Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) — 2027 entry

This module introduces students to the structures within a cell and their functions, including an understanding of the processes by which cells divide and die.  The module then considers how cell structure and function can be adapted to specialise cells for particular purposes, and begins to consider how different types of cell are able to interact with one another and their environment in order to form higher order structures such as tissues and organs.  Overarching these themes are four practical classes which illustrate the way in which cells and tissues can be studied.

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to microorganisms, to the main cellular processes they perform and to how their activities affect humans and the environment. The students learn about microorganisms that cause disease as well as those who have properties we exploit for the benefit of society. Finally through laboratory practical exercises, the students learn and practice a range of basic microbiological techniques, which are essential for the cultivation and study of microorganisms. This module provides students with key skills and a basic broad knowledge of microbiology; a fundamental discipline required for future endeavors in the fields of infectious disease, biotechnology, biomedical science, biological science and other medically-related fields.

This module aims to begin the students on a journey to facilitate the communication and passion for their subject, enabling them to develop and refine communication skills for further study. The students are guided through the development of key employability skills such as literature querying, critical reading and referencing, towards the discovery of a range of highly of high profile topic for their own research. Working in groups, students choose a topic which constitute the focus of their assessment, and learn to leverage on team work and personal resilience. Through the production of a group presentation and an individual summary, students develop important competences in the science communication field which strengthen their employability and academic proficiency.

- The module aims to equip students with the tools, knowledge and opportunity to enable them to thrive both personally and professionally during their university journey and beyond, empowering students to develop as well-rounded individuals who are confident about their future and how to navigate life after graduation. - Through this module, students will have the opportunity to participate in sessions and activities that support the development of academic and social self-efficacy, metacognitive strategies, self-regulation and resilience, while creating the conditions and environment for students to develop a sense of belonging to their programme of study and wider university.

This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the principles of regulation of homeostasis. It provides a foundational knowledge to which principles can be applied in the control of several model systems to maintain homeostasis. The content builds upon content from Cell Biology and Biochemistry in semester 1 of level 4 and this essential knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. Students will develop their practical skills in a number of scenarios, including exercise physiology, use of digital technologies to determine and monitor physiological outputs relating to model systems covered in the content. Laboratory skills are further developed from semester 1, data analysis and use of graphing software is cemented using lab derived data.

The purpose of this module is to give a broad introduction to the essential concepts of molecular biology and genetics that are critical to any undergraduate programme in biosciences.   We will cover the central dogma of biology: how information is passed from DNA to RNA to protein, and how it is inherited throughout generations. We will examine how genomes are organized and the structure of a gene, initially focusing on prokaryotes. We will discuss the details of DNA replication, transcription and translation and examine some of the key concepts in gene regulation. Students will also be introduced to laboratory and bioinformatic techniques essential for the study of molecular biology. They will also hone their skills in scientific writing through the production of a laboratory report and short essay.

Understanding the principles of evolution is essential for the study of biosciences. This module will embed an appreciation of why organisms look, behave and interact with others in the way they do. Students will study the central principles that have led to the diversity of life on Earth today. We will explore the process of natural selection including how the theory was developed and the evidence that supports it, as well as other forces responsible for evolutionary processes. We will study a range of examples including how genomes evolve, how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, coevolution and how humans evolved to be as we are today. Students will use analytical tools in evolutionary biology research to complete a hands-on laboratory practical.  This module lays the foundations for building knowledge about the general principles of evolution and the evolutionary mechanisms of adaptation, which you will apply in the second year to study animal anatomy and physiology (BMS2062), their role in ecosystems (BMS2070), and the development of microbial communities and antibiotic resistance (BMS2044). Additionally, in the final year, you will apply these principles to animal diversity (BMS3095) and animal behavior (BMS3096).

This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the biological molecules that are essential to life. It provides a foundational knowledge of their structures and functions alongside when, where and how they are generated and broken down. The content builds up alongside content from Cell Biology and Physiology modules at this level to help you understand how these can be utilised at a cellular and organismal level and the conditions under which they are regulated. This provides an essential base upon which knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. You will develop your awareness of the need for safety procedures, equipment and organisation in the laboratory, alongside the equipment that is needed to determine how processes in the module content occur and what conditions will affect these. You will learn to analyse data using appropriate software including a basic level of computer coding. Laboratory skills are build up throughout the module across both semesters, supporting you to become more independent, plan your experiments and be critical of your work and results, reflecting on how the results may change with refinements to the competency and type of experimental methods.

This Molecular biology/genetics module builds up on its first-year sister module BMS1047. The key difference from BMS1047 is that it focusses on eukaryotic molecular biology and techniques to evaluate various molecular biology processes, including more genome-wide aspects, and the significance of molecular biology mechanisms in the real world, for e.g., in cancer. Another key difference is that this module covers molecular biology in greater depth, in particular the regulatory aspects of molecular biology. Overall, you will develop oral and written communication skills in molecular biology and genetics and will be able to appreciate the differences between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular systems. Lectures are covered in a block of the following six themes. Advanced human genetics/genomics à The lectures will cover the human genome, natural genetics variations, sequencing genes and genomes, the genotype-phenotype map to include Mendelian genetics/genetic diseases, the transmission of information, and the concept of recombination. Eukaryotic DNA replication à Packaging of DNA, its organization on chromosomes and alignment with the cell cycle (telomeres, crossing over/recombinant). Enzymes needed for DNA replication with a reflection of BMS1047, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, and techniques to study replication. Eukaryotic DNA transcription à Eukaryotic Cis and trans elements in transcription, post-transcription modifications of transcripts and molecular biology methods to study/quantify transcripts, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, enhancer/mediator complex, cDNA synthesis. control of transcription. Post-transcriptional regulation à  Molecular mechanisms of splicing, polyadenylation (mechanisms); Cytoplasmic events: RNA export, localization, regulation by lnc/miRNAs, RNA decay. Eukaryotic mRNA translation à Eukaryotic regulation, global and specific regulation of transcription. Techniques to study Eukaryotic translation. regulation of translation by the proteasome. Application of human genetic inheritance and gene expression in cancer, errors in DNA replication & their correction. Practical componentà RNA extraction & quantification, reverse transcription and RT-PCR followed by electrophoresis.

This module aims to build upon the principles of feedback and basic systems covered at level 4. In this module we go into greater depth about the homeostatic control through the use of nervous, endocrine and other control mechanisms. Students will build upon biochemical principles of receptors and second messengers as key components of feedback mechanisms, applying this to whole-body regulation. Investigation and integration of multiple systems and their response to the same mediator is an essential part of this module.   Students will develop their oral and written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain & extrapolate both theoretical knowledge & perform data analysis.

A degree in biosciences covers knowledge and skills, both being integral to employability beyond a university environment. As you develop as a scientist during your degree, you should learn the skills of self-management (organisation), cognitive (knowledge) and communication skills in addition to data analysis skills, all of which are essential for employability. This module aims to provide knowledge alongside practical applications, enabling students to see a clear link with how they can test their knowledge in different systems (Biochemistry, Ecology, Microbiology) and use bioinformatic programs to analyse, interpret, and present their data. Students will develop their communication skills through interactions with their peers and module teaching team and receive feedback on their methods and ideas to help them develop resourcefulness and resilience as they test out their ideas and refine their experimental design in each topic, reflecting on their feedback to help shape their approach to the next task.

This module considers what the diversity of life, from organisms to ecosystems and why conservation of biodiversity is important for the sustainability of the planet.

This module considers the negative impacts of humans on the environment and ways to mitigate these for a sustainable future.

The final year research project develops practical, analytical, literature sourcing and presentation skills that have been acquired during the typical undergraduate degree programme. The projects provided as part of this module reflect topics and modes of research that are undertaken in the School of Biosciences based of the expertise of our academic staff and hence cover a wide variety of the United Nation¿s Sustainability Development Goals around health, the environment and hunger.  Modes of research include laboratory-based; in silico; computational; fieldwork, data-analysis, and grant proposals.Research project allocations are usually made based on students¿ indication of their preferred projects from a catalogue provided at the start of the academic year.Students should liaise regularly with their supervisor(s) throughout the academic year as they progress with the research, building their independence as a researcher by searching for information, planning experiments/analysis approaches or formulating grant proposals, analysing data, drawing up conclusions and developing oral and written communication skills: all of which will help them develop employability competencies and skills.Students are expected undertake a critical review of the literature of their topic through literature searches and the use of bibliographic databases, which will help them to develop resourcefulness. Students will build up resilience by directly investigating a scientific question/hypothesis that may include designing their own approach or experimental plan (with support from the supervisor(s)) to investigate the question/hypothesis.The use of statistical software and other digital platforms/specialist analytical software for literature searching/meta-analysis etc will help students increase their digital capability.  During any practical or skills development sessions, students will learn how to work in a laboratory, the value of resources, how to work in a laboratory environment and best practice to be sustainable, all of which will help them develop responsibility and global and cultural capabilitiesThe final sign-off for passing the Practical Skills Record is also incorporated into this module.

This module introduces students to the structures within a cell and their functions, including an understanding of the processes by which cells divide and die.  The module then considers how cell structure and function can be adapted to specialise cells for particular purposes, and begins to consider how different types of cell are able to interact with one another and their environment in order to form higher order structures such as tissues and organs.  Overarching these themes are four practical classes which illustrate the way in which cells and tissues can be studied.

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to microorganisms, to the main cellular processes they perform and to how their activities affect humans and the environment. The students learn about microorganisms that cause disease as well as those who have properties we exploit for the benefit of society. Finally through laboratory practical exercises, the students learn and practice a range of basic microbiological techniques, which are essential for the cultivation and study of microorganisms. This module provides students with key skills and a basic broad knowledge of microbiology; a fundamental discipline required for future endeavors in the fields of infectious disease, biotechnology, biomedical science, biological science and other medically-related fields.

This module aims to begin the students on a journey to facilitate the communication and passion for their subject, enabling them to develop and refine communication skills for further study. The students are guided through the development of key employability skills such as literature querying, critical reading and referencing, towards the discovery of a range of highly of high profile topic for their own research. Working in groups, students choose a topic which constitute the focus of their assessment, and learn to leverage on team work and personal resilience. Through the production of a group presentation and an individual summary, students develop important competences in the science communication field which strengthen their employability and academic proficiency.

- The module aims to equip students with the tools, knowledge and opportunity to enable them to thrive both personally and professionally during their university journey and beyond, empowering students to develop as well-rounded individuals who are confident about their future and how to navigate life after graduation. - Through this module, students will have the opportunity to participate in sessions and activities that support the development of academic and social self-efficacy, metacognitive strategies, self-regulation and resilience, while creating the conditions and environment for students to develop a sense of belonging to their programme of study and wider university.

This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the principles of regulation of homeostasis. It provides a foundational knowledge to which principles can be applied in the control of several model systems to maintain homeostasis. The content builds upon content from Cell Biology and Biochemistry in semester 1 of level 4 and this essential knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. Students will develop their practical skills in a number of scenarios, including exercise physiology, use of digital technologies to determine and monitor physiological outputs relating to model systems covered in the content. Laboratory skills are further developed from semester 1, data analysis and use of graphing software is cemented using lab derived data.

The purpose of this module is to give a broad introduction to the essential concepts of molecular biology and genetics that are critical to any undergraduate programme in biosciences.   We will cover the central dogma of biology: how information is passed from DNA to RNA to protein, and how it is inherited throughout generations. We will examine how genomes are organized and the structure of a gene, initially focusing on prokaryotes. We will discuss the details of DNA replication, transcription and translation and examine some of the key concepts in gene regulation. Students will also be introduced to laboratory and bioinformatic techniques essential for the study of molecular biology. They will also hone their skills in scientific writing through the production of a laboratory report and short essay.

Understanding the principles of evolution is essential for the study of biosciences. This module will embed an appreciation of why organisms look, behave and interact with others in the way they do. Students will study the central principles that have led to the diversity of life on Earth today. We will explore the process of natural selection including how the theory was developed and the evidence that supports it, as well as other forces responsible for evolutionary processes. We will study a range of examples including how genomes evolve, how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, coevolution and how humans evolved to be as we are today. Students will use analytical tools in evolutionary biology research to complete a hands-on laboratory practical.  This module lays the foundations for building knowledge about the general principles of evolution and the evolutionary mechanisms of adaptation, which you will apply in the second year to study animal anatomy and physiology (BMS2062), their role in ecosystems (BMS2070), and the development of microbial communities and antibiotic resistance (BMS2044). Additionally, in the final year, you will apply these principles to animal diversity (BMS3095) and animal behavior (BMS3096).

This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the biological molecules that are essential to life. It provides a foundational knowledge of their structures and functions alongside when, where and how they are generated and broken down. The content builds up alongside content from Cell Biology and Physiology modules at this level to help you understand how these can be utilised at a cellular and organismal level and the conditions under which they are regulated. This provides an essential base upon which knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. You will develop your awareness of the need for safety procedures, equipment and organisation in the laboratory, alongside the equipment that is needed to determine how processes in the module content occur and what conditions will affect these. You will learn to analyse data using appropriate software including a basic level of computer coding. Laboratory skills are build up throughout the module across both semesters, supporting you to become more independent, plan your experiments and be critical of your work and results, reflecting on how the results may change with refinements to the competency and type of experimental methods.

This Molecular biology/genetics module builds up on its first-year sister module BMS1047. The key difference from BMS1047 is that it focusses on eukaryotic molecular biology and techniques to evaluate various molecular biology processes, including more genome-wide aspects, and the significance of molecular biology mechanisms in the real world, for e.g., in cancer. Another key difference is that this module covers molecular biology in greater depth, in particular the regulatory aspects of molecular biology. Overall, you will develop oral and written communication skills in molecular biology and genetics and will be able to appreciate the differences between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular systems. Lectures are covered in a block of the following six themes. Advanced human genetics/genomics à The lectures will cover the human genome, natural genetics variations, sequencing genes and genomes, the genotype-phenotype map to include Mendelian genetics/genetic diseases, the transmission of information, and the concept of recombination. Eukaryotic DNA replication à Packaging of DNA, its organization on chromosomes and alignment with the cell cycle (telomeres, crossing over/recombinant). Enzymes needed for DNA replication with a reflection of BMS1047, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, and techniques to study replication. Eukaryotic DNA transcription à Eukaryotic Cis and trans elements in transcription, post-transcription modifications of transcripts and molecular biology methods to study/quantify transcripts, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, enhancer/mediator complex, cDNA synthesis. control of transcription. Post-transcriptional regulation à  Molecular mechanisms of splicing, polyadenylation (mechanisms); Cytoplasmic events: RNA export, localization, regulation by lnc/miRNAs, RNA decay. Eukaryotic mRNA translation à Eukaryotic regulation, global and specific regulation of transcription. Techniques to study Eukaryotic translation. regulation of translation by the proteasome. Application of human genetic inheritance and gene expression in cancer, errors in DNA replication & their correction. Practical componentà RNA extraction & quantification, reverse transcription and RT-PCR followed by electrophoresis.

This module aims to build upon the principles of feedback and basic systems covered at level 4. In this module we go into greater depth about the homeostatic control through the use of nervous, endocrine and other control mechanisms. Students will build upon biochemical principles of receptors and second messengers as key components of feedback mechanisms, applying this to whole-body regulation. Investigation and integration of multiple systems and their response to the same mediator is an essential part of this module.   Students will develop their oral and written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain & extrapolate both theoretical knowledge & perform data analysis.

A degree in biosciences covers knowledge and skills, both being integral to employability beyond a university environment. As you develop as a scientist during your degree, you should learn the skills of self-management (organisation), cognitive (knowledge) and communication skills in addition to data analysis skills, all of which are essential for employability. This module aims to provide knowledge alongside practical applications, enabling students to see a clear link with how they can test their knowledge in different systems (Biochemistry, Ecology, Microbiology) and use bioinformatic programs to analyse, interpret, and present their data. Students will develop their communication skills through interactions with their peers and module teaching team and receive feedback on their methods and ideas to help them develop resourcefulness and resilience as they test out their ideas and refine their experimental design in each topic, reflecting on their feedback to help shape their approach to the next task.

This module considers what the diversity of life, from organisms to ecosystems and why conservation of biodiversity is important for the sustainability of the planet.

This module considers the negative impacts of humans on the environment and ways to mitigate these for a sustainable future.

The final year research project develops practical, analytical, literature sourcing and presentation skills that have been acquired during the typical undergraduate degree programme. The projects provided as part of this module reflect topics and modes of research that are undertaken in the School of Biosciences based of the expertise of our academic staff and hence cover a wide variety of the United Nation¿s Sustainability Development Goals around health, the environment and hunger.  Modes of research include laboratory-based; in silico; computational; fieldwork, data-analysis, and grant proposals.Research project allocations are usually made based on students¿ indication of their preferred projects from a catalogue provided at the start of the academic year.Students should liaise regularly with their supervisor(s) throughout the academic year as they progress with the research, building their independence as a researcher by searching for information, planning experiments/analysis approaches or formulating grant proposals, analysing data, drawing up conclusions and developing oral and written communication skills: all of which will help them develop employability competencies and skills.Students are expected undertake a critical review of the literature of their topic through literature searches and the use of bibliographic databases, which will help them to develop resourcefulness. Students will build up resilience by directly investigating a scientific question/hypothesis that may include designing their own approach or experimental plan (with support from the supervisor(s)) to investigate the question/hypothesis.The use of statistical software and other digital platforms/specialist analytical software for literature searching/meta-analysis etc will help students increase their digital capability.  During any practical or skills development sessions, students will learn how to work in a laboratory, the value of resources, how to work in a laboratory environment and best practice to be sustainable, all of which will help them develop responsibility and global and cultural capabilitiesThe final sign-off for passing the Practical Skills Record is also incorporated into this module.

Students have the option to undertake a work placement, study exchange abroad, or work/study exchange combination. This module supports students' development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment in diverse global contexts. The module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement/study exchange, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement/study exchange experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills.

This year-long module is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities that students will require to succeed during undergraduate study. During the foundation year, students will explore fascinating processes of life, from evolutionary genetics and cells to organ systems, through to human impact on ecosystems. Students will also study topics in chemistry and mathematics, the principles that underpin biological sciences. Students will have many opportunities to put theory into practice through laboratory sessions and fieldwork. Students will enhance their digital fluency by engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and methodologies relevant to the Biosciences. They will be equipped to practically apply AI-driven approaches in modern biological research, while critically evaluating the ethical implications, limitations, and reliability of AI-generated data in scientific inquiry and professional practice. Academic skills development is embedded throughout the strands and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. In addition to lectures and tutorials, learning takes place in the format of debates, lab and field work, problem-based scenarios, and skills-based workshops. Subject-specific content is designed to integrate, such that students apply chemistry skills in biological contexts, for example. Employability skills are coordinated through portfolio activities and reflective tasks, students will interrogate their future discipline and explore academic literature in their field of interest. The module aims to broaden students' perceived scope of the biosciences.Resilience is built into this module through the strong formative challenges that are present for all coursework. Challenges are set that allow students to make mistakes and learn from them. This feeds into reflective activities that invite students to develop their academic processes, so they are best able to cope with the challenges ahead. Finally, the module takes a strong approach to team-working; learners regularly work with the same small group of peers and this work is directly assessed. Learning about their various peers and how to adapt to working effectively develops students' cultural awareness and is a key employability skill.

This year-long module is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities that students will require to succeed during undergraduate study. During the foundation year, students will explore fascinating processes of life, from evolutionary genetics and cells to organ systems, through to human impact on ecosystems. Students will also study topics in chemistry and mathematics, the principles that underpin biological sciences. Students will have many opportunities to put theory into practice through laboratory sessions and fieldwork. Students will enhance their digital fluency by engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and methodologies relevant to the Biosciences. They will be equipped to practically apply AI-driven approaches in modern biological research, while critically evaluating the ethical implications, limitations, and reliability of AI-generated data in scientific inquiry and professional practice. Academic skills development is embedded throughout the strands and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. In addition to lectures and tutorials, learning takes place in the format of debates, lab and field work, problem-based scenarios, and skills-based workshops. Subject-specific content is designed to integrate, such that students apply chemistry skills in biological contexts, for example. Employability skills are coordinated through portfolio activities and reflective tasks, students will interrogate their future discipline and explore academic literature in their field of interest. The module aims to broaden students' perceived scope of the biosciences.Resilience is built into this module through the strong formative challenges that are present for all coursework. Challenges are set that allow students to make mistakes and learn from them. This feeds into reflective activities that invite students to develop their academic processes, so they are best able to cope with the challenges ahead. Finally, the module takes a strong approach to team-working; learners regularly work with the same small group of peers and this work is directly assessed. Learning about their various peers and how to adapt to working effectively develops students' cultural awareness and is a key employability skill.