Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

The transition into higher education can be a challenging one. This module aims to aid students in their journey from further education learners into higher education students of the Biosciences. To truly appreciate the disciplines which make up the Biosciences we must first develop an understanding and appreciation of their commonalities. This module brings together the core concepts of biology at the macro through the micro levels. This will provide students with the opportunity to develop and enhance their knowledge of the Biosciences and the possible pathways which they wish to study further. A mix of learning & teaching methods will be used in this module which will include, but are not limited to lectures, active learning, and learning through assessment, plus the use of directed reading/multimedia resources. This module will be assessed by a midterm assessment comprising mixed multiple choice, multiple answer and matching item questions (30%). There will also be an end of module assessment which is split into two parts: Part A which will be a similar format to the midterm assessment (35%) and Part B which will comprise a data interpretation assessment (35%).

In this module students will study in three blocks, the first is embryology and development of organ systems. The students will then continue to develop their knowledge of organ function in invertebrate and vertebrate animals (including humans) and compare these with organisms who have adapted their function to meet the challenges of a range of environments, in the second block. This approach has been taken to aid in our understanding of organ function from its commonalities to its varied differences. A cellular & molecular approach is used as students focus on the control, regulation, development and function of organs, organ systems & organisms. The third and final block has a focus on infection, immunity and microbial diversity.

The overall aim of this module is to facilitate the study of how cells develop and work together to form functional tissues and organs, and how this is imperative to the normal functioning of organisms and their adaptation, response and defence mechanisms.

The module will be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops, which will be supported with directed learning resources (reading/ multimedia).

There are three assessments. This module will be assessed by two in-course assessments, scheduled outside of the School of Biosciences two cycle assessment strategy and an end of module exam.

This is the first practical module that students will take in the School of Biosciences. The variety of experimental, quantitative and transferable skills that students acquire will be required for future practical modules that they will take in Year 1 Semester 2, during Year 2 and will prepare them for their Year 3 research project and for their subsequent career. This module is designed to teach the basic multidisciplinary skills required in the field of life sciences, provide an understanding of basic lab practice and safety and to allow application of theoretical knowledge to solve practical challenges. It will be taught through a combination of lectures, practical sessions, workshops and self directed learning.

This module will be assessed via three methods: continual assessment to assess understanding of practical skills (experimental, technical and computational/quantitative statistics), a practical skills observational assessment to improve research and experimental skills and a written scientific abstract to assess overall understanding and communication of research outputs through scientific writing.

Ecology explores the intricacies of our living environment, encompassing the spatial and temporal distribution of organisms, their dispersal patterns, population dynamics, interspecies interactions, community development over time, and the formation and functioning of diverse ecosystems. Evolutionary ecology explores the biological variations among species within this natural context, examining phenomena like rapid life cycles or long lifespans. This course provides a comprehensive overview of both foundational ecology and evolutionary ecology, addressing the challenges that natural populations and ecosystems face in our dynamic world.

The module will be delivered through, research-connected lectures by research active scientists. There are two assessments which assess students in interpreting scientific publications, while online tests assess their grasp of the covered topics. These assessments collectively contribute to evaluating students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

This module will develop students’ transferable skills. It will focus on improving the students’ written, communication, presentation and employability skills via a series of fortnightly tutorials and lectures. As this module is taken by students on all programmes, to allow students to explore their interests different essay titles, journal papers and discussion topics relevant to students programme area of interest will be offered. Students will complete tasks that count towards a Portfolio and three larger assessments.

Biology is a practical science, whether you want to study disease in microbes, plants, invertebrate and vertebrate animals (including humans), understand the function of a gene, or how the behaviour of organisms can shape an ecosystem. In the first half of this module, all students will learn fundamental practical techniques that every biologist should be familiar with. Alongside the experimental skills, students will learn practical computational and bioinformatic methods that can be used to support and advance scientific understanding of the lab techniques. In the second half, students will split into three topical strands: Molecular Research, Anatomical & Physiological Research or Whole Organism Field Research. Students in each strand will learn a set of skills and techniques that are particularly useful for degree course, with a focus on their specific discipline. All students will learn how to safely and effectively carry out practical biology, skills that will be vital throughout the rest of your degree.

Learning and teaching is created and delivered by research-active scientists, ensuring that teaching is informed by the latest research and advancements in the biosciences, and is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and representative of the student cohort.

This practical will be assessed via three methods: a computer-based assessment to assess understanding of bioinformatic and computational skills; an individual practical skills assessment in the form of observation or online assessment to assess knowledge, understanding and application of knowledge; a written scientific report to assess data analyses and communication of research outputs through scientific writing.

The science of genetics, including gene-editing and genome sequencing is a fast-moving and exciting area for biosciences study. In this module we will explore the fundamentals of genetics and genomics such that students can apply cutting-edge knowledge to the areas of the biosciences that interest them most. Students will be asked to consider the relevant ethical implications of current knowledge and technologies in genomics and genetics. In addition, we will expand the horizons of the module toward understanding of disease, by looking at the genomic, and physiological bases of immune defences against microbial enemies. The module is taught via a set of workshops in which students explore and develop their comprehensions working with groups, and their tutor. Students will be assessed by creating their own teaching materials (e.g. videos, powerpoint slides) as well as an end-of-module examination

This practical skills module is designed to give you hands-on experience in a range of essential laboratory techniques, building on foundational practical skills developed in the first year of study. From protein purification to nucleic acid quantification and the use of general model systems, this module covers a variety of techniques that you need to further your practical development within the breadth of the Biosciences disciplines.

Through a series of interactive experimental sessions and live synchronous workshops, you will gain practical experience in a variety of analytical and quantitative experimental practices. You will also learn the underpinning knowledge behind some of the methodologies and the intricacies of experimental design, all the while supplementing your wider theoretical learning through experimental application of techniques to tackle problems across the Biosciences disciplines. Students will learn how to analyse collected data and communicate the findings effectively, with the opportunity to apply your newly acquired skills to research projects tailored towards your programme and fields of interest. This module will be assessed via a computer-based assessment to assess understanding of quantitative and computational skills, a group research output focused on experimental design and a written scientific report to assess communication of research outputs through scientific writing.

This module will expand your laboratory skills and allow the advancement of practical experiences in a range of essential techniques and equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to prepare you for your honours dissertation projects.

This practical skills module is designed to give students hands-on experience in essential molecular biology, biochemical, and pharmacological-associated practical techniques through a series of interactive laboratory-based experimental sessions and live synchronous workshops. From recombinant DNA technology to protein expression, purification, enzyme kinetic assays, and drug interactions, this module covers a variety of techniques that students need to further their practical career within the Biosciences. Each topic is supported by bioinformatics/computational approaches and exercises to understand the structure and function of enzymes, proteins, and drug interactions.

Students will also learn the underpinning knowledge behind some of the methodologies and the intricacies of experimental design while supplementing their wider theoretical learning by applying techniques to tackle problems across the Biosciences disciplines. Students will learn how to analyze collected data and communicate the findings effectively, with the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills to research projects tailored towards their programme and fields of interest. 

The module comprises laboratory-based practical sessions alongside introductory plenary lectures and workshops, using active-learning delivery methods to ensure students can understand, synthesize, evaluate and communicate their research findings. 

Learning and teaching are created and delivered by research-active scientists, ensuring that teaching is informed by the latest research and advances and is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and representative.

Students are assessed through an online exam (involving problem-solving activities) and a group poster to communicate the research outputs through scientific writing and graphical presentations.

This module will continue to develop students’ transferable skills and will build on the year 1 skills module. It will focus on improving the students’ written, communication, and employability skills. As this module is taken by students on all programmes, to allow students to explore their interests different essay titles, journal papers and discussion topics relevant to students programme area of interest will be offered. Students will complete four assessments which include an essay, a written critique of lay science communication, an individual report and group digital pitch, and a portfolio. The module is based on fortnightly small-group tutorials with an Academic Advisor. Each tutorial will have a topic that relates to a small task which students need to complete either before or after the tutorial. The topics will be introduced within plenary lectures. In addition to the plenary lectures relating to skills development and employability, students will also receive lectures and seminars relating to programme specific content. These lectures will form the basis for discussions in programme specific tutorials

Cell signalling underlies the ability of cells to sense their environment and respond. In multicellular organisms, individual cells receive and integrate vast amounts of information that they use to modify their behaviour to ensure the development and survival of the organism as a whole. Disruption in these lines of communication underlies almost all disease.

Despite the apparent complexity, diverse signalling processes are carried out by very similar sets of molecular components that interact in common patterns. This module will be taught via lectures which focus on the common molecular themes and concepts that underlie normal cell signalling. This will be interspersed with disease case studies that show how disruption of these processes affect cells, tissues, and the whole organism.

Assessment will include open-book on-line assessments which will focus on the evaluation of case studies, data analysis/interpretation.

The module explores the major animal and plant metabolic pathways that sustain life and, in some cases, those that account for disease. How plants create key nutrients and how animals use these to sustain life. How macromolecules (sugars, proteins, fats) and other useful metabolites are also created by animals and how plants can be used to harness new useful molecules. How metabolism is biologically integrated and linked to healthy lifestyles such as exercise and a balanced diet and how it is also linked to diseases such as cancer. Introduction to metabolomics and other techniques for studying metabolism such as bioinformatics. The module will be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops. and assessed by short answer exercises and an extended written piece.

Chemistry for Biosciences is designed for students who have studied chemistry at Level 3, and builds on prior knowledge to develop an understanding of the chemical principles that underlie the structure and function of macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides, as well as their interactions with small molecule metabolites and drugs. The module is required for students studying Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, and an option for other students with the relevant chemistry background from, for example, Microbiology and Biological Sciences.

The module will begin with an exercise in which students will study a set of representations of macromolecules and small molecules and use their prior knowledge to build a catalogue of the chemical processes relevant to understanding the molecules’ structure and function. These principles (including thermodynamics, kinetics, organic structure and mechanism, acids and bases and basic spectroscopy) will then be developed in later lecture sessions and workshops, which will involve the use of self-assessment questions to test understanding.

The module will be assessed in exam format using technical problems applying the methods addressed, along with interpretation of case studies of biological molecules and their interactions in short answer format.

Knowledge of the molecular physiology of cells and the physiology of organs on a systems level provides a fundamental basis for our understanding of the healthy body as well as disease-related mechanisms. Students will learn about a range of cellular functions, the roles of subcellular compartments, ranging from the nucleus to intracellular membrane compartments, plasma membrane and extracellular matrix, as well as dynamic molecular mechanisms like intracellular trafficking processes. Taking general cell biology to the organ systems level, this module will develop knowledge about the specialised functions of cells in specific human tissues and how the body regulates the various organ functions through communication pathways in a systemic way to achieve homeostasis. You will encounter various examples, including the digestive, renal, respiratory and neuroendocrine organs among others. Furthermore, you will be learning about a number of techniques and methods that are used to study the molecular biology of cells and the systems physiology of the body, including imaging techniques.

The module is taught through lectures and workshops, which are supported through directed reading/ multimedia.

There are two assessment in this module. The first assessment is a midterm assessment (40%) comprising a mixture of Multiple answer, multiple choice and extended matching item questions. The second assessment consists of two parts: Section 1 – assessing cellular and systems physiology concepts (30%) and Section 2 – Data interpretation and understanding (30%)

Drug discovery & development is risky: only 1 in 7 drugs entering clinical development obtained approval between 2000 and 2015. This module is designed to give students a broad understanding of the fundamental principles of drug discovery & development. The curriculum includes all important aspects of drug discovery & development, including target identification, drug design, safety assessment, clinical trials, and health economy. A highlight of this module is it will introduce some relevant mathematical modelling – (e.g., bioinformatics, computational chemistry and pharmacodynamics) which will prepare the students with necessary quantitative skills. Teaching will be via formal lectures and workshop and the module will be assessed by a multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination (40%) and written exam assessment (60%).

Understanding how microorganisms interact with their host, and the environment, is fundamental for the understanding and developing treatment for microbial disease. On this module students will explore the molecular mechanisms that lead to microbial infection for bacteria, viruses and fungi. This knowledge will then be applied to help students gain insight of various therapeutic strategies used to control microbial infections and the challenges associated with this. The module will be delivered via lectures and workshops, utilising active-learning delivery methods to enhance student engagement. Teaching material will be hosted in the University virtual learning environment (VLE) to aid development of digital fluency and promote assimilation and appraisal of the module content. The module will be assessed by online tests combining MCQs, MAQs and short answer questions.

A year 2 Chemistry module for Life Sciences. Whilst designed and aimed to offer Pharmacology students a grounding in directly relevant organic chemistry and spectroscopy, other Life Science students with an interest in Pharmacology may wish to take this as an optional module.

The Research Project module is taken by all students studying a Biosciences BSc or MBiol degree. This 30-credit module runs throughout the Level 6 year and gives students the opportunity to experience authentic Biosciences research, applying the knowledge and skills that they have developed through the first two years, supported by the Research Methods module (BIOS303) in Semester 1 of Level 6 and under the guidance of an individual named supervisor. Students may work as a group to develop related or collaborative projects, although the assessment is always individual.

A large diversity of projects is available to students, including but not limited to lab-based (in research labs), field research, bioinformatics, mathematical modelling, computer analysis, meta-analysis, systematic review, education research, outreach, school-based projects. Students express a preference for keywords describing project content and style of project, and projects are allocated to optimise the fit between student preference and available projects.

Students meet their supervisor at the start of Semester 1 and develop a proposal for their project, including a literature review, aims and proposed methodology, with regular meetings with and guidance from their supervisor throughout the semester. Students are also instructed in relevant aspects of safety. The proposal is presented at the end of Semester 1 as an assessed negotiated communication (poster, live or video presentation), with discussion. This development of the proposal is supported by the concurrent Research Methods module, in which students will develop their skills in critical analysis of literature and appreciation of research ethics and will choose to study relevant research methodologies and associated analytical methods from a menu of options.

The substantive experimental work for the project is carried out in the first half of Semester 2, followed by the writing of the final project report, which is the primary assessed output of the project.

The student’s approach and development of skills throughout the project will be recorded in a reflective log consisting of an ongoing project record book followed by a marked written reflective piece at the end of the project period.

Successful completion of the Research project module will equip students with the organisational, technical and communication skills to carry out individual project work in their future careers.

This 15-credit year three module acts as a steppingstone for students into the world of work. The module will utilise and develop knowledge, understanding, and skills that students have acquired during their first five semesters of study. Incorporating a placement, it will provide an opportunity for students to improve skills that are particularly sought after by employers, such as problem solving, teamwork, and communication, and will train them to better recognise, evidence, and articulate their skillset to future employers. The module will be assessed via a reflective portfolio, that they will develop throughout their engagement with the module activities.

For those students undertaking a placement external to the university, costs may be associated with travel to and from the student’s placement site, and (temporary) accommodation if the student has to stay away from their normal term-time accommodation whilst attending the placement. Students will be made fully aware of these expenses, and the possibility of reimbursement will be considered on individual basis, where appropriate.

This module aims to provide a set of critical reflection and data communication skills in a subject-specific context. These skills will support students in the execution and presentation of their research projects (BIOS301), in the critical analysis of literature including a grounding in research ethics, and in the development of a repertoire of skills in experimental design, analysis and reporting of results specifically relevant to their project work. The module is taught through lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as a collection of online materials, and has a strong emphasis on independent learning.

In the first part of the module students will be introduced to the key principles of critical thinking and will apply their skills to perform critical analyses of the scientific literature, in workshops in small groups drawn from their subject area. For assessment, they will produce a peer review for a sample article in their subject area. These skills will be directly applicable to the production of a research proposal for BIOS301, which involves a review of the literature forming the background to their project topic, and which is submitted at the end of semester 1.

In the second part students, in collaboration with their project supervisor, will select three examples most appropriate to their projects from a catalogue of experimental and associated analytical (including statistical) methods. They will develop their understanding using online material and drop-in workshops. The assessment will require the production of publication-quality figures reporting sample data or equivalent acquired using the relevant methods, with appropriate figure legends and explanatory text. The skills gained here will be directly applicable to the students’ project work and the production of their final report, submitted at the end of semester 2.

This module provides students with the opportunity to showcase and extend their knowledge of biochemistry and allied disciplines. It is designed in the context of explaining a recent commercially relevant development and to develop a scientifically and commercially credible pipeline to deliver a product of relevance to medicines, materials, biotechnology or education. The module is taught through workshops, tutorials, a small number of lectures and guided self-learning.
The module has three assessments. The first assessment will be a Science-Communication piece with an infographic explaining in lay terms a recent impactful development in the field, as one might find in a broadsheet, New Scientist, Ars Technica, or a company showcase. The second assessment will be a group poster describing the technical aspects of the steps or pipeline required to deliver the product defined in the chosen scenario. The third assessment will be a 5 minute individual pitch where students’ reflect on the poster and their contribution.

This module examines how biology can be explored at scales from individual signalling pathways to whole organisms using methods and approaches from modern molecular systems biology. ‘Omics approaches including proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics are taught through the lens of these different experimental questions. Throughout, students will evaluate the field of molecular systems biology, investigate landmark papers using these different methods across different scales, and appreciate and the extent to which different investigative approaches and concepts are complementary to each other.

This module examines how the structure and dynamics of proteins explains their biological function. Includes concepts in protein folding, protein interactions/specificity and protein regulation. Protein production and rapid biophysical characterisation approaches will be studied that include techniques for studying protein interactions and the insights they give to biology. Biological systems that require large conformational changes and allostery including large complexes/machines will be introduced. Biological insights gained from structural techniques such as x-ray crystallography, cryoEM and protein bioinformatics as well as techniques that study the dynamics of proteins such as NMR and molecular dynamics will be taught. Throughout, students will evaluate the field of integrative structural biology and the extent different approaches and concepts are complementary to each other and help explain the structural basis of biological processes at the molecular level. The module will be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops and assessed by two assessments that involve data interpretation and application to the key concepts/techniques covered in the course.

Cell signalling networks allow individual cells to communicate with each other to coordinate their behaviour, maintain homeostasis, and respond to changes in their environment. This transfer of information from one cell to another, through the use of signalling molecules such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors is fundamental to modern ideas in cellular dynamics, biophysics and cell signalling in both health and disease.

This module will provide students with the ability to access, collate and discuss the modern literature in cell signalling from a systems physiology perspective by active research staff using relevant examples from their own research. Successful students will develop the skills required for interpretation of experimental cell signalling data. The module will be taught through a series of lectures and tutorials and will be assessed by both open book assessments. Cycle one will be an online assessment, with a focus on data analysis and interpretation; cycle 2 will be continuous assessment, under examination conditions, in the form of an extended piece of writing.