Biological Sciences (Genetics) BSc

The modules described here are the ones that we currently offer and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. However as our undergraduate teaching is research led and we constantly review our teaching to ensure that the modules that we offer are up to date there may be changes to module titles and content.

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules after that date; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

In the key first year Genetics module you will cover DNA structure and function, information flow, gene regulation and the genetics of bacteria and higher organisms. Along with all of the other students on the Biological Sciences programmes you will take other modules (listed below) designed to introduce you to all aspects of this broad subject discipline.

Key First Year Modules:

Genetics I - Storage of genetic information, gene expression and regulation, mitosis and meiosis, gene linkage and chromosome mapping.

Personal and Academic Skills: Communication and Data Analysis

Personal and Academic Development

Fundamentals of Biochemistry - Fundamental biochemical processes taking place inside cells

Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology | Watch video - An overview of introduction from the pre-biotic era to Darwin and his impact. Natural selection, the origins of altruism and sexual reproduction, genetic determinants of evolution.

Cell Biology and Physiology - Tissues, organelles, reproduction and development.

Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences - This module provides a broad overview of the biology of our environment, including topics such as climate change, conservation, ecophysiology and cell biology of plants.

Introduction to Microbiology | Watch video - Broad introduction to microbiology with a focus on infectious disease, covering bacteria, fungi, protists, archaea and viruses

Widening Horizon Module (WHM) - allows you to explore content from other academic programmes of this university in the form of a stand-alone module. More information on WHMs can be found here.

In the second year Genetics module you will study the basis by which genetic variation arises and is transmitted from generation to generation. You will also look at the organisation, structure and dynamic nature of genomes, as well advanced topics in gene regulation in both bacteria and higher organisms, including man. In the core second year module Molecular Biology and its Applications you will study some of the more molecular aspects of genetics.

Genetics is central to all aspects of biology, you choose 4 other modules from the list below. If you are interested in genetics in the context of whole organisms you might choose the Animal and Plant modules, if you are more interested in molecular genetics you might choose Cell and Developmental Biology.

Key second year module:

Genetics II - Organisation of genes and genomes, generation of genetic diversity, gene transmission and analysis of problems in transmission and molecular genetics.

Core modules taken by all second year students:

Communication and Skills in Biosciences - Science communication in videography, writing and speaking, ethics in science, analysis of the scientific literature.

Molecular Biology and its Applications - Genetic analysis and gene cloning, DNA fingerprinting and forensics, genomics and computational approaches to genetics.

Example optional modules may include:

Microbes and Man - The impact of microbes on humans, bacteria, fungi and viruses, common themes of infectious disease mechanisms.

Cell and Developmental Biology - Development of multicellular organisms, interaction between cells and the cellular matrix, regulation of stem cell function.

Animal Biology - This module explores how the central nervous system translates sensory stimuli to behaviour. Topics include comparative neurobiology, biological timekeeping, sensory biology, learning and behaviour and others.

Evolution of Humans and Other Animals – The primary aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of comparative animal biology in an evolutionary context.

Human Structure and Function - Human anatomy and how it relates to its function and evolutionary origin.

Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems - Core skills in ecosystem knowledge

Plant Sciences: from cells to the environment

Field Course: Alpine and Glacial Ecology in Norway | Watch video

Field Course: Adaptations to Aquatic Environments | Watch video

All field modules are optional and they each currently have an additional cost of £200 which covers the travel.

The final year is made up of a combination of taught modules and independent study. It is here that the link between the teaching and the research in the school is particularly important. The final year allows choice from a range of specialised topics in genetics which are informed and inspired by the research being carried out in the school.

Central to the final year is the research project, which makes up one-sixth of the credits earned in the final year. This allows you to join one of our many research groups, providing the fascinating opportunity to experience research first hand and to contribute to current research projects.

Choose a research project and at least 2 final year modules from:

Bacterial Gene Regulation - How genes are switched on or off in response to external stimuli, how control of gene expression can be explored experimentally.

Eukaryotic Gene Expression - Control of gene transcription, chromatin structure, pre-mRNA processing, mRNA translation and degradation.

Example optional modules may include:

Cancer Biology - Regulation of cell division and aberrations in malignant tumours, genetic bases of tumourigenesis, programmed cell death.

Human Evolution - Genetics and genomics, development of bipedalism, development of society and how humans’ activity applies selective pressure on the evolution of HIV.

Evidence-Based Literature Review

Critical analysis: Developing a research proposal

Laboratory Project

Current developments and advances in Eukaryotic Genetics

Introduction to Teaching Biosciences in Schools

Research Methods in Microbiology

Global Challenge and Plant Science

* This module is under review and content will likely change from 2018/2019 onwards