What is archaeology? What are its origins and how did it develop? In this module you’ll be given an overview of the origins of archaeology alongside some of the key techniques used to study the material remains of the past. The module covers key topics including the development of archaeology in different parts of the world, principles of stratigraphy, dating techniques and approaches to field archaeology. It will also introduce you to the ways in which archaeology reflects and contributes to society.

Gain an introduction to the practicalities of studying the human past through its material remains. You will be introduced to the practical approaches to studying sites, landscapes and buildings, as well as laboratory-based approaches to studying ancient materials. As well as classroom-based activities, this module will give you practical training in the lab and in the field, including the park landscape around Wollaton Hall.

This module introduces you to the study of ancient metal artefacts and early metallurgy, exploring how materials like copper, silver and iron were sourced and worked in the past. You’ll examine ore types, mining and smelting processes, metal composition analysis, metallography, use-wear analysis and the use of isotopes to identify the provenance of metals. Through focused case studies, you’ll see how these technologies can be understood within their wider social, technological and economic contexts, building a clear picture of the role metals played in prehistoric communities.

This module will examine what we can learn from the human skeleton, about the lives of people who lived in the past. We will also include some basic zooarchaeology to understand the similarities and differences between these two specialisms. The module will involve handling real archaeological human and non-human skeletons, learning how to identify their age, sex, stature, pathologies and taphonomy. We will also examine the demography of 19th century Nottingham on a fieldtrip to one of the city’s largest (and most atmospheric) cemeteries. 

This module will introduce students to human and non-human skeletons, and the information that can be gained from them, including aging, sexing, stature, pathology and isotope analysis. Sampling strategies, data collection and analysis will also be covered using data collected by the students themselves on a fieldtrip. The aim of the module is to make students confident in handling human and zooarchaeological remains, to have the background necessary to undertake final year dissertations on either human remains or zooarchaeology, and to teach some basic data visualisation and analysis. 

This module offers a hands-on introduction to isotope analysis in environmental archaeology, taught in collaboration with experts at the British Geological Survey’s Stable Isotope Facility in Keyworth (with subsidised transport). Blending lectures with practical lab sessions at both UoN and BGS, you’ll learn how to frame archaeological questions, select and prepare samples, run analyses, process and interpret data, and communicate results effectively.

You’ll also build key skills in quantitative and qualitative reporting, data handling, and scientific writing. By the end of the module, you’ll have produced a professional-style methodological lab book to support your continued development in archaeological science.

In this module, you’ll explore the fascinating world of cellular and molecular biology. You’ll delve into topics such as the intricate structure and function of cells and their organelles, the workings of proteins and enzymes, and the essential roles of DNA, transcription, and translation. You’ll also examine how genes are organised and regulated, alongside the metabolism of macromolecules and the architecture of cell membranes. 

To deepen your understanding, practical classes will complement the theoretical content, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a hands-on setting. This combination of detailed study and experiential learning will equip you with a solid foundation in cellular and molecular biology. 

This module provides you with an introduction to genetics and genomics, bridging classical genetic principles with modern genomic technologies. You’ll gain an understanding of gene structure and function, including aspects of DNA replication, transcription, translation and RNA biology. You’ll also explore the biology relating to inheritance patterns, genetic variation, and the application of genomics in research and health. 

 Taught content will illustrate how to analyse the genetic basis of phenotypic variation, evaluate its effects on individuals and populations, and synthesise insights to explain how genetic factors influence traits. Consideration is given to the technological advancements in sequencing, bioinformatics, the ethical considerations surrounding genomic data, and industrial and societal applications.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the latest technological advancements in molecular biology, focusing on their transformative impact on scientific research and development. You’ll investigate how these cutting-edge tools are employed to tackle complex challenges in the biomedical sciences, gaining insight into their applications and effectiveness.

Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on understanding the practical application of these methods, as well as analysing and interpreting the resulting data. This comprehensive approach equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate and contribute to the rapidly evolving field of molecular biology.

This module explores advanced aspects of pathogen-host interactions, and how we can combat diseases through medical interventions.

You will learn the principles of vaccinology to prevent infection or disease and explore different therapies, including antibiotic alternatives, to treat bacterial infection.

We’ll deep dive into specific examples of pathogens from different groups of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and/or fungi that pose a significant threat today will be considered alongside vaccines and therapies, including their limitations and potential new solutions

This module delves into the genetic, biochemical, and pathophysiological foundations of neurological disorders, shedding light on how dysfunction arises in the brain and nervous system. You’ll explore key topics such as neuron-glial cell interactions, neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier dysregulation. Additional focus will be placed on molecular mechanisms like protein misfolding, cellular stress, and synaptic dysfunction that contribute to neurodegeneration.

The module also examines interdisciplinary fields like neuroimmunology and neuro-oncology, investigating immune interactions in autoimmune diseases and brain cancers. Emphasising real-world applications, it highlights how scientific discoveries drive advancements in diagnostic tools, innovative treatments, and improved patient outcomes. By understanding these complex mechanisms, you’ll appreciate the pivotal role of research in addressing neurological disorders and shaping healthcare.

This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals of biodiversity, ecology and animal behaviour. Biodiversity is explored through categorising organisms in the tree of life and by examining the levels of biological organisation, from genes in cells up to communities in biogeographic zones.  Ecological topics are explored by examining ecosystem processes, competition, cooperation, predation, parasites and pathogens, life histories, resources, niches, demography and sustainability.

Understanding animal behaviour in response to their environment begins with asking rigorous questions about foraging, signalling, sexual selection, parental care, altruism and also allows us to understand human behaviour in an ecological context.

This module delves into the intricate relationship between developmental biology and evolution, examining how modifications in developmental processes drive evolutionary changes. You’ll explore the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that give rise to new traits and structures, shaping species adaptation and diversification.

Key topics include gene regulatory networks, developmental pathways, and evolutionary constraints, which will be studied to understand how they influence morphological variation across species and their effects on health. Through engaging case studies and cutting-edge research, the module bridges the divide between microevolutionary processes and macroevolutionary patterns, offering a deeper appreciation of the complexity of organismal form and evolution.

This field course will introduce you to practical techniques in field biology, data analysis and presentation. You’ll use self-collected data to learn about key concepts in ecology such as species richness, ecological networks and species-area relationships.

The module considers a range of approaches to conservation biology, such as the measurement and monitoring of biodiversity, and the legal frameworks and management strategies that exist to protect it. You will discuss particular threats to biodiversity, such as habitat loss and invasive species. How do modern methods and molecular tools enable better conservation planning and delivery?

This module explores the principles, applications and advancements in imaging technologies across biological and biomedical sciences. You’ll understand the theoretical knowledge and applications of imaging techniques used in research and industry. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating the role of imaging in advancing our understanding of life sciences.

This module looks to answer some of the questions around what is cancer? what causes it? and what happens when someone gets cancer. We will cover topics including detection, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship. 

Understand how cancers grow, how the cells divide, mutate, generate their own blood supply, and use energy. You will learn how cancers interact with the body and corrupt normal cell processes. We will consider how cancers can evade detection by the immune system. There's a focus on cancers affecting the kidneys, brain, blood, skin, prostate and pancreas. 

You will examine a selection of acquired and inherited cancers. This module will help you to develop an understanding of the role of the genes involved and how they can be analysed. This module will be taught through a three-hour lecture once a week. 

What makes a cancer evade the immune system, and how can this be overcome. A look at the latest drugs that harness the body’s own defences to fight cancer. 

This module explores the tumour microenvironment. You’ll examine the components of the tumour microenvironment that influence cancer cell behaviours (proliferation, invasiveness, drug resistance), the mechanisms underlying these influences, and opportunities for new drug treatments. 

This module builds on the practical, analytical and communication skills acquired in the first year. It introduces more advanced experiments across Inorganic, Organic and Physical chemistry (note – students choose 1 of the 3 from Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry). Increasing use is made of spectroscopic and other analytical techniques in the characterisation of compounds. More detailed laboratory reports will be required. 

Students will: 

• Be able to perform a range of standard & more advanced synthetic and analytical practical procedures safely and reliably using Good Chemistry Laboratory Practice (GCLP). 
• Know how to prepare Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and risk assessments. 
• Be proficient in planning and organising time so that experiments are performed efficiently in the allocated time. 
• Be competent in calculating amounts of reagents accurately. 
• Be capable of accurately and precisely measuring reagents and preparing solutions. 
• Be able to scientifically interpret results and observations and report your findings in a concise manner. 

The module is divided into two parts: 

1. Functional group chemistry - you will consider synthetic transformations of alcohols, amines, carbonyls, and alkenes. We will look at how these transformations are used to synthesise complex molecules such as natural products or pharmaceutical agents. 

2. Synthesis -this provides an introduction to retrosynthetic analysis and synthesis of organic molecules using a selection of pharmaceutical agents as examples. Formative feedback is given on the material in this module at the associated workshops. You will receive overall feedback after the exam by the module leader. 

This module covers material related to developing a more sustainable approach to chemistry. You will learn what makes up sustainable chemistry. You will learn about the significance of new technologies such as synthetic biology. We will begin to recognise the problems in achieving sustainability too. 

Discover how quantum mechanics governs the atomic and molecular building blocks of matter. You’ll learn how diffraction and spectroscopy enable chemists to study molecules and solid-state materials Explore how the relationship between matter and energy is captured by thermodynamics and kinetics, in terms of physical quantities relevant to chemical change.

Through this module, you’ll learn how to apply quantum mechanics to systems that are central to the theoretical description of chemistry. You’ll be able to explain and apply concepts of reaction dynamics to chemistry, and calculate thermodynamic properties of single-component and multi-component materials in different states.

This module will explore fundamental concepts in medicinal chemistry including the use of molecules to effect biological systems. You will explore a range of different therapies, including antibiotics, antivirals and anticancer agents, and the features which impact their application, such as metabolism and bioavailability. The mechanisms of action of biopharmaceuticals including antibody-drug conjugates and vaccines will be explained.Through this module you will gain an appreciation for how small molecules interact with cells and enzymes in the treatment, monitoring, and diagnosis of disease.

You will also be introduced to the chemistry behind biomedical imaging. Nottingham is the home of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and you will explore how chemistry can be used to enhance the images of the technique that was famously discovered here.

This module covers inorganic mechanisms and the overarching fundamental principles of greener and sustainable chemistry as applied to processes, inorganic reaction mechanisms, and discussion on the theme of greener and sustainable chemistry

Explore the fundamental processes that drive Earth’s system, on land, in the ocean and in the atmosphere. You will study geology, geography, oceanography, and meteorology, developing a range of practical and transferable skills. Topics covered in this module include:

• The rocks beneath our feet, how they are formed, and the different ways in which we study and interpret them.
• Geologic Time Scale and common Geological Hazards
• Weather formation, atmospheric and ocean chemistry, large scale ocean circulation patterns, and Earth’s resulting
• climatic zones

The majority of people now live in urban areas and the combined impact of cities worldwide is an important cause of global environmental changes. Urban environments are places of intensive energy and water use and waste generation. Case studies from around the world will illustrate the impact of extreme events such as flooding, drought, and heatwaves.

The module will focus on air quality, water and waste management and explore past, present and possible future responses to those challenges including the role of green infrastructure in supporting sustainable living in urban environments.

You will deepen your understanding of the important chemical and physical processes that operate in the terrestrial environment,. There is a focus on soils and fresh water systems.  The module explores the study of the hydrological cycle, including surface and sub-surface water chemistry including rainfall, rivers and lakes. We consider processes that govern the movement of solutes and colloidal materials. We also cover adsorption, redox, solubility, diffusion and kinetics. 

This module is concerned with the behaviour and effects of pollutants in terrestrial and aquatic environments and how their impacts can be ameliorated and managed. The focus is on both the scientific understanding of environmental pollutants and on the intervention strategies currently available. Topics covered:

• Common water and soil pollutants
• Heavy metal contamination of land
• Radionuclide behaviour in the environment
• Persistent organic contaminants and pesticides
• Nitrate pollution of groundwater
• Pollution of surface waters by agriculture
• Eutrophication of lakes
• Acidification of soils and freshwater
• Biological monitoring of rivers
• Ecotoxicology and environmental epidemiology
• Quantitative risk assessment
• Land reclamation, including landfill sites.

The module is taught as a mix of lectures, tutorials, a field visit and laboratory work and demonstrations.

In this module we will explore some of the ways of mitigating climate change. We will look at the different tools available to meet these challenges such as renewable energies, low-carbon buildings carbon foot printing, and off setting. We will also examine the potential of nature-based solutions to help both mitigate against climate change and boost our resilience to its impacts.

This module introduces the principles of ecology at a first year level. It covers: Evolutionary aspects of ecology. Organisms and their environment: physical, chemical and biotic factors limiting species distribution. Capture and utilization of resources by organisms. The niche concept of life cycles and dispersal. Population Ecology: intraspecific and interspecific competition, predation, parasitism, and mutualism. Community Ecology: diversity and stability of communities, patterns of species richness, the concept of a climax community, energy flow and nutrient cycling. The module explores definitions of biodiversity and explores the value of biodiversity through different ethical frameworks. The loss of species and habitats is discussed with particular reference to semi natural and managed habitats such as woodland, hedgerows, meadows, and farmland.

This module will introduce students to a range of skills for environmental monitoring and ecological assessment; students will develop key practical skills and gain valuable experience in planning and conducting fieldwork. 

There will be a strong focus on developing practical skills and enhancing employability in the environmental job sector.

Topics covered will include Plant identification and NVC - Phase 1 habitat surveys, surveying species, which have specific protections under law – bats and birds and terrestrial invertebrate survey techniques. 

The module focuses on the processes that govern terrestrial ecosystem function. We will identify key ecosystem drivers and processes. You will explore how these have shaped the biosphere. You will benefit from an understanding of the mechanisms that control changes in the physiochemical environment and their impact on communities. Topics will include primary productivity, decomposition, herbivory, biodiversity and human impact on ecosystems. The module is taught through as series of lectures, laboratory and computing practicals, seminars and fieldwork.

This module provides training in environmental biotechnology, with particular emphasis on the interaction between microorganisms and the environment. The main topics covered will be wastewater treatment, bioremediation of organic and inorganic pollutants, microbes as indicators of risk factors in the environment, microbes in agriculture (biocontrol and biofertilisers) and the role of microorganisms in bioenergy production.

This module will introduce students to a range of topics relating to ecology and conservation, with a particular focus on the tropical context. During the course, students will: 

• Develop their understanding of tropical ecosystems, their complexity, and the threats that they are currently facing, including topics such as the impacts of climate change, land-use change, and exploitation of wildlife. 

• Consider a range of possible approaches for conservation and more sustainable management. These will take into account ecological, socio-political, and economic factors, and will include a wide range of strategies such as species-specific interventions, broader habitat management, and policy change. 

• Examine case studies detailing real-life examples of conservation problems and solutions, across a variety of tropical contexts. 

This course strengthens and extends your core mathematical foundations, guiding you from familiar topics in single-variable calculus into richer areas such as differential equations, multivariable calculus, complex numbers, vectors, matrices, and introductory vector spaces. You’ll also develop a solid grasp of mathematical reasoning by learning different styles of proof — including direct arguments, contradiction, and induction — and by mastering key theorems for analysing the limits of sequences and series.

Throughout the module, the emphasis is on building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of methods that you’ll rely on in more advanced study. You’ll also use computer software (Python) to plot graphs and implement basic algorithms, helping you connect theory with computation.

Major topics include single-variable calculus, differential equations, several-variable calculus, multiple integrals, complex numbers, vector and matrix algebra, logic and proof, limits of sequences and series, and practical use of a computer package.

This module offers a practical and engaging introduction to statistics and probability, giving you the core tools needed to analyse data across a wide range of disciplines. Topics include:

• Probability distributions
• Joint and conditional behaviour
• Parameter estimation
• Confidence intervals
• Hypothesis testing
• Statistical modelling

We will also consider applied statistics with real-world relevance. These include sample size calculations, the multiple comparison problem, data collection and experiment design. Alongside the theory, you’ll tackle key issues in applied statistics — from effective data collection to designing experiments and clearly communicating results. With a strong emphasis on hands-on work, you’ll use computer software (R) to simulate, visualise, and analyse data, helping you build both confidence and competence in modern statistical practice. You will also learn to critique and interpret statistical reports and papers. 

Most mathematical problems cannot be solved analytically or would take too long to solve by hand. Instead, computational algorithms must be used. In this module, you’ll learn about algorithms for approximating functions, derivatives, and integrals, and for solving many types of algebraic and ordinary differential equations.

Specific topics include: 

• Implementing algorithms in Matlab 

• Discussion of errors (including rounding errors) 

• Iterative methods for nonlinear equations (simple iteration, bisection, Newton, convergence) 

• Gaussian elimination, matrix factorisation, and pivoting 

• Iterative methods for linear systems, matrix norms, convergence, Jacobi, Gauss-Siedel 

• Interpolation (Lagrange polynomials, orthogonal polynomials, splines) 

• Numerical differentiation & integration (Difference formulae, Richardson extrapolation, simple and composite quadrature rules) 

• Introduction to numerical ODEs (Euler and Runge-Kutta methods, consistency, stability) 

Mathematics can be usefully applied to a wide range of applications in medicine and biology.

Without assuming any prior biological knowledge, this module describes how mathematics helps us understand topics such as:

• population dynamics
• biological oscillations
• pattern formation
• nonlinear growth phenomena

There is considerable emphasis on model building and development.

In this module a variety of techniques and areas of mathematical optimisation will be covered. These include Lagrangian methods for optimisation, simplex algorithm linear programming and dynamic programming. You will develop skills for using these techniques, which can be applied in maths and across other subjects. 

This course strengthens and extends your core mathematical foundations, guiding you from familiar topics in single-variable calculus into richer areas such as differential equations, multivariable calculus, complex numbers, vectors, matrices, and introductory vector spaces. You’ll also develop a solid grasp of mathematical reasoning by learning different styles of proof — including direct arguments, contradiction, and induction — and by mastering key theorems for analysing the limits of sequences and series.

Throughout the module, the emphasis is on building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of methods that you’ll rely on in more advanced study. You’ll also use computer software (Python) to plot graphs and implement basic algorithms, helping you connect theory with computation.

Major topics include single-variable calculus, differential equations, several-variable calculus, multiple integrals, complex numbers, vector and matrix algebra, logic and proof, limits of sequences and series, and practical use of a computer package.

This course explores the classical and quantum mechanical description of motion, The laws of classical mechanics are investigated both in their original formulation due to Newton and in the mathematically equivalent but more powerful formulation due to Lagrange and Hamilton.  

The formalism of quantum mechanics is introduced by the postulates of quantum mechanics which are developed and applied for finite-dimensional Hiberst spaces and for a point particles. 

Application of the theory to various example problems are covered in classical and quantum mechanics. The course is the foundation of Mathematical Physics modules available at level 3 and 4. 

Topics include: 

• Newton's laws of motion 

• Lagrange's description of mechanics - the Lagrangian of a mechanical system, the Euler-Lagrange equations of motion. 

• Hamilton's description of mechanics - transforming the Lagrangian to the Hamiltonion description of a mechanical system, standard concepts such as phase space and Poisson brackets. 

• Basic formalism of quantum mechanics, including properties of state vectors, inner products, Hermitian operators, unitary transformations, the probabilistic interpretations of quantum states and their wave function (Born's rule), the Schrodinger equation, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle and energy eigenstates. 

• Quantum mechanical problems, including application to quantum information in a finite-dimensional Hibert space and quantum harmonic oscillator. 

This course provides an introduction to coding theory. There is a focus on error-correcting codes including their uses and applications. It also provides an introduction to cryptography, such as classical mono and polyalphabetic ciphers. You will also explore modern public key cryptography and digital signatures as well as their uses and applications. 

The course is an introduction to Einstein's theory of special and general relativity. When velocities are a significant fraction of the speed of light, the concepts of spatial distance and elapsed time need to be modified; they become relative to the observer. In this course the relativistic laws of mechanics are described in a unified framework of space and time and some implications, such as Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2, are explained. Gravitational effects require that space-time is warped or curved. The relevant mathematical machinery to describe this curvature is introduced and is used to discuss its physical effects. Topics covered: 

• Lorentz transformations. 

• Minkowski space. 

• Relativistic particle mechanics. 

• Special relativity continuum mechanics. 

• Elementary differential geometry. 

• Newtonian gravitation. 

• General relativity. 

• Einstein field equations. 

• Examples of spacetimes, including Schwarzschild geometry. 

PDE Modelling and Applied Analysis offers a dynamic introduction to the mathematical models that drive modern science and technology, from heat transfer and fluid flow to the mechanics of solid materials. By exploring the fundamental principles behind these classical models and learning key analytical techniques — including stability analysis, asymptotics, and well-posedness — you’ll develop a deep understanding of how partial differential equations describe real-world phenomena.

Ideal for students in applied mathematics, mathematical physics, or pure mathematics, this module equips you with skills that are increasingly sought after in today’s tech-driven landscape, where advanced modelling and simulation play a central role in innovation.

In this module, you’ll develop your knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills across several core areas of physics, including:

• classical mechanics
• relativity
• vibrations and waves
• quantum physics
• thermal physics

You’ll further explore how these theoretical principles explain a wide range of natural phenomena and examine their relevance to modern technological applications. 

This module builds on your foundation in both classical and modern physics, preparing you for more advanced topics and practical application.

In this module, you'll delve into the theory of classical mechanics, exploring the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms alongside the calculus of variations. You'll learn techniques for solving equations of motion, with applications including the two-body problem and systems with constraints. This foundational knowledge will prepare you to tackle more complex physical models.

Building on this, you'll examine symmetries and their relationship to conserved quantities, as formalised in Noether’s theorem. You'll be introduced to the mathematical language of symmetry and apply it to various physical systems, including the fundamental symmetry groups of space and time. By the end of the module, you'll be able to apply advanced approaches to classical mechanics, solve a range of problems in the field, and develop effective strategies for independent learning and information processing.

This module explores the properties of matter across a wide range of scales, covering nuclear and particle physics, atomic physics, and solid state physics.

The focus will be on key concepts and models essential for understanding behaviour at each scale. You will also learn how quantum and statistical physics methods are applied to determine material properties, from microscopic systems to macroscopic bodies.

This module looks at the astronomical objects that generate the highest energy signatures that we can observe. Topics to be covered may include: Degenerate stars, Radiation processes, Hot gas and galaxy clusters, Supernovae and supernova remnants, Accretion and compact binary stars, Introduction to black holes, Quasars and supermassive black holes.

This module covers the Standard Model of particle physics, detailing the known particles of nature and the theoretical concepts behind them. It introduces natural units, relativistic field equations, and the mathematics of group theory and Lie groups.

Building on this, you will explore the Standard Model's particle content and their interactions through Feynman diagrams. The module will also cover gauge symmetries, applied to the force-carrying particles, as well as discrete symmetries, quantum mixing, and the Higgs mechanism.

In this module, you’ll develop your knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills across several core areas of physics, including:

• classical mechanics
• relativity
• vibrations and waves
• quantum physics
• thermal physics

You’ll further explore how these theoretical principles explain a wide range of natural phenomena and examine their relevance to modern technological applications. 

This module builds on your foundation in both classical and modern physics, preparing you for more advanced topics and practical application.

Macroscopic systems exhibit behaviour that often differs from that of their microscopic constituents. This module explores the relationship between the macro and micro worlds, and the complexity which emerges from the interplay of many interacting degrees of freedom.

You’ll study:

• Laws of thermodynamics, and how they are still relevant
• Macroscopic characterisation of matter, for example how liquid nitrogen is made and understood
• Statistical formulation, linking micro and macro systems
• Quantum statistics, providing a theory for everything!

Ionising radiation is often thought of a dangerous thing by the public e.g. nuclear disasters. However, radiation can come from a wide range of sources (natural or generated by humans) and can be used for good. In this module we will learn how physicists can harness health benefits from using radiation, as well as how they can measure and control levels of radiation in the environment. We will learn about how radiation interacts with matter and specific effects on biological tissue. From these we will develop an understanding of the principles which govern safe exposure limits.

We will then go on to learn about how radiation can be generated and measured (detectors). We will focus on the uses in radiotherapy and proton beam therapy, commonly used in cancer treatment, as well as medical imaging applications such as x-rays, computer tomography (CT), Gamma cameras and positron emission tomography (PET) scanners.

In this module, you'll explore how physical behaviour at the nanoscale can differ radically from macroscopic systems, drawing on principles from classical and quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics. You'll learn about techniques such as scanning probe microscopy and optical trapping, which are used to measure and manipulate nanoscale objects. The module will also introduce you to soft condensed matter systems, including amorphous solids and complex fluids.

 Additionally, you'll discover how nanoscale physics contributes to our understanding of biomolecular systems. By the end of the module, you'll have a comprehensive grasp of the unique properties and behaviours of nanoscale materials, and the advanced techniques used to study them. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to apply nanoscale physics in various scientific and technological contexts.

This module will explore the physics that underlies the optical and electrical properties of semiconductors, their applications in modern technologies and their future prospects. You will develop ideas introduced in the Properties of Matter module to understand the electronic band structure of semiconductors, and how this determines their physical properties.

You will learn how the development of semiconductor materials and devices changed the world bringing us to the Information Age, and how they can help to address global challenges such as climate change. 

An introduction to the neural and biological bases of cognition and behaviour. You will learn about the structure and evolution of the brain and the main functions of the different parts.

You will examine how the brain receives, transmits, and processes information at the neural level, as well as its visual pathways. The main scientific methods for investigating brain and behaviour will also be covered.

This module will examine:

• Perception, with particular emphasis on vision, but also hearing, taste, touch and smell;
• The Psychology of Language, including linguistic theory, speech, parsing, word meaning, and language production
• The Psychology of Reading, including word recognition, theories of eye-movement control, and reading multi-media displays
• Human Memory, covering the basics of encoding, storage and retrieval with particular reference to real-world applications of memory research
• Thinking and Problem Solving, including heuristics, biases, evolutionary perspectives on human rationality, and group decision making

This module will cover several issues in neuroscience and behaviour. The topics are relevant to understanding the biological bases of psychological functions. We will cover 

• psychopharmacology 

• psychobiological explanations of mental disorders 

• dementia 

• sexual development and behaviour 

• methods of studying neuropsychological processes 

• the effects of brain damage on mental functioning including amnesias, agnosias and aphasias 

• introduction to classical and instrumental conditioning 

The central theme of this module is to explore how the architecture and function of the visual brain has been designed and shaped by experiences over a range of timescales. The innate properties of the eye and visual brain that are present at birth have been designed over millions of years of evolution. The brain continues to physically change it structure and function within a lifetime  a property termed brain plasticity. Over the years of development, brain plasticity is the driving force for the maturation of different visual brain functions.

Even well into adulthood, plasticity is retained in the form of learning, which can optimise performance for certain visual tasks and be exploited for therapeutic uses. Another prominent form of plasticity in the visual brain is that caused by adaptation effects of visual experience over the preceding tens of milliseconds to minutes. The module will examine the consequences of evolution, development, learning and adaptation for visual brain function and perception.  

Supported by lectures, seminars and tutorials, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of the mechanisms of learning and memory in human and non-human animals. It also provides you with an analysis of pathological conditions involving these systems. 

You’ll study topics that include: 

• perceptual learning 

• the contextual and attentional modulation of learning and behaviour 

• neuroscience-focused topics such as the role of the hippocampus in memory 

Clinical topics include: 

• the acquisition of phobias 

• memory discords 

• the psychological side effects of cancer treatment 

• depression 

The modules gives you an introduction to the core topics in social psychology. This involves trying to understand the social behaviour of individuals. We will cover both internal characteristics of the person (e.g. cognitive mental processes) and external influences (the social environment).  

Lectures will cover topics including: 

• how we define the self 

• attitudes 

• attribution 

• obedience 

• aggression 

• pro-social behaviour 

• friendship formation 

An introduction to the fascinating world of the developing child.

Lectures consider different theoretical, applied, and experimental approaches to cognitive, linguistic, and social development from early to late childhood.

Topics include the development of thinking, perception, drawing, understanding the mind, intelligence, attachment, language, and moral development.

This module explores how psychologists study and understand disorders of cognitive development. The course focuses largely on disorders which include impairments in attention, memory and/or executive function. Disorders covered include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, reading disorders and Down Syndrome. Topics include:

• Research methods
• Typical development of attention/memory and executive function
• ADHD
• Autism
• Developmental Coordination Disorder
• Fragile X Syndrome
• Down Syndrome
• Preterm Birth
• Interventions

The area of forensic mental health is extremely pertinent in both the criminal justice system and mental health services, and the integration of the two. It is a growing area of research in Psychology and it is an area in which students are increasingly wishing to work following their degree.

 The module will concentrate on offending behaviours, typical categorisation of those who commit crimes or harm themselves, and standard interventions for offenders. The course will also examine the role of the UK criminal justice system (CJS) in dealing with individuals who offend and the impact of current psychological research and theory for the processes involved within the CJS.

This module will explore how Social Psychology is applied to societal issues. The module will take students through a series of examples, to include topics such as cyberpsychology, conspiracy theories, existential anxiety, justice and attitudes towards victims of injustice, environmental psychology, prejudice and discrimination and discuss how theories and evidence from social psychology can be used to address these in everyday life. Students on this module will consider how the evidence can be best communicated to a wider audience.