Core modules
A core syllabus is offered in the first for all degree courses providing the essential foundations in biology biochemistry genetics and chemistry The shared content in the first means that it is often possible to transfer between the different degrees at the end of the first Core and optional modules in the second and third allow students to tailor their degree
All modules are core in the first with optional modules in two and three
Important information
Please note that we are planning to make some exciting changes to our Biological Sciences with Placement Year degree for 2024 entry We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes As modules are approved we will update the course information on this webpage and send offer holders an updated Course Material Information document via email It is very important that you check this carefully prior to accepting an offer
Year One
Molecules Cells and Organisms
You'll study this module as the essential foundation for most other modules taught in the School of Life Sciences You'll gain the basic knowledge you need of molecular and cellular aspects of biology and also become familiar with whole-organism and developmental biology in the context of evolution
Read more about the Molecules Cells and Organisms moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Animal and Plant Biology
Drawing on zoology and botany on this module you'll broaden your biological knowledge to support your learning on second-year modules By analysing and studying our current understanding of animal and plant evolution diversity and physiological activities you'll be able to integrate your organismal and molecular knowledge in a broad evolutionary context You'll also have opportunities to practise your skills in presentation and communication
Read more about the Animal and Plant Biology moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Agents of Infectious Disease
You will start by gaining a thorough foundation in microbiology and virology using infectious diseases as a common link to promote your understanding Through your study of epidemiology you will learn to appreciate the way that diseases spread and the methods used to investigate this spread On completion you can expect to understand the role of various structures associated with the bacterial cell in causing a range of diseases and appreciate the structure of viruses and how this relates to their capacity to cause disease and the host response to viral challenge This will equip you with the necessary theoretical foundations to underpin your future studies
Read more about the Agents of Infectious Disease moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Physiology and Metabolism
On this module you will learn how parts of the body function and work together in the whole organism You will study the physiology of the nervous system cardiovascular system respiratory system and special senses Your study of metabolism will help you to understand the generation of energy within the body anabolism the role of enzymes and specific functions such as glycolysis the citric acid cycle pentose phosphate pathway and photosynthesis You will then combine your learning to gain a thorough understanding of the way the body adapts to environmental conditions such as altitude depth cold and heat
Read more about the Physiology and Metabolism moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Environmental Biology
On this module you will gain foundational knowledge in the study of the natural and managed environment and start to understand the pressures on the planet that result from anthropogenic activities You will also look in more depth at how society responds to the challenges posed by environmental change
Read more about the Environmental Biology moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Quantitative Skills for Biology
All biological scientists need to understand and analyse quantitative data So this module will see you learning to use statistical methods for analysing and summarising experimental data (for example from your lab classes) and learning the basic principles for modelling biological populations
Read more about the Quantitative Skills for Biology moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Tutorials and Laboratories
Chemistry for Biologists - compulsory for entrants without A2 level Chemistry
Year Two
Tutorials and Laboratories
Molecular Cell Biology
On this module you will gain a sound knowledge of the organisation complexity and essential processes that occur in the genomes and information-processing mechanisms in all three domains of life You will study the molecular biology that underlies fundamental cellular processes including the cytoskeleton in cellular structure function and motility the mechanisms that control cell proliferation and genome stability protein processing in secretory pathway organelles and programmed cell death in eukaryotic cells
Read more about the Molecular Cell Biology moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Plant Molecular Development
You will discover the complexity of the eukaryotic cell and its subcellular compartments You will gain an overview of cell division and its underlying control process the cell cycle and how this responds to growth signals and death signals resulting in cell proliferation and programmed cell death respectively
Read more about the Plant Molecular Development moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Genetics and Genomics
This module introduces concepts and techniques in genetics and genomics that are used to understand and manipulate complex traits It includes hands-on workshops
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Ecology Principles and Processes
This module is designed to give an overview of ecological principles and processes to aid an understanding of the natural world and to provide a foundation for later studies for students with a special interest in environmental studies
Read more about the Ecology Principles and Processes moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Biological Oceanography
You will be introduced to the major marine habitats the ecologically significant groups of organisms and the biological processes in the oceans that play a crucial role in regulating the global fluxes of major elements You will examine how anthropogenic influences are influencing the marine environment and thereby the climate
Read more about the Biological Oceanography moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Evolution
An introduction to modern evolutionary theory population and evolutionary genetics in order to understand the fundamental processes and the genetic make-up of populations
Read more about Evolution this moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Year Three Four (Depending on if you do an industrial placement or study abroad)
Tutorials and Research Project
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from to Example optional modules may include
Extreme Environment Biology
Immunology
Pharmacology
Oncology
Biological Clocks
Integrative Neuroscience
Interdisciplinary and Business modules
One World Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases
Introduction to Secondary Teaching in Biology
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