Biology (Molecular Biology) BSc Honours
Bachelor's degree
In London
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
London
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Duration
3 Years
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Start date
October
How is the BSc Biology (Molecular Biology) taught?
You will gain knowledge and understanding tharough attendance and participation in lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory classes, fieldwork and group discussions. Blended learning is utilised in modules integrating taught, self-directed and e-learning. Critical discussion during practical and dissertation work forms an important vehicle for learning and participating in assessment will also advance knowledge
Our academics are research active so new advances in the field are always used to inform teaching. Many of the modules on this course include practical sessions which may be laboratory, field or computer based investigations and simulations. In this way you are provided with many opportunities to develop skills in scientific research methods of hypothesis formation, data collection, evaluation and dissemination that not only develop your skills as a researcher but enhance your employability for a wide range of careers.
The dissertation is a major component of your final year where you are given the opportunity to engage with research. As part of this, you will carry out an individual research project under the supervision of a researcher. Such work may involve field and/or laboratory based analyses and you are encouraged to innovate and to explore your own areas of interest. We actively encourage and support outstanding student work to be published or presented in public.
Work placements
We encourage our students to undertake work placements, which improve industry knowledge, support the development of practical work-based skills and help graduates to succeed in the job market.
There are two placement opportunities as part of this course:
A year in industry between the second and third year.
These placements usually run for seven months and you will not be expected to pay tuition fees during this time
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Subjects
- Pathology
- IT
- Teaching
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
- Project
- Industry
- Employability
- Medical
- Medical training
- Biomedical
- Conservation
- Animals
- Commercial
- Plants
- Environmental
- Biologists
- Biomolecular Sciences
Course programme
Course content
What will you study on the BSc Biology (Molecular Biology)?
You will gain a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of biology from molecular to whole organism biology and develop an understanding of chemical principles for biologists. You will take additional core modules to develop your knowledge of biochemistry (particularly enzyme function and metabolic pathways). You will also take a practical module from Biomedical Sciences: Cellular Sciences, enabling you to review the principles and practices of cellular pathology. You will extend your knowledge of cellular and molecular biology and the molecular basis of disease, and consider gene expression in the normal and diseased states.
What will you gain?
Throughout the course you will develop essential skills in laboratory and field work and build detailed knowledge of research methodologies. All pathways focus on core biological disciplines including plant and animal biology, cell biology, microbial sciences and molecular biology.
Modules
Year 1
This module explores the cell as the basic functional unit of life investigating the structure and function of cell components and introducing the cell cycle and the biology of disease. Concepts of evolution and the principles of inheritance are explained at the molecular level.
Chemistry for Biologists (30 credits) - CompulsoryThis module provides you with the skills and knowledge of chemistry that underpin studies in biology. Emphasis is placed on building a knowledge base around key academic concepts in chemistry and biochemistry using examples from health and the environment to reinforce ideas. You will acquire a range of laboratory skills, learn how to analyse experimental results in the context of theoretical concepts.
Principles of Microbiology (15 credits) - CompulsoryThis module is an introduction to the scope of microbiology, the nature and importance of micro-organisms and factors influencing their growth and survival. The module explores the field of microbiology and its applications and importance in biotechnological processes, the environment and in health and disease.
Biological Techniques (30 credits) - CompulsoryThis module introduces the fundamental laboratory and research techniques that underpin the study of biological sciences. Skills introduced in this module include observations and note taking; data handling, analysis and presentation; safe working practices and the ability to communicate scientific ideas in a variety of formats. The module will enable you to develop these skills within your degree and facilitate recognition of these skills in relation to employability.
Cell Biology and Genetics (15 credits) - CompulsoryThis module explores the cell as the basic functional unit of life investigating the structure and function of cell components and introducing the cell cycle and the biology of disease. Concepts of evolution and the principles of inheritance are explained at the molecular level.
Year 2Research Methods and Project Planning (30 credits) - Compulsory
The module aims to provide you with the skills necessary to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, with the focus on preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills fundamental to a scientific research design, irrespective of discipline. Specific research skills include analytical techniques appropriate to individual programme requirements.
Microbial Life (15 credits) - CompulsoryThis module will explore microbial diversity and extend knowledge of the role of micro-organisms in relationships with other organisms, the environment and in the cause of disease. The module aims to further underpin knowledge of the numerical concepts associated with growth and death.
Biology of Complex Organisms (15 credits) - CompulsoryThis module aims to acquaint you with the organisation and complexity of Eukaryotic biota on Earth, their fundamental biological processes and interactions with each other and the environment. You will gain a solid grounding regarding Eukaryotic diversity as well as specific, functional knowledge of how they reproduce, respond to stimuli and maintain the requirements of life. Emphasis is laid upon establishing links between each specific topic and between those in other modules so you may develop your own biological synthesis throughout the module.
Molecular Biology (15 credits) - CompulsoryThis module will reinforce and expand on the Year 1 module, Cell Biology and Genetics. The overall aim is for the student to obtain understanding of the molecular processes occurring in organisms. In addition, students will gains experience in the principles, practice, quality assurance and application of commonly employed molecular methods and genetic tools and techniques.
Analytical Techniques (15 credits) - CompulsoryThis module provides you with the knowledge of important “state of the art” analytical methods in biological sciences. There is a focus on developing practical skills in analytical methods and the analysis and interpretation of results. Particular emphasis will be on proteins in the context of clinical diagnostics and environmental assessment.
Biochemistry (15 credits) - CompulsoryIn this module you will develop a more complete appreciation for the structure, function and regulation of key cellular molecules. With a running theme of enzyme function, you will be provided with an overview of molecular and metabolic pathways and a detailed compilation of the mechanisms by which they are regulated as well as disorders affecting these. The module will also consider biochemical pathway diversity in prokaryotes and the impact on habitat and importance.
Cellular Sciences (15 credits) - CompulsoryThe aims of this module are to give you a working knowledge of the principles and practice of cellular pathology and to gain experience in the application of commonly used techniques and the delivery of cellular pathology services. Emphasis is placed on the use of histological equipment, and on routine and special staining techniques for the demonstration of pathological conditions.
Year 3Dissertation (30 credits) - Compulsory
This module will build on the skills you have acquired when undertaking previous modules and from the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme. Further development of research skills, analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted in completing a dissertation.
Gene Technology (15 credits) - CompulsoryThe module considers current approaches to genetic manipulation and the widening fields of their applications. Ethical issues and regulations of the field of gene technology will be explored.
Cellular and Molecular Biology (15 credits) - CompulsoryThe module explores genetic and environmental factors that lead to changes in cells and cell processes with an emphasis on cellular and molecular responses in cancer. It reviews the current and future potential for molecular biology in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease including the associated ethical issues.
Gene Expression and Control (15 credits) - CompulsoryThis module aims to provide an understanding of processes involved in regulation of gene expression and current laboratory methods available for investigation. It also aims to provide an understanding of how gene expression may be modulated according to changes in the cellular environment, how environmental conditions can trigger changes in these processes and how aberrations in gene expression can lead to disease.
Current Topics in Biosciences (15 credits) - OptionalThe module gives you the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge of a current topic within a biological sciences subject area of interest to you. You will be guided towards independent research of an appropriate topic of your choosing and then present your findings orally and in writing.
Sustainable Biotechnology (15 credits) - OptionalThe module enables you to recognise the current and future impact of sustainable biotechnology. The module will explore the role of biotechnology in plant and animal biotechnology, in waste remediation, clean and dirty water management, and the production of renewable energy sources. The importance of these processes for society and health will also be explored.
Biology Work Experience (30 credits) - OptionalThis module enables you to gain credits for work experience related to your programme. It aims to link academic learning to a placement organization. The experience provides opportunities for you to work in a relevant organisation and enhance your skills of self-expression, communication, co-operation and self-reliance.
Conservation in a Changing World (15 credits) - OptionalThis module provides an overview of the concepts and methods associated with conservation within an increasingly anthropogenic environment. It addresses arguments for conservation as well as problems associated with wildlife conservation.
Aspects of Evolution (15 credits) - OptionalThis module aims to provide you with knowledge of function and interaction of evolutionary processes upon Earth's biota. Effects of both natural and anthropogenic mechanisms/processes upon the evolution of extant and palaeobiota are examined within the context of specific case studies investigating events throughout the whole Phanerozoic.
You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
Biology (Molecular Biology) BSc Honours