Biology in Practice looks at the nature of biological enquiry, the ways that biological knowledge develops, and the contribution biology makes to society. Part of this module will be delivered during a field trip to Cyprus (costs included in fees).

Genetics and Evolution introduces the genetic and environmental control of an individual’s characteristics. The module outlines how variation at the DNA and chromosomal level leads to variation in the phenotype and genotype and the potential consequences of this variation including speciation. Taking a largely population genetics approach, you will study mutation, genotypic and phenotypic variation, meiosis, Mendelian inheritance, phylogeny and speciation.

Introduction to Cell Biology focuses on the cell is the basic biological unit. Using a range of activities, you will examine the molecular components that determine the structure, biochemical nature and physiology of different cells. This will then enable you to appreciate the significance of a range of environmental influences. Practical activities, including a number of core biological exercises, will be used to reinforce these aspects and equip you with skills and confidence in scientific laboratory techniques. The aim is to equip you with an appreciation of scientific method and enhance your understanding of what constitutes a valid scientific investigation.

Anatomy and Physiology focuses on developing your knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. The module will equip you with an understanding of the inter-relationship between the systems of the body in the context of human health and disease. There will be a considerable emphasis on laboratory-based activities, including molecular techniques and practical physiological investigations.

Biodiversity provides an overview of the diversity of life, the major taxonomical groups and their phylogenetic relationship. Sub-divided into distinctive microbial (i.e. viral, bacterial and archaeal), plant, fungal, and animal sections, the module covers key findings on the definition, the origin, and the evolution of life. You will develop a range of subject-specific and transferable skills to enhance your employability, including microscopy and slide preparation, as well as information retrieval.

Chemistry for Biologists introduces the basics of chemistry, involving clear and lucid explanations of chemical concepts with a coherent problem solving approach. Building your understanding of the periodic table, atomic and molecular structures, pH, solutions, chemical reactions, model buildings and practical skills are the core elements of this module. The aim is to provide you with a toolkit of knowledge and practical skills within chemistry and linking to wider concepts within biological and physical sciences. Appropriate mathematical knowledge will be embedded throughout the module.

Ecology introduces concepts fundamental to populations and communities using examples from across habitats and ecosystems. You will learn the basic skills required for employment and further ecological study including plant and animal identification, field surveying, microscopy, safe laboratory and field practice, and, data handling. Half and full-day field trips include sampling animals and plants to develop concepts such as energetics, food webs, limiting factors and ecosystem functioning. You will gain an appreciation of the application of the subject to environmental, medical and resource issues in real-world scenarios. By undertaking group work, such as a poster presentation, you will learn how to communicate scientific ideas to a non-specialised audience, while through reporting on field experiments you will learn how to handle and interpret data.

TLC1010 Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated element of your degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.

Biochemistry and Metabolism enhance your understanding of several advanced concepts in the field of life sciences. The module provides a global perspective on biomolecules, the different types of anabolic and catabolic pathways, as well as basic concepts in enzymology and eukaryotic and prokaryotic cellular energetics. In addition to the theoretical aspects of the module, you will develop a range of transferable and subject specific skills, such as basic laboratorial techniques, recording and analysis of experimental data, information retrieval and research, synthesis capabilities, and presenting scientific information to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.

Laboratory Masterclass provides extensive experience and underpinning theory in such fundamental tools as an electron microscope, microbial techniques and DNA technologies to provide a thorough insight into the use and application of such equipment.

Molecular Genetics provides an understanding of several aspects of the regulation of gene expression both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The module is essential preparation for studying more advanced topics in the fields of genetics and biotechnology. You will explore and acquire practical skills in molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gene expression monitoring and genome editing by cloning. Basic concepts in bioinformatics will be introduced and you will gain hands-on experience of essential web-based tools and software for handling, analysing and interpreting molecular data.

Research Methods in Biology develops essential biological research methods and data analysis skills, providing a sound base for a future dissertation. The module begins with sessions on experimental design and statistical analysis, working with varied types of data, and culminates with the design and implementation of a one-week research project.

Human Genetics involves the study of inherited and acquired genetic conditions at a variety of levels. The module builds on the fundamental principles of molecular biology and genetic inheritance studied to introduce you to inborn errors caused by inherited and acquired mutations, both in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. You will consider modes of inheritance and their impact on families and personal lives. Human-related genetics will also be discussed on a molecular, clinical and pathological level, closing with a focus on the role of epigenetic effects, as well as environmental and population genetics studies.

Immunology and Infectious Diseases recognises that humans live in an environment with a baffling array of infectious agents. These are of diverse composition, shape and size and seek to use the human body as a rich shelter to propagate their own genes. The effects of this are limited, however, by a series of defence mechanisms, whose action provides the basis of immunology. This module examines our defence mechanisms that lead to immunity. It also examines a number of infectious diseases and assesses how they influence normal physiology and impair bodily functions. You will consider both external factors, such as invading organisms, as well as internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune diseases, and environmental factors.

Introduction to Biotechnology provides a basic understanding of the principles of biotechnology and its practical applications. You will be introduced to the advances in biotechnological applications and their importance in a wide range of disciplines including agriculture, industry and medicine. The limitations of biotechnological applications will also be considered.

Nutrition develops your understanding of the properties of food constituents. The acquisition of food and the anatomy of the digestive system will be investigated. You will gain an appreciation of the effects of nutrient deficiency and excess on the human body, as well as disease and disorders of the digestive process.

Study Abroad Placement enables you to enhance your employability by spending a period of time studying abroad. The module involves undertaking part of your studies at a partner university in another country, experiencing a different culture and a different education system. It provides an opportunity to improve your language skills, stand out in the professional job market, and open up new opportunities in the competitive international marketplace. You will be asked to describe and reflect upon scientific techniques and investigations undertaken at the partner institution, where the curriculum content studied will be highly relevant to your degree.

TLC2000 Language 2 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year of your degree or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from module TLC1010 Language 1. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

Biomedical Science Research Project enables you to develop an initial idea into a suitable project through the planning, execution and reporting of an individual research report. You will begin by writing a concise project application which will include both health and safety and ethical considerations. Once your research proposal is approved, you will undertake practical work in a state-of-the-art research environment. You can conduct your research either at Edge Hill University or at collaborative organisations elsewhere. You will be expected to summarise and analyse your data appropriately, place it in the wider context of the subject, and present your findings both orally and in written form.

Advanced Tissue Applications provides an in-depth understanding of the use of different cell and tissue-based applications in research, medical diagnostics and at the lab-clinic interface. You will obtain a wide perspective of the processing and analysis of protein-derived samples, including human and animal cells and tissue.

Applications of Genetics explores the cutting-edge advances in molecular technologies including gene expression quantification, next generation sequencing and genome editing. You will learn about the latest developments and novel applications in this exciting field through exploring the current primary literature. You will also generate and interpret your own molecular data through a series of practical sessions. The module covers a number of important fields including medicine, disease diagnostics and therapy, population genetics, biotechnology and drug discovery.

Epidemiology is the study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations. You will investigate how disease patterns are monitored both nationally and globally, how changes in disease patterns are studied and how public health strategies are formulated. This is an important contemporary field of biology.

Food Technology provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the utilisation of science in the production of crops, their harvesting, storing and processing such that they are modified and converted into saleable items of significant commercial importance. The manipulation of products through modern methods will be examined and this will be underpinned by a consideration of legal and ethical issues. alongside issues of scaling and quality assurance.

Genomics and Bioinformatics centres on how the combination of sequencing and increased computational power has led to a revolution in the way genetic information is utilised and applied. From a human perspective, the sequencing of entire genomes will allow more precise diagnosis and intimations of risk, with attendant tailored treatments. Beyond humans the complex interplay between genome, epigenetic and life history is starting to be unravelled. This module takes you to the leading edge of the discipline and to the forefront of conservation and medicine.

Medical Microbiology recognises that humans live in an environment with a baffling array of infectious agents. These are of diverse composition, shape and size and seek to use the human body as a rich shelter to propagate their own genes. The module will provide an overview of medical microbiology including bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology. The relationship between microbes and humans both in health and disease will be investigated. You will gain an understanding of the normal human microbiota and situations where they may become pathogenic. In addition, you will be introduced to all pathogenic microorganisms that have the potential to cause human diseases including bacterial, viral and fungal diseases. The module will look at diseases of the urinogenital system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, blood and brain, while also equipping you with an understanding of the diagnosis, pathogenesis and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Pathology details the fundamental cellular processes that lead to the development of disease. The module also explores how these processes relate to dysfunction within tissues and organs and ultimately the presentation of typical pathological phenotypes and patient symptoms. Diseases with genetic origins (such as congenital ichthyosis) and environmental origins (such as lung disease) will be considered, as will the interactions between the two (as in cardiovascular disease). There is a significant emphasis on delivering career-relevant laboratory skills used in the diagnosis of disease, particularly histological approaches as well as molecular techniques. Real-life case studies are considered throughout each topic, helping you to gain confidence in the identification of common disease traits through regular diagnostic lab simulations in class.

Pharmacology details the development, application and action of drugs on the human system through a combination of practical and theoretical work.

Visualising Science is a field, laboratory and studio-based module that includes a series of workshops where you will learn to communicate and simplify complex scientific concepts using both traditional and modern techniques. Communication of complex concepts and evidence by scientists to non-specialist audiences is a fundamental need for society. Science communication is a fast-growing industry whose role is to take difficult scientific concepts and present them in a form that can be easily interpreted by non-experts. Jobs in this sector are commonly made up from those with scientific or media training. This module develops skills in the art and science of communicating science through visualisation. Covering three core areas of illustrations, microscope image modification, and film, you will gain skills in image manipulation such as colour tinting, image stacking and 3d modelling. You will also learn drawing techniques, how to use a camera, and gain experience of film editing and presentation. The module will culminate in eight practical sessions in documentary making techniques.

TLC3000 Language 3 further enhances your language skills in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish and introduces you to a new culture and way of life. It is suitable if you have studied the prior language module in the previous year of your degree or if you can demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from module TLC2000 Language 2. You will develop language skills to a level of proficiency that will enable you to spend time living or working abroad. Classes will be conducted as much as possible in the target language. They will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

SCI3356 Visualising Science (20 credits) and SCI3359 Medical Microbiology (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 3.

SCI2340 Food Microbiology (20 credits) removed as an optional module in Year 2.

The programme is now available to study on a full-time or part-time basis. It was previously available full-time only.