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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Invertebrate Ecology explores the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, examining their life cycle, basic physiology, importance to ecosystem functioning and the range of services with which they provide society. You will learn quantitative sampling techniques as well as navigation, health and safety assessment and ethical considerations. You will also develop a sound knowledge of taxonomy for a variety of groups such as aquatic insects, spiders and beetles, gaining the identification, preservation and museum-standard presentation skills which are vital for employment in the sector or further ecological study. Concise scientific writing and the ability to understand relevant literature will be developed through a review of invertebrate sampling methodologies.

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.

Field Botany is a field-based module, providing you with an opportunity to conduct a detailed study of a particular group of organisms. The module introduces the full range of vascular plant diversity across a range of habitats alongside supporting work using keys and microscopes. The module also incorporates coverage of community classifications.

Biogeography examines spatial and temporal patterns of living organisms over the earth’s surface and highlights the fundamental processes and causal factors which determine these patterns. This includes themes such as climate, evolutionary history, continental drift, spatial area, isolation, succession and disturbance. Key themes such as biodiversity and the history and development of ecological communities through time run through the whole module. The module culminates in exploring the impacts of human mediated changes to organism distributions, particularly the effects of habitat fragmentation and invasive non-native species.

Biology of Disease focuses on how a disease is an abnormal condition of an organism that impairs bodily functions. A disease may be caused by external factors, such as invading organisms, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune disorders or environmental factors. This module examines the classic causes of disease and examines how they influence normal physiology.

Plant Diversity is a field-based module studying vascular plant diversity in the Canary Isles. The module introduces the full variety of plant diversity found in different environmental gradients and is supported by laboratory and theoretical work. You will learn the basics of plant taxonomy and systematics and develop valuable field expedition skills.

Plant Form and Physiology provides you with an understanding of plant structure and physiology. You learn about basic leaf, root and stem structures, biochemical processes (for example, photosynthesis and water relations) and organism signalling. The module will also equip you with laboratory skills including microscopy, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), gas-analysis, porometry and thermal imagery.

Chemistry of Food uses a range of activities to explore the structural chemistry of food constituents, sources and properties. The chemical understanding of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals will help to examine the chemistry of food cooking, flavour changes, emulsifiers and fortification. Principles and application of electrochemistry, chromatography, atomic absorption, flame, UV and visible spectroscopy will be used for food samples analysis in the laboratory. Health and safety will also form part of discussions relevant to food industries for quality control. Appropriate mathematical knowledge will be embedded throughout the module.

Food Microbiology provides an understanding of specialist areas of microbiology and its principles when applied to food. This will include food spoilage and preservation, food safety, food production where microbes are a fundamental part of the process (such as fermentation) and an introduction to quality control. You will also be introduced to advances in biotechnological applications and their importance in food production.

Up-Canopy Biology provides you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to study forest canopies. You will learn practical canopy access skills during a five day intensive Basic Canopy Access Proficiency (BCAP) course. The climbing course will have the option of external certification by Canopy Access Ltd who have over 20 years experience of providing rigging and technical rope training solutions for the wildlife film industry. You will learn how to access the canopy safely and the challenges associated with canopy climbing and sampling. The practical module components will be supported by a number of lectures and assessments that will introduce you to the ecology, physiology and diversity of forest canopies. You will also be introduced to the current and future challenges in the conversation and management of these systems.

Introduction to Food Science provides an overview of the structure, function and interaction of food components. Practical activities will be carried out using a range of different food components. You will consider the importance of food quality, food safety and shelf life in terms of the need for the processing and preservation of foods. The chemical, physical, biological and nutritional changes that occur as a result of food processing and manufacturing will be identified with the addition of sensory and organoleptic food testing. Food-related experimental studies will also be conducted to investigate some of these changes.

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.

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.

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.

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 Biotechnology provides you with an advanced understanding of the applications of biotechnology within various industries including food, medicine, environmental management and agriculture.  The module will focus on the product development process within these different industries, from research and development, through to large scale production. Relevant legal issues will also be considered.

Biotechnology Research Project provides you with the opportunity to conduct your own research, complete a dissertation and apply the concepts, theories and practical skills acquired throughout your Biotechnology degree. You will be mentored by experts in the field who will guide you through the research process from the start. You will identify a research question, develop the methodology to answer it, undertake the practical work, and summarise and analyse the data appropriately to place your findings in the wider context of the subject. A dissertation will be one of the most rewarding achievements throughout your degree and one which will provide you with the skills required to conduct further research in future.

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.

Biodiversity and Conservation is a field-based module providing you with an opportunity for a detailed study of habitats and conservation issues at protected sites. A diverse range of management issues across a range of organisms will be explored across varied habitats. This will be placed in the context of ecological theory, conservation legislation and wider pressures on the landscape.

Ecological Genetics aligns fieldwork and molecular genetic methods in order to understand the factors influencing genetic variation in populations. You will study speciation, gene flow, reduced population size and the impact of historical events such as glaciation.

Invertebrate Ecology explores the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, examining their life cycle, basic physiology, importance to ecosystem functioning and the range of services with which they provide society. You will learn quantitative sampling techniques as well as navigation, health and safety assessment and ethical considerations. You will also develop a sound knowledge of taxonomy for a variety of groups such as aquatic insects, spiders and beetles, gaining the identification, preservation and museum-standard presentation skills which are vital for employment in the sector or further ecological study. Scientific writing and data analysis will be developed through the write-up of an experiment as a scientific paper.

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

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.

Ecological Interactions equips you with an advanced understanding of the interactions that underpin ecological relationships in populations, communities and ecosystems. You will discover the variety of interactions that occur among animal, plant and fungi species and examine the key theories which underpin them. A combination of lectures, case studies and practical work will demonstrate the importance of these mechanisms to how ecosystems function. You will understand the importance of these interactions to applied contexts such as integrated pest management in agriculture and forestry and to wider society and the concept of sustainability. The module will enable you to rapidly assess the literature to derive evidence from it for supporting scientific hypotheses.

Field Botany is a field-based module, providing you with an opportunity to conduct a detailed study of a particular group of organisms. The module introduces the full range of vascular plant diversity across a range of habitats alongside supporting work using keys and microscopes. The module also incorporates coverage of community classifications.

Plants and People provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of plants to human wellbeing in economic and broader cultural settings. The module equips you with knowledge of the importance of plants in terms of human utility and less easily quantified areas such as aesthetic, symbolic and general wellbeing. You will learn about the manipulation of plants through traditional and novel methods and develop a deeper appreciation of their importance to conservation. You will also study practical methods of ex-situ plant conservation, breeding and biotechnology including micropropagation, in addition to developing the ability to analyse data relating to ethnobotany and ecosystem services.

Field to Fork provides a detailed analysis of alternative approaches to industrialised food production, based upon scientific, economic and other criteria. The major points along the food chain will be examined. Consideration of alternative approaches to intensive agriculture and mass production of highly processed food provides you with a broader context to the subject as a whole. This will be achieved through working closely with local producers alongside analysis of relevant data.

SCI2343 Human Genetics (20 credits) and SCI2344 Immunology and Infectious Diseases (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 2.

SCI1116 Genetics and Evolution (20 credits) and SCI1117 Introduction to Cell Biology (20 credits) added as compulsory modules in Year 1. SCI1106 Variation, Evolution and Heredity (20 credits), SCI1108 Cellular Form and Function (20 credits) and SCI1114 Human Body Systems (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 1. SCI1118 Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits) added as an optional module in Year 1.

SCI2331 Life on the Edge (20 credits) removed as an optional module in Year 2.

SCI3336 Plants and People (20 credits) and SCI3338 Field to Fork (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 3. SCI3314 Current Issues in Biology (20 credits) and SCI3326 Conservation Issues (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 3. SCI3354 Biotechnology Research Project (40 credits) replaces SCI3334 Dissertation – Biotechnology (40 credits) as a compulsory module in Year 3.