Biochemistry - U7UBCHEM

In this module, you’ll delve into the intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable communication within the nervous system. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how neurons and glial cells work together to process and transmit biochemical signals, as well as how they interact with target tissues to regulate essential functions. 

Your studies will focus on the molecular and cellular levels, exploring intercellular and intracellular signalling along with the pathways and cascades involved. This detailed examination offers valuable insights into the fundamental processes that underpin nervous system communication, equipping you with a strong foundation in this essential area of neuroscience. 

In this module, you’ll delve into the development and organisation of the nervous system, examining its complexities through comparative studies of invertebrates and vertebrates. You’ll explore evolutionary concepts and analyse the nervous system at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, gaining insights into how it develops, functions, and supports life. 

The module places a strong focus on the mammalian brain, offering a detailed understanding of its structure and function. Through this comprehensive exploration, you’ll uncover the intricate processes that shape the nervous system and its remarkable adaptations across different species. 

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 module provides a comprehensive understanding of the cellular (e.g. T cells, B cells) and molecular (e.g. innate immune signalling, antibody production) aspects of the immune system in health and disease.
 

You will learn about how specific aspects of microbial physiology and biochemistry impacts the immune response to infection. The mechanisms by which medically relevant pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, are able to evade the immunological response will be explored, in addition to the development of non-infectious diseases resulting from immune dysregulation. 

Develop an understanding of modern spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, UV and mass spectrometry) for the characterisation of organic and biological molecules to the extent that students have an intuitive approach to problem solving and structural analysis.

Aspects of the stereochemistry of bio-organic molecules, including prochirality, molecular chirality and properties of non-racemic compounds, conformational analysis and aspects of stereocontrol in bio-organic reactions are developed.

10 credits in the Autumn semester.

The module is divided into two parts: (a) Functional group chemistry: synthetic transformations of alcohols, amines, carbonyls, and alkenes, and how these transformations are used to synthesise complex molecules such as natural products or pharmaceutical agents. (b) Synthesis: 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. Summative feedback is provided after the exam by the module convenor.

This module offers you a comprehensive introduction to modern biotechnology, covering foundational concepts and the tools used to address biological challenges. You’ll explore how biotechnology contributes to solutions for complex societal issues, including pandemics and vaccine production, biofuel development, food security, and the creation of therapeutics. Alongside this, you’ll engage in discussions about the ethical dilemmas that arise from the use of biotechnology in society.

Laboratory classes will give you hands-on experience in applying biotechnological concepts, reinforcing your understanding of core techniques. This practical approach, combined with in-depth exploration of biotechnology’s applications, equips you with valuable skills and insights into its pivotal role in tackling global challenges.

This module explores the fascinating world of microorganisms, focusing on how bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses survive and thrive as the predominant biomass on Earth. You’ll examine key themes in microbiology, including the discovery and diversity of these organisms, their replication and survival mechanisms, and their ecological roles and interactions. Topics will also cover disease-causing processes such as antibiotic resistance, alongside the beneficial effects of microorganisms, like probiotics and gut microbiota, and their applications in technology and society.

A key feature of the module is its emphasis on experimental techniques, such as genomics, used to study these themes. You’ll also participate in a lab-based practical, applying your knowledge to a specific focus area. This hands-on approach will deepen your understanding of the complex and essential roles microorganisms play in the natural world.

In this module, you’ll examine the intricate connection between human nutrition and physiological function, building on the foundational knowledge from earlier studies. You’ll explore how nutrients shape metabolic processes, influence body systems, and contribute to overall health. This advanced exploration will deepen your understanding of how the body processes and responds to dietary intake and how specific nutrients impact physiological functions. 

You’ll also investigate the role of nutrition in managing health conditions and preventing disease, integrating key concepts from nutrition and physiology. By bridging these areas, the module equips you with the tools to support evidence-based approaches in health and wellness, providing a comprehensive insight into the science behind nutrition’s impact on the human body. 

In this module, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts behind effective drug exposure and the toxicity of drugs and chemicals. You'll learn about the processes that affect the concentration of drugs reaching their targets within the body, such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Additionally, you'll develop basic quantitative skills for estimating and interpreting drug exposure parameters.

The module will also delve into the mechanisms and consequences of drug and non-drug toxicity on various body systems, and how toxicity can be assessed using different methods. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and practical exercises, you'll enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills, preparing you for a career in pharmacology, toxicology, and drug discovery.

In this module, you will explore how drugs are used to manage diseases affecting major body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, metabolic, infectious and immune-related conditions. You’ll learn how drug actions relate to disease mechanisms and gain insight into how pharmacological strategies are developed and applied in clinical and biomedical settings.

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• identify key drug classes and explain how they work in relation to specific diseases

• describe drug mechanisms at the molecular level and link them to therapeutic outcomes 

• critically assess scientific literature to draw evidence-based conclusions

You will also engage with materials covering complex health issues such as chronic illness, mental health, eating disorders and life-threatening conditions, building a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges in disease treatment.

This module will bring students up to date with the latest technological developments in molecular biology. We will discuss the impact of these technologies on scientific research and development, examining how scientists use these technologies to answer complex problems in biomedical sciences. A focus throughout will be on how the methods are applied and how the resulting data are analysed and interpreted.

This module delves into the transformative intersection of biology, data science, and computational techniques, showcasing how big data is reshaping modern biological research. You’ll explore the principles of bioinformatics and computational biology, learning how to analyse large-scale biological datasets using cutting-edge tools and algorithms. Key topics include data mining, machine learning applications in biology, and effective data visualisation methods.

In addition, the module addresses the ethical considerations of working with biological data, fostering a critical understanding of this rapidly evolving field. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, you’ll develop essential skills for navigating the complex world of biological big data.

Students should gain a good appreciation of the applications for a range of enzymological, chemical and molecular biological techniques to probe cellular processes and catalysis at the forefront in chemical biology research.

This module represents a culmination of principles and techniques from a biophysical, molecular, biochemical and genetic perspective.

In this module, you’ll examine the extensive ways human activities impact the environment and affect species health on a global scale. You’ll explore the distribution and biological effects of pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and microplastics. The module also investigates how habitat loss and human-wildlife interactions influence pathogen transmission, gut microbiome dynamics, and parasitic infestations, offering insights into the ecological consequences of anthropogenic changes.

You’ll delve into additional topics like the effects of natural toxins, volatile compounds, and climate-driven habitat shifts. Through case studies and critical discussions, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how human actions disrupt ecosystems and biological health, equipping you with the knowledge to address these pressing environmental challenges.

This module enables you to apply pharmacology, neuroscience and biochemistry to the process of drug discovery and development. You'll learn the drug discovery process, including an overview of the drug discovery/drug development process, target identification, high-throughput screening, target validation, safety pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics, linking through to clinical trials.

This will be linked to future/novel targets in cardiovascular disease, obesity, immune diseases, cancer, respiratory disease, and neurological disorders, for example. You'll gain an understanding of the impact of disease on pharmacokinetic aspects of drugs and how the pathophysiology of diseases can lead to new therapeutic targets. You'll also learn how to interpret in vivo drug data and determine human dose prediction. 

In this module, you'll explore the science behind mental health, starting with the brain's structure and function, and the role of neurotransmitter systems in behaviour and mental well-being. You'll examine how early-life stressors affect brain development and mental health in later life, and critically discuss risk factors for psychiatric disorders, including genetics, the gut microbiome, and substance misuse. The module also covers traditional treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and the latest in psychedelic pharmacology, as well as the non-medicinal use of brain-affecting drugs.

You'll delve into real-world applications and societal impacts, learning how biological insights can lead to improved treatments. By the end of the module, you'll understand the ethical considerations surrounding psychiatric treatments and gain a deep appreciation of the latest research driving the field forward. This comprehensive overview will equip you with a thorough understanding of the biological underpinnings of mental health and the advancements in psychiatric care.

In this module, you’ll explore the biological processes of ageing and disease, and their impacts on human physiology, disease, and frailty.

Delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ageing and their effects on whole body function, with a focus on age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and liver diseases.

We’ll also investigate the interplay of nutrition and exercise in regulating human metabolism and mitigating disease risks. A key component examines the dual role of exercise and nutrition in influencing disease prevention and progression and serving as therapeutic interventions.

You’ll also have the opportunity to evaluate strategies to promote healthy ageing, and disease prevention and management.

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 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 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 examines the transformative power of genomics and its real-world applications, from revolutionising medicine and disease tracking to advancing conservation and evolutionary biology. You’ll explore how genomic technologies offer insights into healthcare innovation and trace the origins of species, shedding light on processes such as adaptation, speciation, and their relevance to modern populations.

The module also highlights the pivotal role of genomics in conservation, showing how genetic data helps monitor biodiversity, protect endangered species, and support ecosystem restoration. By connecting these diverse topics, the module demonstrates how genomics addresses critical challenges in human health, environmental conservation, and industrial applications, providing a holistic view of its impact across multiple fields.

This module delves into advanced concepts of tumourigenesis and tumour progression, providing insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind tumour development. You’ll explore the multistep nature of tumour progression, its divergence from normal biological development, and key topics such as tumour immunology, tumour evolution, and the tumour microenvironment.

The module places a strong emphasis on cancer research, highlighting how understanding the fundamentals of cancer biology contributes to the creation of innovative therapies. You’ll also examine the biochemical foundations of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, offering a comprehensive view of how cutting-edge science drives advancements in cancer care.

An advanced level biological experimental design and statistics course, building on what you learnt in previous years, this module will outline a range of statistical techniques that students are likely to encounter during their research projects.

We will discuss concepts in experimental design, biological probability, generalised linear modelling and multivariate statistics. We’ll also cover the most common experimental design problems faced by biologists.

Practical sessions will build on this conceptual outline, giving hands on experience of problem solving and analytical software, and some basic programming skills.

The objective is not to give detailed training in all techniques, but to provide a conceptual toolkit enabling students to develop solutions to a range of problems, and a basis from which to explore the relevant literature and software.

This module focusses on laboratory methods and ideas which are currently emerging in molecular biology. Students will be exposed to the mechanisms and methods that generate the data they go on to analyse. Assessment will include presentations and ongoing assessment.

10 credits in the Autumn Semester.

A consideration of science ‘as a process’, with brief introductions to the history, philosophy and sociological norms of science. You will cover aspects of the scientific literature and scientific communication, peer review, 'metrics’, including citation analysis, journal impact factors, and the 'h' and other indices of measuring scientists' performances. You will also cover ethics in science and the changing relationship between scientists, government and the public. You will have a three hour lecture once per week during this module.