Genetics BSc

The project is a year-long level three module. You will undertake detailed research on a chosen topic after discussion with a supervisor. Each project will involve collection of data by means such as experiment, questionnaire or observation, as well as the analysis and interpretation of the data in the context of previous work.

Examine the molecular causes of the ageing and malignant transformations of somatic cells that are observed during a single lifespan, and gain an understanding of the necessity to maintain the genome intact from one generation to the next. Around three hours per week will be spent within lectures studying this module.

This module will explore the interactions between science and society through a series of lectures, discussion groups and workshops. Topics that will be explored include the ethical parameters that govern how scientific work is constrained, ways in which scientific discoveries can/should be disseminated to the wider community, the wider responsibilities that follow the acquisition of new knowledge and the concept of ‘citizen science’, where science takes place outside the traditional academic centres of work. This mode consists of a three-hour lecture incorporating discussion groups once per week.

The module aims to consolidate and further deepen your understanding and evaluation of immunology. It is divided into three clusters:

1. Development - which details of the evolution of the immune system, the influence of the microbiome and the development of immunity from the neonate to the aged
2. Resolution and deficiency - where the importance of the resolution of the immune response and the cells responsible for this are explored, and the importance of molecules involved in immune responses is exemplified by innate immunodeficiencies
3. Diagnostics – where the use of immunology in disease therapeutics and novel diagnostics is investigated and evaluated

The module aims are supported by a laboratory practical, a journal club and workshops on data analysis and the formative assessment to support the summative assessment.

You will consider the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell function during embryogenesis and adulthood. This will involve studies of regeneration and repair of tissues and pluripotency. You will have one two-hour lecture per week in this module. 

This module gives a detailed understanding of the genetics and biochemistry behind the properties of parasites and microorganisms that cause major human diseases in the present day. You will have a three-hour lecture once per week for this module.

Consider the genetic effects of reduced population size, especially relating to the conservation of endangered species. You will study topics including genetic drift and inbreeding in depth, from theoretical and practical standpoints. You will spend around one and a half hours per week in lectures studying this module, plus a two and a half hour computer practical.

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This module provides an overview of the mechanisms and concepts underpinning the science of immunology and allergy.

Examine a selection of acquired and inherited cancers, and develop an understanding of the role of the genes involved and how they can be analysed. To study for this module you will have a two- or three-hour lecture once per week.

You will cover recent developments in the genetic approach to human disease, and will examine new findings in the study of disorders such as diabetes. If you choose this module you will spend around three hours per week within lectures, and there will be an eight hour seminar session.

Consider 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. You will spend around four hours per week in lectures and have four three-hour practicals to study for this module.

The tropics pose considerable challenges to both human society and scientific understanding. Many of the paradigms developed in First World do not translate easily into tropical contexts. In particular, the tropics contain a vastly greater number of species. This is true not only of wild plants and animals, but also of diseases, crops, pests and parasites. At the same time, plant productivity is much higher, altering the dynamics of both natural and managed systems. In this module a series of general challenges will be covered in a series of blocks.

The general context will be outlined in an initial taught session. Students will then be divided into groups and assigned a particular area of focus during each block. Through self-driven exploration of the evidence, supported by workshops for consultation and discussion, they will generate a piece of coursework for submission at the end of each block. Each block will also contain an invited external speaker who will contribute a lecture on their own area of interest to fit in with the general theme.

The main objective of this module is to introduce the student to key evolutionary concepts in genetics and how genetic variation leads to evolutionary change. This topic will cover evolution of genome structure, the genetic basis of speciation and adaptation, and genetic change in response to selection within populations.

During this module you will examine the ways in which DNA and protein sequences are used to investigate evolutionary relationships among organisms. You will study topics including the techniques of sequence comparison and the construction of evolutionary trees.

The module will provide an introduction to viruses and their interactions with their hosts (bacteria, plants and animals including humans) as well as discussing the structure of viruses and their significance including pathogenesis and molecular biology. You’ll spend four hours per week in lectures studying for this module.

This module focuses on the molecular mechanisms that produce force and movement in cellular systems. The material is approached from a molecular viewpoint and builds from individual molecules to explain how the cast of molecular characters interact to support movement at the molecular, cellular and tissue level.

Force and movement in cells is supported by the cytoskeleton, a complex network of proteinaceous filaments. Like the human bone skeleton, the cytoskeleton provides a scaffold to maintain cell shape and a platform from which force and movement is generated. Unlike the bone skeleton, the cytoskeleton is highly dynamic: filaments form, break down and reform within seconds to meet the requirements of the cell.

A cytoskeleton is present in all domains of life. This module will cover the 3 major classes of cytoskeletal filament: microtubules, actin and intermediate filaments. You will learn about the molecular components of these filaments, how they self-assemble, how their dynamics are regulated and how they support movement over length scales from the molecular to the tissue level.

The cytoskeleton is a major dug target particularly in cancer therapy. This module will cover drugs that modulate the cytoskeleton and how they are used both as therapeutics and as research tools. We will also cover pathogens that hijack the cytoskeleton to invade and proliferate in mammalian cells.

To develop an understanding of the components and function of cytoskeletal systems and how the cytoskeleton underpins movement of and within cells. To understand the molecular mechanisms driving cytoskeleton activity. To understand the role of the cytoskeleton in the context of health and disease and the role of cytoskeleton targeting drugs as therapeutics.

Explore current knowledge of, and research into, organismal structure and function in aquatic environments, and the attributes of aquatic ecosystems. Three types of aquatic systems will be covered by the module: marine, estuarine and freshwater systems. The focus will be on physiological adaptations to the aquatic environment.