Teaching and assessment for Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery BSc (Hons)

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.

​Organic chemistry is the language of life and medicine.

This module gives you a strong grounding in the properties and reactivity of the key functional groups found in small organic molecules, building your ability to predict reaction mechanisms and reason through chemical problems.

Through lectures, workshops and two laboratory practicals, you will develop both the theoretical knowledge and the problem-solving skills that are essential for the rest of your degree.​

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.

Science does not exist in isolation from the wider world.

​Examine how scientific research intersects with public understanding, media coverage and societal impact.

​You will develop practical science communication skills. This includes creating content to convey a topic of scientific interest to a non-specialist audience, supported by written justification and personal reflection.​ 

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.

​Organic chemistry is central to drug discovery and the life sciences.

This module builds on your existing chemistry knowledge to explore the principles of organic and heterocyclic chemistry in depth.

Through lectures, problem-solving workshops and two laboratory experiences in heterocyclic synthesis, you will develop the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to engage with drug discovery and biological chemistry at a more advanced level.​

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.

This module explores the structure, organisation, and function of the human body

In this module you'll build on what you have already learned about DNA and gene expression. You'll explore the structure and regulation of the genome (all the genetic material in an organism). This helps prepare you for further study of molecular biosciences in later modules.

In this module you'll learn about objective experimentation in scientific research. This is a research method designed to minimise personal bias and subjective influences. You'll also explore how statistical techniques drive hypothesis-led enquiry and observation. 

Cell biology is the study of cells, the building blocks of all living things. It looks at how they work, grow, and interact with each other.

In this module you'll learn about the basics in cell biology and molecular bioscience. This will help you when you come to study more specialised topics in future modules. 

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.​

​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 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

​This module introduces you to machine learning in a biological context.

You will explore key concepts in machine learning for biological data analysis, study current approaches through seminars and guided self-study, and develop your ability to critically evaluate the use of AI tools in biology alongside their ethical implications.​

​​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.​