Zoology - U7UZOLGY

This module immerses you in practical field zoology through an engaging residential field course, complemented by self-directed study. You’ll spend most of your time conducting fieldwork, supported by lab work, workshops, and seminars. Using data you gather yourself, you’ll explore the incredible diversity of animals and plants in European habitats, learning how to identify species, count populations, and understand the factors influencing their distributions. 

For those unable to participate in the residential fieldwork, alternative opportunities will ensure the learning outcomes are met. This hands-on experience provides a rich understanding of biodiversity, combining scientific investigation with a direct connection to nature. 

This module will introduce you to the essential skills required for your career and provide hands-on experience of the basic techniques required for life scientists. We’ll cover statistical methods for data analysis, provide an introduction to digital competencies for life scientists and investigate ethical standards in research. 

You will also explore data acquisition techniques and enhance your ability to critically read and interpret scientific literature. The module emphasises effective communication of scientific material through various media and will encourage reflective practice in the development of these, and other skills. 

The module will also explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, considering global challenges through scientific innovation and responsibility. 

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. 

In this module, you’ll dive into the fascinating interplay between physiology and metabolism in animals, including humans. You’ll explore major organ systems in the body including cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems, learning how energy metabolism and body temperature are carefully regulated. This provides a foundation for understanding how animals adapt to their environments and maintain metabolic balance for survival.

Through practical sessions, you’ll gain hands-on experience, examining how physiological and metabolic processes control organ systems. You’ll also uncover the biochemical basis of ordinary life activities and see how these mechanisms are affected under pathological conditions. This blend of theory and practice offers a well-rounded understanding of systems physiology and metabolic homeostasis.

This module invites you to uncover the fascinating principles of genetics, molecular evolution, and diversity. You’ll explore foundational concepts such as inheritance, gene structure and function, and the molecular mechanisms that drive genetic variation. Through the lens of molecular evolutionary processes, you’ll investigate the forces shaping genetic diversity, including natural selection, mutation, and random genetic drift. 

In addition, you’ll examine the diversity of life, from microorganisms to eukaryotes, and delve into the unique biochemical processes of animals and plants. By integrating molecular biology with evolutionary theory, this module provides a holistic understanding of how life’s genetic and biochemical foundations connect across all organisms. 

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 focuses on advancing the essential skills needed by life science students for your academic and professional development. Building on fundamental skills training in year one, it develops understanding of experimental design, statistical methods for data analysis, enhances digital competencies relevant to life sciences, and continues to examine ethical standards in research. You will delve deeper into data acquisition, computational techniques, and the critical evaluation of research and scientific literature. The module places a strong emphasis on effectively communicating scientific concepts across various media while fostering reflective practices for skill development. Additionally, it addresses global challenges through the lens of scientific innovation and responsibility. Practical and workshop classes will provide hands-on experience with techniques essential for life science professionals. Teaching sessions and assessments will be tailored to different student degree groups: Biochemistry, Biology, and Zoology.

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 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.

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.

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 examines current debates and classic conundrums about evolution in the context of behaviour. It consists of a series of student-led presentations and discussion groups, supported by workshops. Example topics include: adaptation, sexual and asexual reproduction, sexual selection, kinship theory, communication, and human behavioural ecology. During the module we will develop your skills in understanding assessment criteria, presenting to an audience and writing and editing.

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.

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.

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.

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. How do modern methods and molecular tools enable better conservation planning and delivery?

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 is designed to equip you with advanced skills essential for pursuing careers in scientific research. Through interactive seminars, you’ll explore the concept of hypothesis-driven research, develop the ability to identify and extract key information from scientific literature, and learn how to prioritise research topics and plan effectively. Additionally, you’ll be guided in writing scientific manuscripts and communicating science to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

Journal club-style workshops will provide a platform to refine your oral presentation skills and engage in high-level scientific discussions. You’ll also have the chance to apply these new skills to a scientific problem of interest, designing practical project work in the form of a project proposal. This hands-on approach ensures you gain valuable experience in navigating the demands of scientific research. 

This module offers you the chance to apply your initiative and expertise by conducting an original research study. With a strong practical focus, you’ll undertake scientific research either in the laboratory or the field, selecting a biological topic that aligns with your degree. Through this process, you’ll connect your findings to existing scientific knowledge in your area of study.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with specialised methods and techniques, ensuring familiarity with relevant safety procedures where necessary. The module also emphasises essential research skills, including data collection, quantitative analysis, and the preparation of a manuscript and oral presentation to effectively communicate your findings. This comprehensive approach equips you for real-world scientific challenges.