BSc (Hons) — 2026 entry Microbiology

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.

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.

This is a practical module, the aim of which, is to equip students with the critical technical skills used in bacteriology and to familiarize them with key diagnostic tests that are relevant to students on BSc programmes in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Biochemistry. This module builds upon critical concepts and practical techniques covered in BMS1026, and introduces students to a range of medically and environmentally globally important bacteria, and is a key module for the microbiology programme.

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.

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.

The aim of the module is to give the students an understanding of the microbiota of food through a series of lectures, tutorials and related practicals, with a particular emphasis on bacteria and their key role in food fermentation, preservation, spoilage and foodborne illnesses. We will also demonstrate that bacteria are naturally present in food that derives from animals (fish, milk and meat) and the environment (honey). The concept of gut microbiome will be covered, and we will describe the implementation of control measures in food industry to mitigate the impact of bacterial pathogens. In addition, the module comprises statistical analysis, guided learning hours and captured content; and the assessments form an essential part of the Food Science & Nutrition and Veterinary Biosciences degrees. It is also highly recommended to students doing Microbiology.    

This module is designed to develop an understanding of concepts of bacteriology, protozoology mycology, and virology, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic microbes. Each lecture or group of lectures studies a particular group of microbes. These pathogens are chosen as representative on the basis of their biological characteristics, and also from a global perspective. The module also includes tutorial discussions and laboratory practical classes to further develop deeper understanding and broader application of the topics included in this module. Laboratory sessions will aid your understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills.

The purpose of this module is to provide a conceptual understanding of the key principles of human immunology, including the immune response to infection and foreign antigens. Such an understanding is crucial in many other parts of the programme, including the pathogenicity of infectious disease, oncology and pharmacology. It is a prerequisite for modules at FHEQ level 6 including BMS3054 (Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology), BMS3102 (Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology) and BMS3104 (Applied Immunology).

This module addresses the essential need for students to understand the concepts of the pathogenesis of major human diseases and provides students with important background knowledge to understand clinical (or analytical) medicine.  The contents of this module bridge basic science with the pathology of human disease and medical science including the understanding of the principles of major organ diseases in the human body.

The purpose of the module is to introduce the subject of Pharmacology.  They will apply their knowledge of Biochemistry and Physiology to understand the mechanism of action of key current drugs.  With a particular focus on the following systems: cardiovascular, neurological, anti-inflammatory, -infectives and -cancer.  Students will also consider how the body deals with drugs, namely absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME).   

A series of lectures covering the immunopathology, symptoms, treatment and diagnostic tests for range of clinically relevant diseases in the area of immunology and immunohaematology will be delivered by internal and external experts in the field thus aligning with the United Nation's sustainability development goal 3: Good health and wellbeing.  This will include clinical immunology consultants, Biomedical Scientists and research active experts with the chance for students to interact with active practitioners in the field, highlighting employability prospects..  The focus of the coursework is on clinical case studies and is undertaken primarily as group work with a proportion of the marks based on individual and group work contribution assessment thus building resourcefulness and resilience.  The coursework culminates in an oral presentation which builds on several empl.oyability skills.

The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences, studied elsewhere in the programme, can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an intensive experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied in L4 and L5 Biochemistry modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied in L4 and L5 Microbiology modules), and complement concepts covered in the Level 6 modules BMS3092 Advanced Technologies in Gene Expression and BMS3070 Systems Biology: Genes in Action. The principles of biomedical and bioveterinary microbial product discovery, over-production and applications are       compared to those of other microbial products (food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries).  

Systems Biology is widely accepted as a major future direction of biological research. The ethos of Systems Biology is to generate, analyse, and integrate multiple data sets for understanding and modelling a biological system. We want to know the components (molecules) of the system, how they work/interact together, and, ideally, have some quantitation: the abundance of a particular component and/or the rates of action/interaction. Due to technological advances within molecular biology, we are now able to obtain quantitative information about molecules within a biological system on both small and large scales. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Systems Biology for health and disease. The module includes subjects relevant to prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and is thus suitable for all bioscience students. Learning methods include: lectures, seminars, computer practical sessions, article discussion, workshops, and research and problem solving during both lectures and computer-based investigations.

Microbes can be categorised and studied according to a number of characteristics such as their physiology; pathogenicity, and cellular interaction with hosts. This module builds on those themes already covered on the bioscience programmes in dealing with the spread of microbes through populations, and features of host and vector populations that influence this spread.

This module will explore advanced themes of virology research in the 21st century. Grounded in the specialties of our research-active virologists, this module will equip the students with the knowledge required to understand virus:host interactions at the cellular, host and systems level and the skills to critically evaluate virology research findings. This will build on and enhance the knowledge acquired at level 4 and 5 on general microbiology and virology and complement the global overview of human pathogens explored within the Immunology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases modules at level 6.

This year-long module is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities that students will require to succeed during undergraduate study in the Biosciences. 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. 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, for example students apply chemistry skills in biological contexts. 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, with investigations of themes associated with sustainability. 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 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.

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.

This is a practical module, the aim of which, is to equip students with the critical technical skills used in bacteriology and to familiarize them with key diagnostic tests that are relevant to students on BSc programmes in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Biochemistry. This module builds upon critical concepts and practical techniques covered in BMS1026, and introduces students to a range of medically and environmentally globally important bacteria, and is a key module for the microbiology programme.

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.

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.

The aim of the module is to give the students an understanding of the microbiota of food through a series of lectures, tutorials and related practicals, with a particular emphasis on bacteria and their key role in food fermentation, preservation, spoilage and foodborne illnesses. We will also demonstrate that bacteria are naturally present in food that derives from animals (fish, milk and meat) and the environment (honey). The concept of gut microbiome will be covered, and we will describe the implementation of control measures in food industry to mitigate the impact of bacterial pathogens. In addition, the module comprises statistical analysis, guided learning hours and captured content; and the assessments form an essential part of the Food Science & Nutrition and Veterinary Biosciences degrees. It is also highly recommended to students doing Microbiology.    

This module is designed to develop an understanding of concepts of bacteriology, protozoology mycology, and virology, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic microbes. Each lecture or group of lectures studies a particular group of microbes. These pathogens are chosen as representative on the basis of their biological characteristics, and also from a global perspective. The module also includes tutorial discussions and laboratory practical classes to further develop deeper understanding and broader application of the topics included in this module. Laboratory sessions will aid your understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills.

The purpose of this module is to provide a conceptual understanding of the key principles of human immunology, including the immune response to infection and foreign antigens. Such an understanding is crucial in many other parts of the programme, including the pathogenicity of infectious disease, oncology and pharmacology. It is a prerequisite for modules at FHEQ level 6 including BMS3054 (Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology), BMS3102 (Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology) and BMS3104 (Applied Immunology).

This module addresses the essential need for students to understand the concepts of the pathogenesis of major human diseases and provides students with important background knowledge to understand clinical (or analytical) medicine.  The contents of this module bridge basic science with the pathology of human disease and medical science including the understanding of the principles of major organ diseases in the human body.

The purpose of the module is to introduce the subject of Pharmacology.  They will apply their knowledge of Biochemistry and Physiology to understand the mechanism of action of key current drugs.  With a particular focus on the following systems: cardiovascular, neurological, anti-inflammatory, -infectives and -cancer.  Students will also consider how the body deals with drugs, namely absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME).   

A series of lectures covering the immunopathology, symptoms, treatment and diagnostic tests for range of clinically relevant diseases in the area of immunology and immunohaematology will be delivered by internal and external experts in the field thus aligning with the United Nation's sustainability development goal 3: Good health and wellbeing.  This will include clinical immunology consultants, Biomedical Scientists and research active experts with the chance for students to interact with active practitioners in the field, highlighting employability prospects..  The focus of the coursework is on clinical case studies and is undertaken primarily as group work with a proportion of the marks based on individual and group work contribution assessment thus building resourcefulness and resilience.  The coursework culminates in an oral presentation which builds on several empl.oyability skills.

The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences, studied elsewhere in the programme, can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an intensive experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied in L4 and L5 Biochemistry modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied in L4 and L5 Microbiology modules), and complement concepts covered in the Level 6 modules BMS3092 Advanced Technologies in Gene Expression and BMS3070 Systems Biology: Genes in Action. The principles of biomedical and bioveterinary microbial product discovery, over-production and applications are       compared to those of other microbial products (food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries).  

Systems Biology is widely accepted as a major future direction of biological research. The ethos of Systems Biology is to generate, analyse, and integrate multiple data sets for understanding and modelling a biological system. We want to know the components (molecules) of the system, how they work/interact together, and, ideally, have some quantitation: the abundance of a particular component and/or the rates of action/interaction. Due to technological advances within molecular biology, we are now able to obtain quantitative information about molecules within a biological system on both small and large scales. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Systems Biology for health and disease. The module includes subjects relevant to prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and is thus suitable for all bioscience students. Learning methods include: lectures, seminars, computer practical sessions, article discussion, workshops, and research and problem solving during both lectures and computer-based investigations.

Microbes can be categorised and studied according to a number of characteristics such as their physiology; pathogenicity, and cellular interaction with hosts. This module builds on those themes already covered on the bioscience programmes in dealing with the spread of microbes through populations, and features of host and vector populations that influence this spread.

This module will explore advanced themes of virology research in the 21st century. Grounded in the specialties of our research-active virologists, this module will equip the students with the knowledge required to understand virus:host interactions at the cellular, host and systems level and the skills to critically evaluate virology research findings. This will build on and enhance the knowledge acquired at level 4 and 5 on general microbiology and virology and complement the global overview of human pathogens explored within the Immunology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases modules at level 6.

This year-long module is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities that students will require to succeed during undergraduate study in the Biosciences. 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. 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, for example students apply chemistry skills in biological contexts. 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, with investigations of themes associated with sustainability. 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.