Final Year Projects
Show off what you have learned across your degree! Undertake traditional research-based projects with experts in subjects like climate change, or try something a bit different like creating a documentary on shark attacks. Whatever you choose, it will be something that takes pride of place on your CV.
STEM Education Projects
On this module you will gain valuable experience in the professional environment of education via placements at local schools, colleges or other educational organisations. You will be a role model for science in the classroom and at the same time train your communication and collaborative skills. You will also develop and deliver an Educational Activity as part of your placement on a topic of your choice.
This module will give you valuable teaching experience if you decide to go into postgraduate teacher training, but also if you plan to work in the conservation sector, educating the public in their perception of the natural world.
Red Listing Conservation Project
The IUCN Red List is the “world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species”. In this module, you will learn how to undertake Red List assessments of species, determining their vulnerability against the Red List criteria, and could gain an official IUCN endorsement of your abilities. You’ll then apply your knowledge to undertake a desk-based research project to explore extinction risk, threats and conservation of a species group, habitat or geographical region that interests you.
Field Studies (Biology)
Recent students have selected from destinations including a dive-based trip in Malaysia and an exploration of the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil (financial contribution required).
Sex and Social Behaviour
You'll develop a deeper understanding of fascinating topics such as the evolution of sex, cryptic female choice, sperm competition, sexual conflict, parental care, brood parasitism, co-operative breeding and much more.
Pharmacology and Diagnostics
A deep dive into how your biological and biochemical knowledge is applied to the discovery, design, and evaluation of pharmacological compounds.
Saving our Seas / Saving our Planet
Earth’s natural systems are under unprecedented threat. Complex global challenges such as climate change and food security threaten our ecosystems and wildlife. But what can we do about it and how do we reverse the damage?
This module aims to nurture a generation of graduates with the capacity to answer these questions. Using real world examples tailored to your programme of study, we will analyse conservation and management strategies in place to deal with the numerous threats to our natural world (focusing on marine or terrestrial ecosystems depending on your course).
You will gain experience of producing “real-world” conservation evidence documents that influence how our environment is managed and conserved and develop the social science and interpersonal skills essential for many environmentally-focused careers.
Bacterial Genome Sequencing
Prepare DNA from microorganisms, carry genome sequencing, assemble the sequencing reads into a bacterial genome, detect and catalogue the antibiotic resistance genes present and understand the biological importance of this knowledge. You'll be immersed in intensive hands-on laboratory work that will develop excellent employability skills.
Deep Dives and Big Conversations in Bioscience
This is a module to enrich your final year exposing you to cutting-edge ideas and concepts across the diversity of biological disciplines. This inspirational module aims to allow you to choose a topic to explore in depth, as well as the best way to communicate it to a target audience. For example, recent Science communication projects developed within the University have included immersive VR experiences to communicate flood risks, physics themed escape rooms, lessons developed in Minecraft, citizen science projects, science buskers, as a well as more traditional approaches such as demonstration lectures, radio slots and written outputs. Effective communication will enhance your employability by preparing you for careers in academia, industry, or science policy, and hopefully you will have some fun along the way.
Professional Consultancy Project
Carry out an independent project with an organisation as you gain a workplace experience. If you like the idea of working as a consultant, this would be an ideal choice, and you will also learn more about the organisation hosting you, which could be a company, local authority, charity or Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). The module provides an opportunity to hone your skills at presenting yourself to secure a placement, negotiating a project topic, and carrying out and writing up research.
Biotechnology: Advances and Applications
Biotechnology is poised to bring solutions to humanity’s challenges in the fight for renewable and sustainable manufacturing, food security, climate goals and new biomedical technologies. As the field grows, it needs professionals trained in the multiple activities of this interdisciplinary field, including commercial awareness and ethical considerations of biotechnology. This module will train molecular biologists and biochemists in awareness and skills, showing paths to careers in research, entrepreneurship, business, communication, policy, consultancy, law, and other.
Human Genetics
Examine human disease and the underlying genetic causes. Learn about cytogenetics and genetic counselling, as well as the inheritance of recessive and dominant diseases.
Invertebrate Zoology
Invertebrates are among the most diverse and awesome creatures on the planet, bursting with weirdness, colour and intrigue. They are also among the most important animals - vital to ecosystems we depend on for survival. On this module you'll meet world-leading experts in their fields and have the chance to get hands-on with live invertebrates (where possible) in practical sessions and field trips.