Course Content
First year modules provide a common platform of knowledge for all new students and a broad perspective of Biological and Biomedical Sciences so that the final choice of degree route can be taken at the end of the first year. After which there are numerous opportunities for you to tailor your degree to your own interests and personal development. Our with Placement degree scheme offers students the opportunity to gain experience in industry or in a relevant profession before graduating. Students acquire high-level research skills in residential courses that currently include field courses in Africa, Lapland or Scotland, or intensive training course in Cellular and Molecular Biology, before carrying out third year research projects that are unique to each student. In the final year, we also offer the Biological Enterprise option in which students learn about science and business and the Biology into Schools option for those considering a career in science communication or teaching.
Level 1 - Common to all degree routes.
The first year programme covers fundamental aspects of biology including evolution, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, and an overview of the diversity of organisms.You will also be introduced to essential scientific and transferrable skills through the tutorial system. Students who have not taken Chemistry at A level must take the Chemistry for Biology module which is there simply to help you understand the basis of some of the more complex biological mechanisms.
Level 2
At level 2, students can register for a degree in Biological Sciences to access maximum module choices or can specialize in Biomedical Science, depending on their interest and career goals. Students studying Biological Sciences can choose from module themes that include ecology, evolution, animal behaviour, animal and plant physiology, signalling processes, development, cell biology, molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology, and biochemistry, and a sub-set of biomedical module themes including human physiology, microbiology and immunology. The subject themes for Biomedical Science are developed at level 2 with a core set of modules covering clinical genetics and biochemistry, haematology, cell and tissue pathology, human physiology, microbiology and immunology.
Level 3
In the final year there is an emphasis on personal research and research training in close collaboration with members of the School's academic staff. To begin the level, students can choose to go on a field course (locations currently include in Africa, Lapland, Austria and Scotland), or to take one of a range of laboratory-based training workshops, including Biological Imaging and Biomolecular Analysis. All students at level 3 produce a review of a current topic based on in-depth analysis of relevant scientific literature. In addition, students can select to do either a Research Project or take the module in Biological Enterprise. The Research project may be based in the laboratory or field and provides the student with the opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation on a subject allied to the research interests of an academic member of staff. Students studying Biological Enterprise will learn about commercial exploitation of a scientific discovery and apply the principles of starting a business in the biotechnology sector. This option is popular with entrepreneurially-inclined students and those wanting to learn about translation of scientific advances into products and services. Students who are considering a career in science communication or teaching may wish to take the Biology into Schools module, in which students design and deliver biology teaching material in schools. Students also choose from a range of lecture modules that are centred on the research interests of our academic staff and which address relevant topics at the cutting edge of knowledge.
