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).

Variation, Evolution and Heredity examines the molecular processes that cause genetic information held in DNA to be expressed in the form of proteins and how this in turn leads to variation in the phenotype. The module also studies how genetic information is passed on to the next generation. This is a fundamental feature of life and central to any understanding of biology. Moreover, molecular genetics concepts are central to a grasp of recent biomedical developments.

Cellular Form and Function provides an introduction to cellular physiology and biochemistry. Through a series of lectures you will examine the molecular components that determine the structure, biochemical nature and physiology of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Through a range of practical activities you will acquire skills in microscopy, staining and DNA extraction methods. The module is designed to help you understand biological phenomena at a variety of levels, from molecular through to whole organism.

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.

Human Body Systems develops your knowledge of the structure and function of the human body and builds your understanding of the inter-relationship between the systems of the body in the context of human health and disease. The module begins by considering the earliest events of human life during fertilisation and embryogenesis. You will consider the interactions between each body system to maintain homeostasis, as well as the process of aging. For each system, including the circulatory, respiratory, urinary, nervous, digestive and skeletal systems, an introduction to relevant pathologies is also provided to enable you to fully appreciate the non-diseased state. There is considerable emphasis on laboratory-based activities, including molecular techniques, practical physiological investigations and dissections. This will develop your practical and investigational skills in determining how anatomical structure relates to function.

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.

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, a confocal microscope 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. Through extensive field trips to local sites you will learn quantitative sampling techniques as well as navigation, health and safety assessment and ethical considerations. You will gain 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 detailed study of a particular group of organisms. The module introduces the full range of plant diversity across a wide range of habitats alongside supporting laboratory work using keys and microscopes. The module also incorporates coverage of the National Vegetation Classification (NVC), the standard method for classifying British vegetation.

Life on the Edge provides you with an understanding of how life reacts, adapts and thrives under different types of environmental extremes. The module includes different extreme biotopes and conditions (e.g. high temperature, salinity, acidity), their inhabitants (microbes, plants and animals) and their specific adaptations. Content covered here has a very wide reach, as it links to several different aspects in the fields of physiology, ecology, molecular biology and biotechnology.

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 on vascular plant diversity and is delivered in late spring or early summer in either the Canary Isles, Madeira or the Azures. The module introduces the full variety of plant diversity found across 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.

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.

Dissertation – Biotechnology provides you with the opportunity to conduct your own research project 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 through fieldwork in 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.

Current Issues in Biology considers the most recent advances across the field of biological science and explores how these discoveries are utilised by modern society. You will gain first hand insights from research-active experts whose work explores topics such as rare skin disorders, microorganisms of extreme environments and astrobiology, as well as species management, for example protecting rare insects or plant responses to changing climates. The module will equip you with a deeper understanding of applied aspects of the biological discipline and explore moral and ethical conflicts, as well as the public perception of science. Teaching approaches include discussion, debate and an exploration of scientific literature, furthering your skills in science communication to specialist and non-specialist audiences alike.

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. Through extensive field trips to local sites you will learn quantitative sampling techniques as well as navigation, health and safety assessment and ethical considerations. You will gain 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 (in the field and laboratory) 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.

Conservation Issues provides an overview of a range of impacts on the world’s biodiversity. Particular emphasis is placed on the impacts of habitat loss, exploitation, pollution and climate change on natural habitats. A common theme through these impacts is the use of computer models which enable calculations of extinction risks, sustainable yields and climate change responses. The module examines important environmental concerns and highlights the role that conservation biologists can play in understanding and managing environmental impacts through monitoring and modelling.

Field Botany is a field-based module providing you with an opportunity to conduct detailed study of a particular group of organisms. The module introduces the full range of plant diversity across a wide range of habitats alongside supporting laboratory work using keys and microscopes. The module also incorporates coverage of the National Vegetation Classification (NVC), the standard method for classifying British vegetation.

SCI2337 Plant Diversity (20 credits), SCI2338 Plant Form and Physiology (20 credits), SCI2339 Chemistry of Food (20 credits) and SCI2340 Food Microbiology (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 2.

SCI2341 Up-Canopy Biology (20 credits) and SCI2342 Introduction to Food Science (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 2.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.

SCI2328 Biological Placement (20 credits) removed as an optional module from Year 2.

SCI2327 Marine Biology (20 credits) is no longer available as an optional module in Year 2.