Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) DIntS/DPS/DIS

What you'll study

Excited to learn more? For a taster of what you can expect to study on our Biological Sciences degree, take a sneak preview of some of the modules you may have the opportunity to study below.

The information below reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Final year

Human Evolution and Adaptation Core

Human Evolution and Adaptation

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of biology as a single science in which discoveries in one field can shed light on problems in what might appear a quite different area of research. It explores the origins of the precursors to life on Earth, and the origins and development of life from the molecular through to whole organism level, including animals and plants. It also builds understanding of: biological classification and diversity and how the patterns of relatedness are linked to evolution; natural selection, the origins of altruism and sexual reproduction and the genetic determinants of evolution; the link between the evolution of developmental processes and the evolution of human morphology.

Anatomy and Physiology Core

Anatomy and Physiology

This module builds knowledge of the structure, function and homeostatic regulation of the human body with reference to integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, immune, endocrine and reproductive systems.

Biochemistry and Cell Biology Core

Biochemistry and Cell Biology

The aims of this module are to further the understanding of: the major types of living cells together with an emphasis on subcellular organelles that are common and differentiating among cell types; subcellular structures within biological systems and the common relationships between structure and function; transfers of energy in chemical reactions and biochemical pathways including the role and kinetics of enzymes in these processes ; energy transduction from chemical potential to biologically necessary work including energy flows vital for life that underpin future study of human nutrition, physical activity and exercise; the theoretical application of the principles and methods of practical cellular biology and biochemistry to experimental information.

Data Analysis and Scientific Skills Core

Data Analysis and Scientific Skills

The aim of this module is to develop academic skills relevant to scientists, and introduce the use and calculation of basic statistics working with data collected by biological researchers.

Genetics and Molecular Biology Core

Genetics and Molecular Biology

The aims of this module are to establish a basic understanding and application of: prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology and genetics and how they aid the understanding of life on Earth via the important role of genetics in evolutionary and developmental processes; nucleic acid composition and how the physical and chemical properties of nucleic acids allow their manipulation in molecular biology; the biological variation in genome structure, organisation and packaging; genome replication and repair; genetic variation; gene expression through transcription, RNA translation; regulation of gene expression, the processes which link genotype to phenotype in a range of living organisms; the development of genetics as a science, from the experiments of Mendel to genome sequencing.

Lab Skills for Biology Core

Lab Skills for Biology

The aims of this module are to develop understanding of practical biological experiments and develop competency in a wide range of practical research techniques for the study of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, preparing students to undertake laboratory-based research within the biological sciences.

Cellular Signalling and Transport Core

Cellular Signalling and Transport

The aim of this module are to further the understanding of he different mechanisms by which cells respond to external stimuli, building an understanding of the steps involved in cellular signal transduction mechanisms, from arrival of signal at the cell membrane to alterations in cell structure with or without concomitant changes in gene expression.

Biochemistry of Microorganisms Core

Biochemistry of Microorganisms

Functional Genomics Core

Functional Genomics

An introduction to a range of molecular biology, genetic engineering and bioinformatic techniques and how they are applied and adapted to answer major questions in the biological sciences.

Growth, Development and Ageing Core

Growth, Development and Ageing

The aim of this module is to understand the biological basis of mammalian growth and development, and the physiological changes which occur during the ageing process, as well as normal variation and abnormalities which occur as a result of genetic and environmental influences.

Human Biology Research Methods: Data Analysis Core

Human Biology Research Methods: Data Analysis

The aim of this module is to develop academic skills relevant to scientists, and introduce the use and calculation of basic statistics working with data collected by biological researchers.

Lab Skills for Biology II Core

Lab Skills for Biology II

The aims of this module are to provide opportunities to develop competency in a wide range of advanced practical research techniques for the study of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, and to advance students’ knowledge and understanding of the laboratory practices associated with biological research and to apply this knowledge to practical biological experiments.

Metabolic Basis of Health or Exercise Physiology or Interdisciplinary Science Core

Metabolic Basis of Health or Exercise Physiology or Interdisciplinary Science

The aims of this module are to further the understanding of biochemical pathways involved in metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein and how these, and their regulation, relate to human health and disease, and explore how physical activity and exercise can affect metabolism from a whole body level to a tissue, cellular and molecular level.

Semester 1

Advanced Genetics of Health Optional

Advanced Genetics of Health

The aims of this module are to further the understanding of the use and application of techniques for advanced genetic anaylsis including approaches for detection of structural or copy number changes, and for analysis of epigenetic changes.

Cellular Adaptation and Degeneration Core, Optional

Cellular Adaptation and Degeneration

The aims of this module are: to gain a broad understanding of the cellular mechanisms which underpin adaptation to a range of stimuli and the processes which contribute to cellular degeneration; to exemplify how cellular mechanisms result in alterations in cellular and tissue phenotype associated with health and disease.

Human Performance at Environmental Extremes Optional

Human Performance at Environmental Extremes

The aim of this module is to provide the students with an understanding of how the human body copes with work and sport in environmental extremes and how this stress can be assessed and controlled.

Physiology of Exercise and Health Optional

Physiology of Exercise and Health

The aim of this module is to examine the evidence which describes the influence of exercise on health.

Applied Physiology of Sports Performance Optional

Applied Physiology of Sports Performance

The aims of this module are build knowledge of exercise physiology understand the physiological limitations to performance in sport and the characteristics that determine performance.

Semester 2

Regenerative Medicine Optional

Regenerative Medicine

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of regenerative medicine that utilises biology as the basis for modern intervention methods of cell therapy, tissue therapy and physical therapy whilst also developing an understanding of how to design studies, as well as the models and biomarkers used in them.

Virology and Oncology Optional

Virology and Oncology

The aims of this module are: to build knowledge of the structure and classifications of common viruses and their roles in health and disease; provide an understanding of the concept of cancer as a genetic disease, the broad range of cancers that exist yet the common features they exhibit; introduce the role of the immune system in modulating cancer development, and the role that certain tumour viruses played in this discovery.

Semester 1 & 2

Biological Sciences Research Project Core

Biological Sciences Research Project

Students undertake an independent research project in biological sciences.

Programme specification