Compulsory modules

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.  

Molecules for 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. 

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. 

Fundamentals of Bioengineering 
The principles of bioengineering are at the forefront of modern-day developments in regenerative medicine. Fundamentals of Bioengineering, is designed to provide you with a first-look into the exciting and innovative bioengineering approaches for patient treatment and diagnosis. Through exploring the themes of tissue engineering, cell based therapies and biomaterials, you will discover how engineered constructs are being utilized to repair, replace and rejuvenate damaged or diseased tissue. 

Practical 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

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine 
This module draws upon current knowledge and trends in stem cell biology and modelling for regenerative medicine. This provides you with up-to-date information and skills for translational research, supported by basic concepts and applications within the wider provision of the programme.  The module offers interaction with academic researchers and an opportunity to interact with clinicians/industry to appreciate requirements of stakeholders and the socio-economic demands for this field. This bridge between theory and practice will allow for developing your entrepreneurial potential. 

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.   

Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering 
In this module, you will learn the theories and technology associated with biomaterials and cell and tissue engineering, which will equip you with the skills and knowledge to select and characterise appropriate biomaterials for specific biomedical and clinical applications. You will acquire an understanding of the interaction of biomaterials/implants with host tissues during tissue regeneration and replacement. This module will also provide you with cross-disciplinary training to enable you to work in both an academic and industrial environment after graduation. 

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.  

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

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.   

Current Topics in Regenerative Medicine 
The module will expose you to seminal discoveries in the field of Regenerative medicine through research seminars with national and international invited speakers, leaders in their field. Informal journal clubs will help you to understand the importance of those discoveries and develop a critical approach when reading scientific publications. You will be expected to attend the Lunchtime Seminar Series organised by the School and attend and prepare journal clubs to identify the novelty of a study and the possible shortcomings. 

Cell Biology for Regenerative Medicine 
A firm understanding of advanced cell biology is key to the effective exploitation of cells in the development of the cell therapies, tissue engineered products and medical devices, underpinning the regenerative medicine field. This module provides you with an in-depth examination of cell structure and functional mechanisms across core topics related to cell growth, identity, communication and death. Your assessment will be via a combination of examination and coursework tasks. 

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

Biomedical Engineering 
Biomedical engineering is a rapidly changing, progressive field. You will learn how knowledge of physiological measurements, biosensors, biomaterials, bioimaging and biomechanics can be used to develop new medical devices, transforming patient care. 
This is a cross-disciplinary field that will be of particular interest to you if you are considering work in primary care, rehabilitation, neuroscience or medicinal chemistry. The interdisciplinary skills that you will develop would also prove useful for postgraduate study and a broad range of employers. 

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.  

Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) 
In recent years the emergence of personalized medicine and regenerative medicine therapies has driven a need for the associated advanced manufacturing capabilities. This module will introduce the fundamental requirements and regulation for current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), supporting development of these specialized skill sets. This module will provide you with an understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) for the biomanufacturing of advanced biological therapies, including the facility, process, quality, staffing, and regulatory compliance needs.  

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 undergraduate student conference. 

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. 

Optional modules

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. 

Case Studies in Biotechnology 
In this module, you will explore some of the applications of biotechnology to address global issues.  Guided by seminars and case studies, you will tailor your research to your own interests, picking an overarching theme and selecting papers from the primary literature showcasing biotechnology. You will develop scientific writing skills to introduce your theme, summarise the chosen papers and justify why you think they are important with a focus on communication skills and demonstration of critical insight into contemporary biotechnology approaches. 

Precision Medicine 
Understanding how your genome sequence is different from other individuals and has an impact on gene and protein expression, predisposition to diseases and response to therapies is the core principle of Precision Medicine. Today, due to the reduction in costs of genotyping and increasing availability of multi-omics technologies, this has become a reality. The aim of this module is to allow you to build understanding in multi-omics technologies and how they can be applied in healthcare to provide precision medicine. 

Applied Regenerative Medicine 
Cell therapies are already in the clinic, encompassing a wide range of delivery approaches and targets. Ethical constraints, regulatory frameworks, manufacturing and business strategies are essential considerations for the translation and commercialisation of regenerative medicine strategies. This module allows you to explore this through case-based learning, pertinent for those considering work in biomedical science, tissue engineering and in particular, advanced therapy development, manufacture and delivery to the clinic.

Nanomedicine
With a global market of £151 billion in 2023, Nanomedicine is a rapidly growing field. Here, you will study the principles of materials engineering underpinning the unique properties and fabrication processes of nanomaterials used in nanomedicine. You will also explore key nanomedical applications in diseases such as cancer, as well as critical topics in the field including nanotoxicology. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the broad landscape of nanomedicine, offering strong potential for transferability in this expanding industry.

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.