Biology (Biomedical & Molecular) (Top-Up) BSc(Hons)

This module provides an in-depth description of many of the current applications of molecular genetics and will begin with a description of vectors and their uses in recombinant DNA technology. Practical considerations for cloning, PCR and site-directed mutagenesis techniques will then be covered. The application of modern molecular biological techniques for medical research, the production of pharmaceuticals, the generation of transgenic organisms, genome engineering (e.g. CRISPR), methods for silencing expression of genes and protein engineering will be described with illustrations of current research in these areas. This will be followed by a description of techniques to improve plants by genetic manipulation. Tutorials will reinforce salient points in lectures and develop problem solving and investigative skills, (e.g. characterisation of genetically modified organisms and designing strategies for cloning and mutagenising genes). The pitfalls will be discussed and the strategies which have been adopted to circumvent these.

After a brief introduction to the nature of the immune system with an emphasis on clonal selection, antibody structure is studied in fine detail. The incredible ability of the vertebrate immune system to produce a vast range of antibody specificities is discussed and the genetic mechanisms by which this repertoire is generated receives an in depth coverage. Following this, the properties of the various types of T cell are explored with a discussion of the role of the Class I and Class II MHC molecules in recognising virally infected cells. The module progresses to consider what happens when the immune system "goes wrong" and a number of pathological conditions are considered. The subsequent part of the module outlines the molecular and cellular interactions between infectious organisms and the host immune system. Selected infectious organisms and agents, including a range of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasitic worms will be studied in detail to illustrate the complexity of the host/pathogen interaction. The way these organisms have evolved to overcome detection by the immune system will be discussed. The life cycles of selected viruses, protozoa and parasitic worms will be covered in detail.

Pathobiology (the biology underlying disease) is a critical element of biomedicine. This module considers the aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of some of the major chronic diseases that affect human health with an emphasis on cancer and will also include neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, diabetes and others. The module will also include chronic conditions associated with the disruption of the normal human immune system including inflammatory conditions, auto-immune diseases and hypersensitivities. The aims of this module are to introduce you to a range of chronic diseases and their global significance. To explain in detail the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are responsible for the development of chronic diseases, and describe the symptoms and progression of chronic diseases including modern methods in diagnosis and screening. This module also discusses the targets and treatments for therapeutic intervention in chronic diseases.

The aim of this module is to give you experience in conducting a piece of independent, hypothesis-driven, biological research, or research into biology education. Under the supervision of a member of academic staff, you'll have the opportunity to undertake practical experimentation in the laboratory/field. Supervisors outline the aims of the project and direct you to the most recent literature. Prior to experimentation, you'll be expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the literature related to your project and will be given guidance on appropriate experimental methods. The project is generally fluid in nature, with the direction of the investigation being dictated by results obtained, or problems encountered. Results are presented in a written report and through presentations to student peers and academic staff. Module-specific tutorials will run in conjunction with personal academic tutorials. Tutorials will be given on Health and Safety, Intellectual Property, research ethics and project planning and management.