Compulsory modules

Molecules of Life
We will explore 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 in the study of enzyme kinetics, 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.  

Introduction to Pharmacology
We will introduce processes by which pharmaceuticals enter the market covering the stages involved from pre-clinical candidate selection and development, through to clinical trials. Core principles in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be introduced and an understanding of the physiko-chemical properties of drug molecules highlighted. The module will also consider specific examples of drugs/ligands and target binding interactions, including receptor pharmacology, supported with small group case-based learning tutorials.

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
Here, 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
We will explore how we can study and manipulate genetic material, including sequencing technologies, 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 therapeutic drugs. Through tutorials and workshops, you will develop skills in introductory bioinformatics, insights into important ethical principles, and develop key reasoning and analytical skills.  

Molecular Pharmacology
This module examines the specialisation and interdependence of metabolism exploring key aspects of metabolic regulation, and issues surrounding its changes in inherited and acquired disease (including hypertension, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular disease). You will learn how these conditions can be investigated experimentally and modified through relevant pharmacological approaches, deepening your understanding of pharmacological principles. You will develop communication and teamwork skills through tutorials, workshops, and active group discussion sessions as well as the application of bioinformatic tools.

Toxicology
In this module you will continue to develop your understanding of the delivery, potency and mode of action of select pharmacological agents, applied specifically to selective or targeted toxicity, e.g. in the treatment of cancer, microbial and viral infection. You will be introduced to the application of pharmacology in agricultural settings, e.g. pesticides and their potential impact on human health and disease. This module is supported by lab practicals and tutorials, where you will develop a more independent, enquiry-based approach. 

Neuropharmacology
We will investigate the effects of neurological medications including basic principles of neuropharmacology and molecular mechanisms, and put these in context with wider disciplines such as population health, health economics, and neuroanatomy. You will evaluate advances made in neuropharmacology towards precision therapy and personalised medicine in recent years.

Cell Signalling
Cell to cell communication is fundamental for multi-cellular organisms as cells are required to communicate with each other and their environment to respond appropriately to different stimuli. We will explore how cells do this, including the major classes of signalling molecules, different receptor types, and their mode of action. We will evaluate how dysregulation of cellular communication contributes to different disease states, and how these pathways can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.  

Research and Analytical Skills
This module brings together skills of experimental design and data analysis which are a vital step in the process of scientific research. In this module you will explore the different forms of scientific experimental design that you may encounter in your final year experimental projects. The data analysis skills you will hone will be essential in your final year and onwards into postgraduate study or employment in a data-driven world.

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

Molecular, Cellular and Structural Immunology
Our immune system is vital to our survival. We explore how our immune system develops, the cellular basis of our immune response, and gain functional insights into immune protein and pathogen structure. You will develop key skills in data analysis, reporting the outcomes of laboratory investigations using immunotechniques, and will explore the Protein Data Bank, used by scientists to enable breakthroughs in science through the visualization and analysis of 3D structures.

Microbes, Viruses and Parasites
Microbes, viruses and parasites present genuine risk to human populations. We will explore a range of pathogenic organisms and the diseases they cause. You will consider approaches to treatment and management of disease, ranging from development of novel antimicrobials to vaccination strategies, and the use of select viruses and microorganisms as research tools. Key skills in literature analysis and communicating to different audiences will be developed through the production of content on a select module topic.

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

Mechanisms of Drug Action
The module follows the pathway of a drug substance through the body, including key areas of pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Lectures and problem classes will be complemented with topical case studies highlighting recent developments in the pharmaceutical industry. This is followed by mini-symposia exploring a range of drug classes in which you will prepare and deliver an oral presentation looking in depth into the mechanism of action and pharmaceutical context of a drug molecule of your choice.

Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
This module will further explore the drug development pipeline with a focus on the translation of drugs from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials to clinical practice and associated ethical and regulatory frameworks, including patient demographics and personalised medicine. You will also assess potential toxicity, poisoning, or adverse interactions of drugs derived from herbal products or traditional medicine. You will further develop communication and analytical skills through the production of a case report. 

Research Topics in Pharmacology
You will develop higher-level skills in the analysis and evaluation of primary research articles in pharmacology, developing your analytical skills and wider understanding of the mechanisms of drug action, pharmacokinetics and ligand-target binding interactions. You will also further develop communication skills in a number of formats, including how the outcomes of primary research can be communicated to specialist audiences as a research poster and to non-specialist audiences in popular science articles and infographics.

Research Project
Your research project is an excellent opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research, drawing together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data, and professional competencies. 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. This culminates in a thrilling and authentic student conference that gives you an opportunity to celebrate and share your achievements with your peers.

Employability and Communication Skills in Bioscience
Whatever your interests or future career, communication is vital. This module challenges the stereotype of inarticulate scientists, helping 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 scientific and lay audiences. We aim to develop a suite of valuable transferrable skills for the employment market and ensure those who truly understand scientific issues are heard.

Professional Development in Bioscience 
As you approach graduation, this module will focus on career-readiness, helping you to consolidate and articulate the professional skills, attributes and competencies you will have developed across your degree. You will have the opportunity to refine interview techniques and write covering letters, personal statements and a high-quality CV. We will explore the current employment marketplace, identifying opportunities and building your social media profile for future employers. We will consider discrimination, unconscious bias, and develop strategies to support resilience and wellbeing. 

Optional modules

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.

Human Parasitology
Here we 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 will be introduced to a range of cutting-edge omics approaches used extensively across the life sciences sector. 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
You will be introduced 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. We will explore the latest developments in 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. 

Professional Placement Year
This module provides an opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of research whilst on a placement in a real research/industrial environment. The topics are generally set by the academic and industry supervisors but they can be designed within limits to reflect your interests. The placement will allow you to expand your technical and generic expertise and to apply that expertise to a research question. 

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.

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 
Teaching science is a rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference to the aspirations and opportunities of young people. This module gives you an opportunity to gain real experience and insight into the world of teaching through short placements in a school or college. You will develop skills highly valued by a range of employers including communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to identify individual learner needs and develop engaging teaching materials.