Biology (Environmental Biology) BSc Honours

Course content

What will you study on the BSc Biology (Environmental Biology)?

In the first year the focus is upon key themes of biology, from molecular to whole organism biology with inorganic and organic chemistry to support studies in Year 2 and 3. In Year 2, additional core modules develop field and ecology skills (Ecology and Field Techniques) and Biodiversity (Biodiversity). Core modules in Year 3 include evolution (Evolution) and conservation (Conservation in a Changing World).

Field work and field visits are a central part of the course. You will focus on skills associated with data/sample collection, analysis and ideas for innovative research projects. Additional emphasis is placed upon building effective team working skills and learning to work safely in potentially hazardous field environments.

What will you gain?

Each biology pathway focuses on core disciplines of biology including plant and animal biology, cell biology, microbial sciences and molecular biology. You will develop laboratory, field work and research methodology skills to prepare you for your career, or postgraduate study.

Modules

This module explores the cell as the basic functional unit of life investigating the structure and function of cell components and introducing the cell cycle and the biology of disease. Concepts of evolution and the principles of inheritance are explained at the molecular level.

This module provides you with the skills and knowledge of chemistry that underpin studies in biology. Emphasis is placed on building a knowledge base around key academic concepts in chemistry and biochemistry using examples from health and the environment to reinforce ideas. You will acquire a range of laboratory skills and learn how to analyse experimental results in the context of theoretical concepts.

This module is an introduction to the scope of microbiology, the nature and importance of micro-organisms and factors influencing their growth and survival. The module explores the field of microbiology and its applications and importance in biotechnological processes, the environment and in health and disease.

This module introduces the fundamental laboratory and research techniques that underpin the study of biological sciences. Skills introduced in this module include observations and note taking; data handling, analysis and presentation; safe working practices and the ability to communicate scientific ideas in a variety of formats. The module will enable you to develop these skills and facilitate recognition of these skills in relation to employability.

This module explores the cell as the basic functional unit of life, investigating the structure and function of cell components and introducing the cell cycle and the biology of disease. Concepts of evolution and the principles of inheritance are explained at the molecular level.

The module aims to provide you with the skills necessary to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, with the focus on preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills fundamental to a scientific research design, irrespective of discipline. Specific research skills include analytical techniques appropriate to individual programme requirements.

This module will explore microbial diversity and extend knowledge of the role of micro-organisms in relationships with other organisms, the environment and in the cause of disease. The module aims to further underpin knowledge of the numerical concepts associated with growth and death.

This module aims to acquaint you with the organisation and complexity of Eukaryotic biota on Earth, their fundamental biological processes and interactions with each other and the environment. You will gain a solid grounding regarding Eukaryotic diversity as well as specific, functional knowledge of how they reproduce, respond to stimuli and maintain the requirements of life. Emphasis is laid upon establishing links between each specific topic and between those in other modules so you may develop your own biological synthesis throughout the module.

This module will reinforce and expand on the Year 1 module, Cell Biology and Genetics. The overall aim is for you to obtain understanding of the molecular processes occurring in organisms. In addition, you will gain experience in the principles, practice, quality assurance and application of commonly employed molecular methods and genetic tools and techniques.

This module provides the knowledge of important “state of the art” analytical methods in biological sciences. There is a focus on developing practical skills in analytical methods and the analysis and interpretation of results. Particular emphasis will be on proteins in the context of clinical diagnostics and environmental assessment.

This module aims to introduce the concept of biodiversity, its origins, measures, uses and management, as well as its Phanerozoic history. Concepts climate-biota interaction undergo investigation and this evidence is examined to investigate current trends and their likely effects on global biodiversity.

This module introduces the biological and environmental factors influencing structure and ecological interactions within a variety of ecosystems. UK Ecosystems and communities are particularly highlighted to illustrate concepts covered. Emphasis is placed on the "hands-on" approach. You will be required to participate in sampling different habitats, to analyse composition of sampled communities and to take responsibility for drawing conclusions from the results of your analyses.

This module will build on the skills you have acquired when undertaking previous modules and from the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme. Further development of research skills, analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted in completing a dissertation.

The module considers current approaches to genetic manipulation and the widening fields of their applications. Ethical issues and regulations of the field of gene technology will be explored.

This module provides an overview of the concepts and methods associated with conservation within an increasingly anthropogenic environment. It addresses arguments for conservation as well as problems associated with wildlife conservation.

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge of function and interaction of evolutionary processes upon Earth s biota. Effects of both natural and anthropogenic mechanisms/processes upon the evolution of extant and palaeobiota are examined within the context of specific case studies investigating events throughout the whole Phanerozoic.

The module explores genetic and environmental factors that lead to changes in cells and cell processes with an emphasis on cellular and molecular responses in cancer. It reviews the current and future potential for molecular biology in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease including the associated ethical issues.

This module aims to provide an understanding of processes involved in regulation of gene expression and current laboratory methods available for investigation. It also aims to provide an understanding of how gene expression may be modulated according to changes in the cellular environment, how environmental conditions can trigger changes in these processes and how aberrations in gene expression can lead to disease.

This module gives you the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge of a current topic within a biological sciences subject area of interest to you. You will be guided towards independent research of an appropriate topic of your choosing and then present your findings orally and in writing.

This module enables you to recognise the current and future impact of sustainable biotechnology. The module will explore the role of biotechnology in plant and animal biotechnology, in waste remediation, clean and dirty water management, and the production of renewable energy sources. The importance of these processes for society and health will be explored.

This module enables you to gain credits for work experience related to your programme. It aims to link academic learning to a placement organization. The experience provides opportunities for you to work in a relevant organisation and enhance your skills of self-expression, communication, co-operation and self-reliance.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.