Introductory modules will establish the fundamental aspects of cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. You’ll also cover the essential chemistry that you’ll need to understand life at the molecular level.
A core skills module will develop your academic skills of experimental design, data handling and analysis, and scientific writing. Through lectures, small-group tutorials and workshops, the main themes for the first year are reinforced.
You’ll also have 20 credits of optional modules. From the School of Life Sciences, options include exploring other areas of life sciences such as evolution or neuroscience.
Core modules
Core Skills in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
Through lectures, workshops and tutorials this module will enable you to develop core skills in scientific writing, data handling and analysis, experimental design and scientific presentations. This module is designed to develop your problem solving scientific skills. An important aspect of this module is the small-group tutorials which allow you to get to know the member of staff who will be your tutor for the duration of your studies.
Genes, Molecules and Cells
This module combines lectures and laboratory classes and introduces you to the structure and function of significant molecules in cells, and the important metabolic processes which occur inside them. You will study, amongst other topics, protein and enzyme structure and function, the biosynthesis of cell components, and the role of cell membranes in barrier and transport processes. You'll examine how information in DNA is used to determine the structure of gene products. Topics include DNA structure, transcription and translation and mutation and recombinant DNA technology.
Fundamental Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
This module provides the essential chemistry that biochemists need to understand the life process at the molecular level. The module includes atomic and molecular structure, bonding and reactivity, spectroscopy, “curly arrow” organic reactions and core organic chemistry and is taught by means of lectures and workshops.
Human Physiology
In this module, you will be introduced to the physiology of major systems such as cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal, including some aspects of drug action. This module will allow you to understand your biochemical and genetics knowledge in the context of the intact organism. This module includes lectures and laboratory classes.
Optional modules
You also choose 20 credits of optional modules from the School of Life Sciences or from other schools in the University. Options from within the School of Life Sciences are as follows:
Life on Earth
Life on Earth provides an introduction to the fundamental characteristics and properties of the myriad of organisms which inhabit our planet, from viruses, bacteria and Archaea, to plants and animals. In weekly lectures, and regular laboratory practical classes, you will consider how living organisms are classified, how they are related genetically and phylogenetically, and basic aspects of their structure and function.
Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
Starting with Darwin’s theory of evolution, you will learn how natural selection and other evolutionary forces have shaped the ways in which organisms interact with each other and their environment. In addition to lectures, practical classes will give you hands-on experience with a range of ecological and behavioural concepts in the laboratory and the field.
Fundamentals of Neuroscience
This module will give you a good grounding in the basic principles of the nervous system of humans and other animals. Topics will include neuroanatomy, cellular neuroscience, neuropharmacology, sensory systems, neuroendocrinology, memory, behavioural neuroscience and diseases of the nervous system. These will be delivered through weekly lectures and practical classes.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Thursday 18 July 2019.
Building on your knowledge from year one, you’ll undertake a project that will conclude with a dissertation. Skills developed include research design, calculations and statistics, public understanding of science, and scientific writing.
Other modules will expand your knowledge on the structure, function and analysis of genes and proteins. Teaching will be a mix of lectures, practicals and workshops.
Another interesting topic you’ll cover is an analysis of drug action and its application to the design and use of current therapeutics. Overall, you will develop a deep understanding of what the discipline of pharmacology represents, and its application to both basic biological research and current and future medical advances.
Optional modules provide an opportunity to diversify your studies. You can choose modules that meet your future study/career aspirations or try something new.
Core modules
Structure, Function and Analysis of Proteins
This module considers the structure and function of soluble proteins and how individual proteins can be studied in molecular detail. More specifically you will learn about the problems associated with studying membrane-bound proteins and build an in-depth understanding of enzyme kinetics and catalysis. You will learn about the practical aspects of affinity purification, SDS PAGE, western blotting, enzyme assays, bioinformatics and molecular modelling approaches.
Structure, Function and Analysis of Genes
This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the structures of DNA and RNA and how the information within these nucleic acids is maintained and expressed in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell types. Additionally, this module describes how nucleic acids can be manipulated in vitro using molecular biological approaches. Practical classes will focus your learning on the cloning and manipulation of DNA to express recombinant proteins in bacterial systems.
Signalling and Metabolic Regulation
This module considers the mechanisms and purpose of cell to cell signalling and metabolic regulation and includes the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and an outline of the various major signalling systems in mammals including signal transduction in G-protein coupled signalling systems, growth factors, cytokines and their receptors, cell-cell signalling and the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The regulation and integration of various metabolic pathways will be covered in health and disease illustrated with specific examples and related to the signalling pathways covered in this module to provide an understanding of how biochemical processes are integrated and regulated. The module also includes laboratory classes where you will use techniques to study signal transduction and metabolism.
Higher Skills in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
This module further develops and enhances the skills you will have learned in the year one skills module. In year two you will write a short dissertation, solve biochemical problems, explore the scientific method applied to biochemistry, learn how to present science to the public and look issues around the ethics of science and research. The module includes lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
This module will provide an in-depth analysis of drug action, and its application to the design and use of current therapeutics. You will learn to define what drugs are, the different ways they act at the cellular and molecular level, and the pharmacokinetic principles underlying drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. You will explore examples in cardiovascular and respiratory disease, diabetes and obesity, CNS disorders, cancer and infectious disease. Overall, you will develop a deep understanding of what the discipline of pharmacology represents, and its application to both basic biological research and current and future medical advances.
Optional modules
In addition to the above compulsory modules you have 20 credits of optional modules you can choose from including:
Intermediate Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
Develop your chemical knowledge and understanding from year one. You will study:
- organometallics structure, bonding and principal reaction types
- definitions, examples and applications of stereochemistry
- organic spectroscopy by determining structures through NMR, IR and MS
- functional group interconversion of alcohols, amines, carbonyls, and alkenes
- an introduction to retrosynthetic analysis and synthesis
From Genotype to Phenotype
This module serves as an introduction to the key skills of experimental design and data interpretation related to genomic analysis. You will design a series of ‘virtual’ laboratory experiments, with appropriate controls in order to probe the function of a particular gene in a physiological condition.
Microbial Biotechnology
You'll cover the key groups of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms relevant to microbial biotechnology, principles of GM, and strain improvement in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The impact of “omics”, systems biology, synthetic biology and effects of stress on industrial microorganisms are explored, alongside the activities of key microorganisms that we exploit for biotechnology.
Macromolecules and Macromolecular Assemblies: Structure, Analysis and Advanced Microscopy
This module is aimed at introducing the students to the methodological arsenal for studying complex macromolecular systems in vitro and in cells using specific biological examples. It provides an overview of the structures and function of biological macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies with an emphasis on proteins. The module introduces modern structural methods and advanced microscopy techniques in the context of their biological applications.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on
A major feature is a research project which may be lab, bioinformatics or literature based. You’ll be provided a list of topics to choose from, allowing you to develop a project in an area that interests you. Learning outcomes will include experimental design, writing a scientific report, in depth literature research and critical analysis of data.
In addition to the project, you’ll look at the biochemistry of disease. Through lectures you’ll study inborn errors of metabolism and neurological disorders. Another core module will explore genetic engineering, methods for the purification of recombinant proteins, and the life history of a protein. You’ll also study the normal and abnormal functioning of hormone and growth factors at the cellular level and acquire understanding of the molecular basis of common clinical disorders.
*The year 3 Biochemistry modules are currently being revised due to the rapid advances in the exciting field of biochemistry.
Core modules
Biochemistry of Disease
Learn how to use your biochemical knowledge to explain topics such as the hormonal control of metabolism, how fasting and overfeeding affects the body, and how problems within human body processing can lead to diseases. In addition, you will be able to describe two classes of important biochemical diseases including the inborn errors of metabolism and neurological disorders. There will be one hour of lectures a week for a full year.
Biochemistry Research Project
This project aims to give students the ability to analyse a relevant biological problem in-depth in a modern research environment. There will be three different approaches available including the opportunity to research a laboratory-based project on a topic related to the interests of academic staff, a group-lab based project with outcomes to be decided by the student or an individual topic of interest with an in-depth literary survey of its background. There will be two days a week of project work.
Advanced Biochemistry
This module is divided into three parts: Firstly the application of genetic engineering to construct vectors that maximize the expression the expression of protein from cloned genes or cDNAs in heterologous systems will be discussed. Modern methods for the purification of recombinant proteins will be described. In the spring the module covers the life history of a protein from birth (synthesis) to death (apoptosis). The other major aspects that are involved include a discussion of protein folding, the cytoskeleton, protein and vesicle trafficking including endocytosis and protein degradation.
Molecular Basis of Medicine
During this module you will be building on previous learning and acquiring knowledge, skills and attitudes required for assessment and management of patients with a core spectrum of clinical presentations and conditions which involve or result from alterations to biochemical pathways. This includes an understanding of the normal structure and function of important biological molecules in human cells and of important metabolic processes that occur within cells and the structure and function of our genetic material. This will predominantly be within lectures and seminars.
Optional modules
In addition to the above modules you have 40 credits of optional modules to choose from which includes:
Signal Transduction
In this module you will examine the molecular hardware and operational concepts used by eukaryotic cells to govern their growth, proliferation and phenotypic development. You will study how cells respond to their environment and communicate via the exchange of signalling factors that bind to specific target receptors. There will be two hours of lectures a week.
Biochemistry of Cancer
Study modern ideas surrounding tumourigenesis and tumour progression. The first part of the course covers our current understanding of the molecular basis of tumour progression. Following lectures will focus both on research into the fundamentals of cancer biology and the biochemical basis for the treatment of patients with cancer.
This module covers some of the more modern ideas surrounding tumourigenesis and tumour progression. The first part of the course will cover our current understanding of the molecular basis of tumour progression. Following lectures will focus both on research into the fundamentals of cancer biology and the biochemical basis for the treatment of patients with cancer. The following features will be included:
- The role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in normal and tumour cells.
- Multistep tumourigenesis and the hallmarks of cancer.
- Cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
- Genome instability.
- Cancer stem cells.
- The tumour microenvironment.
- Cancer research.
- Cancer therapy.
The aim of this course is to expand the student’s knowledge of how cancer cells form, how they metastasise and explain and discuss how cancer research is undertaken and current approaches to cancer treatments.
Cellular and Molecular Immunology
This module will introduce you to advanced ideas about aspects of cellular and molecular immunology. You will learn about innate and humoral immunity and how humans can mount defence against infections from agents such as the HIV and diseases such as asthma. In addition you will find out about the major proteins involved and the genes coding for some of the proteins will be discussed. There will be two hours of lectures a week.
Molecular Microbiology and Infections
This module focuses on the molecular biology that drives the fundamental principles behind the survival of microorganisms and their interaction with humans.
Lectures will discuss the interaction between the host and pathogens and how they drive the mechanisms of infection and immunity.
There will be two hours of lectures a week.
Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics
This module covers the use of various biochemical and molecular biological analytical techniques employed in clinical diagnosis, as well as the development of new molecular therapies based on modern biochemical and molecular biological techniques. By the end of the module you will understand the scientific basis behind a variety of molecular medical diagnostics and the methods for the development of new molecular therapies. The module is assessed by a two-hour essay based exam.
Macromolecules and Macromolecular Assemblies: Structure, Analysis and Advanced Microscopy
This module is aimed at introducing the students to the methodological arsenal for studying complex macromolecular systems in vitro and in cells using specific biological examples. It provides an overview of the structures and function of biological macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies with an emphasis on proteins. The module introduces modern structural methods and advanced microscopy techniques in the context of their biological applications.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on
This additional year will focus on a year-long masters-level research project. A great introduction to postgraduate study, you’ll gain experience in writing a literature review and a research grant proposal. The practical component will involve collection of data and detailed analysis. In an additional module, you’ll learn about research presentation skills including writing papers and preparing posters and webpages.
Advanced optional modules are available to complement your research or expose you to new ideas that will improve your understanding of science.
Core modules
Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Research Project
The project is a year-long module. Preparatory work (literature review and familiarisation with laboratory/field safety protocols etc.) occurs in autumn, with the bulk of the practical work in spring. You will choose the topic of your project from a list of suggestions relevant to your degree subject and will finalise this after consultation with your supervisor. The project involves an extensive piece of detailed research. Reading and collating earlier research by other scientists working in the area is an essential component. You will use your literature review to write a research grant proposal, which outlines the hypotheses to be tested, the proposed experimental design and the research costs associated with the project. The practical component involves collection of data from a laboratory or field investigation and appropriate analysis. Your findings will be interpreted in the context of previous work, and written up in a clear and concise final report in the form of a research paper.
Scientific Research Presentation Skills
This module offers an introduction to the skills required in a modern scientific career. Through a series of lectures, you will become familiar with the best practice in oral, written and internet-based communication skills. This will be supplemented by tutorials, in which you will discuss recent key papers with peers, and write for a lay audience. Workshops will give you the opportunity to produce materials such as a web-page and poster. This module consists of one two hour lecture each week, and a series of single six-hour workshops over six weeks.
Optional modules
In addition to the above compulsory modules students choose 20 credits of optional modules from Life Sciences or across the University including from:
Cutting-Edge Research Ideas in Biochemistry
This module will bring you up to date with the latest technological developments in biochemistry that you are unlikely to have encountered in detail in your first three years. We also discuss and explore how new technologies with broad implications come into existence and follow the process of establishment, acceptance and dissemination through the scientific community. This module involves having a three hour workshop each week.
Process and Practice in Science
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.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on