In first year, modules introduce you to core subject material relevant to all Biology degree programmes. Both of the following modules are compulsory.
- Biology 1: provides an introduction to molecular and cellular biology. It covers cell diversity and the origins of life, cellular structures and fundamental processes.
- Biology 2: provides an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth and addresses key elements of organismal and ecological aspects of life.
In second year, modules are chosen which will best prepare you for your intended degree (or group of possible degrees), and new topics are introduced in some second-year modules such as evolutionary biology and ecology. Students intending to study Biochemistry at Honours level must take the following compulsory modules:
- Research Methods in Biology: this module will help you develop essential academic and transferable skills, with major emphasis on problem solving. This is achieved through a combination of interactive lectures, independent data-handling workshops and group work on a mini research project.
- Molecular Biology: provides an introduction to modern molecular biology.
- Applied Molecular Biology: examines case studies to provide examples of how molecular biology techniques are applied in research to address real-life questions and problems.
- Biochemistry: a number of central metabolic pathways and their control are studied in detail, alongside examples of their importance in disease and recent metabolomic studies.
In third year, you will have the opportunity to begin specialising in Biochemistry via the wide range of modules provided. Modules that have been offered in previous years include:
- Gene Regulation
- Bioenergetics
- Infection and Disease
- Membranes and Cell Communication
- Antimicrobials
- How Enzymes Work
- Neurodegeneration and Aging
- Chromatin and Genome Stability.
In fourth year, students will conduct a research project which is designed to develop your skills in experimental design and problem-solving, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and communications skills. The project is selected and supervised by a member of academic staff from the School of Biology.