Biological Science
at Stoke-on-Trent College

Genetics And Diversity

On this module you will explore a diversity of mechanisms utilised, adaptations found, and interactions encountered within the major extant taxa.The initial stages of the module will consider the genetic transfer mechanisms of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and will also provide you with the basic foundations for further studies in genetic and epigenetic phenomena in the biosciences.The module will then conclude with a consideration of the various interactions as selective agents linked to the diversity of organisms now found and allowing an appreciation of the impacts of gene transfer and genetics at the population level.

Module code: BIOL40681

Developing Research And Professional Identity

This module will introduce and develop your understanding of professional practice within the life sciences. It will begin to develop your identity as a biologist and help you to recognise your development in the broadest sense. The global importance of biologists and the impacts that biological research, enquiry and endeavour has on our world will be explored. This module is designed to help you acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your prospects, horizons and personal success and begin to prepare you for the expectations of the world of work.Key global issue in the life science sector and current advances that are changing (or have the potential to change) the biological landscape will be covered. Students will become aware of the wide ranging roles that biologists play in the world and of their importance. You will examine global issues and current advances through a cross-level lecture series and short cross-level workshops. You will be exposed to topics across a broad biological spectrum helping you to recognise the diversity of biologists and biological applications. This will allow you to further develop your own professional identity as a biologist.Your own development professional development, both within this module and within other modules taught across level 4, will be discussed allowing you to reflect on your identity as a biologist. Students will create a professional development portfolio that will form the framework of a degree-long biological sciences portfolio. Experiences and development will be discussed under two broad themes – professional conduct and professional practice. The portfolio will support the professional development of the biologist and will move from level to level with the student, providing them with a record of their transferable skills that will be useful post-graduation. A dedicated tutorial programme will offer support and guidance in recognising these developments.

Module code: BIOL40679

Disease Health And Environment

Introductory sessions will cover the normal functioning of mammalian physiology and biochemistry to illustrate fundamental processes, their control and their dynamic nature. The emphasis will be to help develop your understanding of how the individual processes interact to promote the wellbeing of the whole organism as part of homeostatic integration.The module then develops into an examination of the impact of the environment on non-communicable disease and dysfunction at many levels of biological organisation including behavioural. You will consider aspects of epidemiology and the factors that influence prevalence of a problem including concepts of susceptibility, genetic pre-disposition, exposure and dose. Linked to this you will also how examine how various public health organisations screen and monitor problems.You will examine the biological basis of the problem and place this within the context of wider issues which affect non-communicable disease including social factors both local, regional and global.Throughout the module you will be encouraged to reflect upon lifestyle choices and behaviour and its compounding effect on environmental causes of disease.

Module code: BIOL40680

Molecular And Cellular Biology

The nature of cells will be investigated at four levels, each broader than the previous one 1. The study of biologically important molecules including the properties of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Within this component will be consideration of the relationship between chemical composition, physical properties and biological function. For nucleic acids this will extend to base pairing, semi-conservative replication, Mendelian inheritance, transcription, secondary processing of mRNA and translation. For proteins this will extend from amino acid composition including post-translational modification to amino acid chain folding, tertiary and quaternary protein structure, enzyme activity and the nature of metabolic pathways. 2. The study and comparison of the structures and growth of different types of viruses. This section will include laboratory cultivation and the difficulties of viral classification. 3. The study and comparison of the structures and growth of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Within this section will be consideration of the benefits of the localisation of particular cellular functions and the specific roles of the various cellular components of both types of cells together with their relationships such as how they contribute to energy transduction or hormone secretion. The eukaryotic cell cycle and the processes of mitosis and meiosis will also be a component of this section. 4. The concept of cellular differentiation and how it has contributed in the evolution of multi-cellular organisms. Within this component will be considered the structure and role of cellular junctions, extracellular matrix and the concept and mechanisms of gene expression in the control of cellular function.

Module code: BIOL40682

Practical Skills For Life Scientists

This module provides learning opportunities that enable you to acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your prospects, horizons and personal success, thus preparing the you for the expectations of the world of work. The foundations of being able to ability to carry out inquiry based learning and critical analysis will be developed. Your work ready and employability skill set will be enhanced helping give you the technological, digital and information literate underpinning expected of graduates today. Within the scientific framework we will help you begin to understand the importance of being enterprising and entrepreneurial and strengthen your ability to apply graduate attributes to a range of life experiences to facilitate life-long learning. Workshops will introduce and develop the core skills associated with HE study with an emphasis on developing you as a `Bioscientist' in the broadest sense. Core practical laboratory and analysis skills will be introduced in a rolling plan allowing you to develop competencies as you progress. These sessions will encompass fundamental hands-on skills including microscopy, handling micro-organisms, working safely, accurately and precisely and will also include the fundamentals of statistics as applied within the Biosciences. The hands-on practical skills will allow you to develop and and encompass the nature of the scientific method, types of data, descriptive statistics and the fundamentals of inferential statistics. Basic practical and numerical based competencies will be assessed during the learning sessions.

Module code: BIOL40683

Medical Sciences

You will principally study the fundamental areas of chemistry and physics that are appropriate for the support of the medically orientated biological sciences.Physics will include the underpinning forces, both static and dynamic, fluids and their motion, light and optics, electricity and thermodynamics will be explored as aspects of basic physiology, links to dysfunctions and the application of techniques used in medicine.The chemistry will be similarly linked to understanding physiological dysfunction and the overarching theme will be linking the appropriate chemistry to the biological outcomes.The clinically applied aspects of the course will include applications of nuclear medicine and imaging with ionising Radiation including Gamma cameras and PET detectors, Planar imaging and CT - Application - Nuclear medicine - Planar imaging, SPECT and PET. Applications and imaging with non-ionising Radiation, including ultrasound, lasers and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Biological effects of, and applications of Ionising Radiation including the generation of radiation, interactions with material including depth of interaction, range, dose, radiation safety, shielding will all be covered.

Module code: BIOL50722

Adaptation And Survival

The module will allow you to understand the integrated responses utilised mainly by organisms when coping with the environment. Mechanisms from all levels of biological organisation will be examined in order to understand how organisms adapt and survive the many interactions they face. Organisms from all branches of life will be utilised using appropriate examples to illustrate the multitude of ways they cope with biotic and abiotic pressures. Major areas covered will include mechanisms dealing with temperature, light, water, nutrition, gas exchange, locomotion, reproduction and defence, mate recognition and selection and cooperation. These areas are examined from an adaptive perspective and thus interwoven within this approach you will develop a view of life from many perspectives.This module will allow the visualisation of organisms rather than a series of disparate systems and help foster an understanding of how the factual nature of science can fit into and be applied to the world at large.

Module code: BIOL50717

Global Issues And Professional Development

This module builds on, and develops, the themes and learning previously gained in your first year. As awareness and understanding of global issues in the biological sciences grow, you will be encouraged and supported in taking an active role in disseminating appropriate and accurate scientific material. Recognition of professional and personal development and identity as a biologist will remain a core theme and will, at this level, have a strong employability focus. This module is designed to help you acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your prospects, horizons and personal success and continue to prepare you for the expectations of the world of work.You will attend the cross-level global issues lecture series, and will use the cross-level workshop sessions to help support and develop your ideas for disseminating accurate information to various audiences.You will be expected to maintain a professional development portfolio and further specific opportunities for professional development will be provided. This may include opportunities to make connections with numerous individuals and groups, both from within our own department, from other schools and departments, as well as with external collaborators. These connections will help to inspire and guide your professional and personal development. You will also be supported in finding a suitable work placement provider in order to complete the required hours of work placement.

Module code: BIOL50721

Research And Development For Life Science Industry

The UK leads the way in life sciences research and this module enables you to engage with real-world research and development alongside industries in the sector. The taught elements of the module will set the context by enabling you to explore the status and achievements of the UK sector. Building on this work, you will meet with industrial professionals and discuss ideas for your second year project work in a ‘live’ industrial brief, often allied to actual industrial challenges and problems that require additional attention by skilled personnel. By working alongside industry, you will develop and deliver solutions to the challenge and write up an industry standard report, presenting your findings and conclusions to a panel of industrial and academic professionals. The skills developed in this module include networking and negotiation, communication and application in addition to digital and advanced skills in academic and professional writing.

Module code: BIOL50725

Animal Behaviour

In this module you will study a wide range of topics relating to how animals behave; including the genetic, neurological, physiological, evolutionary and ecological bases. You will also consider the various methods used in the study of animal behaviour, including comparative behavioural studies. Other topics may include: Ethology and neuroethology: Learning and memory, including their theoretical bases, imprinting, conditioning, reasoning, Social organisation, behaviour and group living: caste systems, mating systems, aggression and dominance, altruism, Sexual behaviour and parental care. Communication and display, physiological systems and biological rhythms, Feeding and Foraging, predator/anti-predator behaviour Differences and similarities between animals and humans are discussed and the validity of drawing comparisons is examined. The methodologies used to study animal behaviour are described and their strengths and weaknesses discussed.

Module code: BIOL50718

Molecular Genetics And Genetic Engineering

This module is designed to focus on the theory that underpins practice in Molecular genetics and genetic engineering. It will develop your critical thinking and experimental design skills both of which will contribute to your employability. Broadly, the module aims to develop the introductory genetics from your first year beyond the fundamentals, through your second and final years. The applications of molecular genetics to modern cell biology and including the basic tenets of genetic engineering, with particular emphasis towards human genetics and health as a major theme, but there are opportunities for consideration of how these methodologies apply to the study of animals including wildlife and plants. Application will be considered at all points. The content will include the architecture of the genome, karyotyping, recombination, linkage and mapping. Discussion of the mosaic structure of eukaryotic genes, leads to RNA splicing and the control of gene expression (regulatory elements, promoters, terminators), imprinting and epigenetics. The tools for genetic engineering and analysis, restriction enzymes, DNA ligase, vectors and gene libraries, their construction; genomic and cDNA libraries will be covered followed by the various methods of selecting individual genes from libraries. Nucleic acid hybridisation (northern and Southern blotting), DNA sequencing and the polymerase chain reaction will be covered in workshops as major techniques in DNA technology. Please note that all practical skills related to Molecular genetics and genetic engineering are part of the Applied Science module.

Module code: BIOL50723

Applied Scientific Practice (Advanced Skills)

This module builds upon the fundamental laboratory skills you developed in your first year. Blocks of advanced hands-on skills development techniques will be delivered that support the major areas of the biological sciences. Areas will include advanced microbial techniques, field sampling and identification, biochemical testing, physiological measurements and the techniques of molecular biology.All blocks will incorporate appropriate experimental design protocols and the use of inferential statistics applicable to the data being collected.

Module code: BIOL50719

Pharmacology And Medicinal Plants

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of pharmacology and medicinal plants as it applies to the internal environment of the human body. You will evaluate the key concepts of Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and adverse drug reactions within the generic components. The module will also investigate medicinal plants from a scientific, cultural and medical perspective and thus provide an insight into the traditional discipline of pharmacognosy. You will then be able to choose a single Specialist Theme that reflects the exogenous substance profile closest to your area of interest. The following routes have been identified but are not an exclusive list: Pharmacognosy; Psychopharmacology; Cardiovascular drugs; Drugs in diabetes; Drugs in Gastric Disorders; Drugs and the Geriatric population; Drugs and hepatic disorders; NSAIDs; Drugs and reproductive disorders; Drugs and respiratory disorders; Drugs of abuse and toxins. At the end of the module you will be able to understand and critically evaluate key pharmacological concepts and relate these concepts through the use of relevant researched examples. You will also gain an appreciation of the historical context of medicinal plants, ethnobotanical perspectives of the area and current ethnopharmacy and drug discovery research.

Module code: BIOL50724

Ecology And Environmental Management

This module will explore the importance of integrating social and ecological systems and help you understand the importance of social learning for the purposes of environmental decision making.The module is concerned with helping you understand the fundamental ecology of our natural and human influenced environment by exploring and developing key ecological ideas, extending to concepts such as habitat complementation, connectivity, fragmentation, isolation, attrition, minimum viable area and metapopulations.These will then be developed to allow you to appreciate and understand how they are applied to the wider context and what is often needed for their implementation This will include tools for the identification of the problem/s, use of ecological indicators and the processes for formulating strategies to move forward. At all stages points will be illustrated by a number of case studies and both the local and global levels.The module will also include the legislative areas that often need adhering to extend that into the socio-political arena to explore public perception of “green issues”, their importance and their solution.

Module code: BIOL50720

International Experience

This module will enable you to engage with international students and staff in an interactive virtual and actual experience. Beginning with work to identify suitable international partners (which may include our existing partners or new contacts) you will initially arrange online scoping meetings. Then, working in a group, you will develop initial ideas for a group output, discussing and evaluating these ideas initially through online discussion. Developing your skills in effective communication, articulation of ideas and negotiation, you will agree by consensus, a project task to undertake. The module must include face-to-face workshops in an international setting, as well as mentored online collaboration.

Module code: BIOL60670

Diagnostic Pathology

In this module, you will explore the multidisciplinary use of biomedical investigations in the diagnosis and evaluation of pathological processes. The module will develop your underpinning knowledge of blood, cellular, infection and genetic sciences and you will integrate these across a range of case studies to evaluate the role of biomedical investigations in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease.Within the module you will follow a series of clinical case studies across a range of pathological conditions, including malignancy, chronic multifactorial diseases, acute and emergency presentations, and the effects of aging. Alongside these case studies, you will attend lectures and undertake online learning to develop your knowledge of biomedical investigations across all disciplines. You will then apply your knowledge and evaluation through group workshops where each case will be discussed in a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) format, integrating clinical data with the results of biomedical investigations, and evidence-based practice.Discipline-specific content will include the role of routine and specialist haematology in the diagnosis and classification of anaemias, malignancies and monitoring of coagulation pathways; the role of transfusion science in the preparation and supply of therapeutic blood products; the role of clinical biochemistry in the monitoring of organ and system function and dysfunction, and the assessment of nutritional status; the role of cellular and molecular pathology in the diagnosis and stratification of malignancies; and the role of clinical microbiology in the diagnosis and treatment of infections. Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to develop a critically evaluative approach, with emphasis given to the appropriate requesting and interpreting of clinical tests, sensitivity, specificity and predictive value, and the uncertainty of measurement in a clinical context.

Module code: BIOL60667

Integrated Biology Of Disease

The module studies the interrelationships that are involved in the development of multifactorial human diseases and of their relationships with each other. Many of the major chronic multifactorial disorders that affect the World’s population in the 21st Century are a result of genetic, environmental or even it could be argued behavioural factors. This module explores the impact of these factors on disease development and thus reviews the current understanding of their aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Examples of diseases are cardiovascular disease (such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus, obesity and amyloidosis.

Module code: BIOL60669

Toxicology

This module is designed to provide you with a thorough grounding in the essential principles of modern toxicology. These principles will be extended and explored through a series of specific studies designed to appeal to a varied range of scientists. It is envisaged these will include areas such as behaviour altering drugs, agrochemicals, food additives, various air pollutants, organ specific toxins, endocrine disrupting substances, weaponised toxins, poisons/poisoning and post-mortem toxicology.echniques for assessing toxicity within the laboratory and field will be critically evaluated including some of the standard analytical approaches. In addition, the module will include data-handling techniques used in the analysis and statistical treatment of toxicological data.

Module code: BIOL60677

Life Science Research Project

The project is designed to allow you to demonstrate your development as a scientific practitioner in the pathway of your choice and is viewed as a culmination of your discipline expertise and professionalism. This substantial project provides the opportunity for you to draw together all the practical experience, knowledge and critical understanding your pathway has provided. You are required to study a topic relevant to your Course and pathway from an idea generated by yourself in discussion with an academic adviser.

Module code: BIOL60671

Cancer Biology And Regenerative Medicine

Tumour biology will be studied under four broad headings, each one considering tumours on a larger scale. 1. Molecular and Cellular Tumour Biology: Here we will study genetic changes associated with carcinogenesis including the effects of chemical and physical carcinogens, oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes and their relationship to DNA repair mechanisms and cell cycle progression. Changes in cellular morphology and behaviour associated with carcinogenesis will also be studied.2. Tumour Growth and Treatment. Within this section we will study the changes in tissue architecture associated with the progression from normality to malignancy and metastasis. We will also consider, in the context of tumour development, the effectiveness and mechanisms of currently used approaches of tumour therapy including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. 3.Whole Body Effects of Tumours: This section will include study of the effects that tumours may have on parts of the body distant from their site of growth due to either their physical growth e.g. through blockage of the alimentary tract, or their metabolic effects e.g. through the secretion of ectopic hormones. This section will also include screening and diagnostic tests for cancer. 4.Tumour Epidemiology: Here we will consider the findings of large scale studies of the incidence tumours in populations. The balance between genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences will be evaluated together with an evaluation of the possible effectiveness of intervention strategies to reduce tumour incidence by changing behaviour and lifestyle. The second part of the module considers the discipline of regenerative medicine and stem cell biology. You will study stem cell biology in depth and their application to regenerative medicine. You will study the molecular and genetic control of cell fate specification and differentiation., including stem cell niches, adult, embryonic and cancer stem cells. Induced pluripotency and the use of stem cells in therapy. Consideration will be given to existing and potential clinical use of stem cells and their derivatives, and of the ethical issues that this raises. As this is a rapidly developing field, strong emphasis will be placed on understanding the current research in this area.

Module code: BIOL60664

Medical Immunoogy And Immunotherapy

In this module you will study how the immune response develops and resolves, focussing on the activation and functional diversity of T and B cell responses – including T helper cell differentiation and regulatory T cell function. The cellular requirements, molecules and associated signalling pathways, required for each of these processes will be covered. Following on from this we will discuss how these processes can be modulated to aid in the control of disease.You will go on to understand the role of clinical immunology departments in the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the immune system. The importance of basic and translational research, and how these fit into the remit of HCS, will be examined.The history, development and current diversity of immunotherapy treatments will be discussed. Their impact on patient outcomes, both actual and potential, will be considered. Biologics such as monoclonal antibody therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR T cell therapy, vaccines, and cytokine therapy are examples of the immunotherapies that could be covered. Elements of design and development, clinical trials, funding and the relationship to personalised medicine will be covered. The influence of genomics on the development and impact of cancer immunotherapies will be considered.A ‘patient first’ approach will be taken throughout the module considering the importance of being able to convey complex mechanisms, processes and therapies to a lay audience.

Module code: BIOL60673

Applied Parasitology And Medical Entomology

Applied parasitology will investigate the interactions between parasites and their hosts. The focus will primarily be placed on human health effects but will include important veterinary examples. Parasitic groups will include, for example, protozoa, helminths, ectoparasites and vector borne infections. Many of the vector borne infections are carried by insects and mites that are within the scope of medical entomology, although there are notable exceptions.Medical entomology relies on a thorough understanding of vector insect biology, ecology and the behaviour. Haematophagy is studied very much from the anthropological perspective, with a focus on the effects of insects of medical importanceCo-ordinated global activities of surveillance and control are examined and we will look at current concerns and threats both nationally and internationally. Management strategies are explored through example and the lessons learnt from history. Parasitological and medical entomological research forms a theme throughout the module where research informed sessions focus on authentic challenges to human health.

Module code: BIOL60663

Current Advances And Bioethics

This module will allow you tailor both assessments to topics that are pertinent to you. This module is designed to hone the skills and qualities that will enhance your prospects, horizons and personal success, leaving you prepared for the expectations of a life science graduate in the world of work.You will have the opportunity to attend the cross-level lecture series and will work to identify a topic that is most important to you. You, will plan, prepare, and deliver a short seminar at the end of the year on your chosen topics and will produce a review article on the same topic. There will be a particular focus on bioethics and this will be evident in both assessment components.

Module code: BIOL60666

Microbial Genomes And Pathogenesis

Microbiology has been revolutionised by the ease of whole genome sequencing, enabling us to better appreciate the diversity of life on earth and the interactions of microorganisms and the environment. This module will explore the methods used to analyse microbial genomes and the genes they encode. You will be introduced to state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools and their applications: you will gain hands on experience of applying these tools to analyse sequence data to understand the biology of the microorganisms. The pathogenesis of a range of bacteria, viruses and parasites will be investigated in the context of their genome and the virulence genes they encode. The importance of genome rearrangements, resulting in antigen variation, and differential gene expression in pathogenesis will be discussed. We shall study the application of whole genome typing to understand the epidemiology of pathogens, such as during infectious disease outbreaks, including the real-time sharing of whole genome sequence data for surveillance. We will critically evaluate the use of whole genome sequencing to inform antimicrobial chemotherapy, including the challenge posed by data analysis for routine application. You will learn about the application of SSU rRNA screening and metagenomics in microbiome research, biotechnology and drug discovery.

Module code: BIOL60674

Managing The Natural World

As environmental management has moved into the 21st century the traditional idea that managing the natural world is about returning damaged ecological systems to their prior state has become more controversial. This module will build upon this changing emphasis and will consider more flexible adaptive approaches to managing ecosystems. These will be built upon the firm underpinning that humans and their activity are also part of the natural world. Some material with focus upon preventing further damage but the emphasis will be a sustainable incorporation of society and ecosystem. The key thread will be the incorporation of conservation based ideas into sustainable and equitable frameworks. Not only in the proximate urban setting but at the planetary level. Well planned and integrated “greenspace” have the potential for providing areas of high biodiversity they may also deliver highly useful environmental goods and services, including coping with a diverse range of problems ranging from drainage and pollution, coping with food and water security, all the way to improvements in both physical and mental health. The module aims to provide you with an insight into the variety of ways the landscape may be managed and utilised when trying to provide a more collective stewardship of our environment. As such it will cover a wide range of traditionally disparate disciplines ranging from the biological and biophysical components through to the human factors, both positive and negative, that contribute to this area of study. Overall the module will explore the idea that protection of the environment and the economy are not mutually exclusive and give you some of the knowledge and approaches that the environmental professional is increasingly confronted by, competing or even conflicting environmental objectives, further complicated by the multifunctional character of the ultimate goal, planetary sustainability.

Module code: BIOL60672

Molecular Pharmacology

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of the targets for pharmacological intervention in disease with an emphasis on neuropharmacological agents. You will be asked to explore the key concepts of molecular pharmacology: •Molecular Signalling and Mechanisms of Drug Action•Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery•Drug-Receptor Complex effects•Human Body Systems Analysis of Drug Action•Drug Transport and Metabolism

Module code: BIOL60675

Conservation Biology

Conservation biology has been described as a ‘crisis discipline’ and as one of the most value-laden areas of biology. During this module we will examine both descriptors, and the implications for how we go about conserving biodiversity. We will look at the various meanings of terms such as biodiversity, conservation and rarity. We will critically examine the role of zoos, biotechnology and species reintroductions as conservation strategies, as well as the role of ecological theories and concepts (e.g. Island Biogeography Theory, metapopulation theory, landscape ecology, population viability analysis). This will include a more general look at the role of theories and models in science. The single-species (e.g. flagship and umbrella species) and habitat-based (e.g. biodiversity hotspots) approaches will be examined. Having covered the topics outlined above you will be in a better position to evaluate the ethical and pragmatic arguments for nature conservation, including policy decisions and strategic agendas such as ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’, to reach informed opinions.

Module code: BIOL60665

The Brain

There are four key themes encompassed within this module:1. The protection of the brain microenvironment by the Blood Brain Barrier understood in terms of selective transporters and the tight junctions. 2. Non-neuronal glial cells, such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and epidermal cells. 3. Sensing and moving, considering electrical transmission to and from the brain via nerve tracts.4. Who am I. Here memory, in terms of long-term potentiation, is considered. Learning considering synaptic plasticity is explored and an examination of decision making.

Module code: BIOL60676

Genomics And Bioinformatics

The module will cover the dynamic fields of genomics and bioinformatics and their application to the fields of medicine and biotechnology. Topics to be covered:-Eukaryotic and prokaryotic genome structures-Technologies to analyse genomes and other types of genomic data-Analysis of genome data, such as whole genome sequencing-Other types of big data: transcriptome, proteome, metabolome-Analysis of big data by bioinformatics

Module code: BIOL60668

Specialist Topics In Life Sciences

This module will help you to personalise the Award to your area of interest. You will explore specialist topics across your area of study and you will consider the impact of these topics in today’s World. Examples of specialist topics include Big Data, advances in the biopharmaceutical industry, personalised medicine, implications of food manufacture on health, computational biology, the management of aquatic environments and aquaculture, impact of travel on health, and quorum sensing, amongst others.

Module code: BIOL70646

Biological Research Assistantship

Experience life in a dynamic research environment. Acting as a full time research assistant you will plan, execute and report on a substantial research project related to an active area of research within the department. This will include carrying out an initial literature review on the topic of interest, completing the ethical and risk assessments for the work as well as giving oral and written reports on your findings.

Module code: BIOL70648

Advanced Research Methods And Biological Techniques

This module is designed to allow you to critically engage with the literature in order to design experiments and studies that produce meaningful data at a level that would be of publishable quality. The module will provide you with the theoretical principles of experimental design, an understanding of new and evolving technologies that will support the research of the future, and the statistical framework within which to apply the fundamental concepts.

Module code: BIOL70645

Msci Life Sciences Placement

You will undertake an industrial placement related to your area of interest – another opportunity to personalise your Award. As part of the placement you will complete a structured piece of project work, relevant to the company in which you are placed. The content will be highly dependent on the nature of the work undertaken during the placement. The work can be varied but will be tailored to meet your learning and experiential needs whilst satisfying the company business and related requirements.

Module code: BIOL70647

Mathematics And Data Handling

Module code: BIOL30463

Applied Science

Module code: BIOL30460

Chemistry

Module code: BIOL30462

Biology

Module code: BIOL30461

Placement Experience

Graduate employability is a key focus for us. We will ensure that all of our students graduate having achieved a minimum of 105 hours work placement in a graduate level position.

Module code: BIOL60678