Biological sciences bsc(hons)

Year 1

You will explore the foundations of biological science such as: skills for bioscientists, genetics, molecular biology, human physiology, biochemistry and diversity of life. You can also choose to study ecology and conservation, or marine biology.

• Essential Skills for Bioscientists

  This module will introduce you to the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need utilise and develop during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.

• Diversity of Life

  This module will provide an integrated approach to the study of living organisms. Beginning with a study of taxonomic principles, you will explore the cell biology of selected examples of microbes, plants and animals, focussing on cell structure and organisation. Key aspects will be emphasised using practical and field exercises.

• Introduction to Biochemistry and Bioanalytical Techniques

  This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and the principle techniques that are employed in biochemical analysis. You will learn about the different classes of biochemical compounds and the structure and function of the macromolecules that are created from them. The structure and function of enzymes will be covered, as will the principle metabolic pathways. Additionally, you’ll explore the theory and practical use of the most commonly used biochemical techniques.

• Introduction to Human Physiology

  This module will introduce you to human physiology, including anatomical structure, function, the principal of homeostasis, neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts and major systems, with appropriate examples of disease pathophysiology.

• Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Biology

  This module will provide you with a conceptual and procedural understanding of the modern evolutionary synthesis of natural selection, Mendelian inheritance and population genetics culminating in the emergence of modern molecular biology. The recognition of DNA as the archetypical material responsible for information transfer, the discovery of the mechanisms of information flow in biological systems (eg. transcription and translation) and the development and application of modern recombinant DNA techniques are also studied.

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

  Module code: BY156

  This module will introduce you to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science - illustrated with the use of both classic and cutting-edge case studies.

  Emphasis is placed on the links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research.

• Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology

  Module code: BY158

  This module will provide an overview of the major taxa of marine organisms, their diversity, ecology, biology and evolutionary relationship. Origin of life, evolution of marine life, living fossils and specific adaptations to marine habitats will be highlighted. The module will also introduce you to the biogeochemical processes that operate within the marine environment and how this relates to the ecology of oceans.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.