Biology MBiol (Integrated Masters)

Course content What will you study?

Here is an overview of current modules available on this course. Regular updates may mean that exact module titles may differ.

Year 1

Mandatory

• Cell Biology
• Comparative Animal Physiology
• Introduction to Ecology
• Animal Diversity

Optional

• Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Nutrition in Humans
• Introduction to Forensic Biology
• Introduction to Human Biology and Disease
• Introduction to Biological Chemistry
• Basis of Biological Surveying
• Human Origins

Year 2

Mandatory

• Plant Biology
• Project and Career development
• Molecular and Cellular Biology

Optional

• Animal Behaviour
• Work Experience
• Microbiology
• Infectious Agents and Allergens
• Animal Senses and Survival
• Human Genetics
• Medical Forensic Science
• Human Systems Physiology
• Applied Human Metabolism
• Comparative Digestionand Nutrition
• Invertebrate Biology
• Population and Community Ecology
• Ecology of Fresh Waters
• Soils and the Environment
• Field Techniques and Identification skills.

Year 3

Mandatory

• Independent Study
• Plant Development and Physiology

Optional

• Mammalian Reproduction
• Work Experience
• Animal Movement
• Forensic DNA Analysis
• Biological Indicators for Crime Reporting
• Pharmacology
• Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Animal Welfare and Ethics
• Extension Module
• Parasitology
• The Biochemistry of Cancer
• Research Methods and Research Project
• Residential Ecology Field Trip
• Zoo-based Conservation

Year 4

Mandatory

• Research Methods
• Applied and Commercial Research
• Integrated Masters Thesis/Project in Biology

The course deals with many different groups of organisms in terms of their structure, development, physiology, metabolism and ecology. It also explains how a range of new techniques, such as the sequencing of the entire genomes of an increasing number of species, have added enormously to knowledge so that modern biologists can address questions that were unanswerable in the past.

A key strength of the course is the clear linkage between this new information and established knowledge. For example, the new genomics material is taught in association with Mendelian genetics and modern bioinformatics methods are used to show how evolution can be followed by examining DNA and amino acid sequences from different species.

Year 4 modules are common to a range of Biological Science Integrated masters courses but each subject specialisation will be achieved by students varying their selection of topics from within menus of material within each module. For example, a Biology student will undertake an appropriate research project which will differ from the choices available to a Biochemist. Although there will be generic material, the individual skills delivered within the Applied and Commercial Research and Research Methods modules will also be tailored to deliver the individual needs of each Integrated Masters course.

Applied and Commercial Research is a unique aspect of our Integrated Masters programme compared with other institutions. It will offer students valuable insights into applied and commercial rather than just pure research. Most of this module will take advantage of current commercial and applied research expertise in our Charles Darwin Laboratories including the .