Biological Sciences with Study in Continental Europe BSc (Hons)

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.

The first year modules are designed to give you a broad and balanced view of modern biology. They will develop from what you have learned at school but you will soon be learning new material. You will take 20 credits of language in your first year taught by our Center for Modern Languages.

First year modules

Language

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.

Fundamentals of Biochemistry - Fundamental biochemical processes taking place inside cells

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

Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences

Introduction to Microbiology

Personal and Academic Skills: Communication and Data Analysis

Personal and Academic Development

Essential Genetics

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.

For students taking the Year in continental Europe option, the language module will take the place of the WHM.

At this stage you begin to tailor the degree towards your own particular interests. In your second year you will also select and apply to the European partner university. The Erasmus tutor will help you make an informed selection and support the application process.

Second year modules

Core modules (taken by all students on the Biological Sciences programme)

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:

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Plant Sciences: from cells to the environment

Human Structure and Function

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.

You will join a University in France, Spain or Germany according to your language qualification. Assessments at the host university will make a small contribution to your overall degree mark (weighting 6.25%).

Upon returning from your Year in Europe, you will rejoin the final year of the BSc Biological Sciences course. 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 modules are informed and inspired by the research being carried out in the school.

The final year allows choice from a range of specialised topics. Central to the final year is the research project, which makes up one third 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.

Project work is not limited to the laboratory; some students will do more ecology- based projects involving field work.

Example optional modules may include:

Evidence-Based Literature Review

Critical analysis: Developing a research proposal

Laboratory Project

Introduction to Teaching Biosciences in Schools

Evolution of vertebrates

Eukaryotic Gene Expression

Cellular Neurobiology

Structures of Destruction: the structural biology of pathogenicity

Cancer Biology

Molecular and Cellular Immunology

Adaptation to Changing Environments

Advanced Topics in Animal Behaviour

Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection

Living in Groups: Collective Behaviour in Animals

Bacterial Gene Regulation

Human Evolution

Biodiversity and Conservation Management

Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems

Human Health + Disease

Current developments and advances in Eukaryotic Genetics

Introduction to Teaching Biosciences in Schools

Research Methods in Microbiology

Global Challenge and Plant Science