Biology

This module will give you an introduction to the principles of plant and animal physiology at the systems level with appropriate links to anatomy, cell biology, pathology, and behaviour.

This module provides you with an introduction to the principles, concepts and techniques in the study of biological molecules, cell biology and microbiology. Key themes are the structure and function of biomolecules and cells. Microbial life will be introduced, drawing examples from aquatic, terrestrial, food and medical microbiology, emphasising microbial friends and foes.

This module will provide you with an introduction to the variety of life on Earth, explore plant and animal diversity from both a functional and a systematic perspective, as well as introducing the major concepts underpinning genetics and evolution and the mechanisms of evolutionary change.

You will consider how you collect and analyse data and how you interpret and present your findings. Field data collection methods will be discussed and then implemented, and statistical methods will then be used to analyse this data.

This module will introduce you to the principles and practical applications of ecology.

In this module, you will explore key principles that underpin nucleic acid molecular methodologies. Topics will include in vitro and in vivo cloning methodologies, next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics techniques, which will be discussed in the context of medical and environmental science. Emerging molecular biology techniques will also be critically analysed.

This module includes microbial physiology, nutrition, microbial genetics and microbial taxonomy of archaea, bacteria, fungi, viruses and algae. You will discuss these in the context of recent developments in medical microbiology and environmental microbiology.

In this module you will cover the processing of biological evidence from collection to identification of particular bodily fluids, through to DNA profiling and individualisation.

This module introduces you to the professional skills involved with being a biologist. It develops your knowledge of key methodologies, skills and experiences needed for professional development.

This module will explore the ecology and evolution of species interactions. The key topics you will study include pollination, manipulation of reproduction, impacts of diseases and defence responses.

This module covers the utilisation and genetic modification of organisms for biotechnology: including the production of food and drink; bioremediation and pollution control; biofuels; medical biotechnology. 

This module covers the mechanisms and development of behaviour, or how brain and body combine to produce behaviour. The module consists of a series of lectures, practical sessions and tutorials.

This module will introduce you to terrestrial ecology with a focus on the interactions between plants and soils and their mediation by soil micro-organisms.

This module will develop your knowledge of protein structure and function, including metabolic processes linked to cellular signalling and protein modification.

The module will embrace the principles of conservation biology including biodiversity, conservation genetics, habitat disturbance and species extinction, using examples of research-based conservation interventions.

The field courses are the flagship components of our programmes where you will apply the theoretical knowledge you’ve acquired in the taught modules. You’ll develop, execute, analyse, and report on a small research project in the field.

You will plan and conduct data collection, and analyse this data for a research project in biology under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

In this module you will explore the patterns of loss of biodiversity, including megafaunal loss and invasion patterns and the effects of anthropogenic factors on biodiversity in a range of habitats.

This module focuses on aspects of microbiology relating to infectious disease, zoonosis, epidemiology and vaccination using case studies to explore different diseases.

You will examine the physiological, behavioural, ecological and distributional changes in species that result from global change, and consider community and ecosystem consequences of these. 

This module will explore current genetic and genomic bioinformatic methods including advances in genetic data acquisition and analysis of sequencing data.

This module explores the role of microbes in aquatic, terrestrial and extreme environments, including the roles played by individual microbes, their interactions, and functioning within microbial communities. All concepts will be illustrated with case studies of interesting and oftentimes surprising examples.

This module provides an overview of the historical and contemporary issues in biological conservation science and the practical applications of conservation research. 

This module uses a case study approach to current issues in microbial biotechnology by developing students' own biotechnology ideas into consultancy tenders for industry.

The tropic field course will provide experience of tropical habitats and the biodiversity that they support. There will be an emphasis on identification skills, the methods needed to study and carry out research in tropical habitats, and assess human impacts on these ecosystems. An integral element will be learning the skills to identify key plants, animals and habitats, particularly those which require conservation management.

Within the context of evolutionary genetics, this module will encompass topics in evolutionary biology, population genetics and the genetic basis of biological problems in conservation. 

In this module you will explore contemporary issues in coastal ecology, conservation and restoration, and examine the unique organisms that live where the land meets the sea. Example topics will include methods of coastal management and restoration, the basis of coastal ecosystem services and the links between coastal community livelihoods and coastal biodiversity.