-cellular communication. You will study topics like the action of hormones and neurotransmitters to signalling in plants and the regulation of the cell cycle.

The module is grounded in both biological and biomedical contexts.

You will undertake a structured laboratory project. This will provide experience in the use of different types of laboratory equipment, and foster proficiency in a variety of practical techniques. You will develop skills in written presentation, experimental planning, time management, group working, reflection and self-assessment of your own skills.

​​You will learn about how key systems of the human body work. This will include muscles, the heart and the lungs. 

​You will study the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of each system under normal conditions. You will also look at them in response to factors such as disease and exercise.​

You will explore the fundamental biochemical and biological processes that regulate life.

The module covers key metabolic pathways and the workings of the innate and adaptive immune systems.

You will also be introduced to specialist topics, such as the microbial world and microbiomes, virology, plant development and health, and genomics.

​​Programming is becoming an essential skill for modern life scientists. 

​This module gives you a hands-on introduction to Python 3. This will cover the core concepts of programming such as: 

• ​variables and control statements 
• ​functions, data structures and file handling 

​You will also explore Biopython. This is designed for working with biological data. You will also develop the practical skills to write and test your own Python scripts for problem solving and data analysis.

​Building on your earlier exposure to cell signalling, this module expands your understanding of how cells communicate and respond to their environment.

You will examine signal transduction pathways in depth and explore how failures in these systems contribute to disease.​

​This module introduces you to the computational methods at the heart of modern bioinformatics.

You will learn how key algorithms work, how to apply them to biological data, and how to access and mine large biological databases programmatically.​

​This module explores modern plant science from an evolutionary and agricultural perspective.

You will study how plants grow, respond to their environment and interact with microbes, and examine how advances in plant genomics and biotechnology are addressing global food security challenges.​

This module develops your research skills in the biological sciences field. It introduces you to research approaches and methods, both experimental and bioinformatic.

You'll build on what you have already learned, including from Research Skills 3A. This helps prepare you to undertake your research project in the final year of your degree. It also helps you develop the skills necessary for a career in the Life Sciences

​​You will learn about the key stages of modern drug discovery. 

​This will range from identifying therapeutic targets to designing and testing potential drug molecules. 

​You will also gain practical insights into the science and strategy behind developing new medicines.​

​This module develops your knowledge of organic synthesis in the context of modern drug discovery.

You will study advanced synthetic methodologies used in the pharmaceutical industry and academia, and learn to design novel synthetic routes to complex drug molecules.​

Learn about the principles of developmental biology through a concept-based approach.

​You will explore how gene-protein interactions regulate cell behaviour, fate and organisation in the making of a whole organism.

​You will examine how molecular networks translate genetic information into the specialised cells, tissues and organs of a mature organism.

This module gives you a thorough grounding in immunology, from the cells and tissues of the immune system to how they coordinate responses against pathogens.

You will also explore the clinical consequences when these responses go wrong, including allergy, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases

​​Learn about the current frontiers of molecular microbiology.

​You will study advanced topics on the subject.

​You will be able to engage with primary research literature. This will allow you to build both your knowledge and your critical analytical skills.​

​​This module introduces you to the biology of parasitic protozoa. It also looks at their profound impact on global health. ​You will explore how parasites live, replicate and evade the immune system. You will also explore how scientists are working to develop drugs and vaccines to combat them.​

​This module applies the chemistry you have built at Levels 1-3 to the design and application of cutting-edge chemical biology tools.

You will explore how organic chemistry strategies are used to interrogate and manipulate biological processes, studying techniques that are reshaping drug discovery and fundamental biological research.​