Compulsory modules

Molecules of Life 
This module will introduce you to fundamental concepts in our understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules, from the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the activity of enzymes to the progress and organisation of major metabolic pathways, which you will build on across the course. You will also develop key skills in data analysis, presentation and communication where you will report the outcomes of laboratory investigations, applying theoretical knowledge from the module.

Introduction to Neuroscience 
This module introduces the anatomy and function of the nervous system, with a primary focus on the human nervous system. It draws on information from various organisms to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the nervous system operates. Key structures and their roles in maintaining bodily functions will be highlighted, offering insights into the complex interactions that enable sensory perception, motor control, and homeostasis. Knowledge acquired in this module will be expanded in more depth in the subsequent years.

Human Physiology and Anatomy 
The module will introduce you to the major physiological systems and anatomical structures of the human organism, including the digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. You will also explore how different pathologies can develop as a result of dysfunction in these systems and their impact. Through group-based activities you will produce content on select module topics, developing key skills in teamwork and leadership, and in communicating to different audiences.  

Molecular Cell Biology 
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of molecular cell biology. You will explore how genetic information is stored, replicated and processed; the roles played by nucleic acids in the production of proteins; how proteins get to their final locations within cells and how cells interact with each other and communicate to co-ordinate their activities. You will also develop key skills in the presentation and communication of information in various formats.   

Practical and Academic Skills in Bioscience 
In this module you will develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will support you in reflecting on your key skills development and career-planning.

Compulsory modules

Applications of Molecular Biology 
In this module, you will explore how we can study and manipulate genetic material, from sequencing technologies to gene cloning and genetic engineering. You will learn how these techniques can be used to study the structure and function of single genes and proteins, design and engineer DNA molecules and produce novel gene products such as therapeutics. Through tutorials and workshops, you will develop skills in introductory bioinformatic tools, whilst also considering some important ethical principles, developing key reasoning and analytical skills.  

Molecular, Cellular and Structural Immunology 
This module explores the human immune system. This includes addressing the generation and selection of the immune repertoire, the cellular basis of the immune system and an exploration of functional insights into immune protein structure and pathogen structure, including viruses and bacteria. You will further develop key skills in the application and analysis of data from antibody-based analytic techniques such as ELISAs and western blotting, and will explore how to access the PDB protein database. 

Metabolism in Health and Disease 
This module will build on your knowledge of major metabolic pathways with a focus on the integration and regulation of metabolism in healthy nutritional states and disease. You will explore key aspects of metabolic control and some of the changes in metabolic activity that are associated with inherited and acquired disorders. You will further develop key skills in literature analysis and hypothesis-driven study design and communicate outcomes to a scientific audience.  

Cell Signalling 
This module introduces you to the signalling pathways that regulate multiple cellular processes by acting through sensors to stimulate molecules responsible for controlling different important cellular processes. You will explore these signalling pathways and provides details on their molecular components and their mode of action. The module also places an emphasis on independent study and further develops skills in the acquisition, analysis and written communication of scientific information. 

Neuroscience Research Methods 
Experimentation is at the heart of scientific pursuit. Within this module, you will focus on the key principles of research techniques used in Neuroscience research. This will help you to design a research project with appropriate techniques and methods, analyse data with statistical tests, present data and draw appropriate conclusions. Subsequently, it will prepare you for your final year experimental project and help you to develop key scientific skills that are highly sought after by several different employers

Practical and Professional Skills in Bioscience 
This module will expand your practical skills through enquiry-based, hypothesis-driven laboratory investigations applying key skills and competencies to more advanced molecular and analytical techniques. Through additional workshops, you will develop higher-level skills in the acquisition and analysis of information from online sources, including journal databases and generative AI. Further sessions will also support you in evaluating your career readiness with employability skills-focused workshops in areas including CV writing and interview technique.

Optional modules

Neurophysiology 
Neurophysiology is important for understanding how the brain processes information and regulates behaviour. In this module, you will examine the physiological mechanisms behind neuronal activity, including membrane properties and ion channels, which are crucial for generating action potentials. Synaptic transmission and plasticity will explain how neurons communicate and how learning occurs. You will also explore sensory system physiology and functional connectivity, which are key to understanding perception, cognition, and how disruptions lead to neurological disorders.

Neurodevelopment
The nervous system is incredibly complex, containing billions of neurons linked together in intricate circuitry. In this module, you will explore the mechanisms which control how the nervous system builds this complexity from the humble beginnings of a single-celled fertilized egg. Further, we will discuss how the nervous system keeps developing in gestation and after birth into adulthood. You will also acquire knowledge of classical neurodevelopmental techniques both in the lectures, but also, hands-on, in the laboratory. 

Neuropharmacology 
Numerous medications are used and are under development to treat neurological and mental disorders. Success depends on an understanding of the drugs mode of action and utility within the brain. This module will explore mechanisms of neurological drugs and key pharmaceutical concepts - absorption, metabolism, solubility, ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, clearance (excretion and secretion), and toxicity (ADMET) - applied to the brain.

Learning and Memory 
The acquisition and retention of new information is a critical component of adaptive behaviour in humans and animals. Learning about the world allows us to interact and/or react appropriately to a wide array of challenges. 
This module covers brain-related processes underlying acquired changes in behaviour. Specifically, this includes the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in the acquisition, consolidation and retention of information, leading to changes in synaptic physiology and connectivity. Diseases and disorders with memory impairments will also be discussed.

Flexible Work Placement (Level-5)
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands 

Compulsory modules

Research Project
Your research project is an excellent opportunity for you to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research drawing together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data and presentation. You can choose from a range of projects, depending on your interests/career ambitions, including lab- or field-based research, systematic reviews, bioinformatics, teaching and learning, or outreach. In addition to a project report, you will also present outcomes as an oral presentation and research poster at our UG student conference

Employability and Communication Skills in Bioscience 
Whatever your interests or future career, communication is vital. This module helps to develop skillsets needed to communicate effectively to diverse audiences. We explore a range of communication methods to present and disseminate findings to inform and enthuse both a scientific and lay audience. We aim to develop a suite of valuable transferrable skills for the employment market and ensure those who truly understand scientific issues are heard.  

Medical Glycobiology 
In this module, you will investigate the structure, biosynthesis, and biochemistry of medically important carbohydrates and their clinical relevance, including novel carbohydrate-based therapeutics for select pathological conditions, which may include cancer, Alzheimer's, and malaria. You will also explore the emerging field of glycomics with relevance to future roles in diagnostics. You will further develop skills in the critical analysis and communication of research data, evidencing a broad set of communication and analytical skills. 

Professional Development in Bioscience  
This module will develop your professional skills, attributes and qualities required for your next steps following graduation. You will have the opportunity to practice interview techniques and presentation skills to support your covering letters, personal statements and CV. You will explore online opportunities and the employment marketplace, building your social media profile to evidence your skills and attributes. Throughout the module, you will also consider the impact of discrimination and unconscious bias, and develop strategies to support resilience and wellbeing.  

Neuropathology
Only research has the potential to rapidly revolutionise how people with neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia are diagnosed, supported, and one day, cured. We will explore a range of neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. You will gain insight into the cause, pathophysiology, and prediction of these disorders, and learn how to critically evaluate advances made in precision diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of these pathologies. 

Optional modules

Structural Biology and Macromolecular Function 
This module concentrates on the in-depth analysis of how structural studies of proteins, enzymes and viruses reveal how they recognise and bind their targets. Particular emphasis is placed on proteins which cause, prevent, resist and fight infection and disease and how our knowledge and understanding of biological function and the molecular basis of disease are enhanced and underpinned by detailed structural information. Key skills developed include the location, evaluation and comparative analysis of published scientific literature.  

Human Parasitology 
n this module, you will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of parasitic diseases of humans, considering such topics as the life cycle of select parasites between vector and host, the pathogenesis of parasitic infection and their diagnosis and treatment. You will also investigate challenges to effective treatment and transmission control, including socio-economic and cultural factors. Through evaluation of current research in the subject, you will develop higher-level skills in the critical analysis and interpretation of data.

Omics Technologies 
You be will introduced to a range of cutting-edge omics approaches used extensively across the life sciences. Through hands-on data handling exercises you will develop a theoretical appreciation of and practical competence in core genomics, proteomics and metabolomics approaches. You will undertake a whole transcriptome analysis for the purpose of differential gene expression detection from raw RNA sequencing data, developing and demonstrating competence in a highly sought after analytical skill.  

Cancer Biology  
This module will introduce you to the field of cancer biology, exploring the molecular and cellular hallmarks of cancer, and how the understanding of these is beginning to inform novel therapeutic development. You will investigate the latest developments in basic cancer research in understanding changes in cellular activity associated with cancer development and progression, and the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of this. Key skills developed include the location, evaluation and comparative analysis of published scientific literature.  

Behavioural Neuroscience 
One of the most important features of the brain is that it supports, and leads to, complex behaviour of the organism and is the focus of the multidisciplinary field of Behavioural Neuroscience. Behavioural Neuroscience draws upon areas of anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology and neuroendocrinology to bring about a deeper understanding of mammalian and human behaviour. You will take a very active role in your own learning, developing lecture content in small groups and delivering parts of the module itself. 

Tropical Biology Field Course 
This module allows you to explore the vibrant world of tropical ecology first-hand and join an exciting opportunity to explore firsthand the challenges facing tropical ecosystems and how humanity impacts them. You will learn from leading experts about the critical role of biodiversity in these lush environments. Experience international travel and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. Hosted by the University of Sains Malaysia (USM), this field course, which comes at an additional cost to be confirmed each year, promises cutting-edge knowledge in tropical ecology and conservation. 

Current Topics in Neuroscience 
Neuroscience is one of the fastest growing research areas, with new concepts and ideas emerging constantly. Keeping track of these new areas is challenging but rewarding for neuroscientists, especially those interested in deep knowledge of their subject and potentially interested in a research career. In this module, you will study a selection of relevant, current neuroscience research areas, which will promote reflection on neuroscience as a discipline and its possible future directions. 

Regeneration and Repair in the Nervous System 
Classically, the adult nervous system does not regenerate following degeneration or trauma. However, new technologies (e.g. stem cells, biomaterial implants) are emerging which could promote regeneration to ultimately restore neurological function. In this module, you will explore the barriers to nervous system repair and how new technologies are overcoming these barriers. You will also have the opportunity to write your own grant proposal used in the field to win funding for regenerative research.

Flexible Work Placement (Level-6)
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles.  This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands.  

Professional Experience in Education
This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools and colleges. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own placement or apply to university sourced roles.