Teaching and assessment for Biological Sciences 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.

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.​ 

​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.​

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.

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

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

​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.​

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 provides a thorough grounding in the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer.

Building on your knowledge of biochemistry, molecular cell biology and genetics, you will examine how cancer develops and progresses, and develop your skills in critically analysing cancer research data.​ 

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 provides an advanced treatment of current research topics in immunology.

​You will study cutting-edge areas including:

• ​innate immune mechanisms
• ​lymphocyte biology
• ​cytokine signalling
• ​vaccinology
• ​immunometabolism

​You will develop your skills in critically reviewing and appraising scientific literature.​

Expand your understanding of stem cell biology to a research level.

You will examine the molecular mechanisms controlling stem cell identity and differentiation. You will engage critically with primary literature.

You will also explore stem cells both in vitro and in the context of living organisms.

​​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.​

​Build on your Level 3 Cell Signalling knowledge.

This module takes you to the research frontier in selected areas being actively investigated within the Faculty of Life Sciences.

You will study how specific signalling pathways operate in health and how their dysfunction contributes to disease, and explore their potential as therapeutic targets.​

​​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.​

Explore the molecular mechanisms that allow plants to perceive and respond to their environment. This includes factors from light, temperature and water availability to pathogens and pests. 

​You will examine how these processes connect to global challenges of climate change and food security. This will be grounded in the University's current research.​ 

​This module builds on your foundational understanding of cancer biology to explore the full landscape of cancer treatment and therapeutic development.

You will critically evaluate approaches ranging from surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to immunotherapy and targeted therapies, with a focus on current research at the cutting edge of oncology.​