Cells are the basic building blocks of life. In this module you will be introduced to how cells use biological molecules to perform specific functions. All cellular life, from single celled bacteria and yeast to complex multicellular organisms, including plants and humans, synthesise simple organic molecules such as sugars, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids.

You will learn how organisms are able to synthesise these molecules to build complex biomolecules to store energy and genetic information. In addition, you will gain knowledge about the function of specific cell types, and intracellular organelles that perform essential processes within cells. You will learn how cells use defined programmes to precisely copy the genome to next generation cells. You will learn how defects in this process can promote cancer.

Explore the fascinating world of genetics and biotechnology, from the fundamentals of inheritance to cutting-edge genomics. You’ll examine Mendelian genetics and the molecular basis of inheritance through learning how DNA is replicated and how genes are transcribed and translated. You’ll examine the human genome, genome sequencing and be introduced to the role of bioinformatics in understanding genetic data. You’ll also discover how DNA damage can lead to genetic mutations that can in turn lead to heritable and non-heritable diseases and explore genetic testing techniques used today.

The module also introduces other key molecular biotechnologies, including microbial, plant and animal technologies, and how they are transforming research, healthcare, and industry. By the end of the module, you’ll have a strong foundation in genetics and biotechnology, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed for further study in biomedical and life sciences.

This module will introduce you to the incredible world of microbiology. You’ll learn how some microbes are harmful, but others have important roles in the environment, in our bodies and are even exploited in the food industry.

Through hands-on practical sessions and workshops, you’ll learn how to identify microbes and understand the dynamics of microbial growth. You will also learn about how the human host responds to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. We will explore the intricate relationship between pathogens and human health and explore how pathogens cause disease.

The biology of infecting organisms and the host’s immune response will both be examined as these are vital components in understanding the outcome of different types of infection. Selected infections from viruses to multi-cellular worms will be studied in detail and used as paradigms to illustrate principles of host/pathogen interaction.

Throughout your degree you gain a unique skills set based on your understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of sciences. In this module we develop your self-awareness of these skills and how to make the most of graduate-level employment opportunities.

We introduce you to the University’s employability resources including job search techniques and search engine use. We develop your skills in writing CVs and cover letters, and we draw on the expertise of employers and alumni. Your ability to effectively use these resources will enhance your employability skills, your communication skills and help you to develop a short-term career plan.

In this module you’ll explore the molecular principles that govern cellular function and metabolism. You’ll study the structure and function of key biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, with an emphasis on their roles in metabolic pathways and other essential cellular mechanisms.

Topics include enzyme kinetics, metabolic regulation, and the biochemical basis of energy transfer within the cell. The module will provide you with the molecular underpinnings of human health and highlight how disruptions in biochemical pathways contribute to disease development. Laboratory sessions will let you gain a more in-depth and practical understanding of the topics covered. By the end of the module, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of key cellular biochemical processes relevant to molecular medicine and biotechnology.

This module explores the positive and negative roles of microbes with regards to human health. You will learn how our indigenous microbes help with numerous physiological functions, protect us from invasion by pathogens and how they are tolerated by our immune system.

We will take a detailed look at the pathogenic mechanisms of a range of microbes and what makes some more virulent than others. You will learn about our natural defence, the innate and adaptive immune system and how its various components (organs, cells, and messengers) collectively function to fight off infections.

We will also examine human interventions to control infections, i.e., prevention (e.g. disinfectants, vaccination) and therapy (anti-microbial compounds) and the challenges associated with each.

In this module you’ll explore the intricate processes through which cells respond to environmental and developmental signals. You’ll study the cellular signalling pathways, gene expression regulation, and the molecular mechanisms that guide processes such as growth, differentiation, migration, and survival.

The contribution of stem cells to these processes and how tightly regulated mechanisms shape tissues and organs will also be examined. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the dynamic interplay between cells and their surroundings, and how disruptions in these mechanisms contribute to developmental disorders and disease.

*Alternative core module if undertaking an interdisciplinary research project in this pathway, otherwise optional

In this module you will gain a deep understanding of the molecular processes that underpin the normal function of genes and genomes, with a focus on eukaryotes, and how these processes can become disrupted in disease.

We'll discuss DNA replication and the importance of faithful transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. We will also consider the molecular mechanisms used by cells to ensure the information encoded in the genome is transcribed and translated appropriately to produce proteins. You'll gain insight into the crucial role epigenetics plays in genome function through its regulation of gene expression and learn about how mutations arise in genomes and their effects on human health. We'll also cover the experimental techniques used for genome manipulation and analysis - foundational methods to much of modern biology.

*Alternative core module if undertaking an interdisciplinary research project in this pathway, otherwise optional

In this module you'll gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. You will learn how the diverse cell types of the nervous system work together to allow it to perform its various complex functions.

We will cover aspects from the microscopic scale, such as the molecular inner workings of single neurons and synapses, up to the large-scale complexity of how brain areas work together to process information and produce behaviour. How these processes are impacted in a variety of neurological disorders will also be considered. You will also gain new insight into the range of experimental approaches and techniques that have been used to reveal fundamental aspects of how the nervous system works. This module provides a firm foundation for your future studies in neuroscience.

In this module you will develop your understanding of the key stages in the life cycle of proteins, from their synthesis to their breakdown. You will explore amino acid biosynthesis, protein translation by ribosomes, the intracellular trafficking of proteins, and the post-translational modifications that influence protein function. Protein degradation pathways, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system, will be considered.

The importance of regulation of protein homeostasis in health and disease will also be discussed. The module will integrate experimental approaches and techniques used to study proteins and provide you with new insights into their applications.

In this module we continue to develop your employability skills. We focus on your ability to communicate your scientific learning to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of your degree and empower you when it comes to job applications and interviews. This includes practice for assessment centres and associated tasks such as psychometric testing and skills testing, and 1-1 recruitment selection or panel-based interviews.